https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1181 Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:10:36 GMT 2026-06-26T11:10:36Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146869 Title: Comparing photoluminescence imaging and microwave detected photoconductivity for measuring recombination lifetimes of silicon wafers Abstract: This study investigates the correlation between recombination lifetime and photoluminescence (PL) in silicon solar cells, aiming to evaluate the reliability of Photoluminescence Imaging (PLI) as compared to the well-established Microwave Detected Photoconductivity (MDP) technique. Recombination lifetime is a critical parameter influencing solar cell efficiency, as it determines how long charge carriers persist before recombining. Using both MDP and PLI tools, the recombination lifetimes and corresponding PL grey values of monocrystalline silicon wafers were measured under various thermal and contamination conditions. Heat treatments at 800°C and 950°C, along with deliberate contamination using a copper coin and latex gloves, were employed to produce a wide range of recombination activity across the samples. Data were analysed using ImageJ to correlate PL grey values with MDP-measured lifetimes. A linear relationship of the form Y = 0.0090X, where Y is the recombination lifetime and X is the grey value, was established through regression analysis. Results revealed a consistent relationship between the two measurement techniques, validating the potential of PLI as a rapid and non- destructive proxy for lifetime assessment. The findings support the development of cost-effective and efficient quality control methods in photovoltaic manufacturing by leveraging the complementary strengths of both PLI and MDP. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146869 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146139 Title: Evaluating sociotechnical factors influencing the feasibility of vineyard photovoltaic integration in Malta Authors: Rexhausen, Aron; Rothstein, Benno; Yousif, Charles Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of viticultural photovoltaics (Viti-PV) in Malta — a small European island state in the Mediterranean — through a mixed-methods approach, combining a standardised questionnaire (n= 13 viticulturists) with expert interviews involving stakeholders from viticulture, energy and policy. Results show that while Viti-PV offers tangible benefits such as shading, reduced irrigation needs and income diversification to this sunny, warm and relatively dry island, adoption is constrained by high investment costs, regulatory prohibitions and concerns over landscape impacts. For policy and practice, the findings highlight the necessity of tailored financing models, regulatory adaptation and participatory pilot projects to build evidence and stakeholder confidence. Viti-PV can contribute simultaneously to renewable energy targets and viticultural climate resilience, but its implementation depends on coordinated support across technical, economic and institutional dimensions. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146139 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146070 Title: Shared micro-mobility services : a sustainability assessment of their use in Malta Abstract: Shared micro-mobility services in Malta, such as bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters, were analysed in this dissertation. Literature shows that shared micro-modes of transport pose several benefits, such as reduced traffic congestion and the promotion of an active alternative mode of commuting, posing cost-effective, health and social benefits. They are ideal for last mile trips and work extremely well when properly integrated with the transport system, particularly the road infrastructure and public transport systems. Shared micro-mobility services reduce the energy demand and have the potential of reducing carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on local roads. Although in 2016 shared micro-mobility services were introduced in Malta, these abruptly halted their services. Thus, the aim of this thesis was formulated as follows: To perform a sustainability assessment on shared micro-mobility services in Malta, to understand their sustainability advantage, the reasons why they stopped operating, and to make recommendations for their inclusion in sustainable transport locally. The methodology to gather data was semi-structured interviews with 18 key stakeholders of transport in Malta. A simplified sustainability assessment and policy review were also conducted. Results show that the majority of participants perceived them as sustainable and that there needs to be a competitive advantage over other modes of transport (particularly the private car), the provision of safe infrastructure and better enforcement. Participants also claimed that the main reasons why they left was due to abuse, chaos, no discipline (especially amongst e-scooter users), vandalism and lack of safety towards pedestrians and other road users; with 40% of the respondents agreeing with these services halting operations. The Maltese government is looking towards the future, providing incentives for the use of personalised e-bikes and e-scooters. However, sharing services are still not being pushed to reintroduce them. Although private micro-vehicles may reduce the abuse, irregularities and dangers to self or pedestrians, they do not eliminate them. Shared services still have the potential to provide a cheap, flexible and convenient alternative to commuting, and its potential (considering Malta’s size) should not be ignored. Key concluding recommendations include the need for pilot projects, an enhanced regulatory framework and enforcement, more awareness and acceptance, improved public transport (bus/ferry) and integration, and the provision of safe infrastructure. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) Sust.Energy Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/146070 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145824 Title: Sustainable food packaging : an updated definition following a holistic approach Authors: Dörnyei, Krisztina Rita; Uysal-Unalan, Ilke; Krauter, Victoria; Weinrich, Ramona; Incarnato, Loredana; Karlovits, Igor; Colelli, Giancarlo; Chrysochou, Polymeros; Camilleri Fenech, Margaret; Kvalvåg Pettersen, Marit; Arranz, Elena; Marcos, Begonya; Frigerio, Valeria; Apicella, Annalisa; Yildirim, Selçuk; Poças, Fátima; Dekker, Matthijs; Johanna, Lahti; Coma, Véronique; Corredig, Milena Abstract: Food packaging solutions need to be redesigned to be more sustainable, but determining which solution is ‘more optimal’ is a very difficult task when considering the entire food product value chain. Previous papers paved the way toward a sustainable food packaging definition, but it is far from being commonly accepted or well usable in the broad food systems domain, which further results in uninformed choices for sustainable food packaging made by all stakeholders in the value chain: producers, distributors, practitioners and consumers. Therefore, this work aims first at giving a state-of-the-art overview of sustainable food packaging terms (38 similar terms were identified and grouped into four clusters: Sustainable, Circular, Bio and Other sustainable packaging) and definitions using systematic (narrative) review analysis and ‘controlled expert opinion feedback’ methodology. Second, it aims to offer an updated definition for sustainable food packaging, which is also specific to food packaging and be simple, coherent, easily understandable, and communicable to everybody. The applied holistic approach intends to include all aspects of the food-packaging unit, to consider food safety and packaging functionality, while taking into account different disciplines and challenges related to food packaging along the supply chain. Being a balancing act, a sustainable food packaging may not be a perfect solution, but contextual, suboptimal and in need of constant validation. Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/145824 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z