/library/oar/handle/123456789/135428 2025-12-26T11:16:06Z 2025-12-26T11:16:06Z Calleja, Kurt Duca, Edward Quacinella, Daniela Suda, David Caruana, Mark Anthony Borg, Fabian Scheiber, Sarah Micallef, Daniel Clarke, Emma /library/oar/handle/123456789/127689 2024-10-16T10:28:16Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: VARCITIES pilot characterisation : research findings of the environmental conditions and health-related risks in Gzira Authors: Calleja, Kurt; Duca, Edward; Quacinella, Daniela; Suda, David; Caruana, Mark Anthony; Borg, Fabian; Scheiber, Sarah; Micallef, Daniel; Clarke, Emma Abstract: Gżira is a small, highly densely populated town in the Maltese Islands measuring just 0.6 km2 in surface area, that is facing many ecological and environmental challenges. The Horizon 2020 project, VARCITIES, aims to co-create visionary solutions (VS) with the Gżira community and various stakeholders to address these problems. A characterisation study was carried out as the first step in the processes needed to develop these solutions. This report shows data gathered by the Research Innovation Unit of the Gżira Local Council and University of Malta, with VSs being suggested involving microgreening and citizen engagement activities to address the lack of green public spaces and health related risks currently perceptible in its geographical location, climate, and infrastructure. Following a series of ethnographic field observations, air quality measurements, academic research and consultations with expert stakeholders three visionary solutions were carefully co-created in order to devise the main Nature-based Solutions (NBS) to be implemented in the pilot city. This article discusses the present situation in Gżira and identifies the challenges of the context, and describes the ways in which VARCITIES attempts to address such problems and how NBS can be of benefit to the Gżira locality and users of space. The main challenges identified about the pilot sites are linked to deprivation of green infrastructure, high levels of air and noise pollution, the Urban Heat Island effect and improper disposal of waste. Visionary Solutions were proposed for these challenges in the form of infrastructural implementation and sociocultural events. These include; the micro-greening of a bus stop area and pop-up activities in Rue d’Argens, a citizen science activity involving residents in conducting air pollution measurements to increase awareness and a green outdoor learning space at St. Clare Gżira Primary School.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Lynch, Ciara Gargiulo, Maria Vittoria Mogno, Caterina Oyewale, Oluwafikayo A. Roblas, Mark Ivan C. Duca, Edward /library/oar/handle/123456789/127678 2024-10-16T09:29:09Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Conducting an online STEAM-themed treasure hunt event during the COVID-19 pandemic Authors: Lynch, Ciara; Gargiulo, Maria Vittoria; Mogno, Caterina; Oyewale, Oluwafikayo A.; Roblas, Mark Ivan C.; Duca, Edward Abstract: The in-person Malta-based STEAM Summer School intensive science communication course was transformed into the STEAM Digital School due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Still retaining real world features, the course managed to incorporate individuals from three different continents to learn and work together simultaneously. Upon completion of the course, the students organised an online event during worldwide stay-at-home restrictions to stimulate excitement among youth about scientific topics; in this case, communication within nature. The organisers developed an online treasure hunt for teenagers, a novel format for online learning. The game involved solving puzzles with a science theme through an online platform. Through this medium, the participants were exposed to scientific ideas such as quantum waves, and how a microwave works, in order to increase their possible interest in the area. The organisers aimed to encourage the participants to develop an interest in science and research within society, against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was evaluated to assess the impact on the participants and organisers, and the results indicated the event was generally enjoyed by the participants, though some puzzle difficulties were perhaps too high for those in the targeted age bracket of 16 - 19-year-olds. Further suggestions for the improvement of the online intensive course and this event format are discussed within the report. We found the event format to be an overall success, with all participants indicating an increased interest in science as a result.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/127677 2024-10-16T09:28:04Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Ecological, environmental and healthcare challenges Abstract: Dear readers and authors of Xjenza Online, as Editor in Chief, I am pleased to announce the release of the first regular issue of the 12th volume of Xjenza Online. I also take this opportunity to welcome on board Dr Karl Pelka who has taken over the responsibilities as Copy Editor for the journal.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z Henwood, Jonathan Edwin, Lanfranco Merritt, Roy /library/oar/handle/123456789/127676 2024-10-16T09:25:40Z 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Vaucheria (Heterokontophyta, Vaucheriaceae) from the Maltese Islands (Central Mediterranean) Authors: Henwood, Jonathan; Edwin, Lanfranco; Merritt, Roy Abstract: The Vaucheria species list of the Maltese Islands is reviewed based on literature and collected material. Since many collections were sterile, culture was necessary for identification. Eleven species of Vaucheria have been found from saline and freshwater habitats, including several additions to previous lists, namely Vaucheria cruciata, Vaucheria dillwynii, Vaucheria longicaulis, Vaucheria pseudogeminata and Vaucheria synandra. In addition, Vaucheria mulleola was recorded again. Several other past records remain unidentified.

2024-01-01T00:00:00Z