https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/50822 Sun, 12 Apr 2026 14:36:40 GMT 2026-04-12T14:36:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99500 Title: Modern spas in historic masonry buildings: challenges and mitigating measures Abstract: The historic masonry buildings of the Maltese capital city (Valletta) were built in part as a response to the Mediterranean climate by exploitation of local resources, at the same time adapting to environmental challenges by deliberate design and appropriate use of the buildings. However, the resulting natural microclimate in such buildings changes if new uses are introduced. The installation of modern spas is one such adapted use. The aim of the study was to establish the baseline indoor environmental conditions of a representative building in Valletta, and then to identify and quantify the changes in the micro environment triggered by the installation and use of a hot tub, a popular feature of modern spas. Two adjoining buildings, housing the Notarial Archives in St Paul's Street, were selected as a case study as these have been extensively monitored over recent years. Temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) records were analysed, followed by numerical simulation of the above parameters in two selected basement rooms containing the hypothetical hot tub. Different scenarios were simulated including variations in the room dimensions and properties of the hypothetical hot tub. The obtained results indicate that the hot tub induces larger T and RH fluctuation than were recorded during the monitored period (without a tub). Therefore, deterioration of the masonry, governed by environmental fluctuations, such as salt cycles could potentially accelerate. Algal growth could also be stimulated. These changes are amply discussed in relation to the use of the tub. Recommendations to mitigate the impact on the original microenvironment and on the historic limestone fabric include glass enclosure, vapour barrier surface coatings on the masonry and RH regulation by air extraction and dehumidification as reversible and non disruptive measures. It was concluded that introduction of a hot tub in the investigated basements is not recommended. If alternative locations are not available, well-thought out choices, conscious placement and operation of the hot tub, could mitigate the impact on the indoor micro climate and the historic fabric. Description: M.SC.CONSERVATION Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/99500 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95597 Title: Historical medical collections in Malta : current accessibility and future potential Abstract: Knowledge, awareness and access represent a very significant component of cultural heritage management. However, access to some of the historic medical collections in Malta is limited to researchers and students who often have to request permission to view these collections, which are mostly unknown to the general public. This raises the question of whether opportunities for society to reap greater benefit from these collections are being lost. This dissertation identifies the issues that are presently hindering wider access to the medical collections, and considers whether and how it may be desirable to increase their accessibility to wider audiences. A number of medical collections in both Malta and Gozo are examined. The present management, ownership and accessibility of these medical collections are documented and assessed. The study also examines practical and ethical challenges in their management and public accessibility, and proposes recommendations for the future sustainable management of accessibility to this resource. These aims are achieved through a critical review of the literature as well as from the gathering and interpretation of primary data. The primary research comprises of semi-structured individual interviews with the people in charge of the medical collections, and an observation study of visitor behaviour. Numerous barriers to accessibility are identified, such as the dependency on single individuals, or the lack of promotion of the historic medical collections. Another barrier is the lack of awareness of the medical collection amongst the public. There is also the perception that these kinds of collections are mainly of interest to specialized audiences, such as medical students. There is also a noticeable lack of collaboration between the various stakeholders in this sector. Recommendations on how to overcome these obstacles are proposed. These include promoting medical history, improving their management and accessibility, and carrying out further research. Several avenues to stimulate greater interest and promote accessibility are identified. It is argued that standing still is not an option, and that these collections need to be promoted and made accessible for the enjoyment of both present and future generations. Description: M.A.CULTURAL HERIT.MANGT. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/95597 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82133 Title: An assessment of adhesives for the re-adhesion of flaking acrylic paint on outdoor murals Abstract: Outdoor murals are typically subject to deterioration due to a number of reasons, including environmental factors, which may lead to phenomena such as flaking of paint. To date there have been few studies regarding the remedial intervention to treat such deterioration phenomenon on modern outdoor murals. The stabilization of this is typically performed using an adhesive, which aims to re-adhere the flake to the support. This dissertation assesses six adhesives for the re-adhesion of flaking acrylic paint on outdoor murals, with the focus on a case study: the acrylic-based Market Street Railway Mural in San Francisco, California. The general criteria for the intervention of re-adhesion were considered prior to establishing the site-specific performance criteria and working properties of adhesives. After testing on site, the selection of adhesives was shortlisted and Rhoplex AC 2235M (applied on site), Primal AC 35 and Paraloid B72 were further tested and analysed in the laboratory. The laboratory study made use of samples in order to test properties such as adhesion (bond-strength), adhesive deposition (SEM), flexibility and elasticity, hygroscopicity and glass transition temperature (Tg). The working properties of the adhesives were assessed both on site and more in-depth in the laboratory through flow test and surface tension test on the liquid adhesives. The results showed that Rhoplex AC2235M displayed the overall most suitable performance including a Tg within the desirable range for the specific case study. Primal AC35 generally showed to be suitable on many points, however one major drawback was its low Tg. Paraloid B72 did not show satisfactory results, due to generally poor performance and working properties, proving not to be suitable for the purpose of this research. Description: M.SC.CONSERVATION Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/82133 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78132 Title: The role of museums in the construction of identities in Malta Abstract: Heritage and the past have a long history of being used and deployed in the construction of national and local identities. Museums are widely recognised as places where the past may be selected from, shaped, and represented to create, reinforce, or challenge the construction of such identities. This dissertation examines the historical narratives that are being told in history-oriented museums in Malta and considers whether and how these museums, as cultural spaces, play a role in the construction of national and local identities. Based upon an analysis of the literature within the field of museums studies, this dissertation will consider the theoretical background to how identity is constructed and represented in a museum setting. Using examples of eight Maltese museums, scattered across Malta and Gozo, this dissertation will assess how they relate to constructions of Maltese identity, both at a national and at a local level. Two types of primary research were conducted, namely exhibit analysis through direct, first-hand examination of museums displays, and semi-structured individual interviews with practitioners in the management of the same museums. The research findings confirmed that the way knowledge and understanding of the past is presented in Maltese museums is influenced by issues concerning constructions of identity. A varied picture emerged in the treatment of these constructions of identity, which in the case of some museums were perpetuated and reinforced, while in others were questioned or challenged. Description: M.A.CULTURAL HERIT.MANGT. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/78132 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z