https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/296 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:28:57 GMT 2026-10-01T00:28:57Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149534 Title: Differential representation and epistemic inequality : how generative AI systems frame overdevelopment and ecological harm in Malta Authors: Erben, Şeyma Esin Abstract: This study examines how generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) systems represent overdevelopment and associated ecological harm in Malta. The analysis draws on 96 out puts from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and DeepSeek, coded at the meaning-unit level using a comparative qualitative approach and a hybrid deductive–inductive framework. Representations varied across systems and prompt conditions. Consequence-oriented prompts foregrounded habitat loss, biodiversity decline, and ecosystem degradation, while causal prompts made speculative development pressures, regulatory weaknesses, and construction-driven economic growth more visible. These between-family differences are treated primarily as task-conditioned variation rather than, by themselves, as evidence of epistemic inequality. Actor visibility also varied within comparable prompt conditions. The Planning Authority and environmental NGOs appeared relatively frequently, whereas local councils, EU institutions, and citizens/residents showed more pronounced prompt-specific gaps within the expected-actor framework. The study therefore distinguishes differential representation from epistemic inequality: the former concerns variation in the actors, ex planations, and policy responses made visible, while the latter is used more narrowly for prompt-specific uneven visibility of expected actors beyond what follows from the prompt task. The findings position Gen AI systems as components of epistemic mediation rather than neutral channels of information. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149534 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149253 Title: How can Maltese films be sold internationally : a qualitative approach to distribution research Abstract: This study explores fundamental topics that serve as the foundation on how Maltese films can be sold abroad. Three crucial research questions emerged from the literature analyzed which shape the direction of this study: what are the distribution channels open to Maltese filmmakers internationally?; how do sales agents facilitate the sales of films from small countries?; and what do Maltese films require to be sold abroad? In-depth semi- structured interviews were carried out with both Maltese filmmakers and foreign sales agents to identify whether their expectations correlate. The findings of this study confirm that multiple distribution channels are accessible to Maltese filmmakers, with sales agents utilizing key strategies, such as film festivals, diverse markets - including VOD, and non- commercial opportunities, to maximize their effectiveness. Furthermore, the results highlight that while there is no specific criteria Maltese films must follow to be sold abroad, there are factors which contribute to making such efforts a reality, such as following certain legalities. This notion further adds weight to why attaching a sales agent to a film production is crucial since they hold the necessary knowledge and expertise that guide filmmakers through unfamiliar territories. This study’s research also outlines other elements which contribute to the necessity of global distribution for Maltese films, including the enrichment of the indigenous film industry, a widening of opportunities for Maltese cinema, and the resulting understanding in the difference of local and global distribution dynamics. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149253 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149247 Title: The influence of film adaptations on book cover design : a qualitative study on readers and non-readers Abstract: This study investigates the relationship between film adaptations and book cover design, to address how film imagery influences the perceptions readers and non-readers have of the original literary works. It takes a look at Frankenstein (1818), Dracula (1897), and The Phantom of the Opera (1909)—three frequently adapted novels—in order to confirm whether visual changes made from book to screen have been conflated with what was originally written. It also addresses how these visual changes printed on book covers affects consumer expectations and purchasing behaviour. Qualitative methods were used, including a semiotic analysis on some of the OFCs (outer front covers) belonging to the aforementioned novels; and focus groups divided between readers and non-readers. The semiotic analysis guided the selection of covers presented in the focus groups, which allowed the participants to engage with the discourse surrounding book cover design, and to gain a deeper insight into their thoughts and opinions. This helped to establish the symbiotic relationship shared between film and book cover design; and how certain imagery impacts recognition, perceived accuracy, and purchase appeal. The results indicate that both reader and non-reader perception of the novels is notably influenced by film imagery; and that the most significant difference between the two groups is in their book cover design preferences: although both favoured accuracy, the reader group preferred having a vague representation of a book’s content. However, design was noticeably favoured to accuracy on a case-by-case basis, even though what they often all considered to be accurate was also what they thought had the best design. This could provide a reason for why film imagery continues to be reused in both new film and TV adaptations, and on book covers, in spite of its tentative connection to the original work. Description: B.Comms. (Hons)(Melit.) Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149247 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148948 Title: Responsible food production and sustainable consumptionin Italian restaurants : a pathway to SDG 12 Authors: Basilico, Paolo; Camilleri, Mark Anthony; D'Adamo, Idiano; Di Santo, Federica; Gastaldi, Massimo; Maccalini, Anna Chiara Abstract: The pursuit of sustainable business approaches has gained increasing importance in the past years. Entrepreneurs are increasingly reassessing their strategies and operations in line with corporate social and environmental responsibility principles. Restaurants are well positioned to play a key role as agents for positive change, as they can offer nutritious, high-quality food. At the same time, they could minimise food loss and waste. They may even contribute to local economic development through the promotion of short supply chains among other responsible practices. This study examines consumer behaviours and perceptions of responsible food production and sustainable consumption within the Italian hospitality industry. It focuses on factors that influence the consumers' dining choices and their willingness to engage in environmentally responsible actions. The research adopts a social analysis perspective based on data collected from an online survey of 609 respondents in Italy. The findings indicate that consumer decisions are primarily motivated by hedonic factors, especially taste and the quality of ingredients. Awareness of sustainable practices tends to increase by time and is more evidenced among women, who also show a greater propensity to adjust their habits in more sustainable ways. Despite a general interest in sustainability and a willingness to pay a premium for certified establishments, there remains a limited understanding of restaurants' environmental impacts and low familiarity with sustainability certifications. These research implications highlight considerable opportunities for growth. This contribution postulates that enhanced communication strategies and targeted awareness campaigns could improve consumer knowledge, foster more informed choices, and encourage active support for sustainability initiatives in the restaurant sector, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148948 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z