OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/26872024-03-28T20:04:34Z2024-03-28T20:04:34ZA breath of fresh air the use of geographic information systems for the sustainable management of air quality in Maltahttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/28322015-05-27T11:58:12Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: A breath of fresh air the use of geographic information systems for the sustainable management of air quality in Malta
Abstract: Growing concern over human health and environmental issues related to air quality requires the
EU member states to monitor a range of air pollutants and fall in line with limit values. For this
reason two air monitoring systems have been set up in the Maltese Islands. These are run by Malta
Environment and Planning Authority and measure for a number of pollutants. An analysis of the
data collected so far shows that in the last decade, the introduction of cleaner fuels has led to a
decrease in sulphur dioxide and benzene levels. Nonetheless, an increase in the volume of traffic
has led to increases in the other air pollutants. Of these, particulate matter and ozone have been
identified as the two main air pollutants of concern in Malta. Consequently, there is a dire need
for reliable tools to model and manage air quality in Malta.
For this purpose, the current study explores the use of Geographical Information Systems, namely,
spatial interpolation to predicting air pollutants in unsampled locations. The influence of road
traffic and other factors which impinge on the air pollutants‟ concentrations was analysed using
the Pearson Product Moment Coefficient. Special attention was given to the sources and factors
involving the above named two air pollutants of concern. The linear regression equation was also
used to predict air pollutant levels from traffic volumes. Values calculated from these were then
used to produce interpolated surfaces which were then evaluated for reliability. The main findings
indicate Universal Kriging interpolation as producing more efficient estimations of unsampled
concentrations. Road traffic is confirmed a main source of air pollution in Malta. Nonetheless,
weather variables also have a significant effect. Hence, it is recommended that these sources be
quantified and other modeling techniques be analysed.
Description: M.SC.2014-01-01T00:00:00ZValletta : towards the strategic re-use of its vacant propertieshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/28312017-10-16T07:36:31Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Valletta : towards the strategic re-use of its vacant properties
Abstract: The issue of vacant properties is a recurrent problem in cities, which failed to
pass through a modern economic transition. Inescapably, State intervention
either through central or local channels (or both) was the only answer to the
resulting problems of properties falling into a derelict state as a result of this
trauma of economic boom and bust. This happens when certain areas within
a city flourish economically while the residential parts suffer from a
demographic loss as evidenced by the increasing number of vacant
properties. Valletta is one such city, which is still waiting for an innovative
drive in this area; problems related to vacant and abandoned properties have
been there for several decades. It is not practical to solve the issue of vacant
property in Valletta City while ignoring the pertinent demographic shifts.
The aim of this research study was to carry out a detailed investigation of
vacant properties located in the Lower Part of Valletta, the area identified in
the Grand Harbour Local Plan as a ‘Housing Improvement Area’, and to
propose a suitable sustainable strategy framework for their re-use.
Colloquially, this urban quarter is known as il-Baviera area and its environs.
Data collected from the study area was analyzed based on the methodology
offered by Vigar et al.’s (2005) study on the spatial strategies adopted for
cities. The study found out that this area needs a long-term strategy, where
proactive policies are formed in accordance to the long-term needs.
Sustainable urban regeneration provides a considerable promise for
addressing and reversing decline, specifically population decline, in cities like
Valletta. It proposes the use of a Land Bank, which will be responsible for
surveying each and every vacant unit in the area. It will be used for the input
of the acquired information into an interactive database, and by bringing all
the stakeholders around the same table, it will seek to solve the problems that
have been accumulating over the years by producing what is known as a
sound nodal strategic plan.
Description: M.SC.SUS.DEVELOPMENT2014-01-01T00:00:00ZHousehold water consumption in the Maltese islands : an analytical studyhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/28302017-08-22T09:04:52Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Household water consumption in the Maltese islands : an analytical study
Abstract: Water is a major concern for the Maltese Islands, but there seems to be very little effort
towards its sustainable use, particularly in households. This study aims to identify the
amounts and main uses of water in Maltese households and the patterns of use. The
relationships between consumption patterns and socio-economic and demographic
characteristics of households were also identified. The perceived water consumption of
households, collected through questionnaires, was also compared to the actual water
consumption, gathered from the time-use water diaries. Four hundred and thirty-two
individuals filled in a structured questionnaire, while 30 households filled in time-use water
diaries for a one week period. The data collected from these methods was then analysed in
SPSS using frequency tables and Chi-Square tests. Results indicate that the average
consumption for the sampled Maltese households in summer is 239.7 litres per capita per
day. The highest end use is showering, followed by dish washing, laundry, tap use, and toilet
flushing respectively. Garden watering and car washing make up a small component of
water end use. This study also established that household water consumption varies
according to the time of day and the day of the week. This difference in consumption
patterns is mostly noticeable when comparing weekdays to weekends. Moreover, results
gathered for this study show that there is a relationship between a number of socioeconomic
and demographic factors and water consumption amounts. These factors were
found to be household income, type of house and rainwater tank ownership, family size,
district, and level of education. Another important finding is that there is a mismatch
between the individuals’ perceived and the actual household water consumption, in that
persons perceive to consume more/less than the actual amounts. The quantitative methods
used in this study proved advantageous since they provided in-depth and authentic data on
household water consumption at end use level. Furthermore, by taking a number of
measures and by developing effective policies, household water consumption can be
significantly reduced.
Description: M.SC.SUS.DEVELOPMENT2014-01-01T00:00:00ZAnalysis of sustainable development in Malta using a multi-criteria modelhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27822018-08-10T10:59:01Z2014-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Analysis of sustainable development in Malta using a multi-criteria model
Abstract: Sustainable development is nowadays considered a possible base to help solve
threatening problems which are occurring in today’s world, such as climate change,
water quality, unemployment rate or people at risk of poverty. These problems happen
in a complex environmental and socio-economic system. Helping these systems move
to a more sustainable path requires particular action. The introduction of such action
has been done by various researchers; however, sometimes these processes face a
number of challenges.
This research was focused on developing a basic understanding of multi-criteria
analysis as a tool for decision aiding when making complex decisions such as that of
assessing the level of sustainability in a particular area. This study presents the
potential role that multi-criteria analysis has in the decision making processes related
to sustainability.
The aim of the research is to develop a methodology able to support a better
understanding of sustainability through the analysis of various criteria related to the
environmental, social and economic structure of the Island of Malta.
This research presents an assessment of the levels of sustainability of different
districts in the Maltese Islands using a multi-criteria approach. The results showed
that using a multi-criteria approach is a more effective assessment tool with that,
results are easy to understand, and apply for decision making.
Description: M.SC.SUS.DEVELOPMENT2014-01-01T00:00:00Z