https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2687 2026-04-24T02:12:00Z 2026-04-24T02:12:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2832 2015-05-27T11:58:12Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: 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.

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2831 2017-10-16T07:36:31Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: 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.DEVELOPMENT

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2830 2017-08-22T09:04:52Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: 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.DEVELOPMENT

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/2782 2018-08-10T10:59:01Z 2014-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: 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.DEVELOPMENT

2014-01-01T00:00:00Z