• Applied Research Themes

    • Applied Water Research

      • Research Profile

        Malta has the lowest water resources index and highest water competition index in the whole of the Mediterranean basin. Given this, challenges are placed for the nation to be in the forefront of both water technology and in the skilling of water operations and management, whilst operating within challenging socio-economic conditions. It is within this setting that the Water Research and Training Centre holds strong potential. The centre focuses on water enterprise, as it aims to embody the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations in the water field, as well as solving the challenges that are encountered locally.  The Centre focuses on areas such as Water Efficiency, Water Quality, Water Meter Research & Apparent Water Losses, and Water Treatment.  It looks into industry skills gaps, providing for programmes in water technology and management that range from EQF Level 4 to 7.


      • Research Groups, Centres or Hubs

      • Researcher Profiles

      • Post-Graduate Related Programmes

        MSc in Integrated Water Resource Management

      • Select Publications & Dissertations

        • IAS01_2019 IAS-CAAS  BSc in Chemical Technology: Determination of storm water quality within catchment area/s.
        • IAS73_2018 IAS-CAAS   BSc in Chemical Technology: Comparison between heavy metals in mains water supply and roof tank water supply.
        • IAS67_2018 IAS-CAAS   BSc in Chemical Technology: Developing a method for the identification of microplastics in the Maltese marine environment.
        • IAS44_2018 IAS-CAAS   BSc in Environmental Engineering:  The distribution of Marine Pollutants in the Maltese Islands.
        • IAS15_2018 IAS-CAAS   BSc in Fish Management:   A pilot study investigating offshore Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) egg incubation for hatching and release into the wild.
        • IAS02_2018 IAS - CAAS  BSc Environmental Engineering: Overview of Greywater Recycling Systems: Assessing the Sustainability of Greywater Recycling Systems in Small Organisations.
        • Enhancing Water Meter In-Service Testing and Replacement Decisions 

    • SPRINT-Hub

    • OptiMaL

      • Optimisation & Machine Learning Research Group:


        Team Members

      • Researcher Profiles

      • Post-Graduate Related Programmes

        • Masters by Research in Optimisation and Machine Learning

        Link to Specialist module content

      • Research Profile

        Artificial Intelligence (AI) is undoubtedly a disruptive force and with the recent advances in the field of Machine Learning, specifically in the field of deep learning, machines have continued to achieve human (and superhuman) levels of performance. The National High-level Policy document - ‘Towards an AI Strategy’ - identifies AI as a potentially strong contributor to Malta’s economic growth. The core research themes of the optimisation and machine learning group, Optimal, are directed towards the conclusions derived from this national strategy. The team’s strongest asset is in its multidisciplined members.

        The team looks at collaboration opportunities with industry that involves big data analytics. The application of big data analytics across the whole spectrum of the service and manufacturing industries is able to reveal key insights that are otherwise left uncovered. These insights benefit cost saving and revenue opportunities in the manufacturing industry and faster lifesaving diagnoses and clinical research in the life sciences industries.    Collaboration with industry ensures that the team stays focused on providing solutions to real-world problems.

        Such alliances also lead to the identification of areas that require upskilling efforts. The team can readily develop custom training programmes to fill such needs, needs that arise from Industry 4.0 requirements.

      • Select Publications & Dissertations


        TypeDateTitleComments
        Dissertation2019Algorithms for Optical Artificial Skin: Touch and Pressure Detection
        Paper2019Integrated Position and Force Sensing for Optical Artificial Skin using Machine Learning MethodsUnder Review
        Dissertation2019Classification and Analysis of Bio-Potential Signals
        Dissertation2019Vision Based Control System of an Industrial Robotic Arm
        Dissertation2019Design and building a Whistle Detector for Person With Hearing Impairment
        Dissertation2018Capacitive Finger Detection for Biomedical Applications
        Dissertation2018Classification of EMG signals
        Dissertation2018Classification of Medical Images
        Dissertation2018Design of a Vision Based Eye Tracking Control System
        Paper2018Development of a New Low-Cost EMG Monitoring System for the Classification of Finger MovementNGCAS 2018
        Paper2018Dimensional Optimisation of a MEMS BPSK to ASK Converter in SOIMUMPsIntegration - VLSI Journal
        Dissertation2018GAPP - Generating, Analysing and Playing Piano Pieces
        Paper2009An Efficient Algorithm for the Control of Reconfigurable Pixel Microstrip AntennasAdvances in Circuits, Electronics and Micro-electronics,






    • Learning Technologies


      • Scope and Aims

         

        The ICTAR Learning Technologies research theme provides a setting for the sharing of the latest theories, applications, and services related to planning, developing, managing, using, and evaluating information technologies in academic and vocational education, multimedia learning, as well as other innovative educational technologies like intelligent systems, AR and VR.

        The aims of the research theme are to:

        1. Develop eLearning strategies and systems.
        2. Explore new uses of technology in education.
        3. Conduct case studies detailing examples of technology applications in higher education.
        4. In-depth analysis of the latest theories, applications and services in the field.

      • Proposed initiatives:

        1. Analysis of current eLearning initiatives in the context of the ICT institute/MCAST.
        2. Learner profiling - Adaptation of sequencing material type depending on learner behaviour. 
        3. Production of high quality eLearning content to support lecturers. (which includes the application of UDL principles)

      • Key Projects

        • FUSION R&I 2019 036 – Augmented Reality in Catering

      • Select Publications & Dissertations

        • Cauchi, M. & Scerri, D., 2019. Enriching Tourist UX via a Location Based AR Treasure Hunt Game. In 2019 IEEE 9th International Conference on Consumer Electronics-Berlin (ICCE-Berlin) IEEE.Link 2

        • Cassar, L.B. and Inguanez, F., 2018, September. ARC: Augmented Reality for Catering. In 2018 IEEE 8th International Conference on Consumer Electronics-Berlin (ICCE-Berlin) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.

        • Galea, L. & Scerri, D., 2019. Crime Scene Detective Training via Virtual Reality. (Dissertation)

    • Information Security & Digital Forensics

      • Scope and Aims

        The ICTAR Information Security & Digital Forensics research theme focuses on security best practices within the information security world as well as methodologies, techniques and best practices within digital forensics.

        The aims of this research theme are to:
        1. Promote and raise awareness about security guidelines and best practices
        2. Collaborate and assist industry partners to meet security requirements and standards

      • Select Publications & Dissertations

        • Cilia, D. and Inguanez, F., 2018, September. Multi-Model authentication using keystroke dynamics for Smartphones. In 2018 IEEE 8th International Conference on Consumer Electronics-Berlin (ICCE-Berlin) (pp. 1-6). IEEE.
        • Cilia, D. and Inguanez, F., Typing Biometrics as a Form of Passive User Authentication. MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice, p.87.

    • Artificial Intelligence

      • Research Profile

        Artificial Intelligence is revolutionary in many ways. It has changed society; the way humans communicate and act. Most recently, there has been a rebirth in the field of AI for the betterment of humanity. AI is changing everything from healthcare, travel, warfare, robotics, education and more.

        Specialising in machine learning, deep learning and the semantic web, the ICTAR Artificial Intelligence research theme aims to support students in their research as well as undertake funded research projects related to AI.

      • Select Publications & Dissertations

        • Sciberras, R. and Inguanez, F., 2018, September. Road traffic flow estimation via public IP cameras. In 2018 IEEE 8th International Conference on Consumer Electronics-Berlin (ICCE-Berlin) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.
        • T. Gatt, D. Seychell and A. Dingli, "Detecting human abnormal behaviour through a video generated model," 2019 11th International Symposium on Image and Signal Processing and Analysis (ISPA), Dubrovnik, Croatia, 2019, pp. 264-270. doi: 10.1109/ISPA.2019.8868795

    • Games Research


    • Digital Distributed Ledgers, Cryptocurrencies & FinTech

    • Nursing Research

      • Research Profile

        Nursing research is critical and necessary for influencing current and future nursing practice in achieving quality, safe and innovative care. A research-active nursing team within our educational Institution is fundamental in contributing to the necessary evidence-base that supports quality care and enhance integration between the theory and practice, with a view to optimise students’ learning.

        Nurses form one of the largest components of the healthcare workforce and their role has evolved significantly, with nurses working across a variety of settings. The demands placed on this profession in response to a changing demographic and improvement in life expectancy, further warrants the need for continuous research to identify ways of addressing these challenges. 
         
        The nursing team aspires towards shaping nurse education that is rooted in evidence-based practice and contribute to the overall body of knowledge to influence nursing practice that optimises patient outcomes.

      • Key Projects

        An exploration of hydration practices in the Maltese residential elderly homes
        Intercultural Nursing
        Quality of life (QOL) and job satisfaction of nurses and midwives in Malta

      • Researcher Profiles

        Ms Phyllis Farrugia Abanifi
        Ms Francesca Micallef
        Mr Neville Schembri
        Mr Alan Sciberras Narmaniya
        Mr Jonathan Vella
        Ms Marisa Vella

    • Social, Humanistic and Educational Research

      Applied Social Research encompasses social science disciplines which seek to use basic social science knowledge to make an impact on the daily life of communities, organizations and persons. Applied Humanistic Research gives leading importance to human beings, their created meaning and actions in research so at to improve the state of human kind in a wide range of contexts. Applied Educational Research denotes the systemic collection and analysis of data connected to the field of Education, amongst which; student learning, development and human attributes, teaching methodology, teacher training, student retention, classroom dynamics, educational organisations, and educational strategies that contribute to the educational outcome. 

      The above three aspects though being independent, may be also interdependent in research since the core principles are situated in improving the state of human kind, disciplines, organizations, communities and contexts. This interdependent research can be exemplified by the fusion of biopsychosocial and educational research.


    • Hairdressing, Beauty and Complementary Therapies

      This area of research includes projects aimed at improving the practice and services provided within the beauty and hairdressing field.  Research aims to improve practices such as skin care, manicure and pedicure, depilation, make-up services, eyebrow and eyelash treatments as well as treatments for the purpose of relaxation and stress.  Further insights into alternative therapies such as reflexology, stone therapy and aromatherapy can be explored.  Highly valuable research to be considered under this theme includes the social aspects of providing hairdressing, beauty and complementary therapies and how the service provided to the customers can be improved. 


      • The Creative Arts Practitioner: Research in Aesthetics, Influences and Processes


        • This research theme highlights projects carried out by the artistic practitioner, where theory and practice are unified through an exploration of the artistic process and by obtaining an understanding of theoretical influences on the artistic product. 

          Artistic research projects at MCAST Institute for the Creative Arts adopt a broad spectrum of approaches:

          - Development of artistic practice from theoretical research

          - Auto-ethnographic research of the creative process

          - Practice in research methods



        • Researcher Profiles


      • Theoretical Research in the Creative Arts

        Artistic practice and theoretical understanding of the arts are interrelated and they are strongly dependent on each other. This research theme encapsulates all studies focussing on defining and exploring theoretical aspects of the creative arts, which ultimately forms the foundation of creative arts practice. Current research falling under this theme focus on the development of a theoretical understanding of the cyberpunk genre, as well as the understanding of the adaptation of the philosophical graphic novel into film.


      • Research in Arts Pedagogy

        Pedagogical methods in the creative arts have always given rise to research questions in all artistic fields, particularly in the development of models of teaching the arts through an approach that naturally arises from artistic activity. Furthermore, with the arts sector being one of the most dynamic sectors in the industry, artists and professionals in the creative industry are in constant search to test the boundaries of their practices. This means that creative arts education has to keep pace with these developments by equipping the students with the best education for the present and the future. Research in creative arts pedagogy and methodology endows the art educator with the ability to keep up with the required upgrades and innovations in the ever-changing creative industries. 


      • Applied Marketing Research


        • Research Profile


          Marketing Research plays a key role in business management and decision making, providing representation and understanding of the market environment, as well as a prediction of the outcomes related to a planned marketing decision. Unlike basic marketing research, that is aimed more at expanding the general knowledge in the subject, applied marketing research focuses more on solving specific pragmatic problems to obtain a better understanding of the market itself, resulting in tailored marketing strategies and a reduction of uncertainty in management decision making. Thus, the objectives of Applied Marketing Research within the IBMC is to provide insights and understanding of the nature of marketing phenomena, with a particular focus at the local stakeholders. Moreover, such research will eventually be able to provide local stakeholders with quantitative and qualitative marketing research methodologies that might suit better their own needs, thus improving the decision making and management processes.

        • Researchers


          Carmelina Frendo

          Ms Frendo’s areas of specialization are Strategic Management, Marketing and Consumer Behaviour. Before joining MCAST, she was the head of the Marketing Research Unit at GO plc where she gained extensive experience in monitoring consumer trends and conducting feasibility studies focusing on the commercialisation of new technologies in the Maltese market. In the last three years, she focused her research interest on the attitudes of the Maltese towards renewable energy and initiatives to protect the environment.

          Rachel Curmi

          Ms Curmi comes from a Business & Computing (BSc) background and later moved into management. She gained extensive professional experience in the field of transport & logistics, marketing,  web analytics, sales conversion funnel, amongst the others. Her research interest focuses principally on Applied Marketing Research using a Cluster Analysis approach, as well as statistical and machine learning tools to perform business analytics. In the past, she also researched in the field of vocational education working on a project entitled ‘Remaining the Vocational Professional: A Grounded Theory Study of IVET Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development’.

          Linniker Grech

        • Selected Publications & Dissertations


          Frendo C. (2018). ‘The Attitudes of Maltese Consumers towards Renewable Energy: An Investigation’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 2 (1), 59-67.

          Curmi T. (2019). ‘Remaining the Vocational Professional: A Grounded Theory Study of IVET Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 3 (2), 4-23.

      • Economy, finance and accounting

        • Research Profile


          This research category encompasses three important aspects - economy, finance and accounting.  These are three important areas that are at the heart of IBMC. Aspects relating to the economy, finance, financial management, sources of finance, accounting and entrepreneurship play an important role in research opportunities. These are considered as instrumental for the success of every business. Amongst other things, through this research theme, research can be conducted as to how vital elements in an economy contribute to the economic growth of Malta and how it lends itself as a pull factor for foreign financial services companies to set up shop locally. 

        • Researchers


          Luke Vella

          Mr Vella is a lecturer at IBMC lecturing on the degree in Financial Services Management. His lecturing portfolio includes units that are mostly concerned with financial markets and economics. Mr Vella got a degree in Economics (Hons) and specialised further by obtaining a Masters in Economics. Given his background, his research interests focus mainly on Macroeconomics and Econometrics. Before working at MCAST, Mr Vella gained professional expertise working at the Central Bank of Malta within the financial stability department.

          Theresa Demanuele Montebello

          Theresa Demanuele Montebello is a Senior Lecturer at IBMC. Her main areas of interest relate to poverty & education, gender equality/gender pay gap, female entrepreneurship and women in employment, financial management and accounting of voluntary work. In particular, she would like to continue her research in the field of poverty, gender and education that she started working on during her Master in Research.

          Linniker Grech

        • Selected Publications & Dissertations


          Vella L. (2016). ‘The effect of air pollution on property prices in Malta: a hedonic analysis’, BA thesis, Faculty of Economics, University of Malta.

          Vella L. (2018). ‘The Macro Economic Factors affecting Property Prices in Malta’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 2 (1), 4-27.

          Tabone DL., Vella L. (2019). ‘Labour Migration into Malta and the Effect on the Maltese Economy’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 3 (1), 42-68.

          Demanuele Montebello T. (2019). ‘Alleviating Poverty In Malta: Changing Minds Through Education’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 3 (1), 20-41.

          Micallef MC. (2018) ‘Gender equality: A study on equal opportunities for women employed in the private sector within the financial services industry’ (Dissertation -Tutor: Demanuele Montebello, T.).

          Gatt K. (2019) ‘Breaking the glass ceiling: Women in the Maltese workforce’ (Dissertation -Tutor: Demanuele Montebello, T.)


      • Education, HR and industry

        • Research Profile


          This category brings together three important sectors - education, human resources and industry. MCAST has a leading role in providing vocational education to students. As an educational institution, it has experience in working in collaboration with industry to address skills gaps and to provide the necessary vocational education, and work experience through apprenticeship and internship to students. There is a keen expression of interest for research areas in vocational education, with a focus on innovative educational resources for learning.

        • Researchers


          Martina Cristina Vella

          Ms Martina Cristina Vella is a senior lecturer at IBMC, interested in anything to do with bridging the gap between industry and learning. Ms Vella comes from a recruitment and HR background and has carried out research related to Apprenticeships and Skill Gaps in the Financial Services Industry, using mainly a Grounded Theory approach.

          Theresa Demanuele Montebello

          Theresa Demanuele Montebello is a Senior Lecturer at IBMC. Her main areas of interest relate to poverty & education, gender equality/gender pay gap, female entrepreneurship and women in employment, financial management and accounting of voluntary work. In particular, she would like to continue her research in the field of poverty, gender and education that she started working on during her Master in Research.

          Linniker Grech

        • Selected Publications & Dissertations


          Vella M.C. (2018). ‘How Effective is Apprenticeship to Learning? A Student Perspective’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 2 (1), 28-43.

          Demanuele Montebello T. (2019). ‘Alleviating Poverty In Malta: Changing Minds Through Education’, MCAST Journal of Applied Research & Practice 3 (1), 20-41.

          Micallef MC. (2018) ‘Gender equality: A study on equal opportunities for women employed in the private sector within the financial services industry’ (Dissertation -Tutor: Demanuele Montebello, T.).

          Gatt K. (2019) ‘Breaking the glass ceiling: Women in the Maltese workforce’ (Dissertation -Tutor: Demanuele Montebello, T.)


      • Operations Logistics and Supply Chain Management

        • Research Profile


          Logistics and supply chain management is considered as a vital research field. It has been regarded as a crucial factor for the companies to obtain a competitive edge, however, the management of supply chains is still not particularly well understood and there is a need for clear definitional constructs and conceptual frameworks. The objective of this research theme is not to just focus on the supply chain management of short life cycle products (perishable, fashion and electronic products) but to also move towards topics that might include urban logistics, humanitarian logistics, and agriculture supply chain, topics that are more in lines with the so-called Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, other research directions might potentially include the role of information technologies in the logistics and supply chain management and the possibility to increase investment in the green logistics and supply chain field, formulating and implementing various bills, plans, and strategies, and strengthening the implementation of a green economic development strategy.

        • Researchers


          Claire Anne Gauci

          Linniker Grech

      • Engineering Fluid Mechanics Research Group

        • Research Group Profile

          EFMRG logo

          Fluid mechanics is the branch of physics concerned with the mechanics of fluids (liquids and gases) and the forces on them. The term ‘fluid mechanics’ constitutes of: (a) fluid statics, the study of fluids at rest; and (b) fluid dynamics, the study of the effect of forces on fluid motion. An interesting study area, though, quite complex, is the study of the hydrodynamics of fluid flow behaviour of both single-phase flow (pure liquids or gases) and multi-phase flows (water, oil and gas mixtures).

          Research will be focused on addressing current challenges attributed to the behaviour of fluids flow phenomena within a variety of different industrial processes. This include typical fluid flow challenges which are encountered in industrial applications, such as those related to the oil and gas industry (flow assurance and metering issues), the petroleum industry (issues related to both storing and pumping of petroleum products), food and beverage industries (issues related to the processing, handling and storing of viscous and non-conventional fluid mixtures), and water processing facilities such as water treatment plants and sewage plants (difficulties encountered to meet or maintain pre-set product outflow specifications and regulations).

          The research projects within the proposed theme aim towards generating outcomes, thereby providing feasible solutions (based on a synergy of theoretical and practical evidence) to real fluid-related challenges. This research is part of collaborative research work between MCAST-EFMRG and Cranfield University Centre for Thermal Energy Systems and Materials. Currently collaboration between Dr Inġ. Darren Mifsud and Dr Patrick Verdin from Cranfield.

          Research work opportunities within MCAST-EFMRG:

          (i)               Develop optimisation numerical models (CFD and algorithms) of fluid processing plants and/or industrial equipment,

          (ii)              Develop by design and/or by application novel flow metering, flow separation and pumping technologies, and

          (iii)            Provide solutions to local challenges attributed to the harnessing and storage modes of energy provided by renewable energy sources.

          (iv)            Perform research under the supervision of academics specialising in the said fields of research.

          (v)              Gain international recognition by performing research in collaboration with one of the UK top universities.

        • Selected Publications & Dissertations

          • A Semi-Analytical Jet Pump Model for a Multiphase-Gas Jet Pump Apparatus – Under Review – Submitted in Applied Mechanics Reviews - ASME
          • Surrogate-based Design Optimisation Tool for Dual-Phase Fluid Driving Jet Pump Apparatus – Publication date: Nov 22, 2019 - Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering.
          • The Hydrodynamics of Two-Phase Flows in the Injection Part of a Conventional Ejector - Publication date: Oct 10, 2018 - International Journal of Multiphase Flow.
          • Investigating the performance and applicability of multiphase surface jet pumps in the oil and gas industry - Publication date: Sep 2015 - Cranfield University.
          • A Comprehensive Design Optimisation and Performance Evaluation Study of Multiphase-fluids Driving Jet Pumps - Publication date: Sep 2018 - Cranfield University.

        • Works in progress

          • Experimental determination of thermal properties of conventional and novel combinations of brick wall for existing construction in the Maltese Islands – Under internal Review – Submission will follow in the Journal of Building Engineering.
          • A multi-objective function optimization of a self-stabilisation compact thermo-electric heater and cooler - Under internal Review – Submission will follow in the Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering.

        • Patented Technologies

          • UK (GB2571135A) – Jet Pump apparatus - Granted

          • PCT application (WO2019162649A) – International Search Report for WO2019162649A contains 9A citations only, so equivalent national phase patents are expected to be granted.