https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/469 Previously known as Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:36:15 GMT 2026-08-31T11:36:15Z 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. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148602 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148231 Title: The future of Paceville Authors: Billiard Pisani, Elise; Grima, Reuben Abstract: The Future of Paceville examines the rapid spatial, social, legal, and urban transformations of Paceville, Malta, positioning the locality as an urban laboratory and paradigm for the broader Maltese archipelago. Bringing together multi-disciplinary analyses spanning social anthropology, archaeology, legal history, and urban design, the volume critiques the steady erosion of public space, top-down master planning, and the commodification of historic built heritage driven by neoliberal development. The chapters trace Paceville's transition from a sleepy coastal enclave into a nightlife and speculative real-estate hub, exploring themes of legal hybridity, enclavisation, privatised coastlines, civil society resistance, and the critical necessity of participatory democratic governance to protect the common good. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148231 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148134 Title: Community and family support for women facing trauma Authors: Desira, Thelma; Cassar, Joanne Abstract: Recovery from traumatic experiences becomes more possible when there are supportive networks operating in communities. This qualitative study explores Maltese women’s experiences of family and community support (CS), as they faced trauma. The inquiry sought to find out the mechanisms of this kind of support, and the significance these held for such women. Data was collected through semi-structured individual interviews with 7 Maltese women living in Malta, aged between 27-55 years, who self- identified as having faced traumatic events. They were asked about the types of support they sought, when they faced adversity. The study brings together the person-al, familial, and communitarian aspects of support strategies for women facing tragic events, and the interplay between them. Data were organised and analysed through reflexive thematic analysis, in order to find out how the different forms of CS acted as a safety net for vulnerable women facing traumatic loss and adversity in their lives. The results show that in general the participants welcomed the CS received, and valued the specialised services offered to them, which varied ac- cording to the type of crisis they passed through. The informants distinguished between community efforts that were supportive to them and others which were not. The study indicates that women facing trauma might rely more heavily on seeking professional help, rather than talking to their neighbours about their afflictions. This points towards more reliance on institutionalisation, and professionalisation of care, and indicates a corresponding decline in reliance on informal, communal, and kin-based support networks for addressing personal and family trauma. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148134 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148018 Title: Beyond binaries : non-heteronormative vignettes in school workbooks Authors: Cassar, Joanne Abstract: The use of vignettes in school workbooks is usually intended to provide an effective way for students to think about real-life situations or historical events, and better understand their significance. This paper presents a study that outlines a content analysis of vignettes that are part of three workbooks, which are currently being used in secondary schools in Malta for the subject Personal, Social and Career Development for students aged 14-16 years. In particular, the study focuses on vignettes that are not heteronormative and pays attention to how LGBTQI+ individuals are portrayed or made absent within the brief narratives. The vignettes selected for the study, depict examples of life situations, aimed as a reflexive tool for students to discuss issues revolving around dating, connection, sexual consent, harassment and sexting among others. These situations often imply some kind of decision making that involves a transition, such as experiencing sex for the first time or initiating casual sex. The study shows that non-heteronormative vignettes are well-represented in the corpus of the workbooks’ vignettes. The study argues that vignettes could be useful in linking abstract and complex concepts associated with intimate relationships, sexuality and love with tangible experiences. Their use could also facilitate reflexivity through classroom discussion about the narratives depicting particular scenarios and situations. The study posits that school workbooks could be an effective tool for students to gain more self-awareness. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148018 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z