Society Archives – Page 26 of 37

You don’t know what soup is: digital game as philosophical artefact

In the early days, storytelling played a big part in philosophy. In the Allegory of the Cave, Plato exhibited the difference between the perception of reality and its true form with the use of fire and shadows. Experiments followed. Wittgenstein’s thought experiment—about a beetle in a box which no one can see but you—is meant to demonstrate that our use of language and its functionality is not affected by the fact that, ultimately, we do not know what is in one another’s box. Now, however, there is a new game in town.

When desalination is the only option left

The Water Services Corporation (WSC) has recently announced that it will construct a Seawater Reverse Osmosis Plant at Ħondoq ir-Rummien in Gozo. To the casual observer, having a reverse osmosis plant on the island might seem like a necessary and commendable way of ensuring an adequate and independent water supply. However, Gozo has been meeting its water demands efficiently through a groundwater polishing plant since 2005, importing just 20% of its water from the Ċirkewwa reverse osmosis plant, a facility that is not being used to capacity. So a pertinent question arises: why is a reverse osmosis plant being considered?

bottled water desalination drinking water ecological Environment EU drinking water standards europe Gozo hondoq ir-rummien local water plan malta natural water purified water reverse osmosis sustainability the malta water association underground water water

The great siege of fake information

Information is under siege.

bias facts fake information fake news information internet literacy misinformation news objectivity online online content perception politics reliable sources social media subjectivity tone of voice understanding

(Re)diffusion

As part of his Ph.D. at the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, Department of Digital Arts (University of Malta), Matthew Galea has developed an interactive sound art piece entitled (Re)diffusion.

department of digital arts design faculty of media and knowledge sciences FEMA interactive mass communication mass media point and shoot radio rediffusion sensory sound television weapons of mass distractions

Mainstream gender = mainstream funding

Research agendas change throughout the years. Historical context and economics play a distinct part in what is placed on the priority list. Presently, gender is on top.Keeping in line with the ‘gender mainstreaming’ policies within the EU, researchers are now being asked to put on their ‘gender lens’.

department of gender studies faculty of social wellbeing female funding gender gender issues gender issues committee gender mainstreaming horizon 2020. university of malta inequality male sex STEAM UoM

Designing the factory of the future

With consumer demand reaching new highs, automation in industry is essential. Dr Ing. Emmanuel Francalanza writes about his contribution to streamlining the complex factory design process for contemporary engineers.

From smartphones, to smartwatches, smart cars to smart houses, intelligent technology is inescapable. Busier people have made efficiency a valuable currency and thus the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), and its plethora of connected devices, has become a necessary part of everyday life. The application of this model goes way beyond the regular consumer, however. Continue reading

ai artificial intelligence big data bill gates cim computer integrated manufacturing department of industrial and manufacturing engineering design dr ing emmanuel francalanza employment engineer FactDES factory globalisation human-system interface industry industry 4.0 intelligent assistant internet of things JITIR Lego MIT university of malta UoM world economic forum

Once upon a time we had sharks

Human beings may be adversely affecting biodiversity, but can we be a help as well as a hindrance? Greg Nowell writes.

Marine life once thrived in the waters surrounding the Maltese islands, sharks included. But that is no longer the reality we see today. So, what happened? Where have all the fish gone? How can we bring them back?

ecosystem Environment fishermen global warming Greg Nowell malta marine life Mediterranean Overfishing Pollution sharks underwater

Through the VR glass

As societies evolve and take in a greater number of distinct cultures, histories, and traditions, the ability to empathise with each other becomes vital, for all our sakes. In an effort to get as close as possible to seeing life through another’s eyes, researchers from the University of Malta are creating a virtual reality experience that allows users to step into someone else’s shoes.
Words by Dr Vanessa Camilleri.

From a young age we are often taught that if we want to understand someone else’s perspective, we must first walk a mile in their shoes. This ability to place ourselves in another’s position is what we call empathy. This component of emotional intelligence is known to increase prosocial behaviour and reduce individualistic traits, meaning that it can lead to a better quality of life where practiced, whether at home, in the workplace, or any other environment.

acceptance behaviour Department of Artificial Intelligence department of digital arts Dr Vanessa camilleri empathy faculty of ict faculty of media and knowledge sciences family foundation for shelter and support to migrants hci human-computer interaction immersive experience interactivity multiculturalism school society st theresa's college story writing Unity university of malta UoM virtual reality virtual world VR vr system

Stuck in the middle with the fumes

Since the 1960s heavy fuel oil (HFO) has reigned supreme as the king of maritime fuels. It was efficient and cheap; its use spread far and wide. International shipping boomed on its success. Even today, this industry handles 90% of the world’s trade volume. For many, HFO is the lifeblood of the maritime shipping industry. But it has a dark side…

emissions Environment environmental engineer fumes Giordan Lighthouse Gozo Gozo Campus heavy fuel oil HFO IMO International Maritime Organisation LNG malta Maltese Islands marine pollution marine vehicles Mediterranean oil pollutants Prof. Raymond Ellul SECA standard ships STEAM university of malta UoM

Making Tourism Work

Tourism has long been an integral part of the Maltese economy. But a big dose of change is sorely needed if we’re to keep the money coming in without selling our souls in the process. Julian Christopher Zarb explains why.

economy government malta policy tourism tourists