https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105154 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:52:01 GMT 2026-04-13T10:52:01Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105151 Title: The future of scholarly publishing is Open Access [editorial] Abstract: Dear readers and authors of Xjenza Online, as Editor-in-Chief, I am also pleased to announce the release of the second regular issue of 2022 of Xjenza Online. In 2022, Malta Chamber of Scientists celebrated its 30th anniversary, so you should not be surprised to learn that the journal is 28 years old! The way we communicate, connect and share has changed drastically since 1996 when the journal was first launched in a printed format, and even more since 2013 when the journal was relaunched as an online free open access journal. This has deeply impacted scientific research and academic publishing as well. Open access is currently the way for academics to publish and achieve a worldwide audience. The future of scholarly publishing lies in open access due to the easy access and distribution of academic publications which are important to everyone: authors, readers, and funders. It has almost become an incentive to researchers to publish open access in recent years, as it is a huge opportunity to broaden the impact of their work. However, some scientific communities remain adamant to publish in open access journals because of the expensive publication fees and concerns about the quality of the peer-review process. In this context, the service Xjenza Online has provided to the local and international scientific community is truly exceptional as the publications are not only open access, but free of charge and the Editorial Board is dedicated to rigorous and fair peer-review. Malta Chamber of Scientists has, therefore, to be commended for their commitment to provide the infrastructure and manpower to keep the journal running through donations and sponsorships which most of the time are rather modest or one-offs. [excerpt] Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105151 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105150 Title: Factors influencing the abundance and distribution of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in urban environments in Malta Authors: Borg Muscat, Cassandra; Sammut, Fiona; Schembri, Patrick J. Abstract: This study aimed at identifying factors that influence the abundance and distribution of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in urban environments in Malta, making it the first study of its kind locally. Feral pigeons were censused using transect surveys in different types of urban environments, which were categorised as in proximity of an agricultural area, main road, park, side street and suburb. The cluster density and the cluster abundance were then estimated using distance sampling analysis. The number of pigeons in clusters was two or three. The cluster density of feral pigeons was estimated to be 6.51x10-5±1.57x10-5 (1.44x10-5 Km-2) in a total area of 4.52km2, with the highest estimate corresponding to the 'Park' , followed by the 'Mainroad', 'Agricultural area', 'Sidestreet' and 'Suburb' , in this order. The cluster abundance in the same area was estimated to be 293.89±70.87, with the highest estimate corresponding to the 'Mainroad' , followed by 'Park', 'Sidestreet', 'Agricultural area' and 'Suburb' in this order. Negative binomial regression was used to study the possible influence of environmental factors on feral pigeon abundance. The results of statistical analysis showed that the abundance of feral pigeons is mostly affected by architecture: abundance was low where there was a preponderance of modern buildings. This study may contribute to a tailor-made and economical scientific management plan for controlling feral pigeons in urban settings. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/105150 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102690 Title: Public opinion and protest efficacy : a study on the proposed yacht marina in Marsaskala, Malta Authors: Visanich, Valerie Abstract: Public opinion data regarding environmental concerns are central to a better understanding of the effects of social movements in sensitising environmental issues, and at times changing political decisions. In August 2021, Transport Malta issued an expression of interest for the design, construction and operation of a 700-berth yacht marina in the bay of Marsaskala, a fast-growing locality in the south east of the Maltese Islands. A social movement made up of residents, non-residents, an environmental NGO and local stakeholders organised a number of protests following the publication of the marina plans. The aim of this article is to identify underlying factors causing individuals’ concerns on the proposed development. It explores the environmental movement surrounding this concern and analyses survey data on public opinion. It does so to better understand the extent of specific areas of impact that the proposed marina would have on the community of Marsaskala. Specifically, it focuses on how this would impinge on the everyday life of citizens. Results point to the social, environmental and economic impacts that this development would have, particularly on the community infrastructure of the locality of Marsaskala. Discussion focuses on how the ongoing impact on public opinion and protest, not only on mobilising public opinion but impacting political decisions. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102690 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102074 Title: Designing an evaluation strategy for a large-scale science and arts festival using Science in the City, Malta as a case study Authors: Cutajar, S.; Seligova, S.; Duca, Edward Abstract: In this work, we analyse and present a stepby-step guide on how to set up a valuable and informative mixed method evaluation strategy of large-scale science festivals and events. A literature analysis helped identify the best technique to set up a multi-approach methodology (multiple-choice questionnaire and silent observers). Questionnaire data was to be collected using systematic sampling. The approach was applied to a local case study to develop best practice. Its implementation was analysed and assessed to provide festival organisers with useful recommendations to enhance the evaluation strategy, and improve festival quality and researcher engagement in subsequent editions. Combining a mixed-method approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data helped gather a good and comprehensive overview of the festival. It set a baseline for future editions to improve upon. All the evaluation efforts carried out in this work were very dependent on volunteers, therefore an effective and appropriate volunteer recruitment, training and retainment strategy was essential. This work has developed a baseline assessment of the festival establishing a professional evaluation strategy with limited funds and experience. It is a step-by-step guide for large science festival organisers who want to set up effective evaluation of their efforts. Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/102074 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z