/library/oar/handle/123456789/126973 2025-12-25T11:49:05Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138876 Title: Monitoring olea europaea l. pollen in Malta Abstract: The aim of this aerobiological study was to monitor airborne Olea europaea L. (olive tree) pollen in Malta, and investigate its correlation with meteorological factors, and implications for public health, particularly in relation to pollen-induced allergies. Using a Burkard 7-day recording volumetric spore trap, the atmosphere at the University of Malta’s Msida campus was monitored from March to June, 2024. The Main Pollen Season (MPS) of this species was identified from March 29 to May 26, lasting 59 days. The highest pollen concentrations were recorded in April, with the highest peak reaching 48.6 grains/m3. This study addressed a significant gap in local aerobiological research by creating an olive pollen calendar for Spring 2024. The temporal period of the pollen season was found to compare well with lower latitude categories of the Mediterranean. Statistical analyses using Spearman’s correlation showed that accumulated temperature, mean temperature, wind speed and wind direction are the parameters most closely correlated with variations in daily pollen counts. The division of the pollen season into pre- and post-peak phases provided stronger correlations between pollen concentrations and weather parameters and enabled a better understanding of the pollen season. Through linear regressions performed by using daily pollen concentrations or five-day mean pollen concentrations as a dependent variable and the daily values of meteorological parameters as independent variables, the most accurate predictive model obtained was for the five-day running mean pollen concentrations during the pre-peak period using cumulative temperature (y = -38.51 + 0.032Tcum). The study also highlights the health risks associated with Olea europaea pollen, which is highly allergenic and can cause pollinosis in sensitive individuals. The pollen levels of this species were relatively low at the UM campus compared to thresholds known to trigger severe allergic reactions. The findings emphasise the importance of ongoing aerobiological monitoring in Malta, especially given the increasing cultivation of olive trees. Continued research and data collection are required for refining predictive models that can assist in public health planning and agricultural management. This study lays the groundwork for future aerobiological studies in Malta, with promising applications in early-season crop yield estimates and allergy forecasting. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/128809 Title: Classification of food waste in a limited set of Maltese households Abstract: This study investigates the classification and quantification of food waste within Maltese households to understand its composition, seasonal variation, and the factors influencing its generation. The research adopts a mixed method approach, integrating both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. Quantitative data was collected by directly measuring food waste in 30 participating households across five districts in Malta over four seasons. The food waste was categorised into avoidable, potentially avoidable, and unavoidable waste. The data was analysed using permutational ANOVA to identify significant differences in food waste generation rates across districts and seasons. Qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions to explore household behaviours and attitudes towards food waste. The study found significant district-based variations in avoidable food waste generation, with the Northern Harbour District exhibiting lower rates due to specific waste-reducing practices like composting and feeding leftovers to animals. Seasonal variations indicated higher food waste in autumn and lower rates in winter. The thematic analysis of the interviews revealed key drivers of food waste, such as inadequate meal planning, improper food storage, and a lack of awareness about food waste reduction strategies. Participants expressed emotional responses like guilt and frustration when discarding food, highlighting the moral and ethical dimensions of food waste. Meanwhile, the focus group highlighted practical challenges in incorporating potentially avoidable food items into daily meals, despite recognising their value in reducing waste. Based on these findings, the study recommends comprehensive education and awareness programmes to enhance consumer knowledge on food waste management. Promoting practical tools such as meal planning applications and community-based foodsharing initiatives can further mitigate food waste. Future research should expand the sample size and explore long-term changes in food waste behaviours to inform more effective policy interventions. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/128806 Title: The extinction of experience : exploring nature contact and connectedness amongst university staff and students Abstract: The theory of Extinction of Experience (EoE), first introduced by Pyle in 1978, suggests a decreasing trend in human-nature interactions over time. This study investigates nature contact, nature connectedness, and proenvironmental behaviours among students and staff at the University of Malta, with the aim of exploring generational differences, providing an empirical foundation for evaluating the EoE hypothesis. A survey was distributed to a combined population of 376 respondents, measuring various aspects of nature contact (intentional, incidental, indirect), nature connectedness using the Nature Relatedness Scale (NR-21), and pro-environmental behaviours. Results indicate significant age-related differences in nature connectedness and pro-environmental behaviours but with no clear pattern across generations. Nature contact showed no significant differences across age groups, although indirect contact was most common for all. The quality of natural areas visited was consistently rated poorly, potentially affecting motivation for intentional contact. Overall, younger generations exhibited lower nature connectedness and fewer pro-environmental behaviours. The findings provide partial but inconclusive support for the EoE hypothesis. The study highlights the importance of quality nature contact and early childhood experiences in promoting long-term environmental stewardship. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/128803 Title: Investigating the increase of European bee-eaters ‘Merops apiaster’ over Malta and their prey availability during migration Abstract: This thesis investigates the increasing presence of the European bee-eater Merops apiaster over Malta during migration periods and explores the availability of their prey. Strategically located between Europe and Africa, Malta serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds, including the bee-eater. This research aims to fill gaps in the understanding of local migration numbers and dietary habits of the European bee-eater, which are essential for effective conservation strategies. Field observations were conducted in key habitats, complemented by historical data analysis and photographic evidence of prey items. The study reveals a significant increase in bee-eater sightings over the past decades, attributed to conservation efforts in southern Europe and reduced hunting pressures in Malta following the enforcement of the EU Wild Birds Directive. Photographic evidence dispels the misconception that bee-eaters primarily consume bees, highlighting their opportunistic feeding behaviour on a variety of insects such as dragonflies, moths, and butterflies. These findings underscore the ecological importance of the European bee-eater as a predator of airborne insects and its role in local biodiversity. The research concludes with recommendations for continued monitoring and public education to support conservation initiatives. This study not only contributes to the ecological knowledge of migratory patterns and dietary adaptability of bee-eaters but also provides valuable insights for policymakers and conservationists in managing and protecting avian species in Malta. Description: B.Sc. (Hons)(Melit.) 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z