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It is fair to say that Star Trek comprises a self-contained subgenre within science fiction (SF). Over nearly 50 years, through six distinct television series, and eleven feature length films, the "Star Trek universe" envisioned by Gene Roddenberry has become arguably the world's most elaborate and widely recognized depiction of life in future times (covering roughly the twenty-second through the twenty-ninth centuries). In this article, situations involving infertility occurring in episodes from different Star Trek series are examined and some general conclusions offered concerning the perception of this problem and the variety of responses proposed.

ECONOMICS IS A social science that studies the factors which determine the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services, and the various interactions between these factors. The term is derived from the Greek οἶκος (house) and νόμος (nomos, custom/ law). This is a critical field of study since goods, commodities and resources are always finite and the individual and the group to which the individual belongs must choose how to acquire and allocate these limited assets. Such choices may be influenced by central (such as state) planning, markets or prices and constitute an "economic problem" (Keynes 1930b), as will be explained. The discipline is commonly divided into two separate fields of study. Microeconomics examines the behaviour of the smaller and more basic economic elements such as individuals and their own markets. Macroeconomics studies the behaviour of entire economies that in turn consist of aggregates of individuals. National macroeconomic approaches have varied over the ages and are naturally expected to continue to change in the future. Star Trek is a popular science fiction franchise that comprises over 700 hours of viewing time, "a rolling and seemingly endless adventure, a continual reaffirmation of the Campbellian monomyth". The series spans the 22nd-24th centuries and includes the United Federation of Planets, a polity of allied worlds, a "(l)iberal, post-capitalist, almost perfectly socialist utopian democracy that embraces a constitutional republic". In this future most (if not all) of the major problems facing the human species have been resolved and the Earth has since been transformed into a human paradise, with […] a literate and compassionate population that has learned to appreciate life as a grand adventure". The Federation practices a markedly different economic macroeconomic approach toward the end of the timeline depicted in the franchise when compared to the contemporary era. This paper will review the relevant origins of current economic theory in developed countries, limiting its purview to the works of the economists Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes. This is particularly appropriate as 2016 is Star Trek's 50th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of Keynes's death. This essay will also contrast extant economic practices with those depicted in the fictional Star Trek future. It will be shown that the Federation comprises a Keynesian post-scarcity economy, as averred by Keynes in his optimistic predictions. This paper will also demonstrate the contrasts that arise when members of the Federation, through a form of time travel, encounter contemporary individuals who are accustomed to capitalism. This paper will further depict the deliberately exaggerated differences between the Federation and the Ferengi economic systems since the latter constitutes a deliberately overstated and parodic version of capitalism. This paper will also consider the circumstances that lead to persistent inequality to this very day, shaping our society more on Ferengi lines than on those of the Federation. Reference will be made to Thomas Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century (2014) since this authoritative work reviews broad historical global economic trends and suggests possible actions that may mitigate the current economic divides between individuals and nations. ; N/A

SummaryMany factors influence the male:female birth ratio (number of male births divided by total births, M/T). Studies have suggested that this ratio may be positively correlated with the education levels of mothers. This study assessed the effect of maternal education on M/T in the US population overall and by racial group. Number of live births by sex of the child, maternal educational level reached and race were obtained from the Centres for Disease Control (CDC Wonder) for the period 2007–2015. The total study sample comprised 28,268,183 live births. Overall, for the four available recorded racial groups (Asian/Pacific Islander, White, American Indian/Alaska Native and Black/African American), M/T rose significantly with increasing education levels (p<0.0001). When analysed by race, this relationship was only found for White births (p<0.0001). The M/T of Black births rose with increasing maternal education level up to associate degree level (p=ns), then fell significantly with higher levels of education (χ2=4.5,p=0.03). No significant trends were present for Asian/Pacific Islander or American Indian/Alaska Native births. Socioeconomic indicators are generally indicators of better condition and in this study educational attainment was overall found to be positively correlated with M/T, supporting the Trivers–Willard hypothesis.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 remains pandemic and public health measures included school closures following a precautionary principle in that many previous epidemics (e.g. influenza) were mainly transmitted by children. This paper reviews school outbreaks to date, including in Malta. ; METHODS: The internet and the medical literature were searched for reports of school outbreaks of COVID-19 and measures implemented in efforts to contain school spread. ; RESULTS: Schools in several countries experienced outbreaks and some were related to insufficiently strict measures while others were due to older children and adolescents flouting restrictions. The different measures employed by different countries in their schools are displayed. ; DISCUSSION: With adherence to the usual measures, schools can open safely with minimal risk to their communities in areas of low COVID-19 transmission. Vaccination is probably the ultimate solution to pandemic control. ; peer-reviewed

The term genocide was coined by Raphael Lemkin (1900-1959) from the Greek genos (family, tribe, or race) and Latin-cide (killing). Lemkin was a Pole of Jewish descent and he used this term to describe the 1915 massacres of Armenians and Assyrians. Genocide may be defined as "the deliberate and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of an ethnic, racial, religious, or national group". War crimes constitute violations of the rules of engagement that are considered applicable during armed conflict. Since such actions are carried out by individuals or instigated on the order of individuals, individual criminal responsibility may be applied. Some examples summarized from the Nuremberg International Military Tribunals after the Second World War include the "murder, the ill-treatment or deportation of civilian residents of an occupied territory to slave labor camps . the murder or ill-treatment of prisoners of war . the wanton destruction of cities, towns and villages, and any devastation not justified by military or civilian necessity". Chalk and Jonassohn have noted that perceived differences between peoples may lead to one group considering another "as less than fully human: pagans, savages, or even animals", thereby sanctioning and even legitimizing genocide and war crimes. These situations are often depicted in Star Trek. I will review these two topics and identify common elements, including the Manichean sense of the struggle of good against evil and the almost inevitable punishment of perpetrators of such atrocities. Moreover, the shows' stories may provide insights into the potential workings of the minds of war criminals. ; N/A

Introduction: Globally, male live births exceed female live births by approximately 3%. The secondary sex ratio is conventionally expressed as male births divided by total live births (M/T). Many factors have been implicated as influencing this ratio, such as stress (including non-violent political events) and toxins, both of which reduce it. The Quebec government twice proposed referendums to its populace advising sovereignty. This study was carried out in order to ascertain whether the referendums had any effect on the M/T ratio in Quebec and in Canada as a whole. Methods: Annual births in Quebec and Canada were compared for the index (referendum) years 1980 and 1995 versus the sum of the preceding and following five year periods, for each event. The monthly M/T ratio for Quebec before and after the 1995 referendum was also calculated. Results: This review covered 8 099 600 live births. In Quebec, the M/T ratio was lower in the two referendum years than in the preceding and following five year periods, and was significantly lower after the 1995 referendum (P = 0.04). No significant changes were noted for Canada as a whole. Monthly calculations for Quebec showed a decline in the M/T ratio three months after the 1995 referendum (P = 0.035), followed by a rapid recovery (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The second Quebec referendum on sovereignty in 1995 had a higher voter turnout than the 1980 referendum and was more closely run. Reductions in the M/T ratio have been noted in association with stressful population events, including non-violent political activities. This may have been the case in Quebec, where the M/T ratio declined in association with two referendums that proposed sovereignty, possibly due to the stress engendered by these events and the potential outcomes. ; peer-reviewed

Introduction: The ratio of male to female live birth is defined as male births divided by total births (M/T) and is expected to approximate 0.515. This study was carried out in order to ascertain whether M/T in Malta was in any way influenced the World Cup. Methods: Index months were months in which the World Cup was held (always in June), from 1958 to 2010 (n=14). Live births were analysed for January before the event to nine months after (the following March). Results: This study analysed 297254 live births. The decline from June to February was highly significant (p=0.001). A dip in M/T was noted in the February after the World Cup and this significantly lower when compared to the previous January to January period (p=0.001). M/T in these Februaries was also significantly lower than that in the other Februaries in the rest of the period studied (p=0.0023). Discussion: The majority of fans side with Italian or English national teams for old colonial political reasons. Stress leading up to and following the World Cup may have reduced M/T in Malta, with a rapid recovery when the effect passed. ; peer-reviewed

Introduction: In humans, live male births slightly exceed females and this ratio is conventionally expressed as male live births divided by total live births (M/F). A wide variety of factors have been shown to influence M/F including latitude, stress, socio-economic status and race. This study was carried out in order to ascertain whether there are differences in M/F in different states and in different geographical regions in the United States of America (USA). Methods: Annual live births by gender for the period 1995–2012 were obtained from the website of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These were grouped according to the four regions devised by the United States Census Bureau, Geography Division. Results: This study encompassed 52 601 559 live births for the period 1995–2012 (M/F: 0.5117; 95% CL: 0.5116, 0.5118). Southern states tended to have a lower male-to-female ratio. Hawaii had a high M/F (p < 0.0001). The male-to-female ratio for the South region was significantly less (p = 0.004). This region had the highest proportion of Black mothers. Conclusion: The high Hawaiian M/F is in keeping with Micronesian island findings. The M/F latitude gradient accords with that previously noted in the USA. Historically, Blacks have been shown to have a lower M/F than other races. Long-term stress related to maternal socio-economic status has also been shown to influence M/F, and Blacks are known to be disadvantaged to this day. It is possible that the low M/F historically noted in this race may be due to chronically poor socio-economic circumstances. ; peer-reviewed

COVID-19 mitigated restrictions have avoided countless deaths and infections while simultaneously disrupting livelihoods and economies. The global loss of gross (world) product is unprecedented as COVID-19 has inflicted both supply-side and a demand-side shocks. While public health measures have mitigated morbidity and mortality with positive effects on cross-country economic results, the decline in global Gross Domestic Product is leading to diminished spending on healthcare, the environment, and social wellbeing. In addition to the current challenges, there will also be various long-term implications of lasting illness ("long COVID") which are still to be determined. Numerous and varied economic stimuli packages have been instituted by different countries aiming to revive economies in the short term and thereby also mitigate long-term implications. In line with these measures, as a result of the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, European countries have initiated discussions on vaccine-immunity passports to enhance mobility and assist economic recovery. However, this will not resolve the economic scars, the impaired innovation outcome and the healthcare fatigue that are expected to linger for years. While uncertainty is certain, this very uncertainty highlights the need for unbiased and rigorous quantitative evaluations of all possible decisions. A "nuanced approach" to the easing of restrictions must take into account the balance of immediate mortality and both short- and long-term morbidity versus the even longer-term risks of widening health, education and wealth inequalities and decreased life expectancy among the more socially and economically vulnerable. ; peer-reviewed

Science fiction narratives are regularly used to explore the consequences of contemporary and envisaged future scientific innovations along with the ensuing novel ethical and moral concepts. The television series Star Trek has dealt with aspects of reproductive health, often based on extrapolations from significant real-world breakthroughs in artificial reproductive technology and genetic engineering. This article assesses episodes that addressed such vexing ethical questions as choices affecting pregnancy after rape, advances in obstetrics including surrogate motherhood, and novel delivery techniques designed to protect the health of the mother and baby. However, the most significant ethical challenges may be those involving choices of deliberate genetic enhancements and/or frank physical alterations in non-life-threatening situations. The authors argue that responsible use of the popular science fiction genre, as exemplified by the various Star Trek series, cannot only provide advanced warning of problems and issues that science may eventually unleash but also suggest potential solutions to such problems.

Infertility in science fiction (SF) is a huge subject. This article limits itself to the intersection of the deliberate infliction of infertility on humans, aliens, and animals by intelligent agencies. These narratives demonstrate fear of death, of the unknown, and of loss of immortality through the inability to engender offspring. Many of these stories serve as modern parables that warn against excessive hubristic overreach in our chase for posthuman changes that may seem to be improvements but actually hamper or hinder humanity, in this case, through infertility. While serving as cautionary tales, almost all of these stories result in a happy ending, a common outcome in SF that readers and audiences have come to expect from the genre.

The trope of infertility in science fiction may be explored through the theme of a single fertile man remaining on earth, with the fate of the entire species devolving on this one single individual. The article will review narratives that deal with this premise, and will outline the obvious, the not so obvious, and the even potentially comic outcomes that arise from the overturning of the usual male-chasing-female paradigm.

Introduction: COVID-19 remains pandemic with countries scrambling to mass vaccinate populations, prioritising health-care workers, the elderly and the vulnerable. Malta is a small Mediterranean country with a population of circa half a million with free healthcare at point-of-care. This paper reviews the adaptations made to cope with mass vaccination. Methods: Permission was obtained to tour hospital facilities. Photographs were taken with and edited on a mobile phone, a previously utilised methodology. Results: Vaccination commenced on 27/12/20 with priorities as above. Malta Medical School lecture halls were initially used, followed by outpatients at the country's regional hospital, as well as other lecture halls, and National Health Service clinics. Virtually all medically vulnerable individuals have had their first doses as well as most individuals 60 years of age, with the 55–60 year age group currently targeted. Malta is well ahead of the European Union average. Discussion: Exacting logistics and cooperation by all local authorities (such as the University of Malta) has resulted in a highly successful vaccine rollout. The eventual licencing of vaccination for children and the availability of booster dose/s will further facilitate the eventual attainment of herd immunity. This must be a global effort lest escape variants render these efforts futile. ; peer-reviewed

ALTHOUGH MYTHOLOGICAL FIGURES such as the Amazonian female warrior might encourage us to think that feminism is as old as mythology, feminism as a political stance through which the personal came to be perceived as political and which highlighted patriarchal structures and ideology as systematically making the female of the human species seem inferior to the male, is a relatively recent phenomenon. Despite some important 19th century works, we can claim that feminism as a political and critical movement came into its own after WWII. Literary feminism brings together a range of approaches to textual analysis. These include the critique of patriarchal language and tropes, addressing the historical disappearance of women writers, the authorial voice of women, and the increasing presence of women in the canon and in genres formally dominated by male writers. Some of these approaches, such as Marxist Feminism, have privileged the realist novel as a locus of analysis and have delved into the relationship between literature and life, perceiving representation of women, attitudes towards women, and the language of the text as reflective of socially constructed gender-biased attitudes between the sexes at various historical moments. ; N/A

Impotence and sterility linked naturally with age have frequently been a topic of science fiction (SF) narratives. Sterility in SF has also been depicted as a natural lost step in human development, up to and even beyond death. This article compares narratives from a variety of SF media that all deal with infertility as a stage in species' development, or as an effect of the overall aging and loss of vitality of a species and attempts to determine common points and conclusions, with a view toward reassessing the practicality/desirability of indefinite life extension.