THINK - Issue 38 by Think

JULY 2022 • ISSUE 38

ISSN 2306-0735

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editorial

Emotional Well-Being

efore we jump into our latest edition, I’d like to welcome our new Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri, to THINK! An engineer by

To communicate with us and follow the latest in research news twitter.com/ThinkUMtweets

profession, Fabri is currently Professor with the Department of Systems

and Control Engineering as well as Pro-Rector for Research and Knowledge Transfer. He has been instrumental in bringing this edition on Emotional WellBeing to life! You’re stuck in traffic despite your best efforts to leave early. Your hands

To see our best photos and illustrations instagram.com/thinkuni

grip the steering wheel tightly, and you clench your teeth in frustration. You grow indignant at the terrible road design; the motorist ahead of you has their hand dangling out of the window, and even that annoys you. Your mind begins racing, each impression riling you up further, your train of thought hijacked by anger.

To view some great videos youtube.com/user/ThinkUni

Despite our best efforts, keeping our emotions in check is a daily battle. What makes it particularly challenging is that outbursts of ‘negative’ emotions (such as anger or sadness) are frowned upon. You’re expected to keep your emotions in line, to suppress anything unpleasant stirring within you until you’re in the privacy of your own home.

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While we might admire people who can keep a level head, our emotions can give us the strength we need to tackle difficult situations. Righteous anger gives us the courage to face aggressors; sadness allows us to empathise with others; while disgust tells us when something is wrong or dangerous. Emotions aren’t something we ought to suppress, nor are they a source of shame. Our emotions are what add colour to our lives. Rather than letting

For our archive from the University of Malta Library um.edu.mt/library/oar

them hijack our train of thought, we should learn to listen to them and pick up on the subtle cues they give us before they overwhelm us. Being in sync with our emotions is key to our well-being.

contribute

Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri

David Mizzi

Editor-in-Chief

Editor

simon.fabri@um.edu.mt

david.mizzi@um.edu.mt

Are you a student, staff, or researcher at the University of Malta? Would you like to contribute to THINK magazine? If interested, please get in touch to discuss your article on think@um.edu.mt or call +356 2340 4438

focus

contents

Emotional Well-Being

Issue 38 • July 2022 toolkit

The Microscopic World in Sharp Focus

4 without borders

Bringing Politics to the People

The beating heart is synonymous with emotion. Beyond the heart we see a clearing, or lichtung as Heidegger calls it. It is through this empty space that other beings manifest giving us room to empathise and explore our emotional well-being.

design

Flickering through Darkness in Experimental Animation

focus articles

opinion

Pedantic Pedagogy

Voluntourism: Do Locals Benefit as Much as Volunteers? 11

10 student

Eco-Anxiety

VR Experience Helps in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia

Animal Rights: A Question of Pain

Covid and the Elderly

Claiming the Right to a Relationship 28 What a Trip, Man.

Fighting Toxic Online Game Behaviour

Games, TAMED, and AI Empathy

When It Feels Like Too Much

CONTRIBUTORS TOOLKIT Prof. Ruben J Cauchi Zach Muscat WITHOUT BORDERS Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo DESIGN Prof. Vince Briffa Nicole Pace OPINION Annabelle Farrugia Victoria Vella STUDENT Martina Camilleri

FOCUS Dr Claire Lucille Azzopardi Lane Emma Clarke Prof. Alexiei Dingli Dorianne Fenech Jonathan Firbank Dr Paulann Grech Becky Jones Christian Keszthelyi Dr Konstantinos Makantasis David Mizzi Antónia Ribeiro Ian Rizzo Dr Alexei Sammut Dr Godwin Sammut Prof. Josianne Scerri Peter Singer Prof. Georgios N. Yannakakis

FEATURES Martina Borg Dorita Galea Dr Jefferson de Oliveira Mallia Freya M. Robinson Dr Carmel Serracino Dr Vasilis Valdramidis IDEA Jonathan Firbank START UP Caroline Curmi Keith Vanhear FICTION Martina G. Mifsud TEXT

ALUMNI Timothy Alden Michelle Mifsud LAB TO LIFE Samuel Ridgeway Dr Ing. Marc Anthony Azzopardi Prof. Ing. Victor Buttigieg Charles Grech TO-DO LIST Sarah Kim Toppin’ Up ILLUSTRATIONS Gabriel Izzo Nicole Pace

THINK is a research magazine published by the Marketing, Communications & Alumni Office at the University of Malta. To subscribe to our blog, log into thinkmagazine.mt/subscribe and fill in your details. For advertising opportunities, please contact think@um.edu.mt.

PHOTOGRAPHY James Moffett Sarah Zammit

feature

Helping the Hatcheries: How Can We Improve the Output of Aquaculture?

Bringing the Iliad to Life Students breathe new life into Homer’s Epic

Is there a way to help ensure the survival of young fish?

idea feature

Cutting EDGE Research: the Genomes of Maltese Plants

The Worth of your Time: Lockdowns, the Great Resignation, and an Anti-Work Movement The Great Resignation

Studying the genome of two endemic plants lab to life

Maltese Innovation Promises New Era in Accessing Space

start up

Launching Malta’s first satellite

Revyl: Three Taps to Your Ticket Keeping your tickets safe at the push of a button

fiction

Bird Songs and Conquering Thought Esoteric Epochs

alumni

What Makes a Book Autism Friendly?

to-do list

What makes a book autism friendly? Michelle Mifsud explains how

Brought to You by Toppin’ Up

THINK I D E A S

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July 2022 - Issue 38

EDITORIAL

Prof. Ing. Simon G. Fabri EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Mizzi EDITOR DESIGN

Gabriel Izzo DESIGNER Nicole Pace DESIGNER

ISSN 2306-0735 | Copyright © University of Malta, 2022 The right of the University of Malta to be identified as Publisher of this work has been asserted in accordance with the Copyright Act, 2001. University of Malta, Msida, Malta Tel: (356) 2340 2340 | um.edu.mt All rights reserved. Except for the quotation of short passages for the purpose of research and review, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has used its best endeavours to ensure that the URLs for external websites referred to in this magazine are correct and active at the time of going to press. However the publisher has no responsibility for the websites and can make no guarantee that a site will remain live or that the content is or will remain appropriate. Every effort has been made to trace all copyright holders, but if any have been inadvertently overlooked, the publishers will be pleased to include any necessary credits in any subsequent issues.

COPYEDITING

David Mizzi PROOFREADING

Amy Borg PRINTING

Print It, Malta

ERRATUM ISSUE 37

In our announcement about the doctoral school graduations we mistakenly claimed that "this year marks the 50 year anniversary since the University of Malta awarded its first Ph.D. degree." This should have been "this year marks 47 years since the University of Malta awarded its first Ph.D. degree".

toolkit

The Microscopic World in Sharp Focus Author:

James Moffett

he Leica Thunder Imaging System not only lives up to

Leica Thunder Imaging System splits natural light into

its grandiose name, it also exceeds it in its purpose.

different wavelengths to excite different fluorescent

At first glance, the system looks just like your traditional

stains, and the processor captures the illumination

microscope with a flatscreen monitor connected to

of these stains independently, while the software

it. THINK finds itself in the Motor Neuron Disease

compiles the images to produce razor-sharp results.

Laboratory at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and

The laboratory’s primary research focuses on motor

Biobanking at the University of Malta. The dim lighting

neuron diseases such as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral

around the setup creates an impressive atmosphere.

Sclerosis) by utilising fruit flies as specimens under the

Images flash on the attached screen, and the sophisticated

microscope’s powerful lens. These insects serve as a

high-tech features of this specialised microscope

model organism of ALS by removing genes causing the

become clearer. 'There is no other microscope like this,'

disease. ALS flies typically end up with weakness of the

says Mr Zachary Muscat, Accounts Manager at Evolve

muscles used for flight. Prof. Cauchi emphasises the

Ltd. — suppliers of this equipment to the University.

impact of the Thunder microscope for such research.

While traditional microscopes have no issue focusing

'What we can do now is dissect the organism and see

on normal cells, they tend to struggle with tissue

what is actually happening at a molecular level in the

samples. Tissue samples are somewhat thicker, and

neurons and muscles. Previously, that was difficult to do.'

a typical microscope causes blurring at the centre

Besides ALS, the laboratory is also focusing on projects

of the projected image. Clarity and sharpness are

concerning COVID-19. Research is being conducted on

critical in a field that requires precise analysis of

the ACE2 receptor, that same receptor which coronavirus

samples, and the distortions caused by such image

particles bind themselves to before entering human cells.

processing can severely limit the researcher.

'So with the microscope, we are also looking at the location

Being only one out of a hundred currently in use

of this receptor and how we can actually find therapeutic

worldwide, the Leica Thunder Imaging System is capable

approaches that decrease the levels of this receptor.' In the

of removing this blurring in real time. Prof. Ruben J

long run, this will have a significant impact on the health

Cauchi, who leads the laboratory, explains the concept

sector by providing it with crucial information for the

behind this piece of technology. 'It looks like a normal

creation of specific drugs which can be used not only for

microscope,' he says. 'The difference is that it has a tower

COVID-19 but also potentially for future pandemics.

toolkit

with a powerful processor, and this is its core facility.'

Its high processing power, combined with technology

Equipment supplied by Evolve Ltd. through collaboration

typically used for gaming, allows for the enhancement of

with the University of Malta, and made possible with

images beyond the capabilities of a standard microscope.

funding from the Malta Council for Science & Technology

While traditional microscopes use natural light, the

COVID-19 R&D Fund (Project COV.RD.2020–22).

toolkit

Muscles of a fruit fly stained for motor neuron terminals using the Leica Thunder Imager (left) and a standard fluorescence microscope (right).

without borders

Bringing Politics to the People Author:

David Mizzi

olitics does not exist in a vacuum. As much as we might be disillusioned with our political system or

claim indifference, there is no denying that it impacts our daily life. The way our taxes are invested, which policies are implemented, and the way public institutions are run all depend on politics. As Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo puts it, ‘Politics is exercised by the people, for the people, and therefore, it shapes and in turn is also shaped by social and economic transformations.’ Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo (Head of Department of the Faculty of Economics, Management & Accountancy) has developed a cross-disciplinary text to democratise the learning of political science. He explores the relationship between idealpolitik and realpolitik and aims to connect academia with the real world of politics, policy making, religion, economics, and public administration. The cover of the book, featuring a rainbow cake, might lead to some confusion as readers wonder about the connection between pastry and politics. Dr Vassallo provides some context: ‘In the 1970s, Prime Minister Dom Mintoff coined the term “kejk” to explain the concept of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As the GDP grows, so too does the cake and its slices. Mintoff’s metaphor

without borders

is still used today, as it reflects the need to increase

Dr Mario Thomas Vassallo Photo by James Moffett

Vassallo’s text expands on this metaphor. The five layers

the size of the cake through economic growth and

of the cake: governance, religion, economy, administration,

diversification, while at the same time to share the cake

and the public are the fundamental ingredients. If we want

through social justice and respect to the common good.’

the cake (and the country’s GDP) to grow, then these

layers need to be understood together. Understanding these nuanced layers requires a team of experts from different disciplines. Working alongside sociologists, political scientists, economists, and public officials, Vassallo manages to create an insightful catalogue to explore these layers. While politicians would like us to think that they are the crux of the political system, it takes experts from various fields to manage a country effectively. The role of the politician is to ensure that these various sectors synchronise their efforts. After all, the overarching goal is not to win an election but for the country to grow and improve the quality of life of its citizens. Vassallo points out that ‘politics needs good governance and an effective public administration to function properly. The political economy is steered by the political class in consultation with stakeholders, including employer associations and trade unions. The political discipline goes beyond political parties as it also calls for civil society represent people’s interests, values, and aspirations.’ The book gathers the views of 25 academics and

Kollox Politika? Malta University Publishing

contributors, all experts in their fields, and it is published

interest public officials looking to better understand their

by the Department of Public Policy in collaboration

role in relation to the state, the economy, and society.

with Malta University Publishing and Campus FM.

Interdisciplinary is the basis of this publication.

The book is sure to be a gold mine for students studying politics, economics, sociology, history, religion, public

Special thanks to the European University of the Seas,

administration, and European studies. It should also

the Department of Public Policy, and Campus FM.

without borders

groups, including religion, as crucial interlocutors to

design

Flickering through Darkness in Experimental Animation Author:

Monika Kopčilová

ot Always Everywhere but Always Somewhere. As part

darkness, dust, and humidity paired with the intermittency of

of her Master of Fine Arts in Digital Arts at the

light created a ghostly layer of mould upon the architecture,

Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, Department of

adding a tactile effect to the unphysical darkness and light.

Digital Arts (University of Malta), Nicole Pace developed an

ceiling through ten analogue DIY slide projectors, triggered by

to try and record darkness and light. Why this medium? And

ten delayed passive infra-red (PIR) sensors.’ Each projector was

what is the message behind it? Monika Kopčilová turns the

made using a concealed PVC tube and a light bulb, a convex

spotlight on this illuminating art.

lens, and part of a scan printed on acetate film. The motion

Questions about the exact nature of darkness and light have vexed physicists for years. But what does art have to say about the topic? Despite being something we experience

lights creating an immersive effect of situational darkness. Actually recording darkness and light, however, proved more challenging. Initially, Pace attempted to use different

absence of light. When faced with complete darkness or a

light sources to try and capture darkness and light. However,

very bright light, most people would say that they can’t see

trailing an LED flashlight over a flatbed scanner in a darkroom

anything. The artist explains, ‘One might say that they cannot

proved much more effective, and she was able to capture a

see anything when in a dark space, when the thing they are

visual trace of darkness and light. These trails, featuring the

seeing is darkness itself.’

method of scanography, were the basis of the projection

Showcased in June 2021 at Spazju Kreattiv as a part of a

installation, split into ten fragments for each slide projector. For Prof. Vince Briffa, Pace’s supervisor, the project treads

the polarities of darkness and light – the two non-physical

the animate intersections between light and dark(ness),

elements that physically affect us. The aim was to capture

introspectively unearthing questions that surround the two

the presence of darkness rather than just illustrate it.

extremes through her discerning artistic sensibility. Pace’s

Through a series of heat-sensitive sensors, the viewer

final installation sheds light on the endless nuances that both

becomes a part of the exhibition. Specifically, they serve

unite and separate the two opposites, affirming Paul Klee’s

as a switch that triggers darkness interrupting light,

assertion that ‘Art does not reproduce the visible; rather,

depending on the viewer’s movements.

it makes visible.’

In this scenario, the observer becomes the darkness

design

sensors detect the heat of a passing person; this turns off the

every moment, darkness is often mislabelled as the mere

collective degree exhibition called Ennead, the art piece used

‘A series of ten light scans were projected onto the sloping

interactive installation, experimenting with a flatbed scanner

Pace concludes: ‘The experimental aspect of animation

pertaining to presence, causing an interruption and

that drove this project is often misconceived. Animation is not

interaction within the work, instead of just being a passive

limited to character or commercial aspects – it is not a genre

spectator. A dark and often forgotten alcove proved to

but a technique, and it can also be a fine art. I look ahead to

be the perfect place for Pace’s installation. The contained

continue working within this flickering of being and time.’

Opposite page: A scanography light trail experiment. Top left: Not Always Everywhere but Always Somewhere, exhibited at Spazju Kreattiv, June 2021. Top right: A viewer experiencing the exhibit, turning off the corresponding fragment of the light trail in sync with their movement.

Images courtesy of Nicole Pace

design

Bottom: Series of ten slide projectors triggered by the PIR sensors.

opinion

Pedantic Pedagogy Author:

Victoria Vella

t is fair to say that our perceptions of what is the norm have

front was not popular — nor even available in most cases.

changed drastically since 2020. Simple things like going to

There are various reasons for this stemming from people’s

the shops became a daunting task, predetermined by the mask

nature to be reticent to change, difficulty adapting to new

you had to wear, the amount of sanitizer you carried with

technologies, or the outdated idea that people need someone

you, the application of alcohol rub as soon as you entered,

breathing down their necks to ensure good work or good

and being watched by eagle-eyed supervisors to ensure social

marks in courses. As many of us know, this is not the case,

distancing was in place. Gone were air-kisses or hugs when you

and often giving people the freedom to work or study in their

met a friend, substituted by a cursory elbow thump, if that.

own time can yield better results. Almost overnight, video

Thankfully, we finally seem to be staggering towards

conferencing software and platforms transformed how courses

a light at the end of the tunnel. This is not to say that

and training were being given, and this has given people who

the pandemic is over, more that as symptoms and

otherwise would not have chosen a digital path the chance

deaths have subsided, the acceptance that this is just

to explore new opportunities and further their knowledge

another thing we have to live with has emerged.

through online courses and life-long learning opportunities.

It may be controversial to say, but the silver lining —

Nowadays, online courses and blended/hybrid learning

for Malta especially — has been to push different

have become the norm for many — and not just the tech-

generations and demographics into a more digital world,

savvy. We are able to connect with people, continue

from companies realising that ‘remote working’ is a viable

studies, and provide life-long learning opportunities to

option without reducing productivity, to my 92-year-

many who may not have had the opportunity before due

old grandmother in the UK learning to use a smart

to economic, social, and transportation issues. Malta

phone to keep in touch with family here in Malta.

University Consulting, for example, offers a number of

We had to change how we did everyday things. As a society, we were not ready for all the changes that

courses, ranging from understanding autism to business classes, to facilitate personal and professional growth.

ensued, but looking back, I am amazed that we have come as far as we have in a relatively short span of time. If

Victoria Vella is a Consulting and Training Executive with

anything, the pandemic has brought about a more flexible

Malta University Consulting – Photo by Marika Montebello

structure when working, shopping, and also learning.

(Picturesque)

opinion

The education/training landscape has been one of the

most drastically hit by the changes brought about by the

For more information, visit our website Courses - MUC

pandemic. Although distance learning has been around for

(maltaconsulting.mt), or contact us on

a very long time, the idea of remote learning on a national

trainingservices@muhc.com.mt

opinion

Voluntourism: Do Locals Benefit as Much as Volunteers? I

Annabelle Farrugia

believe we primarily choose to volunteer because of one, selfless reason: our heart. Travelling to volunteer,

However, it is also true that organisations and volunteers are striving to be more ethical and sustainable. In my opinion,

or voluntourism, is an emotionally enriching and

unskilled volunteers are only a problem if they choose to

rewarding experience. You’re tasting a totally different

join the wrong project. Unprepared volunteers are those

culture in all its raw authenticity whilst ‘supporting’

who have not been well informed about the community’s

someone or a community. It is gratifying; hence, there’s

needs and how the organisation plans to achieve their goals.

also a personal gain. But does volunteering actually

Thus it is the organisation’s responsibility to foster an

help the local community? And do the locals benefit

environment of sustainable volunteering with long-term

as much as we do? I believe there is simply no reason

goals, projects, and financial plans. For instance, using

why both sides can’t benefit in different ways.

funds to engage permanent local staff whom volunteers

Whereas organisations, volunteers themselves, and their proud (if initially worried) families often portray the commendable aspect of volunteering, attracting

can work with, rather than replace, minimises dependency and creates a collaborative work ethic for both sides. More importantly, in my opinion, is the individual

adventurous tourists to help rural communities has become

volunteer. In asking the right questions, understanding

widely criticised by the media. The local community’s

that change occurs gradually, and more significantly,

eventual dependency, coupled with unskilled volunteers,

respecting the different culture by taking into account

are amongst the most-cited adverse aspects.

the local perspective, one is immediately more mindful

Concerning dependency, one must question what would happen to an existing project if volunteers stopped

of the ethical consequences of their actions. Do the locals benefit as much as voluntourists do? I

visiting. For example, when the next pandemic hits and

really think we’d have to ask them first. Speak to them,

borders are closed again, will that newly built clinic retain

interact; that’s where understanding the local perspective

the necessary equipment and staff to function within

comes in! On the other hand, I strongly believe that cross-

the rural community without the organisation being

cultural exchanges — where equitable, collaborative, and

present? If the answer holds even a trickle of doubt, then

honest discussions take place, and where friendships are

the project has been well funded but not sustainably

formed — are the most intangible assets of volunteering

planned. Furthermore, we live in a predominantly

for both locals and volunteers. Therefore, if all the aspects

individualistic society wherein a volunteer can be more

of a person’s well-being along with sustainability are

concerned about their own experience as opposed to

strongly being considered, the world can only benefit

how they’re actually contributing to the community.

from more understanding and active individuals!

opinion

Author:

student

Photo by Jean Claude Vella

Eco-Anxiety Martina Camilleri

ave you ever felt stressed about your future when hearing about environmental issues and climate change in the news? Have you ever felt particularly anxious

about the future of humanity and our planet? Well I can assure you, you are not alone. There is a formal term for this phenomenon: eco-anxiety. The American Psychology Association describes eco-anxiety as ‘the chronic fear of environmental cataclysm that comes from observing the seemingly irrevocable impact of climate change and the associated concern for one’s future and that of next generations.’ While this is not

yet considered a psychological illness, it can have numerous mental consequences in some people. Eco-anxiety does not affect everyone in the same manner. Various studies in the last few years have shown that eco-anxiety tends to impact younger generations the most, mainly children and youths. Surveys show that many young people rank climate change as the most significant societal problem. In one recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health and conducted in 10 different countries among 16 to 25-year-olds, 59% of respondents stated that they are very or extremely worried, while 84% of participants said that they felt at least moderately worried. Moreover, the majority of respondents ‘felt sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty,’ about climate change. Eco-anxiety also tends to be more prevalent among people who are aware of the environment and knowledgeable on climate change. This group feels largely responsible for solving this problem that has been dumped onto its shoulders by governmental inaction and earlier generations. This might also explain why it is quite common for young students studying in the environmental field to feel the symptoms of eco-anxiety. As a student currently following a sustainability-related course, I am aware that it can get quite overwhelming. In fact, as part of a recent Sustainability Week on university campus, a workshop was organised to help students cope with the symptoms of eco-anxiety. While coping mechanisms vary from one individual to another, these are some things you can try out if you find yourself in a similar situation: • Explore a healthy outlet to give your thoughts a break through physical exercise, meditation, and deep breathing. • Share your feelings with friends or note them down in a journal. • Take tangible action by making small but necessary lifestyle changes. • Make your voice heard through lobbying, petitions, and marching in the streets,

students

or by joining sustainable organisations.

Martina Camilleri is currently reading for an MSc in Sustainability Science, Policy and Society at Maastricht University.

Ħa tapplika?

 um.edu.mt/apply

focus

Emotional Well-Being

or this edition, we’ve taken a broad

understand emotions, how the pandemic

understanding of emotional well-

has affected the emotional health of the

being. We explore how computers are

elderly, as well as extend the discussion

being trained to interpret particular cues to

on emotional well-being to animals.

VR Experience Helps in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia A VR simulation to help train nursing staff recognise certain disorders

Animal Rights: A Question of Pain What about the emotional well-being of our four-legged friends?

Covid and the Elderly How has Covid affected the well-being of the elderly?

Claiming the Right to a Relationship Why are people with disabilities often denied romantic relationships?

What a Trip, Man. Can psychedelics be used to treat mental illness?

Fighting Toxic Online Game Behaviour Teaching an algorithm to recognise toxic behaviour in video games

Games, TAMED, and AI Empathy Teaching machines to read our emotions

When It Feels Like Too Much 44 focus

The dedicated professionals helping students with their mental health

focus

VR Experience Helps in Understanding and Treating Schizophrenia Author:

Christian Keszthelyi

The University of Malta’s Department of Artificial Intelligence and Department of Mental Health have teamed up to create a simulation to better understand and potentially help treat schizophrenia. Christian Keszthelyi steps through the looking glass to see what living with schizophrenia is like. pronged approach: actually helping patients

kicks in, the player finds

and educating their surrounding communities

themselves in a commonplace

on how to support people with psychosis.

office. The game prompts the player to carry on with mundane

tasks: answer ringing phones, handle files,

BEGIN SIMULATION In this context, researchers at the University

talk to the receptionist. But then, all of a

of Malta are looking into VR and, in the longer

sudden, voices start calling to the player from

term, augmented reality (AR) solutions to tackle

unknown sources. The voices get louder,

both aspects of this issue. Achieving progress

berating the player for being unworthy, flooding

in this field would be a game changer for our

the player’s mind so much that completing

societies at large. Breaking the cycle of isolation

the humdrum tasks is almost impossible.

requires direct, highly active treatment in

While this might sound like an interesting premise for an indie game, it is also an incredibly useful educational tool. It allows

troubling situations so that patients learn how they can safely and confidently enter them. Early studies established that people could

healthcare students to safely experience

distinguish between physical and virtual

symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia

realities. Researchers found positive indications

first hand, helping them to better empathise

that participation in virtual experiences,

and treat their future patients.

applied with customised care to the patient,

Many patients with psychosis experience

did not worsen the symptoms. Researchers

everyday social situations as anxiety-provoking.

have considered safety risks to ensure that

The fear patients experience in such situations

experiences in VR will not trigger psychotic

may force them to withdraw from social

episodes in either healthy individuals or patients.

activities. This jolts them into a self-generating

The project started as a niche exercise. ‘We

cycle of isolation that alienates them from their

had been approached by the Faculty of Health

communities, which in turn, leads to the further

Sciences, as they were looking for a solution

deterioration of physical and mental health.

to help their students understand what it

This is an issue that can be tackled with a two-

means for someone to live with schizophrenia. focus

s the virtual reality (VR) headset

Left and right: Screenshots from a VR simulation showing auditory hallucinations in red text.

Traditionally in class, a student would stand behind a

schizophrenia: hallucinations. Obviously, hallucinations

peer and every now and then say something in their

refer to different senses; there are five types of

ears to imitate auditory hallucinations. We decided to

hallucinations. But here we are focusing on auditory

simulate this with virtual reality,’ Prof. Alexiei Dingli,

and visual hallucinations,’ Dr Alexei Sammut, Lecturer of

Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of

Mental Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says.

Information & Communication Technology, says.

DID YOU HEAR SOMETHING? The VR environment mimics a normal day in an office

common type when people see things that are not there; tactile, when an individual feels a sensation of touch; olfactory, such as smelling malodour; and

such as carrying boxes or sorting out some files. But

gustatory, when tasting is affected by hallucinations. Additionally, this project can be included in therapy.

sensations that have been modelled based on research

If a schizophrenic person becomes the ‘player’ of this

into how schizophrenic patients experience their days.

experience, they can learn how to accept and function

The VR experience moves beyond interactive, three-

with their chronic condition. ‘Once you do not resist

dimensional video footage. It is fully responsive and

these voices but start understanding and accepting

specifically customised to the player by artificial intelligence

these voices, then their impact is reduced, which can

(AI). No single session provides the same set of events.

improve quality of life,’ Sammut explains in a nutshell.

‘You are immersed — not just watching a 3D virtualreality clip. You are free to roam in this office-based environment, where we have plenty of occurrences to simulate, from a telephone ringing to organising documents

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH But how does AI tie into the big picture? Using smartwatch

in a storage room or taking orders and executing

technology or similar monitoring, AI can learn about the

commands,’ Prof. Josianne Scerri, Associate Professor of

vitals, such as heart rate or blood pressure, of the ‘player’ to

Mental Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, says.

make sure that the environment they are experiencing is just

The project was piloted on mental health nursing

as engaging as it should be. ‘If the player is getting bored,

students. They care for and support, or will do after their

the AI will pump up the game a little bit. If they are super

studies, individuals with schizophrenia. The (to-be) nurses

excited, the AI will wind it down a little bit,’ Dingli says.

have had an overwhelming experience during the pilot.

When using the technology with schizophrenic people,

What does the ‘player’ of the VR game experience,

it is necessary to be very careful and alert. ‘If the individual

though? ‘We simulate one of the main symptoms of focus

hearing sounds and voices; visual, the second most

scenario. The ‘player’ is tasked with mundane missions then auditory and visual hallucinations start intervening,

Hallucinations impact all the five senses: auditory,

is experiencing hallucinations and we are actually

increasing these hallucinations with the VR environment

as the player, go and speak to the receptionist, which

without being mindful about and reactive to the patient’s

triggers hallucinations. But if you decide to ignore the

needs, that will have a detrimental effect,’ Scerri explains.

receptionist and keep going to your desk, something

Normally the virtual experience would focus on the hearing

else will happen, like a telephone will start ringing, which

voices approach because that is where a dialogue can

will eventually trigger a hallucination,’ Dingli explains.

be built between the person and the different voices. AI

Therefore, even though the users are unaware, the

can also help here in making sure that the conversation

AI is triggering the educational, awareness-raising, or

between the individual and the generated voices is just

therapeutical — depending on the player — events.

demanding enough to be manageable for the person.

Showing such results, the project has immense

In such a scenario, a psychologist can monitor and

potential to move beyond professional education

intervene when they see fit. In fact the voices can also be

toward raising awareness among the general public.

controlled by a psychologist, ensuring that the discussion

Bringing such an experience to people would help

between the individual and the voices is in reality a

with fending off the stigma of mental health issues.

discussion between the patient and the medical professional, while the VR world represents it as if it was reality. The AI also helps in making sure that the user cannot avoid unpleasant experiences. ‘Imagine that first you,

Unfortunately, the follow-up project which targeted a much wider audience for awareness-raising never received funding, and development is still pending. Today, this is the most crucial issue for progressing the project beyond education to the education of the public and therapy for individuals with mental health issues. Following the user input from the first project and the experiences the researchers have gathered, the potential of a further developed digital solution is limitless both for patients and the general public. The immersive experience of the VR solution can illuminate people on how schizophrenia manifests in the everyday life of their peers. Additionally, it can be implemented in therapy to help schizophrenic people handle and live with their condition. Moving beyond VR and utilising AR in the long run, which would mean that the real, physical world is embellished by virtual objects and sensations, could expand the beneficial effects of the technology exponentially. focus

Following the user input from the first project, and the experiences the researchers have gathered, the potential of a further developed digital solution is limitless both for patients and the general public.

focus

In the past few decades, animal rights issues have been an emerging topic, with debate growing louder, especially relating to the suffering that accompanies raising animals for human food production.THINK talks to Australian philosopher Peter Singer to discuss animal ethics.

furry friends, extending the same principle to farm animals

we tend to focus on people: specific

is less straightforward. Is animal well-being something that

age groups or vulnerable segments of

ought to be taken into consideration?

society. But is emotional well-being limited to humans? The concept of

CAN THEY SUFFER?

human superiority has dominated history. Philosophers

Following the footsteps of Jeremy Bentham, the founder

and scientists have attributed this to our ability to speak

of utilitarianism, who said ‘it is the greatest happiness of the

languages, create technologically advanced tools, and use

greatest number [of people in society] that is the measure

them, making us the superior species. After all, following

of right and wrong,’ Australian contemporary philosopher

Aristotle’s Great Chain of Being (and flexibly interpreting

Peter Singer argues that the interests of animals should be

it), humans have evolved enough to create the internet and

considered in modern societies because of animals’ ability

share cat memes in the same time it took for a cockroach

to experience suffering.

to evolve into a, well, cockroach. This has formed the basis of our ethical and legal stance

In his milestone publication Animal Liberation, Singer argues that all beings capable of suffering must be worthy

towards animals, at least in the West. A human person is

of equal consideration. For instance, he says that giving lesser

granted a host of rights which protect their physical and

consideration to beings based on their species corresponds

mental well-being. The Universal Declaration of Human

to human discrimination based on skin colour. Animal rights

Rights, for example, enshrines ‘the right to life, liberty, and

should be based on their capacity to feel pain and not on

security of person’ based on the idea that ‘all human beings

intelligence, he adds.

[...] are endowed with reason and conscience.’ In contrast, no such universal declaration exists for animal

‘We are members of the species Homo sapiens, living among a vast number of members of other species that have,

rights. Instead, nations legislate animal rights on a local level,

like us, evolved on this planet. Among them are trillions of

as is the case in Malta with the Animal Welfare Act. While

non-human animals who, like us, can feel pain and pleasure,

most pet owners will strive to ensure the well-being of their

whose lives can be full of suffering or enjoyment. How should focus

hen we speak of emotional well-being,

Professor Peter Singer Image courtesy of www.petersinger.info/photos

we act towards them? How much do their interests count

authorities introduced to monitor that standards are being

when they clash with our own interests?’ Singer told THINK.

followed. This would potentially drive up the costs of meat

This point should not be understated. While the argument that animals are rational is still up for debate, by appealing to

This brings us to the manner in which animals are raised

the fact that they can feel pain, Singer is neatly circumventing

for food. Singer points out that animals left to graze in fields

the issue and reminding us of the tangible implications of

and eat grass contribute to the food supply by converting

animal rights. But if it is clear that animals can feel pain (and

low-value materials (that are inedible to people) into dairy,

that pain is something which should be avoided), shouldn’t

meat, and eggs, whilst factory-farmed animals are fed grain

we be upholding these values?

or soy, which reduces the amount of food available for

CAN WE EAT THEM? Singer argues that of all the ways human activities affect

Besides being inefficient in the way resources are converted, factory farming produces meat and dairy through animal suffering. ‘In affluent countries, where we have a wide

justification the most. ‘Far more animals are affected by

choice of foods, no one needs to eat meat. Many studies

this than any other human activity. Worldwide, more than

show that we can live as healthily, or more healthily, without

77 billion mammals and birds are produced for food each

it. We can also live well on a vegan diet, consuming no animal

year, most of them crowded indoors, living miserable lives

products,’ Singer told THINK. He also acknowledged that

in conditions completely unsuitable for their needs. If we

vitamin B12 is the only essential nutrient not available from

include fish farming, the number of vertebrate animals we

plant foods, but it is easy to take a supplement obtained from

raise more than doubles, and if we add the wild fish we haul

vegan sources.

killed may be more than a trillion,’ Singer told THINK. Establishing cohesive and ethical rights that ensure the

focus

human consumption.

animals, raising them for food is the aspect that needs

out of the oceans and kill in painful ways, the total number

and other animal products.

IT’S AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM The consequences of humanity’s exploitation of animals

well-being of animals would have a sizeable impact on

extend beyond animal well-being. Humanity still carries

several industries. Farms would need to be restructured and

with it relics of archaic thinking, envisioning the world as

We are members of the species Homo sapiens, living among a vast number of members of other species that have, like us, evolved on this planet. Among them are trillions of non-human animals who, like us, can feel pain and pleasure, whose lives can be full of suffering or enjoyment. How should we act towards them? How much do their interests count when they clash with our own interests?

its own domain to exploit, rather than a space it cohabits

expectancy. Additionally, the economic aspects must also

harmoniously with other species. Our methods of harvesting

be fine-tuned, while paying special attention to world

meat cheaply, besides causing pain to animals, are negatively

hunger which has lately been on the rise, following a

impacting the climate. ‘If global consumption of meat

decade-long steady decline, currently affecting 9.9 per

continues to rise, eliminating emissions from fossil fuels

cent of people globally.

will not be enough to prevent the earth warming beyond

According to Yuval Noah Harari, historian, philosopher

the 2oC limit set by the Paris Agreement on climate change,

and author of Sapiens, ‘We have mastered our surroundings,

let alone the safer 1.5oC target that would be necessary to

increased food production, built cities, established empires,

prevent the inundation of low-lying Pacific island nations,’

and created far-flung trade networks. But did we decrease

Singer points out.

the amount of suffering in the world? Time and again, massive

From a utilitarian standpoint, the ramifications of our

increases in human power did not necessarily improve the

actions, besides negatively affecting animals in the immediate

well-being of individual Sapiens, and usually caused immense

sense, also extend to the rest of the planet as well as future

misery to other animals.’ Perhaps it is time we re-evaluate

generations. The old chestnut, ‘the greatest good for the

how we define progress, particularly if that progress comes

greatest number of people,’ shows us that even if we were

at the expense of others, human or not.

to take an anthropocentric stance, the way we produce meat will negatively affect humanity as a whole through global warming. While a polarised (and often ferocious) debate amplifies the divide between communities regarding eating or not eating animal products, many aspects must be considered

Further Reading

counselling services, and the paper shows that university

Cefai, C., Cooper, P., & Camilleri, L. (2009). Social, Emotional

counselling reduced distress in students from 60% to 27%

and Behaviour Difficulties in Maltese Schools.

post-counselling. The counsellors have different reasons for joining the

Broglia, E., Ryan, G., Williams, C., Fudge, M., Knowles, L., &

service, but they are united by their passion for the tools that

Turner, A. et al. (2021). Profiling student mental health and

they offer and their desire to help students. Ms Charmaine

counselling effectiveness: lessons from four UK services

Mifsud Cardona notes that ‘giving the students the resources

using complete data and different outcome measures.

they need to support them now will serve them for the rest

British Journal Of Guidance & Counselling, 1-19.

of their lives. In this work, we’re catching the issues early.’

doi: 10.1080/03069885.2020.1860191

The team is also invested in helping to train university staff to better support struggling students. This element of

Dalli Gonzi, R., & Camilleri, J. (2021). The Role of

the service is critical. My own experience is that academic

Appreciative Inquiry to Supporting Students’ Healthy

supervisors who may be more experienced in writing

Transition into the Post-Graduate World: A Case Study

publications and grant proposals than handling mental health

at the University of Malta. Sustainability, 13(10), 5365.

matters can contribute to the shame that struggling students

doi: 10.3390/su13105365

might feel. Half of the students surveyed by Cefai and Camilleri had found both academic and non-academic staff

Evans, T., Bira, L., Gastelum, J., Weiss, L., & Vanderford,

to be unsupportive. At UM, the counselling service is actively

N. (2018). Evidence for a mental health crisis in graduate

working to provide that support to staff, even for the times

education. Nature Biotechnology, 36(3), 282-284.

that they might be facing difficulties of their own.

doi: 10.1038/nbt.4089

Whether universities are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or these issues are simply coming more to light is difficult to say. Arguably what matters most is that students and staff alike who are struggling know where to find support when they need it. If that’s you, the university service can be focus

reached online.

feature Like the generations of leaves, the lives of mortal men. Now the wind scatters the old leaves across the earth, now the living timber bursts with the new buds and spring comes round again. And so with men: as one generation comes to life, another dies away. Book VI of Homer's Iliad

Bringing the Iliad to Life Author: Martina Borg

Innovative teaching methods can make even the most ancient works feel contemporary.

ou may be forgiven for thinking that an epic

written forms, scholars believe that the works were originally

poem composed during the 8th century BCE

transmitted orally, a performative tradition that ultimately

would have nothing to offer a 21st century

inspired Serracino in his teaching of the work.

audience. But perhaps as evidenced in the quote above, beneath the veneer of heroic

battles and tragically fated lovers, Homer’s Iliad ultimately

works in a different way was born when one of his students

Serracino, lecturer of Classics at the Department of Classics

demonstrated exceptional engagement and decided to put up a

and Archaeology makes use of engaging teaching methods

play inspired by the Iliad during his first year running the course.

FALLING FOR THE CLASSICS ‘I was first bitten by the Classics bug when I was at university

‘All the students in the group got involved in the end, and staff were also very happy to participate. The fact that the students engaged with the work so much as a result of this got me thinking about changing the assessment method of

myself, reading for an Archaeology degree. I didn’t expect to be

my course,’ he says, explaining that the course grading is now

so immersed in the work, but reading Homer for one study unit

split between a creative project and a write-up (worth 60%

is what ultimately pushed me to specialise in Greek and Latin,’

and 40% respectively). This year, however, Serracino decided

he says, describing his first encounter with Homer’s epic works.

to test a different teaching method to try and instil more

Homer, who is believed to have lived during the 8th century BCE, is still recognised as one of the most influential

feature

Serracino explains that the idea to start teaching the

deals with the essence of the human experience. Dr Carmel

to bring Homer’s seminal works to a modern audience.

BREATHING LIFE INTO TEACHING

creativity into the way the lectures are carried out as well. ‘I decided to introduce a variety of activities into the

poets of all time. He is known for his epic poems: the Iliad

lectures. We had a range of “chair in the middle exercises” for

(set during the ten-year Trojan War) and the Odyssey (which

instance, where students took turns to role-play a character

focuses on Odysseus’ ten-year journey home after the fall

from the Iliad as the rest of the class prepared questions and

of Troy). Although we nowadays know these works in their

debates for them to address in character.’

Opposite: Skye Vassallo dressed as Achilles during a 'chair in the middle' exercise. Top left: A detail from Skye Vassallo's visual novel game. Top right: Andrew Cassar installing oars on his model of a Homeric warship. Images courtesy of Skye Vassallo (opposite, top left) and Andrew Cassar (top right)

Although this method might seem daunting, and though

Stesichorus, Herodotus, and Euripides. Stesichorus proposed

it was unlike any of his own experiences of being taught the

that there was only an image of Helen in Troy, and Herodotus

classics, Serracino stressed how impressed he was by the level

and Euripides wrote about Helen being in Egypt during the

of participation and dedication his students showed.

Trojan War. These views helped Vassallo to form the theory at

they presented new and surprising interpretations of

the heart of her game: that the woman who resided in Troy was only a phantom Helen, with the real Helen waiting elsewhere.

characters I have been reading about for so many years.

‘The inspiration for this type of project came from my love

Naturally, I found these reactions very encouraging, and

for visual novel games. They deliver stories both visually and

I even asked the students to participate in the design

textually at the same time, while also giving the player the power

of the lectures sometimes.’

to change their fate in the game, which felt like the perfect way

Serracino goes on to explain that he felt the interactive

to bring the Iliad into present-day media,’ she says, adding that

nature of the lessons led to the students truly internalising

the innovative way of teaching ultimately pushed her to realise

the subjects, and it resulted in some outstanding work in their

that she could connect with these monumental works in a fun

creative projects, a sentiment which is echoed by the students.

way and on a deeper level than she had ever imagined.

In fact, Classics (Hons) student Skye Vassallo took inspiration from the role-playing exercise for her creative project.

CLASSICAL WORKS AND MODERN INTERPRETATIONS ‘For my project, I designed a visual novel game based off

Another student who took inspiration from character appearances was Classics (Hons) student Kayleigh Frostick, whose project is an Ancient Greek abecedarian-style ‘book’ influenced by a mixture of Edward Gorey’s The Gashlycrumb Tinies and Ancient Greek pottery. For the uninitiated, an abecedarian poem is an acrostic poem that spells out the

the perspective of Helen of Troy: an interactive story where

alphabet either word by word or line by line, which gives you

the player experiences various events of the Iliad and also

an idea of the complexity of this project. If that’s not impressive

has to make certain decisions along the way, which will

enough, Frostick even used the Greek alphabet for this task…

produce different outcomes,’ Vassallo explains, adding that

‘I corresponded 24 soldiers who met their end within the

the player essentially role-plays as a 21st century student

Iliad to each letter of the alphabet in an overarching poem with

approached by the gods to replace Helen due to her recent

accompanying illustrations, serving as a sort of memoir for

mysterious disappearance.

these fallen soldiers.’ She adds that the process of creating the

‘The actual project included character designs, the written story, and a playable demonstration of the first chapter,’ she adds. Vassallo goes on to explain that the inspiration for the plot

accompanying illustrations also helped her to reignite her passion for art, and she hopes to continue building on this type of work. ‘Sometime in the future, I would also like to refine this project

of her project came from an idea floated by some ancient

and perhaps even publish it or others like it one day. A fresh take

authors she came across in preparation for the classes, namely

on classical literature can never go wrong,’ she shrugs.

feature

‘Some of them even dressed up as the characters, and

Details of Marsha Iaci's graphic novel (left) and Kayleigh Frostick's abecedarian-style ‘book’ (right). Images courtesy of Marsha Iaci (left) and Kayleigh Frostick (right)

Bachelor of Humanities student Carmelina Sammut says

pieces, including a Homeric warship model made out

helped her to visualise characters that often feel larger than

of recycled materials, a graphic novel focusing on a

life. ‘I ultimately was drawn to the character of Patroclus,

retelling of the epic battle between Hector and Achilles,

which shaped my final project: an analysis of the friendship

and an original song written from the perspective of King

between Patroclus and Achilles.’

Menelaus — Helen’s wronged husband and consequently

Sammut goes on to explain that visualising the characters in that way was something that she hoped she could carry on into other subjects and study-units, namely philosophy, which she is currently tackling. ‘It grounds the arguments presented and helps humanise even the most complex philosophers,’ she explains with a laugh. She adds that although initially she was sceptical about the

the Trojan war.

OLD SKILLS AND NEW PASSIONS Speaking to Serracino, it’s not hard to see how his passion for the subject can be so infectious in a classroom, but he does nothing to claim credit for his students’ impressiveness and instead relishes watching how

has meant that she remembers these characters much more

students discover new talents. Indeed Vassallo hopes to develop her project into a

do a Classics degree, and this method of teaching has made

playable game, Frostick expressed a wish to apply her skill

it feel easy to grasp and study,’ she says.

to other classic works, and a number of students said they

Similarly Bachelor of Humanities student Mariella Bose also spoke about how surprised she was to discover this new method of teaching. ‘I first attended university in the

would adopt similar methods of character analysis to other study-units. ‘I recently ran into a student who had previously done

70s, and I expected a conservative approach to the subject,’

the course, who following his exposure to radio work for

she says. ‘Dr. Serracino’s way of teaching brought us as

his creative project, has continued to work in radio,’

students together to talk, research, and discuss various

Serracino says with a glint of joy and pride.

aspects of the epic. The lectures were not a one-way street

‘There is an invisible legacy in these works which we still

but involved each and every one of us working together.

carry with us nowadays, even in the popular culture we

We were made to delve deeper into the psychological and

consume now. I have studied Classics for about thirty years

emotional make-up of the heroes and the gods,’ she adds.

now, but they still surprise and inspire me in equal measure,’

In fact, even students who only audited the class without submitting a project sang praises of this teaching method,

he says, adding that the works ultimately prove that the human experience remains the same.

with 3rd year Classics student Andrew Debono telling THINK

Serracino hopes to adopt similar teaching methods

that the sessions helped shape his personal impression of the

for other courses he oversees in the Classics department

epic through his engagement with the literary masterpiece.

to prove how important non-traditional teaching methods

‘I hope to continue building on the work we have done

feature

one of the central figures leading the Greek army during

concept of learning through games and activities, the process than she expected. ‘This study-unit has given me an urge to

A number of other students produced some impressive

that the focus on individual characters in the work ultimately

can be. 'When I was young, I dreamt of creating a live-action

during these lectures by employing similar techniques

movie version of the Iliad, and even if things didn’t pan

and exercises in my readings of other Classical works too.

out exactly that way, seeing these creative renditions of

Moreover, I also wish to read Homer’s Iliad in the original

the work from my students feels like I’m fulfilling my dream

Greek text,’ he added.

of breathing new and original life into these masterpieces.’

feature Helping the Hatcheries:

How Can We Improve the Output of Aquaculture? Author:

Becky Catrin Jones

With a growing worldwide population, the use of aquaculture systems to relieve the pressure on wild stocks of fish has become invaluable. However, a major challenge still faced in aquaculture is ensuring the survival of young fish. Project HatcheryMatch, a collaboration between AquaBioTech Group (ABT), University of Malta (UM), Fishery Machinery and Instrument Research Institute, and Qingdao Blue Granary Marine Fishery Development Co., Ltd., aims to solve this problem. Dr Jefferson de Oliveira Mallia of UM and Freya Robinson of ABT speak to Becky Catrin Jones about their latest developments. commonly found in the Mediterranean, the Northeast

up. With the global population increasing,

Atlantic, and the Baltic Sea), an important part of the Chinese

the pressure on farms worldwide is

economy. Although turbot can be found in Mediterranean

rising alongside the need to dramatically

waters, China is now the leading producer of farmed turbot.

improve output without compromising

However, a significant obstacle faced by these partners was

on cost, people, or the environment. One of the many challenges in aquaculture is ensuring

improving the conditions for these young fish — the pressure to increase stock often led to a decrease in water quality

that recently hatched fish survive to juvenile age. These

and reliance on added chemicals as well as difficulties in

newly hatched larvae are vulnerable to changes in

ensuring the larvae had access to the right nourishment.

temperature and water quality, food availability, and exposure to pathogens and bacteria in their environments. AquaBioTech Group (ABT), a Maltese-based international

Around the same time, ABT was fostering discussion with the Food Sciences and Nutrition research group (led by Prof. Vasilis P. Valdramidis) at the Department of

company working on aquatic and environmental issues,

Food Sciences and Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences

have been tackling this problem head-on for many years.

of the University of Malta (UM) about some interesting

With projects in 55 countries focusing on different

developments in their field, looking at the antimicrobial

ways of improving aquaculture, ABT are working to

effects of ultrasound. The group were studying an exciting

improve the longevity and sustainability of aquaculture

method of disinfecting food and water used in food processing

and reduce the reliance on wild fish stocks.

and were looking to see how they could scale this up.

Partnerships with companies and research institutes in

As the new Sino-Malta call for funding had a specific portion

China, fostered by the Sino-Malta Fund, have led the company

dedicated for aquaculture, Dr Jefferson de Oliveira Mallia

to focus some of its time on turbot (a large species of flatfish

and Prof. Vasilis Valdramidis saw the opportunity to apply

feature

he future of fish farming needs a shake-

ABT's research facilities where the live feed system and ultrasound device will be trialed (above). Artemia under the microscope. Artemia are one of the species of live feed often used in fish hatcheries and will be the main species of interest for testing the live feed system (left). Photos courtesy of AquaBioTech Group © 2022

their specific knowledge to an area they hadn’t previously

is well documented in decontamination of foods or on an

explored — could their ultrasound cavitation device be used to

even larger scale in the destruction of rock faces exposed

disinfect water and eliminate harmful bacteria in fish farming?

to lots of fast-moving bubbles in incoming waves.

USING ULTRASOUND And so Project HatcheryMatch was born. Combining

works and its final antimicrobial effect. But by working in the lab, Mallia can replicate and manipulate these

partnership focuses on four elements that aim to improve

environments for testing. This way, the research group

the survival of fish from hatching to juvenile stage. To

makes sure that there is no change in water quality from

do this, each partner focuses on one area — ABT on

using cavitation devices that would impact the fish.

on cleaning and imaging to monitor embryo health.

The final part of UM’s project will involve incorporating other technologies that will aid the disinfection process and

Although the main focus of the project is turbot, the

are known to work well with cavitation to tackle other kinds

same principles will apply to sea bass, a large contributor

of pathogens. One such example is UV-C light, which can be

to the Maltese economy, and zebrafish, a small fish often

added to the system to enhance the disinfection process.

used in biological research. Each of these fish can be infected by the build-up of similar pathogens in aquaculture systems. For this reason, the UM group received three

FEELING HUNGRY One of the other challenges faced by these young

pathogens to get started in testing their theories: Vibrio

fish is getting access to the right food at the right

anguillarum, Aeromonas veronii, and Aeromonas salmonicida.

time. As the fish grow from larvae to juvenile stages,

Mallia, alongside group leader Prof. Valdramidis,

feature

the presence of other solids, can impact how the device

know-how from both academia and industry, the

feeding, UM on disinfection, and two Chinese partners

Other properties of the water, such as its softness or

the nourishment they need changes, meaning that

had been working on a way to improve the process of

different types of feed need to be circulated at the right

microbial inactivation with a process called cavitation,

time. This is both technically challenging and time-

using ultrasound. When ultrasound waves move and

consuming and can lead to a lot of waste. The ideal

pass through water, they create pockets of high and low

solution would be to have an automatic feeding system,

pressure, like tiny bubbles, as they go by. As the waves

which could release the right food at the right time.

continue and build up, this can cause localised areas

ABT already uses a system for the adult fish it

of intense high pressure or high temperature, which

keeps on site. ‘But this is easier to do, as the adults

ultimately makes the bubbles collapse, taking with them

all need the same food,’ says Freya Robinson,

any bacteria in the surrounding area which has been

project coordinator at ABT. ‘We can set this up

caught in the extreme pressure. This process of cavitation

and just let it run with very little manual input.’

Illustration of the cavitation process that uses ultrasound waves to decontaminate water from pathogens

For the larvae, a little more effort is needed. ABT’s role in Project HatcheryMatch is to design a similar system which is more suited to the needs of young fish and their reliance

CHANGING THE FUTURE Although the pilot project takes place in China, the

on live feed in particular. The new system will be controlled

learnings from Project HatcheryMatch are very easily

by artificial intelligence, which can pump the correct feed

applied closer to home. ‘There is very little literature about

into the water depending on which stage of the life cycle

the use of cavitation in aquaculture and definitely not

the fish are in. The system should be able to reduce manual

concerning the pathogens that we’re currently studying,’

labour by keeping its own timings, so it’s not necessary for

says Mallia. Pursuing this further could provide even more

a staff member to be constantly checking how things are.

opportunities to study the use of their technology in other

WORKING ACROSS BORDERS A project this size is not without its challenges. Besides time zones, language, and technical difficulties, keeping

aspects of food production and aquaculture. The UM group also hopes to delve a little deeper, working out the mechanisms by which the inactivation of pathogens occurs. For ABT, the results seen in turbot can be applied to

track of a multi-continent project is hard work. But

their own fish stocks, primarily sea bass and zebrafish,

commitment and dedication to regular catch-up meetings

both of which are key to the Maltese economy. In

and guides explaining how to speak one another’s

time, this can be expanded even further to other

technical language is keeping the project on track.

fish and their multitude of worldwide partners.

‘It really helps that both Jeff and I have some experience

Partnerships between industry and academia are

of academia and industry,’ said Robinson. ‘Scientific

so valuable, and ABT and UM are onto a good thing.

research and exploration is important, but at the same

Both Mallia and Robinson are confident that the

time you’re still trying to reach industrial deadlines.’

end of the project will not spell the end of this new

The different priorities and focus of academic partners

collaboration between UM and ABT. ‘We’re hoping

such as UM do not always match the short time scale,

that this collaboration will go beyond the current

results-focused mentality of industry. Factors such

project,’ says Robinson. Both industry and academia

as cost, short deadlines, and understanding what is

look to gain here — not only improving aquaculture

achievable by each partner in a given time takes clear

systems here and now, but also expanding a research

communication. Luckily, Robinson’s role at ABT means

field that has huge untapped potential.

she’s an expert in finding such delicate balances. Project HatcheryMatch funded by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through the Sino-Malta Fund 2020

of our bigger projects involving 28 partners!’

(Science and Technology Cooperation) (SINO-MALTA-2020-14)

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‘This is actually quite a small-scale project for us; four partners is more manageable than some

feature

Cutting EDGE Research: the Genomes of Maltese Plants Author:

Ines Ventura

Conservation is a 21st century hot topic. It is a top priority worldwide to ensure the lasting protection of the planet and its natural resources. But how can we even begin to conserve our natural environment if we don’t understand it? Ines Ventura investigates.

hy is it that some plants thrive in arid

THERE’S A METHOD TO MY SEQUENCING

environments while others struggle?

Our genomic information is the equivalent of a book.

Through years of evolution, plants have

Each letter corresponds to a piece of information that,

developed unique coping mechanisms

when put all together, captures the unique story of each

such as having a thick, waxy covering

book. Likewise, when we are sequencing, we are actually

to keep them cool. But for biologists, this is hardly a satisfying

reading each individual letter until we can read the

answer. What are the exact, genetic factors that help these

entire sentence. Breaking down the genetic information,

plants survive?

commonly known as DNA, into small fragments allows

The Endemic de novo Genomes (EDGE) Project aims to find out what these characteristics are by sequencing the

feature

genomes of selected endemic plants. This type of information,

equipment to read the sequence, and then bioinformaticians assemble the information into digital models. Sequencing these genomes is hardly straightforward

contained in the genes of each individual, determines the

though. ‘First, we had to identify the individual plants

physical features that the researchers are interested in.

in the field,’ explains Dorita Agius, Senior Lecturer in

Limonium melitense and L. zeraphae are two types of sea

Biology at Junior College and the PhD student involved

lavender, endemic to the Maltese Islands. Being adapted to

in the project. There are at least three Limonium species

harsh environments, these species are able to survive soil

in Malta, and only two of them are endemic to the

salinisation (a high amount of salt in the soil) and grow on

islands. ‘That was one of the challenges of this project,

rocks. To date, the researchers from the University of Malta

to make sure that we didn’t have the non-endemic

involved in this project were able to read and assemble

plants.’ To do so, Agius performed morphological studies,

the entire genomic information of these Limonium species,

categorising each species based on their size, shape,

sequencing the first endemic Maltese plant.

and structure.

A population of L. melitense at San Niklaw Bay in Comino Image courtesy of Maria Galea

SEQUENCING TO SAVE THE PLANET Besides conserving endemic flora, the act of sequencing

with the French Plant Genomic Centre in Toulouse, France —

allows scientists to better understand the unique properties

a research centre dedicated to plant genome exploration. The

of these plants. Limonium species, for example, have

EDGE project used third-generation sequencing technology,

therapeutic uses and function as an antibacterial, anticancer,

also known as long-read sequencing. Generating substantially

anti-inflammatory, and antivirus agent. While sea lavender

longer reads, it identifies repetitive sequences in the genome

species are frequently referred to in alternative medicine

better than its predecessors, resulting in more accurate

practices as beneficial, it has been difficult to pinpoint exactly

genome assemblies.

why they are helpful.

‘We sequenced a novel genome, not having a reference

It turns out that these characteristics are an outcome

sequence available for alignment,’ explained Agius. ‘That’s

of small compounds produced by the plants that are not

why it is called de novo.’ The researchers were able to

directly involved in their normal growth, development, or

generate a genome model and will eventually be able to

reproduction. Known as secondary metabolites, several

annotate it. Their results were robust since the assemblies

of them have already found applications in modern medicine.

(the overlap of the shorter fragments to deduce the complete

These genomic studies can highlight which metabolic

genome sequence) are over 95% complete.

pathways produce these types of compounds, as well as

The selection of which technique to use in sequencing studies is defined by the genome size of the organism.

identify new components that can be used in therapeutics. Agricultural productivity is another example of how

Therefore, researchers estimated the genome size of both

genome sequencing can better society. By comparing

L. melitense and L. zeraphae using flow cytometry with help

genomes of species with and without specific adaptations,

from the laboratory of Prof. Jaroslav Doležel, an expert in

researchers can identify naturally occurring genetic variations

this field from the Institute of Experimental Botany in the

that enable plants to adapt to various environmental stresses

Czech Republic.

such as temperature, light, salinity, the presence of heavy

It’s important to highlight the difference between these studies and genetic engineering. While sequencing is limited

metals in the soil, and pathogens. In a scenario in which the global population is expected

to reading the genetic information, genetic engineering

to reach 8.5 billion by 2030, these mechanisms can be

implies DNA manipulation. For the EDGE Project, the goal

adapted to increase the current crop production rate

is to sequence the genome. However, it would be possible

to guarantee an adequate food supply worldwide. By

to use this information in experiments involving genetic

identifying key genetic information that enables higher

engineering further down the line.

tolerance to increased temperatures, it can help prevent

feature

The DNA of each individual was then extracted and sequenced. These steps were performed in collaboration

Limonium sp. living at the edge on minimal resources Image courtesy of Maria Galea

L. zeraphae at Reqqa Point in Gozo Image courtesy of Maria Galea

crop failures. These traits are also extremely important

as threatened with extinction, possibly reaching 50%

in the face of climate change. In the worst-case scenario,

by the end of this century. We also might soon face the

a total increase of more than 4°C (from pre-industrial levels)

possibility of massive ecosystem collapse on a global scale.

by 2100 is expected. Having crops that can withstand

It’s imperative to reach Earth BioGenome Project’s major

these increased temperatures is crucial to avoid severe

milestones and discover the remaining 80 to 90 percent

food shortages.

of species that are currently hidden from science for the

‘Can it fight climate change? Possibly, but we’re talking

first time in history. Therefore, the knowledge generated

many years and many other projects down the line,’ replies

by the Maltese EDGE project can help to revolutionise

Agius with humour. ‘The identification of genes that enable

our understanding of biology and evolution, conserve,

plants to adapt to such specific and harsh environments

protect, and restore biodiversity, and create new benefits

can bring knowledge to different fields and help to improve

for society and human welfare.

actual problems.’ In a local research environment dominated by human

Currently, Agius is working at the Centre of Molecular Medicine and Biobanking, with Dr J. P. Ebejer (PhD

genome studies, Agius decided to pursue a plant genomic

supervisor), Dr Rosienne Farrugia (co-supervisor),

study. ‘It was the wow factor,’ laughs Agius, ‘to give the first

and Dr Sandro Lanfranco (co-supervisor) and Prof.

two genomes of Maltese endemic plants to the University

Joseph Buhagiar, both from the Department of

of Malta, genomes which are possibly useful for medical

Biology. Agius teaches at the Department of Biology

applications, climate change adaptations, and evolutionary

of Junior College.

feature

studies.’ The expertise of Maltese researchers on this

matter also allows them to contribute to a current and

Project EDGE (REP-2020-009) is financed by the Malta

larger research project known as Earth BioGenome

Council for Science & Technology, for and on behalf of

Project. The International Union of Conservation of

the Foundation for Science and Technology, through

Nature now counts more than 40,000 species (28%)

the Research Excellence Programme.

idea

The Worth of your Time

Lockdowns, the Great Resignation, and an Anti-Work Movement Author:

Jonathan Firbank

Jonathan Firbank investigates the conditions that led to the ‘Great Resignation’, where millions of people resigned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He discovers that it is less a consequence of an ‘anti-work movement’ and more a result of the mental health issues that workplaces can cause.

lockdown in January 2020. As its effectiveness became evident, other countries started

INDUSTRIAL HOURS The working week as we know it today is a fairly

to follow in China’s footsteps, most

new invention, pioneered in the industrial revolution

using less draconian measures. Some

as industrialists optimised the time they took from

countries resisted this economic disruption, but over

workers. The religious practice of not working on a

time, it became clear that lockdowns were, at the time,

Sunday gave workers a break, and eventually public

the best defence against contagion. Within a year, most

outrage extended this into Saturday for many people.

had followed suit; over half of the world’s population was in some form of state-mandated isolation. In China and other developing countries, lockdowns

A century later, a communications revolution meant employers could monopolise workers’ time when they were at home. Phone calls and emails haunted workers, keeping

threatened poverty. For most people, no work means no

their minds at their jobs even during unpaid hours. Most

pay, and this could only be compounded by new expenses

recently, computerised adherence systems in entry-level jobs

and the mental health burden that this new world placed

mean that whilst on shift, every second of a worker’s time

upon them. But wealthier countries provided financial

can be monitored and databased. Amazon delivery drivers

support, dramatically cushioning the blow these changes

are tracked via satellite to make sure they don’t stop for too

represented. Parts of these populations were deemed

many rests. Call centre workers are humiliated by having

‘essential workers’, struggling on in public-facing jobs that

toilet breaks timed and logged against their contracted hours.

were now extremely dangerous. But as their lives worsened,

Shifts are staggered so employees can’t socialise with one

lives for some ‘non-essential workers’ were actually getting

another on breaks, which are kept to a sparse legal minimum.

better. They had time to reflect. The whole world was sick,

And the reward for enduring this Kafkaesque nightmare?

but they felt healthier than before. Something must

A legally minimum wage that does not keep up with

have been very wrong with how things were before.

inflation, forcing workers to choose between food and idea

hina initiated the first anti-COVID-19

society but often goes undiagnosed. Lockdowns gave some people a chance to feel well and caused them to hesitate when they were asked to return. A significant number of people sacrificed financial security in favour of their mental health after re-evaluating the worth of their time. One of those people was a US citizen, Frank. His last name is withheld in case this article is used to sabotage future employment. He worked two entry-level jobs throughout the pandemic with progressively worse working conditions, until he finally quit for the sake of his mental well-being. The first employer is currently being investigated by Ohio state for malpractice that includes potentially illegal dismissals and attempts to withhold pay. ‘I can’t give certain details of the first job due to an NDA [a legally binding non-disclosure agreement]. Even while so many people were sick, we were told if we didn’t maintain Cartoon posted as a meme on the r/antiwork subreddit

profit margins throughout the pandemic, we would be fired.

heating. The modern citizen finds themselves in a position

fired anyway. There were no mask mandates. HR was meant

where their entire life is spent, in the words of the great

to inform us if a colleague tested positive for Covid but

comedian Doug Stanhope, ‘working five to enjoy two’.

didn’t. Someone who normally sat next to me and someone

THE COST OF TIME This is a bad deal. Workers’ time was sold at bargain

sick with Covid but nobody notified me. When I figured it out on Tuesday and I wanted to get a test, a manager pulled me aside and asked me to wait until after work on

post-industrial capitalism is characterised by supply and

Friday, presumably so they could keep me working. My life

demand more than by the working week. The supply of

in the abstract mattered less than corporate productivity.’ Frank's second job during the pandemic had far worse

throughout the world. Lockdowns further restricted labour,

conditions. Frank found himself in an overtly bigoted

and government relief gave workers options beyond

workplace culture, where racist and homophobic slurs

returning to their regular jobs. Many amongst the working

were used to describe customers. When his trainer

class were able to invest money for the first time, and

discovered that Frank’s girlfriend was black, Frank overheard

crypto-currency exploded, creating overnight millionaires.

extreme, racist comments about him and his partner.

A comparatively tiny amount of people became rich from these experiments, but the new money flooding

idea

who sat directly behind me both disappeared — they were

prices, so employers bought as much as they could. But

labour was already being impacted by ageing populations

I met this goal but was never paid my bonuses and then got

He confronted his superior and quit immediately. Frank chose unemployment over terrible working

into markets inflated pension funds, enabling a swathe

conditions. This wasn’t an easy decision to make: ‘A lot of

of people to take early retirement. But these financial

employers feel that if somebody is unemployed, there must

windfalls don’t account for everyone who was handing in

be a problem with them. They don't want to risk it. Every

their notice. Work-related mental illness permeates modern

day is a struggle as more and more demands on money

come at me. I'm going to have to get a job that I'm overqualified for and doesn't pay a living wage just so that I

working experiences and crowdsourcing ways to deal with them. ‘Bossware’ demanded technical solutions, and these were provided by /r/antiwork, an anarchist community that exploded in popularity during lockdown. The once niche and cerebral community homogenised into a space to protest workplace culture as its user base grew to millions of people. Mainstream media spotted this growth and created a narrative in which /r/antiwork was interwoven with what was dubbed the ‘Great Resignation’: the vast group of people that had collectively decided that they were being undervalued by employers. But reddit’s influence is vastly overestimated. ‘I don't think that this is really a "movement" as much

can go in the hole slower than I am now, and honestly,

as it is work conditions, expectations, and the internet

it all just makes me feel like I just shouldn't bother.’

letting us share these experiences. Why should I work

CLOCKING OUT People found that working from home was often healthier than spending their waking hours in the workplace. By

myself to exhaustion and new mental-health lows to enrich people who, at best, don't give a damn about me and at worst, actively exploit me?’ says Frank. The truth is that there is no workers’ organisation big

working from home, they managed to strike a balance

enough to account for the millions of people quitting

between their financial security and their own well-being.

throughout the pandemic. Attempts at wide-scale

Yet there is an ongoing conflict between employees and

unionisation have been quickly crushed. Instead, the

employers over returning to the office. The prominent

Great Resignation is due to millions of people making

advocates for physically returning to work are managers,

individual decisions. Many found their pay no longer

employers, or corporate-sponsored politicians, with no

compensated them fairly. Some found the money to stop

allies amongst groups concerned with workers’ welfare.

going somewhere that harms them. Others were forced

In addition to the impact on mental health, commuting

to resign by long Covid or mental health issues. Some

to an office directly reduces a worker’s wage thanks to

moved in with family. Some just reduced the time they

the record-high cost of public transport and fuel, which

were willing to sell. Some are searching for better work

is rising at a rate that has never been seen before.

as this article is being written and will have rejoined the

Large institutions are slow to change the status

labour pool by the time you read it. Some simply retired.

quo, and it's difficult to remotely enforce extreme

The movement that created the Great Resignation was

micromanagement. This hasn’t stopped employers

one that has thrived since the industrial revolution. A

from trying. Some home workers were forced to install

simple culture of employers maximising returns. Wages

‘bossware’ on personal computers. ‘Bossware’ refers

have decreased against inflation. Micromanagement and

to software indistinguishable from remote access tools

exploitation have been automated and optimised. Barriers

used to steal money from vulnerable people. It monitors

to entry are higher than ever, but job security is increasingly

screens, logs keystrokes, catalogs mouse movement, and

rare. Working in these conditions should pay a premium.

occasionally activates cameras, microphones, and GPS.

It took a global catastrophe for workers to realise it. idea

Why should I work myself to exhaustion and new mentalhealth lows to enrich people who, at best, don't give a damn about me and at worst, actively exploit me?

But people were socialising remotely as well, sharing their

start up

Revyl app screenshots courtesy of Vlad Kalashnikov

Revyl: Three Taps to Your Ticket Author:

Caroline Curmi

While easy in principle, getting access to events through an online ticketing process can be a fickle and stretched-out process. Caroline Curmi meets Revyl directing manager Keith Vanhear to discuss the birth of his e-ticketing business and the hurdles that come with the team’s first year operating Malta’s newest online ticketing system.

course at the time, and some study-units were shared with

term. Among the students passing through the

software development students,’ Vanhear explains. ‘I literally

University quadrangle was Keith Vanhear, who was

happened to sit next to Vlad one day, and we got talking

becoming increasingly vexed by the difficult process

about this idea I had.’ One long chat later, Vlad Kalashnikov

of buying an online ticket for a party. The frustration

was ready to invest his software development skills in

melted into inspiration soon after. Having mulled over multiple ways of tackling the problem,

the project. Vanhear uses a simple metaphor to illustrate the team

Vanhear took his idea to Joe Bartolo, manager at the

dynamic: ‘If we could think about it as a car, there’s the

University of Malta’s TAKEOFF Business Incubator, whom

engine of the vehicle, and there’s the body of the vehicle.

he had met through one of his study-units with the Centre

Gabriel takes care of the engine, and Vlad takes care of the

for Entrepreneurship & Business Incubation. ‘He challenged

body.’ From a more technical perspective, Gabriel heads

me on my thoughts and processes, and we started to build

the infrastructural element while Vlad is responsible for the

the foundations, the building blocks there,’ Vanhear explains.

functionality of the app. Meanwhile, Vanhear is the assigned

What followed was a nine-month-long journey to fuse

driver, occupying the role of managing director.

Revyl’s concept within reality.

FORMING THE TEAM Vanhear teamed up with an old friend from Junior College

WHAT IS REVYL? The concept is simple: Revyl is a one-stop ticketing platform where attendees can not only purchase a ticket —

and fellow University of Malta student Gabriel Xuereb:

which Vanhear describes as a ‘three-taps-and-out’ process —

‘We always used to come up with ideas...try this, try that...

but also have it stored directly on the app for ease of access.

and when I was inspired to start Revyl, I talked to him first

‘We’re trying to make sure that the ticket is always easily

knowing he is a developer,’ says Vanhear. A somewhat

accessible. This way attendees are not put through the added

coincidental pairing brought in the third member of the

hassle of retrieving a ticket stored somewhere on their email

team: ‘I was following the BSc Business and Computing

or their file system,’ Vanhear elaborates.

start up

t was a morning like any other during the scholastic

Vanhear, who had to submit his thesis and pitch his idea in the span of five days: ‘You have to get up and remember why you are doing this,’ Vanhear insists. Having first tried out his presentation with Bartolo, Vanhear reveals that the moment of truth came when he was standing in front of his assessors, all eyes intently on him: ‘Preparation is all well and good, but once the moment comes, you have to do your pitch as best you can …’ his voice trails off, but Vanhear indicates the butterflies almost took over. Despite the obvious stress, he managed to secure the project some much-needed funding. As one of four projects to secure aid from the TAKEOFF Seed Fund, the team utilised the first weeks of summer to develop more rapidly before proceeding to contact event organisers and inform them about the newest online ticketing platform on the local market. Keith Vanhear Image courtesy of Keith Vanhear

REVEL AND THE FUTURE: BOOKING THEIR FIRST EVENTS Revyl’s soft launch came through during the Miss Malta

The platform provides additional tools for event organisers. Firstly, there is a website where organisers can easily create

Vanhear says he is thrilled with the outcome: ‘Of course

events by filling in a simple online form. From the website,

we were very anxious to launch our first event, because

events can easily be published on the app. Secondly, the

not only did we have to scan the event ticket but also the

organiser can download the Revyl Organiser app — a separate

COVID-19 vaccine certificate as that was the rule at the

app aimed at organisers — to assist with managing events,

time.’ Since the certificate could not be uploaded to Revyl,

checking in attendees, and scanning tickets.

it had to be shown separately, which prevented the scanning

Vanhear reveals that Revyl does not have a limit to the

minor setback, feedback from users was very good, with

thousand, or even one hundred thousand — it all depends on

the only issue the team encountered being a number of

the organiser, COVID-19 restrictions in place at the time, and

audience members accidentally purchasing more tickets

the capacity limit of the venue.’

than they needed. Vanhear confirms that such transactions

Following an initial meeting with Bartolo in September, the

were refunded and all was well. Following their success with the Miss Malta events, April 2022 saw the Revyl team lend their services to the

team focused their energy on laying down the foundations for

Miss Supranational beauty pageant. Vanhear admits that

Revyl. One of the building blocks was the brand identity: ‘As

the team is doing its best to reach out to event organisers

we were thinking about the name, we came across the word

to create collaborative efforts with future events. Their hope

“to revel” — which means to have fun and entertain oneself,’

is to include events such as parties, which cater for younger

Vanhear explains, adding that the second ‘e’ was replaced with

audiences who themselves might be more prone to using

‘y’ for the cool factor. Almost a year later, Vanhear admits the

mobile applications.

name was overthought: ‘We should have made it simpler so the audience doesn’t need to google it to understand it.’

start up fiction

process from flowing as smoothly as intended. Despite this

number of tickets it can process: ‘We can sell one, one

APPLYING FOR THE TAKEOFF SEED FUND

beauty pageant. Spread over four events in November 2021,

Along with his co-founders, Vanhear is now making plans to expand the technology they have built together and recruit

Vanhear reveals that thanks to Bartolo’s assistance, the

more talented people to join their team. Since these are still

application process was relatively straightforward. However,

in their ideation phase, Vanhear is careful not to divulge too

the pitching session proved most challenging, especially

much information, yet he indicates that their focus is shifting

due to its clash with the team’s end-of-semester exams and

towards marketing and sales efforts. As our conversation

assessments. The trio had to be especially strict with their time

draws to a close, Vanhear credits Bartolo one more time:

management in order to perform well on all fronts, especially

‘He was and continues to be my mentor.’

lab to life Maltese Ground Station Lowers the Cost of Accessing Space Author: Samuel Ridgeway

The night sky might remind you of space, but do you think of space when looking down at your phone? From checking the weather to looking up directions or calling friends, there are a myriad of satellites above that keep you informed and your phone connected. Now a team of researchers and engineers from the University of Malta’s Astrionics Research Group (ASTREA) are developing their own satellite and ground station for Malta to take its place in the night sky above.

applications in space. The use of commercially available

great expense of parts, maintenance, and

components can help make future space projects more

launching. However, Charles Grech, Dr Ing.

affordable by eliminating the need for custom parts.

Marc Anthony Azzopardi, Prof. Ing. Victor Buttigieg, and the rest of the ASTREA research

‘Nobody wants to be the first one to use these devices in space unless they have been tested and shown to

team are producing innovative, low-cost solutions. The

work well in space environments — the radiation, the

research comes at an important time as the 2022 Malta

temperature swings,’ explains Azzopardi. ‘The satellite acts

National Space Strategy undergoes consultation.

as an in-orbit demonstration. In a laboratory, you can only

E.T. PHONE HOME The ASTREA team is developing Malta’s first satellite, UoMSat, which will be used to test components in space.

approximate the conditions. To mimic all aspects of the space environment would become so expensive it would probably be cheaper to just launch and see what happens.’ This small, low-cost satellite is ideal for this application:

It is a pico-satellite or PocketQube, measuring 5cm x 5cm

demonstrating that the components function well

x 5cm, and it weighs no more than 250 grams. That’s

in space, reducing the risk of using them in future

about the same volume and weight as a smartphone.

missions, and allowing for space research to borrow

This may sound small, and it is. ‘By taking on particular constraints, it makes the challenge all the more interesting. But we're not just making it difficult for difficulty’s sake,’ says Azzopardi. ‘There are also valid reasons for going small:

technology from the mobile phone industry.

VALLETTA, WE HAVE A PROBLEM Launching a satellite is only half of the challenge.

reducing the size and launch costs, launching in low space

You also have to track and communicate with it.

orbit while not contributing to space debris, and smaller

That’s where a ground station comes in.

satellites can be launched repeatedly to maintain a service.’

Trying to find your lost phone down here on earth can

The size of UoMSat offers the team another advantage.

be challenging enough, but for the research team, they

It can easily house advanced components typically used in

have to find a 125cm3 needle in the haystack of space.

mobile phones such as microprocessors, sensors, battery

Whizzing across the sky at some 7km per second, 500km

technology, and case materials that have potential for

above sea level, the satellite will orbit the Earth every 90

lab to life

pace is often out of reach due to the

PLANE WAVE

When waves from multiple sources interact, they tend to combine and interfere along many different directions. The process of constructive interference is when the peaks and troughs of individual waves add up to create a stronger resultant wave in a particular direction. Using the phased array, we can control that direction by adjusting the relative phase of each individual source in the array.

Φ1 Φ2 Φ3 Φ4

TIME

minutes and will be visible from Malta for three passes in the morning and three passes in the evening, with

demands of existing traditional systems already opens up

each pass lasting between 5 and 10 minutes. Only during

other opportunities. The performance of the system is not

those short windows will the research team be able to

comparable to military grade systems, but nonetheless,

send and receive data directly from their satellite.

with practically no additional costs, we're starting to tap

Typically, ground station antennae are steered with

Charles Grech. ‘If you don't know the location of the satellite,

the drawbacks of wear and tear, slow steering response,

you’re basically waving a wand and pointing to every possible

expensive maintenance, and an inability to track multiple

location of the sky, and you'll find it's just not going to be

satellites at once pushed the research team to look for

feasible, considering a satellite would cross the sky within

a different solution. They landed on a phased array.

a couple of minutes. So we’re creating a tool via this beam

A phased array system consists of a series of antennae

steering to scan the sky to see where the highest power

that each emit or receive a signal with a specific time delay.

signal is coming from. This would tell us the direction of

This means the antenna can point without any physical

arrival of the satellite signal and implicitly where it is in orbit.’ The ground station’s dome of antennae will take pride

to a specific continuous hum. You can hear it in both ears,

of place on the roof of the University of Malta’s Faculty

but the noise is louder in your right ear — indicating that

of Engineering building, on top of the University’s new

the humming is coming from the right. Both antennae

Radio Lab. In order to build a compact system to fit on

are picking up the signal, but it is stronger on the right,

the roof, Grech had to design an impressive 20-sided

indicating where the satellite is. The multiple antennae of a

geometric dome, with each triangular side consisting of four

phased array does this in many directions using constructive

triangular patches of antennae. There are still challenges

interference as radio waves combine to electronically

to reducing the size, because the team are using ultra high

steer the beam — both for receiving and sending signals.

frequency (UHF) radio waves of 435MHz which have a

GROUND CONTROL TO UNIVERSITY OF MALTA Phased arrays are typically used in telecommunications

wavelength of around 70cm, compared to the 89.7MHz used by radio stations. Each ground station antenna, of which there are seventy-two, needs to be around half this length and spaced out for a good reception. Furthermore,

and military applications. They are expensive to deploy

the satellite would ideally have its own 35cm antennae — a

and may easily involve six or seven-digit figure costs.

difficult task for something with sides only 5cm long!

The ASTREA team’s challenge has been to build a small lab to life

into certain benefits at a high level. That's critical,’ explains

mechanical parts to point them at the moving satellite. Yet

movement. Imagine each of your ears is an antenna listening

‘Coming up with an entry-level system which meets the

system capable of fulfilling their needs for only €10,000.

Azzopardi explains, ‘So we establish a link. We send a command. We interrogate the satellites, and the satellite

relays the information back down, also as a radio wave.’ The ground station phase array locates the satellite in the sky by electronically steering towards its radio signal; the station sends a radio signal to the satellite asking it for a process like data transfer; the satellite sends a radio signal back to the station with the data encoded in it; and the ground station receives that data, and the researchers can review it. The appeal of this innovative, affordable ground station design extends beyond the University. In addition to being able to receive signals from other satellites using UHF radio waves, it further reduces the cost of accessing space, and the technology could be packaged and used by other universities or companies.

ONE SMALL SATELLITE FOR MALTA... One giant leap for Malta’s space policy. This is what the ASTREA team are working towards. Grech smiles, ‘From a personal point of view, I mean this is Malta’s first satellite. So every person contributing to the project is contributing to basically a historic aspect for the country. You know, there is a certain element of pride that one also gets from the project.’ Malta’s first National Space Policy was published in 2017, potentially accelerated by the fact that the satellite project was already underway and the University’s researchers were showing interest in space. This year sees a consultation on the 2022 Malta National Space Strategy, and there are hopes of continued funding, ambition, and awareness of the efforts to put Malta in space. Collaboration will also continue to be an essential part of the ASTREA team’s research. ‘Having one project which combines the different capabilities and strengths helps bring the community together. This was highly student driven. Different students started coming in and chipping in to the different subsystems that would eventually come a together to do a complete satellite. From nearly every aspect, this project was developed incrementally by many, many students, and there’s probably been a couple of dozen by now,’ says Azzopardi. Currently, the satellite is due to be fully functional by 2024, with a launch date to be confirmed once funding for it is secured. Grech looks forward to that, ‘We are proud. We certainly will be chuffed the day we launch, and even more chuffed after having managed to read any [data] out of it!’ When that day comes, you can look up at the night sky and see a glint of Malta among the stars. Perhaps before then, you will only need to look up to the roof of the University of Malta Engineering Faculty, and you’ll see the ground station — a reminder of space close to home, a reminder that space is within reach. Project ASTREA is financed by the MCST, for and on behalf of the Foundation for Science and Technology, through FUSION: The R&I technology Development Programme 2019.

lab to life

3D rendering of the geodesic dome of antennae arrays which will sit on top of the University's new Radio Lab at the Faculty of Engineering.(below) Photos courtesy of Charles Grech

fiction

Bird Songs and Conquering Thoughts Written by

Martina G. Mifsud

pen it.

wounds with yellow-stained cotton. It pulsed to the rhythm

Dominic frowned at the sealed crimson

of his heart when he bandaged it. However, he paid no mind

letter on his desk. A small bird pecked at it

as he returned to his desk and stared at the unopened letter,

incessantly, as if it held seeds within. House

imagining it burning under his gaze and disappearing forever.

sparrow, he thought. Birds like those belonged among flocks

He grabbed it and set it back down again when there was a

of pigeons, picking out bits from the concrete. Instead it was

knock on the door. He was about to ignore it when it knocked

here on a chilly January morning.

again — more persistently. It reverberated in his apartment

His small apartment was not a place for any animal. It was too cramped for anything living except for him.

creaked open. He held the edge firmly and peeked. His friend, Rich, stood there, about to knock again. The

a wooden door leading to the outside wedged between

20-year-old’s skin looked horribly tanned. Rich, whose nose

them. A subtle odour of mould seeped through the flaxen-

bridge was so low (almost in line with his cheekbones) that

coloured walls. The only natural light came from a book-sized

Dominic had to resist the urge to grab it and jerk it upwards.

window over his desk, which faced the outside door. The light

His face was in a distorted expression of dismay.

patch of bleached wood occupied the centre of the room. He shooed the brown-marked bird away, and with a chirp, it took off. Its feathers, its feet, and its delicate beak turned to glass, and the bird struck the ground, shattering into small, glimmering pieces. A single glass feather rested on the bird’s remains, which Dominic picked up and crushed in his hand. Warm red liquid bloomed like welts on his palm. He rose and cleaned his hand in the bathroom sink, grinning triumphantly fiction

and ears until he unlocked the door with a click, and it

The bathroom and the kitchen counter faced each other,

bleached the floorboards, and now a small window-shaped

His hand sang with stinging pain as he disinfected his

No. Not yet.

as he picked out shards of glass sticking out of his skin.

'You look horrible,' Rich said. 'What do you want, Swann?' he demanded, his voice as sharp as the edge of a knife. 'Relax, I come in peace. I just need to talk to you.' Rich scanned him from head to toe. 'Am I interrupting something?' Dominic glanced at the unopened letter and then back at him. 'I’m busy.' 'You’ve been cooped up in there for days, man. You need to talk to someone.' 'What I need is some quiet.'

Finally, he said, 'Fine, but remember

In a fit of rage, he shoved the birds’

this: birds may learn to fly on their

nest off his desk, and it splattered

Rich dropped his gaze.

own, but first they need a nest to

into white dust that flew everywhere

take off from.'

and anywhere, covering not just the

'Oh,' he said. A smile grew on his face, teeth shining like pearls. 'For how long?'

The words lingered in the air as

Dominic played with the doorknob

he walked away, and the songbirds

floor, but his cupboards, his cabinets, the patch of bleached wood which

absently. 'Since the beginning of the

stopped pecking each other and flew

seemed to be growing larger,

year, but it’s become worse these

out behind him, singing to themselves

and larger—

past two days. Ever since I received

and, to his surprise, him too.

He sat down and stared at the

**** Five hours later, and the letter was

letter. Something in him wanted to

It barely had a chance to ruffle its

still on the desk, but its colour had

him wanted Rich to stubbornly barge

feathers before the first songbird

darkened to scarlet. Almost black, like

into his apartment and open his letter

began to peck its head, as if it was

the night outside the house was trying

for him. To be done with it. He crossed

trying to crack its skull open.

that letter.' A second songbird joined the first.

leap out and tear it apart. A part of

to consume it. Like the slight bite in

his arms and slumped on his desk as

'I remember when I received mine.'

the air, like the quiet that hung in his

if a weight landed on his back. The

Rich chuckled at the memory. 'It was

apartment. Like the bird that pecked

clock on his desk ticked. A child would

frogs for me. I opened it on the tenth

at his letter. Everything wanted to

have torn it open with excitement. An

morning I found frog eggs in the

consume everything.

adult, with impatience. But Dominic

bathroom sink.'

The birds kept coming and coming.

'What happened after you opened it?'

Two warblers appeared out of

'I can’t tell you that,' he said playfully.

nowhere and played with his letter,

was neither. How would he open the letter? What would he find? It was different for everyone.

'I’m sorry, but you’ll have to see for

tossing it to each other in mid-flight

A bird landed on the kitchen

yourself. It’s different for everyone.'

as he tried to grab it. A skylark sang

counter and inched towards him

on his bed, overcome with joy as if no

cautiously. His head remained buried

doorknob. 'Then you understand why

worries existed in its world. One time,

in his arms. He was done with these

I need to do this by myself.'

a nest of six little chicks had appeared

distractions. Done with these doubts,

on his kitchen counter, peeping for

these questions, and no answers to

his mind, as always. He would never

their mother bird. When their mother

any of them. All he wanted to do was

let a wrong word slip, and if he did, he

finally came (it was another house

lie down and stay still forever. All he

would ruminate for days — at least,

sparrow), she had earthworms in her

wanted was—

from what Dominic remembered about

beak. The chicks ate them, and after a

his friend. The problem was, though,

few minutes, their eyes rolled up into

Dominic looked up slowly. The bird. It

that he could never guess what words

their sockets, and they died. Dominic

hopped next to the letter and nudged

turned the cogs of his mind until he

saw the mother nudging their dead

it with its beak, nudged it towards him.

spoke them.

bodies as if trying to bring them back.

He grabbed the letter and opened it.

Dominic’s grip tightened around the

Rich hesitated. Something occupied

A peck on his arm. One. Two. Three.

fiction

A songbird landed next to Rich’s polished shoes. It pecked at the door.

alumni

What Makes a Book Autism Friendly? Author: Timothy Alden

We might fondly remember our first Read with Me Ladybird book, but for some children on the spectrum, the experience of reading a book can be challenging. University of Malta alumna Michelle Mifsud is writing her first book written specifically with this in mind.

hat makes a book autism

languages with sciences, and it felt like the

friendly? Asking Michelle

perfect fit. As a child, I was obsessed with

Mifsud that question,

the movie Paulie, which I watched on repeat.

the conversation takes

The little girl in it had a stutter, and that was

us on a journey to

my first introduction to speech therapy.’

unexpected places. It is only fitting, given that Michelle is writing a story to take children

eyes open for further learning opportunities. She

on an adventure intended to both delight

would find herself studying at the Royal College

and inspire the imagination. Like any journey,

of Speech and Language Therapists, where King

however, we should start at the beginning. We

George VI, who awarded Malta the George Cross,

asked Michelle what first gave her the idea to

received speech therapy for his stammer. There,

write an autism-friendly book for children.

Michelle undertook a short training course on

Our tale therefore begins at the University of

alumni

inclusive storytelling for children with additional

Malta, where Michelle graduated in 2016 as a

needs. She learned how rhythm and rhyme can be

speech language pathologist. She later obtained

instrumental in teaching these children. Having

her MSc from the University of Sheffield in 2020

always loved writing, an idea bloomed in Michelle's

in Language and Communication Impairment

mind on the flight out of London. Scribbling

in Children, with distinction no less.

down her ideas, a vision began to take shape.

‘I loved my time at the University of Malta,’

Having started on this journey, Michelle kept her

What started as an idea became a collaboration

Michelle tells us. ‘They were genuinely my best

as her sister and avid writer, Marilyn Formosa,

years, where I met the friends of a lifetime.

joined in the effort to write this book. They

I was lucky to have had very supportive

were also joined by a friend who offered to do

lecturers and an encouraging department. I

the pictures for them. What set these pictures

got into the course because I wanted to merge

apart from usual ones, however, was that these

Featured illustrations courtesy of Sharon Naudi

would be hand-painted in watercolour. The artist, Sharon Naudi, is also a literacy support teacher, making her especially suited for this role. What followed was research to discover the ingredients for an autism-friendly book.

WHAT MAKES A BOOK AUTISM FRIENDLY? A questionnaire was sent to parents with children on the spectrum, asking them what they thought their children liked and disliked when reading books and challenging them to imagine how their child might react to certain pictures or ideas. Many parents indicated that they liked books which had tasks or questions in the story, so that they could interact with their children while reading the book. One clear conclusion was that there was no magic rule and no clear guide on how to write or paint the book. Both out of personal interest and recognising that space is a fascinating subject for many children today, Michelle wanted to depict a trip through the stars. Along the way, Michelle and her sister planned for animals in extraordinary colours. ’What was clear, however, was that while patterns and trends such as rhyme, rhythm, and colour might be broadly ticking all the boxes for everyone,’ Michelle explains.

alumni

appealing, everyone is different, and there is no key to Michelle Mifsud

Nonetheless, from broad experience

goes that some children on the

inclusive combination of techniques,

as well as her training, Michelle's vision

spectrum in Malta may associate the

offering innovations to therapists,

crystalised, but the journey was far

Maltese language with stress, because

teachers, and parent groups

from over. The book will take more

they find social situations difficult, and

alike. It emphasises not only the

time to print, and asking Michelle

those situations usually require the

aforementioned use of rhyme, rhythm,

about the experience of publication

use of Maltese. Several children on

and even poetry, but the value of

in Malta was insightful in of itself.

the spectrum tend to pick up a lot of

storytelling to educate children.

language from television and tablets.

Education which involves storytelling

This helps them to mimic the accent

simply leads to better results —

and intonation with a high degree of

being more engaging, interesting,

printers were resistant to taking on

precision. Therefore, children on the

and exciting. In one study from

this sort of book in English. Although

spectrum prefer English, because

2011, with continuous exposure to

preferring to write in English to express

as the language of digital media, it

particular stories, students gradually

her vision, printers pushed hard for a

is a more controlled environment,

realised that they could achieve a

Maltese book, given the substantial

and they therefore develop more

higher level of comprehension by

number of English language books

comfortable associations with it. For

listening to larger meaningful units

imported regardless. That being said,

example, digital media offers the

rather than individual words.

the team is very grateful to have found

chance to edit and reflect before

a local printer who supports their work.

posting, while physical interactions

enjoyed the most so far about the

Regarding the choice of language,

are instantaneous. Digital media can

experience of writing her book,

Michelle shared a fascinating insight,

also be enjoyed alone in comfort and

she pointed to the rhyme written

‘Children on the spectrum often

privacy, with the choice of stimuli

throughout the story and the creative

prefer to speak in English rather than

open to picking and choosing.

use of language — not to mention

PRINTING LOCALLY An unexpected discovery was that

Michelle’s studies have helped to

the friendly bickering with her sister

her that they can barely understand

inform her about the various ways to

about the choice of vocabulary and

their child, speaking in English with

encourage more active learning. One

the number of syllables! However,

American accents, despite being in a

of these techniques, ‘Lis’n Tell’, has

while enjoying the writing itself,

purely Maltese speaking environment.

found its way into her book. ‘Lis’n Tell’

she also pointed to the thrill of

Maltese.’ Some parents have told

has been at the forefront of the use

seeing their words brought to life in

said that there is a huge debate around

and development of storytelling in

watercolour. Her collaboration with

this phenomenon. One popular theory

speech and language therapy. It is an

Sharon was outside the paradigm

alumni

Asked why this is the case, Michelle

Asking Michelle what she had

of what most local printers would accept — but it was a way to see her ideas brought faithfully to life in a new medium. After all, Michelle pointed out, it simply would not be the same without the whole team involved from its inception. Looking ahead, Michelle is not yet sure when the book will be printed. While the journey is not yet over, there is much to look forward to when Michelle is ready to print what will be her very first book. Her experience has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to Malta, and writing the book has been educational in itself. Evidently, when the time is right, and the book is ready, Malta's children will be in for a special treat, with a valuable teaching resource created in the process. Further Reading: Al-Mansour, N., & Al-Shorman, R. (2011). The effect of teacher’s storytelling aloud on the reading comprehension of Saudi elementary stage students. Journal Of King Saud University - Languages And Translation, 23(2), 69-76. doi: 10.1016/j.jksult.2011.04.001

alumni

Education which involves storytelling simply leads to better results — being more engaging, interesting, and exciting.

to-do list podcast

book

Liquidated Podcast A local podcast production by frontmen Keane, Joseph, and director Mark. Various guests spice up the discussion that surely is complemented by the perfect on-screen relationship of the hosts.

movie

The Batman The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath Sylvia Plath’s semiautobiographical novel gives a glimpse into the life of a young woman in the 1950s. The book is a harrowing experience of mental illness, pressure from societal norms, and identity.

Despite the amount of criticism our beloved Edward Cullen and his lean figure received (enough to put a real smile on the Joker’s face), The Batman (2022) is a huge success that explores Bruce Wayne and the characters in a unique way, all while staying true to the origins of the comics.

youtube channel DW Documentary DW Documentary lets you travel anywhere, from the tallest skyscrapers in Mumbai to the future when we may be living in underwater buildings, all while learning about international culture, history, society… you name it!

to-do list

music

Manifest If you’ve been on a plane, you’ve probably felt the notso-irrational fear of crashing. ‘Would my loved ones be sad but eventually move on?’ Manifest explores this theoretical question that we’ve all asked ourselves (don’t deny it) through the stories of flight passengers who must re-integrate into a society where they’ve been presumed dead for over five and a half years.

instagram

LP (Laura Pergolizzi)

Toppin’ Up

An idol not only within the LGBTQ+ community, LP has awed the world with her authenticity, powerhouse voice, and androgynous aesthetic. Her talents are certainly not lost on the global music scene!

A local student-focused space offering a number of ideas, tips, tricks, and other updates of interest to students.

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SCAN ME

THINK - Issue 38

Articles inside

Covid and the Elderly

Animal Rights: A Question of Pain