https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/470 2026-08-23T01:43:20Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148602 Title: The difference between perceived and measured particulate matter in high population density urban environments : a citizen co-creation approach Authors: Calleja, Kurt; Suda, David; Caruana, Mark Anthony; Micallef, Daniel; Duca, Edward; Mizzi, Francesca Abstract: Understanding the way citizens perceive air quality and whether these perceptions correlate with actual air quality measurements is important for effective urban planning and policy. The perception–measurement gap and its dependence on context is well known in literature. The perception–measurement gap in dense Mediterranean urban environments remains comparatively less explored. This study aims at identifying the relationship between perceived and measured air quality in the dense urban locality of Gżira (Malta). A cocreative, citizen science approach was used that combines high resolution particulate matter (PM) monitoring with survey based perception and health data. Air quality measurements from nine distributed sensors and a survey of 212 respondents revealed a pronounced mismatch between objective measurements and subjective experience. Annual mean PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 7.8 to 10.1 μg/m3, while PM10 ranged from 8.4 to 12.1 μg/m3 which are well below European limits (approximately 40%–50% of limits for PM2.5 and 20%–30% for PM10). Notwithstanding this, a statistical analysis of survey responses indicated high levels of concern and a considerable proportion of the surveyed population associated their environment with negative physical and psychological health impacts. These results highlight that for dense urban environments, the perception– measurement gap may apply and environmental concern may be high despite the relatively small PM pollutant concentrations reported. In these cases, perception may be driven by other factors such as visible urban stressors including traffic and construction activity which were not directly measured in this study. Further work on the perception–measurement gap would be useful by means of more detailed measurements of social and air quality indicators. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/142208 Title: Assessing sustainability and behavioural trends in the Maltese 4- and 5-star hospitality sector Authors: Borg, Simon Paul; Buttigieg, Charles; Xuereb, Michaela; Konietzny, Colette; Borg, Jamie Abstract: The hospitality sector, increasingly aware of environmental concerns, is focusing on improving resource efficiency so as to reduce its environmental impact. In Malta, where tourism is a vital economic pillar, the hospitality sector significantly influences the local environment. Although resource-efficient practices are known, their actual implementation and effectiveness remain uncertain. To address this gap, this research investigates sustainability practices and behavioural trends in 4- and 5-star hotels, using specifically tailored questionnaires to explore the perspectives of both hotel management and guests on sustainability. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141620 Title: AI-driven modeling of long-term environmental impact on Mnajdra prehistoric megalithic temples, Malta Authors: Azzopardi, Joel; Micallef, Daniel; Valantinavičius, Mantas; Cassar, JoAnn Abstract: The Mnajdra Prehistoric Megalithic Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site located on Malta’s southern coast, have faced centuries of environmental challenges, including wind erosion, salt damage, and solar radiation. Built from two types of limestone, including the soft and porous Globigerina limestone, and lacking their original roofing, parts of these temples are severely eroded. Reversible open-sided shelters were installed in 2009 to mitigate some impacts, but understanding the underlying causes of degradation remains crucial. [extract] 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/141455 Title: Visionary nature-based actions for health, wellbeing and resilience in cities Authors: Kolokotsa, Denia; Rainbird, Jenny; Baldacchino, Neil; Baldacchino, Saviour; Biancifiori, Sara; Bisello, Adriano; Bratkovič, Franci; Bretzel, Francesca; Calleja, Kurt; Capezzuto, Pasquale; Clouet, Yoann; Cofino, Wim; Conlon, Ursula; Cosier, James; Dall'acqua, Tommaso; Duca, Edward; Fabjan, David Alexander; Fleming, Kevin; Genevaz, Juliette; Geršič, Peter; Goni, Eleni; Ilic, Ivica; Jelmini, Alice; Jonsson, Stina; Kastelic, Blaz; Keogh, Colin; Laget, Marc; Landuydt, Karen; Lilli, Aikaterini; Maksimović, Vesna; Mali, Luka; Micallef, Daniel; Mizzi, Francesca; Padraig, O'hora; Passatore, Laura; Polichronaki, Sevasti; Pozzobon, Luca; Salvatori, Elisabetta; Scomparin, Nicola; Siakantaris, Charalampos; Simandirakis, Panagiotis; Strniša, Miroslav; Tsekeri, Elisavet; Ulander, Gustaf; Urrutia Azcona, Koldo; Van Rompaey, Sara Abstract: In an increasingly urbanized world, local governments and international institutions strive to enhance the productivity and efficiency of cities - recognized as economic growth hubs - while ensuring better quality of life and better living conditions for citizens. To meet these challenges, VARCITIES puts the citizen and the "human community" in the eye of the future cities’ vision. The aim of the VARCITIES project is to translate visionary ideas into real solutions by reshaping shared public spaces and making cities liveable and welcoming. Seven municipalities that are exposed to diverse climatic conditions and challenges around Europe have been identified as case studies. Each pilot city has been recognized as a large-scale site for co-designing and implementing local actions and has adopted an innovative cross-sectoral approach by combining urban digital transformation with nature-based actions. This innovative solution's implementation is consistent with the increase in citizens' awareness, respect for public spaces, and the integration of green spaces into everyday life. Developing a healthy green mind set for citizens and improving economic opportunities through green-digital strategies, drives the implementation of additional actions towards becoming a more sustainable and equitable city. The development process of these visionary ideas into feasible actions is approached by following a bottom-up planning and co-design participatory process involving local stakeholders, assuming a "multiple benefits" perspective, and addressing social issues and cultural diversion. [extract]. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z