Malta’s steps towards becoming the ‘Blockchain Island’ have seen some criticism lately. Dr Joshua Ellul is the chairperson of Malta’s Digital Innovation Authority and co-ordinates UM’s Masters Degree in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies, both new enterprises. Jonathan Firbank is in conversation with Dr Ellul about Malta’s efforts.
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Road transportation makes up to 20% of all global emissions. Electric cars are one of the many ways we can help the environment. But there are a few features that electric cars are lacking. THINK’s Sam Shingles gets in touch with Dr Robert Camilleri (Institute of Aerospace Technologies, University of Malta) to find out how they plan to lead the way!
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Archives help preserve the past. Modern archives are dependent on technology. What happens when the technology used to store the past becomes obsolete? Will this information be lost forever at the next update? Words by David Mizzi.
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Medical diagnosis relies on data. A physician observes and analyzes a patient’s vital signals to assess their condition and prescribe adequate treatment. The more accurate and reliable the data, the better the treatment. Through the use of technology, digital health allows both physicians and patients real-time access to medical data.
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Can we reduce the level of pain perception in the brain? Distraction therapy has been used by health professionals for years to help children and young people cope with painful procedures. The aim is to take the focus of the patient away from the pain and concentrate on something else instead. Books, games, music, and toys are some of the many types of distraction therapy.
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Design is a transformation process. The idea is to transform problems into solutions through creative design thinking. With guidance from Dr Lawrence Farrugia, Daniela Quacinella, and Dr Sarah Pulé, we (Benjamin Farrugia and Andrea Gerada) have researched and designed a conceptual product-service which could revolutionise the marine fire rescue industry using drone technology.
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The maritime industry is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas emissions. While newly introduced legislation helps control this hazard, it has significantly increased the burden for Port State and environmental authorities. Antónia Ribeiro interviews Nicky Borg, the founder of local start-up Marine Hound, to discover how their original smart buoys can help solve the problem.
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Satellite observation helps us understand our environment down on the ground. From tracking ocean currents to studying sinkholes, the applications are endless as long as the technology can keep up.
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Local researchers from the DRIFT (Dense Recording of In-Shoe Foot Temperatures) project team are investigating foot health in patients with diabetes. In collaboration with Mater Dei Hospital, researchers are developing smart insoles, a system with embedded thermal sensors that measure foot temperatures. THINK got in touch with Chiara Modestini, podiatrist and researcher with DRIFT, to find out more.
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Virtual assistants, such as Alexa or Siri, are gaining popularity and becoming our new family members. But these technologies are often designed with English in mind. How can we teach our virtual assistants other languages, such as Maltese? THINK’s Christian Keszthelyi speaks with Prof. Patrizia Paggio, Prof. Ray Fabri, and Prof. Albert Gatt from the Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology (University of Malta) to find out more.
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