https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1123 2026-10-24T02:58:07Z 2026-10-24T02:58:07Z Jones, Petra Spiteri, Melania https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/150001 2026-10-14T08:33:23Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Mediterranean sustainable kitchen : volume 2 Authors: Jones, Petra; Spiteri, Melania Abstract: Welcome to the second volume of The Mediterranean Sustainable Kitchen - A celebration of flavour, simple ingredients and more sustainable ways of cooking. This collection brings together nourishing food, seasonal ingredients and mindful choices, showing that eating well can also be kinder to our planet. At the heart of this book is collaboration. Developed within the Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of Malta, it brings together nutritionists and dietitians - academics, visiting lecturers and students from our B.Sc. (Hons.) Applied Food and Nutritional Sciences, and Master’s and doctoral researchers in Food Science, Nutrition and Dietetics. Together, they bring professional expertise, academic knowledge and fresh perspectives to the kitchen, translating nutrition and food science into recipes that are practical, accessible and enjoyable. Each recipe has also been nutritionally analysed and reviewed for suitability. Looking for more inspiration? Scan the QR code to discover our first volume, where you’ll find even more recipes alongside an introduction to the principles of sustainable eating. Whether you’re new to the concept or simply looking for more ideas, it’s a great place to revisit where our journey began.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Psakis, Georgios Spiteri, David Mallia, Jeanice Polidano, Martin Rahbay, Imren Valdramidis, Vasilis P. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148711 2026-08-26T10:16:15Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evaluation of alternative-to-gas chlorination disinfection technologies in the treatment of Maltese potable water Authors: Psakis, Georgios; Spiteri, David; Mallia, Jeanice; Polidano, Martin; Rahbay, Imren; Valdramidis, Vasilis P. Abstract: For years, gas chlorination has been the adopted disinfection technology in the treatment of Maltese potable water. Despite its strong bacterial inactivation potential, traditional chlorination generates high free chlorine residual and disinfection by-products that compromise the sensory attributes of drinking water and deter the population from consuming it. We have identified plausible alternative-to-gas-chlorination technologies for its treatment, with the aim of (a) reducing the disinfectant and/or chlorination dose used for microbial inactivation, and (b) attenuating the negative impact of putative disinfection by-products on the water’s organolepsis, while safeguarding its safe-for-consumption characteristics. We have subjected ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC), ClO2 generation, and electrochlorination (NaClO) to bacteriological and physicochemical bench-scale studies to assess their bacterial inactivation efficacy and by-product generation propensity, respectively. All the tested technologies except HC achieved a minimum of 3 Log10 microbial inactivation, with NaClO and ClO2 appearing more effective over neutral and alkaline pH conditions, respectively. In addition, we have identified synergistic effects of cavitation on UVC for Enterococcus faecalis inactivation, stemming from enhancement in oxidative stress. Moderate reductions in the total dissolved solid content and Ca2+ hardness of the tested water also emerged following prolonged cavitation. For feasibility studies, the performance of the technologies was further evaluated on the following areas: (a) implementation, (b) practicality, (c) adaptability, (d) integration, (e) environment and sustainability, and (f) cost and effect. Electrochemical generation of NaClO emerged as the most promising technology for further on-site work, followed by ClO2 and UVC.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z Jones, Petra https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148095 2026-07-16T08:05:02Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An insight into plant-based, vegetarian and omnivore dietary patterns Authors: Jones, Petra Abstract: In the quest for optimal health and well-being, diet plays a pivotal role. The choices we make regarding what we eat significantly impact not only our personal health but also the environment. As global awareness of these impacts grows, it is increasingly important to understand and navigate the diverse range of dietary patterns available, from traditional vegetarian and omnivorous diets to those that emphasise plant-based components. [extract]

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Baslam, Abdelmounaimh Aitbaba, Abdelfatah Lamrani Hanchi, Asmae Tazart, Zakaria Aboufatima, Rachida Soraa, Nabila Ait-El-Mokhtar, Mohamed Boussaa, Samia Baslam, Marouane Chait, Abderrahman https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146080 2026-04-30T11:57:30Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Modulation of gut microbiome in ecstasy/MDMA-induced behavioral and biochemical impairment in rats and potential of post-treatment with Anacyclus pyrethrum L. aqueous extract to mitigate adverse effects Authors: Baslam, Abdelmounaimh; Aitbaba, Abdelfatah; Lamrani Hanchi, Asmae; Tazart, Zakaria; Aboufatima, Rachida; Soraa, Nabila; Ait-El-Mokhtar, Mohamed; Boussaa, Samia; Baslam, Marouane; Chait, Abderrahman Abstract: The use of illicit substances continues to pose a substantial threat to global health, affecting millions of individuals annually. Evidence suggests the existence of a ‘brain–gut axis’ as the involving connection between the central nervous system and gut microbiome (GM). Dysbiosis of the GM has been associated with the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases, including metabolic, malignant, and inflammatory conditions. However, little is currently known about the involvement of this axis in modulating the GM in response to psychoactive substances. In this study, we investigated the effect of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, “Ecstasy”)-dependence on the behavioral and biochemical responses, and the diversity and abundance of the gut microbiome in rats post-treated (or not) with aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP), which has been reported to exhibit anticonvulsant activity. The dependency was validated using the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, behavioral, and biochemical tests, while the gut microbiota was identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The CPP and behavioral tests confirmed the presence of MDMA withdrawal syndrome. Interestingly, treatment with AEAP led to a compositional shift in the GM compared to the MDMA-treated rats. Specifically, the AEAP group yielded a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacter, while animals receiving MDMA had higher levels of E. coli. These findings suggest that A. pyrethrum therapy may directly modulate the gut microbiome, highlighting a potential target for regulating and treating substance use disorders.

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z