cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24162555
title: Unpublished Mediterranean records of marine alien and cryptogenic species

description: Good datasets of geo-referenced records of alien species are a prerequisite for assessing the spatio-temporal dynamics of biological invasions, their invasive potential, and the magnitude of their impacts. However, with the exception of first records on a country level or wider regions, observations of species presence tend to remain unpublished, buried in scattered repositories or in the personal databases of experts. Through an initiative to collect, harmonize and make such unpublished data for marine alien and cryptogenic species in the Mediterranean Sea available, a large dataset comprising 5376 records was created. It includes records of 239 alien or cryptogenic taxa (192 Animalia, 24 Plantae, 23 Chromista) from 19 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. In terms of records, the most reported Phyla in descending order were Chordata, Mollusca, Chlorophyta, Arthropoda, and Rhodophyta. The most recorded species was Caulerpa cylindracea, followed by Siganus luridus, Magallana sp. (cf. gigas or angulata) and Pterois miles. The dataset includes records from 1972 to 2020, with the highest number of records observed in 2018. Among the records of the dataset, Dictyota acutiloba is a first record for the Mediterranean Sea. Nine first country records are also included: the alga Caulerpa taxifolia var. distichophylla, the cube boxfish Ostracion cubicus, and the cleaner shrimp Urocaridella pulchella from Israel; the sponge Paraleucilla magna from Libya and Slovenia; the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus from Cyprus; the bryozoan Celleporaria vermiformis and the polychaetes Prionospio depauperata and Notomastus aberans from Malta.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.25232908.v1
title: Biological constraints and on-farm limitations affecting meat rabbit productivity in Malta

description: Literature on the production characteristics and constraints of intensive commercial rabbit meat production in Malta is scarce. This paper presents the current situation of the sector as it emerged through questionnaires addressed to the various stakeholders and professionals working within the sector. Agriculture holdings in Malta are limited in size, thereby restricting farm design, which very often requires improvised adjustments and compromises based on the available footprint. Furthermore, Malta’s geographical position is a consistent constraint whenever imports are required; hence, all manufacturing and production industries, rabbit production included, have a significant disadvantage over their European counterparts as there are added expenses associated with transport costs. Other constraints are that the sector is not organised to harmonise production. Furthermore, producers are in need to upgrade their skill sets with regards to the basic principles of husbandry and stockmanship.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30400051
title: Dataset 4 : Monopolar EOG Data Recorded in Isotropic Directions

description: This dataset contains monopolar EOG data recorded for trials, each containing two saccades and a blink. In each trial, the subject was instructed to perform: (i) a saccade from the centre of the screen towards an indicated target position on the screen, (ii) a return saccade back towards the centre, and (iii) a blink. The target positions were chosen so that the saccades were carried out in isotropic directions and were of the same displacement. More information is available in the ‘Data Description’ file made available within the downloadable zip file.
DOI: 10.15468/dl.3edwn8
title: Occurrence Download

description: A dataset containing 241 species occurrences available in GBIF matching the query:
{
 "and" : [
 "TaxonKey is one of (Viola canina, Viola canina)",
 "Geometry POLYGON ((8.643 46.99, 14.1 46.92, 14.43 50.75, 8.534 50.83, 8.643 46.99))",
 "Year is greater than or equal to 2010",
 "OccurrenceStatus is Present",
 "HasGeospatialIssue is false",
 "HasCoordinate is true",
 "CoordinateUncertaintyInMeters is less than or equal to 50",
 "BasisOfRecord is one of (Observation, Human Observation, Machine Observation, Material sample)"
 ]
}

 The dataset includes 241 records from 8 constituent datasets; see https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/download/0002761-260119153935675/datasets/export for details.
 
Data from some individual datasets included in this download may be licensed under less restrictive terms.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24331825.v1
title: House names in ten Maltese localities

description: A total of 19,683 house names from a convenience sample of ten localities across the island of Malta were collected and analysed by UM students of sociology in 2022, teasing out how they communicate social identities. Trends in multilingualism and secularisation were particularly explored, from two sets of house names that represent different historical epochs, one dating from 1977 and one from 2022. Results suggest that: English remains by far the preferred language for naming houses, followed by Maltese; House names that involve two or more languages have increased; House names that relate to the religious or sacred have declined (from around 16% to 10%); andIn spite of evident secularisation in house-naming practices, the most common house name is ‘St Joseph’ and its linguistic variations (e.g. San Guzepp; San Giuseppe ...)The ten localities are: Ghaxaq, Gzira, Marsaskala, Mosta, Msida, Mtarfa, Qormi, Senglea (Isla), Zejtun and Zurrieq.The spreadsheets contain ALL the house names of these ten localities, as appeared in the Spring 2022 Malta Electoral Register for local council elections (https://electoral.gov.mt). They are organised by street and in alphabetical order. The data appears in two sets [er locality, depending on whether the particular street already existed in 1977 or not. This allows comparisons in the quantity and nature of house names between 1977 and 2022. Data is Public and Accessible to the General Public
DOI: 10.60809/drum.25856200
title: Vegetation data for upload.xlsx

description: This is a list of vegetation relevés collected from Malta in 2020-2021
DOI: 10.60809/drum.26198072
title: Data on phytoliths, collected by Greta L. Micallef (2024)

description: Data from undergraduate dissertation named <b>‘Palaeovegetation Records from Phytoliths’</b> by Greta L. Micallef
DOI: 10.60809/drum.26198072.v1
title: Data on phytoliths, collected by Greta L. Micallef (2024)

description: Data from undergraduate dissertation named <b>‘Palaeovegetation Records from Phytoliths’</b> by Greta L. Micallef
DOI: 10.60809/drum.28846556.v1
title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data of fruit and vegetables (directory and file structure only)

description: The full BIDS-compliant directory and file structure of the dataset. The structure is openly available but does not contain any usable data. The actual dataset can be found here: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data of fruit and vegetables.Enquiries for access can be directed to: umri.platform@um.edu.mt
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30356080.v1
title: Sherds catalogue : a review of Malta's pre-temple Neolithic pottery wares (MPotCatalogueReview2023v1)

description: This catalogue was compiled as part of the MaltaPot project at the University of Malta. This project aims to understand better the pottery manufactured in Neolithic Malta, mainly dating to the Għar Dalam, Skorba (Early Neolithic), and Zebbuġ (Late Neolithic) periods. This catalogue will be associated with a submitted paper reviewing the Pre-Temple Wares in Malta and will be released concomitantly to the paper if accepted.This document is a PDF; the data and photographs can be accessed by contacting the authors.This catalogue was compiled in 2023. Data collection was carried out between 2018-2020 and 2023. This catalogue was compiled in 2023. Data collection was carried out between 2018-2020 and 2023.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30382684.v1
title: Dataset 3 : Monopolar EOG Data Recorded Under Non-Stationary Head Pose Conditions

description: This dataset contains the head pose and position data and monopolar EOG channel data recorded for trials each containing two saccades and a blink. In each trial, the subject was instructed to perform: (i) a saccade towards an indicated random position on the screen, (ii) a second saccade towards a different indicated random position on the screen, and (iii) a blink. The subjects were allowed to perform any natural head movements as necessary while attending to the targets. More information is available in the ‘Data Description’ file made available within the downloadable zip file.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30401401
title: XRD DATA : Early Neolithic pottery production in the Maltese Islands : initiating an Għar Dalam and Skorba pottery fabric classification

description: This dataset contains raw X-ray diffraction (XRD) data from 32 Early Neolithic ceramic sherds excavated at four sites in Malta: Skorba, Santa Verna, Taċ-Ċawla, and Kordin. The samples represent the Għar Dalam and Skorba phases and were analysed as part of the MaltaPot project at the University of Malta. XRD analysis was carried out to support petrographic interpretations, confirm mineral phases, and assess firing conditions. The dataset includes intensity vs 2θ data, recorded using a Bruker D8 diffractometer, along with full output files including instrument settings. Data collection was conducted by Dr Catriona Brogan and later re-analysed by Dr Ing. John C. Betts and Maria Vella. This upload was prepared as part of the publication of the archaeometric results by Emma Richard-Tremeau.XRD data were collected at the Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (DMME), University of Malta, under the supervision and with the help of Ing. James Camilleri and Dr Daniel Vella.The data are provided in an Excel spreadsheet (.xlsx) with four sheets:Għar Dalam – raw data (angle and intensity)Għar Dalam – full output with instrument settingsSkorba – raw data (angle and intensity)Skorba – full output with instrument settingsMethodology is described in detail in the accompanying README file.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30477455
title: Global database of offshore freshened groundwater records

description: A global database of 305 records of offshore freshened groundwater has been compiled using published information. The criteria for including records in this database include salinities of ≤33 PSU, a location of ≥1 km away from the coast, and a distance of &gt;10 km from other records. This is an outcome of the MARCAN project. This project has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC), under the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement No 677898 (MARCAN)).<b>Funding :</b>European Commission - MARCAN - Topographically-driven meteoric groundwater – An important geomorphic agent. Find more<b> </b><b>here</b>
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30763472.v2
title: Melissopalynological database of Maltese honey samples, with accompanying protocols to determine monofloral honey.

description: A total of 25 honey samples were sent for melissopalynological analysis to determine monoflorality.This is part of a project called 'Bee-Optech4Honey', funded by XjenzaMalta. One of the main objectives of this project is to analyse Maltese thyme honey and determine whether or not it is eligible for PGI status. Therefore, one of the tasks of the project was to send Maltese honey samples abroad to be analysed for pollen content, which, in conjunction with physico-chemical analyses, would give us the type of honey analysed. The honey was extracted from the hives of 15 beekeepers by taking honey-laden comb to the laboratory and squeezing through a fine mesh (cheesecloth). Every sample sent abroad contained at least 250 g.The dataset shows the pollen analysis results as produced by FoodQS GmbH, a German food analysis lab. They followed standard pollen analysis techniques, producing slides of honey which are analysed microscopically. The accompanying protocols are a summary of how these honey samples were analysed melissopalynologically, to determine whether they are monofloral or not. These protocols were outlined by FoodQS GmbH.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24137757.v1
title: Economics students : selfish by nature, altruistic by nurture

description: Economics and its teaching have gone through considerable introspection in recent years including on the question of whether the widely used assumption of self-interest suppresses altruism in students. In this paper we examine whether students of economics exhibit differences in altruistic preferences and whether this is due to indoctrination or selection effects. We employ a survey with embedded Dictator Game and Ultimatum Game experiments, randomizing the use of a prime with the aim of activating prior knowledge in the memory of our respondents and constructing an index of previous exposure to economics. Through difference in means and formal regression analysis, we find that while students choosing to major in economics are likely to give lower donations than others (particularly in stylized DG and UG games), stronger exposure to economics yields higher donations. These findings suggest that while students of economics may well be less altruistic by nature, stronger exposure to economics is associated with stronger levels of altruism.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24155637.v1
title: Global register of introduced and invasive species - Malta

description: The Global Register of Introduced and Invasive Species (GRIIS) presents validated and verified national checklists of introduced (alien) and invasive alien species at the country, territory, and associated island level. Checklists are living entities, especially for biological invasions given the growing nature of the problem. GRIIS checklists are based on a published methodology and supported by the Integrated Publishing Tool that jointly enable ongoing improvements and updates to expand their taxonomic coverage and completeness. Phase 1 of the project focused on developing validated and verified checklists of countries that are Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Phase 2 aimed to achieve global coverage including non-party countries and all overseas territories of countries, e.g. those of the Netherlands, France, and the United Kingdom. All kingdoms of organisms occurring in all environments and systems are covered. Checklists are reviewed and verified by networks of country or species experts. Verified checklists/ species records, as well as those under review, are presented on the online GRIIS website (www.griis.org) in addition to being published through the GBIF Integrated Publishing Tool.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24162522.v1
title: Understanding motivations to use online streaming services : integrating the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the uses and gratifications theory (UGT)

description: Purpose: The outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its preventative social distancing measures have led to a dramatic increase in subscriptions to paid streaming services. Online users are increasingly accessing live broadcasts as well as recorded video content and digital music services through Internet and mobile devices. In this context, this study explores the individuals’ uses and gratifications from online streaming technologies during COVID-19. Design/Methodology/Approach: This research has adapted key measures from the ‘Technology Acceptance Model’ (TAM) and from the ‘Uses and Gratifications Theory’ (UGT) to better understand the individuals’ intentions to use online streaming technologies. A structural equations partial least squares’ (SEM-PLS 3) confirmatory composite approach was used to analyze the gathered data. Findings: The individuals’ perceived usefulness and ease of use of online streaming services were significant antecedents of their intentions to use the mentioned technologies. Moreover, this study suggests that the research participants sought emotional gratifications from online streaming technologies, as they allowed them to distract themselves into a better mood, and to relax in their leisure time. Evidently, they were using them to satisfy their needs for information and entertainment. Research implications: This study contributes to the academic literature by generating new knowledge about the individuals´ perceptions, motivations, and intentions to use online streaming technologies to watch recorded movies, series, and live broadcasts. Practical implications: The findings imply that there is scope for the providers of online streaming services to improve their customer-centric marketing by refining the quality and content of their recorded programs, and through regular interactions with subscribers and personalized recommender systems. Originality/Value: This study integrates the TAM and UGT frameworks to better understand the effects of the users’ perceptions, ritualized and instrumental motivations on their intentions to continue watching movies, series and broadcasts through online streaming technologies, during COVID-19.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.24331825
title: House names in ten Maltese localities

description: A total of 19,683 house names from a convenience sample of ten localities across the island of Malta were collected and analysed by UM students of sociology in 2022, teasing out how they communicate social identities. Trends in multilingualism and secularisation were particularly explored, from two sets of house names that represent different historical epochs, one dating from 1977 and one from 2022. Results suggest that: English remains by far the preferred language for naming houses, followed by Maltese; House names that involve two or more languages have increased; House names that relate to the religious or sacred have declined (from around 16% to 10%); andIn spite of evident secularisation in house-naming practices, the most common house name is ‘St Joseph’ and its linguistic variations (e.g. San Guzepp; San Giuseppe ...)The ten localities are: Ghaxaq, Gzira, Marsaskala, Mosta, Msida, Mtarfa, Qormi, Senglea (Isla), Zejtun and Zurrieq.The spreadsheets contain ALL the house names of these ten localities, as appeared in the Spring 2022 Malta Electoral Register for local council elections (https://electoral.gov.mt). They are organised by street and in alphabetical order. The data appears in two sets [er locality, depending on whether the particular street already existed in 1977 or not. This allows comparisons in the quantity and nature of house names between 1977 and 2022. Data is Public and Accessible to the General Public
DOI: 10.60809/drum.26166679
title: Data on floral complexity collected by Melanie Briffa (2024)

description: This is a data file concerning floral complexity. It is accompanied by a detailed README file. It accompanies the BSc dissertation titled 'Floral complexity of alien plants in the Maltese islands' authored by Melanie Briffa in June 2024
DOI: 10.60809/drum.28653026.v1
title: <b>The religiosity of adolescents and young adults in Malta</b>

description: The data was collected for a research which sought to study the religiosity of adolescents and of young adults in Malta in 2024/5. The data collected was used to trace what happens to adolescents as they move to emerging adulthood in terms of religiosity and of faith. The research also sought to find out how many fall out of religion as they move along in life, and the reasosn why they deconverted.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.28846556
title: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data of fruit and vegetables (directory and file structure only)

description: The full BIDS-compliant directory and file structure of the dataset. The structure is openly available but does not contain any usable data. The actual dataset can be found here: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data of fruit and vegetables.Enquiries for access can be directed to: umri.platform@um.edu.mt
DOI: 10.60809/drum.29412500
title: Corpus Inscriptionum Melitensium : Latin inscriptions in l-Isla/Senglea

description: Corpus Inscriptionum Melitensium, a project by the Department of Classics and Archaeology at UM, is an in-progress database that compiles Latin inscriptions across Malta and Gozo. This spreadsheet covers Latin inscriptions in Isla/Senglea, including a transcription, translations in English and Maltese, background information and other relevant data.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.29634677.v1
title: Catalogue of selected Late Punic-Roman sherds from the sanctuary at Tas-Silġ and the Żejtun villa, Malta

description: This catalogue records 74 archaeological sherds from the archaeological sites of the sanctuary at Tas-Silġ and the Żejtun villa. This catalogue was compiled as part of a MA and undergraduate dissertations (Humann 2022; Richard-Trémeau 2023) and is now accessible to provide comparative material for future research.<br>This catalogue is used in the Open Access publication: Richard-Trémeau, E. <i>et al.</i> (2024) ‘An archaeological and archaeometric study of Late Punic–Roman Pottery from the Tas-Silġ Sanctuary and the Żejtun Villa, Malta’, <i>Libyan Studies</i>, pp. 1–21. doi:10.1017/lis.2024.7.
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30315409
title: Gżira KPI data

description: This dataset presents environmental and social indicators collected as part of the VARCITIES Horizon 2020 project in the pilot city of Gżira, Malta, a highly urbanised, densely populated locality. The dataset supports the characterisation of health and wellbeing risks linked to urban heat islands, air and noise pollution, and lack of green infrastructure. Data were gathered through air quality sensors (PM2.5, NOx, NO2, etc.), and participatory citizen science activities. Complemented by pre-implementation and post-implementation results from local residents as well as stakeholder workshops, this mixed-methods dataset serves as a baseline for evaluating the impact of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and Visionary Solutions (VS), including micro-greening, public space activation, and a green playscape at a local school. The dataset supports urban resilience research, sustainable planning, and perception of health and wellbeing in cities experiencing similar environmental and infrastructural stressors.<br>FundingEuropean Commission - VARCITIES - VISIONARY NATURE BASED ACTIONS FOR HEALTH, WELLBEING & RESILIENCE IN CITIES (VARCITIES) Find out more here
DOI: 10.60809/drum.30364654.v1
title: Dataset 1: Zero-Centred Horizontal and Vertical Bipolar EOG Data

description: This dataset contains the horizontal and vertical bipolar EOG channel data recorded for trials each containing two saccades and a blink. In each trial, the subject was instructed to perform: (i) a saccade originating from the centre of the screen towards an indicated random position on the screen, (ii) a return saccade from the latter random position back towards the centre of the screen, and (iii) a blink. The data was recorded while the subjects rested their head on a chin-and-forehead rest. More information is available in the ‘Data Description’ file made available within the downloadable zip file.