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Gladiator 2 Set Open Day Map Of Exhibits Unveiled

Gladiator 2 Set Open Day Map Of Exhibits Unveiled
Jan 19 2024 Share

The Malta Film Studios have released the official map for the ‘Ġurnata ma’ tal-Films’ open day, which will welcome guests to the set of Gladiator 2. 

Film Commissioner Johann Grech shared the map to social media, with one of the posts emphasising that while photography will be allowed at the Malta Film Studios, photography or videos will not be allowed at Fort Ricasoli. 

The fort will feature a colosseum, an ancient and triumphal arch, a colonnade, an imperial palace, an armoury and much, much more. 

The Film Studios will also show the Jurassic World Blue and Beta Statues, a Fishing Village set construction, roman warships, the Deep Tank and many more exhibits. 

 

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A post shared by Johann Grech (@johanngrech)

The open day will also feature a kid’s area, a Puttinu Cares stand and food stalls. 

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57% Of Maltese Would Like To Have Children

57% Of Maltese Would Like To Have Children
Jan 19 2024 Share

Asking our followers on Instagram, 57% of respondents said that they would love to have children. 

13% of respondents said that they already have children, whereas 17% said they were unsure about having kids. 13% responded with ‘no’.

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Asking our followers whether they would like to get married, 55% said they would like to get married, with 14% saying they already are married. 

19% said they are unsure about marriage, followed by 12% who said that they would not like to get married. 

What do you think?

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Our Finger Prints May Not Be Unique, AI Suggests

Our Finger Prints May Not Be Unique, AI Suggests
Jan 19 2024 Share

Columbia University researchers have challenged the belief of uniqueness of fingerprints, revealing an AI tool’s ability to identify, with 75-90% accuracy, whether prints from different fingers belong to the same individual. 

The AI focused on ridge orientation in the finger’s centre, deviating from traditional minutiae-based methods. 

While uncertain about the AI’s specific mechanism, the researchers, led by Prof Hod Lipson, suggest it could be examining curvature and swirl angles. Skeptical at first, Lipson and student Gabe Guo found the AI’s capabilities surprising.

This study could impact biometrics and forensic science, potentially connecting unidentified fingerprints from different crime scenes.

Although not court-ready, the tool aids forensic investigations by generating leads. Graham Williams from Hull University notes the historical uncertainty of fingerprint uniqueness. 

However, Dr. Sarah Fieldhouse of Staffordshire University questions the AI tool’s impact on casework, citing concerns about stability in markers and the researchers’ uncertainty about the AI’s functioning.

The study, peer-reviewed and set for publication in Science Advances, raises questions about fingerprint uniqueness and introduces an AI-driven tool for forensic leads, emphasising the need for further research and data diversity.

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3,888 Families Benefit From Government Energy Schemes In 3 Years

3,888 Families Benefit From Government Energy Schemes In 3 Years
Jan 19 2024 Share

Since 2021, a total of 3,888 families benefited from four government schemes to encourage their energy transition, receiving circa €10.5 million in financial support for renewable energy systems, solar water heaters and other green technologies.

This financial support was granted through four schemes administered by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS). They include the Solar Water Heaters Scheme, the Heat Pump Water Heater Scheme and the Roof Insulation and Double-Glazing Scheme, all of which have now been relaunched for 2024, as well as the Renewable Energy Sources Scheme for the installation of PV and battery storage systems, which will be reopened in coming months.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli, REWS CEO Ing. Marjohn Abela and EWA CPO Ing. Charles Buttigieg announced these positive figures during a consultation meeting with stakeholders on Thursday.

The Minister emphasised the government’s determination towards sustainable use of energy, the transition towards cleaner energy and decreasing the dependency on fossil fuels. This also follows Malta’s commitment as part of the COP28 agreement reached last December, whereby countries were asked to begin transitioning away from fossil fuels to reach net-zero emissions by the year 2050.

The same goal forms part of the European Green Deal. “It is worth noting that the intermediate goal for the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is at least 19% by 2030, compared to 1990. If, as a country, we continue to work together, we can reach this goal by looking at those sectors that can contribute the most, and we address them by encouraging families to go for grants and schemes in these sectors,” Minister Dalli said.

The Minister thanked families in Malta and Gozo for actively participating in this green transition by investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency in their homes.

The government will be allocating €1 million for the three 2024 schemes relaunched this month, including the financial assistance for the installation of heat pump water heaters (HPWH), solar water heaters (SWH) and roof insulation and double glazing (RIDG).

Later this year, REWS will also be launching a multi-million scheme to support families investing in the installation of grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) systems and household battery storage systems.

Ing. Marjohn Abela spoke about how these schemes are supporting families to be more sustainable and efficient in the use of energy. “In fact, the government has allocated €26 million to these schemes and 3,888 families have benefited with an investment of more than €10 million in the last three years.”

Through a separate initiative, the Energy and Water Agency also helps families to make their homes more energy efficient, providing free energy and water consultations. More than 3,900 households benefited from this service since it was launched several years ago. EWA also administers another scheme that assists vulnerable households replace their old appliances with more energy-efficient solutions, helping them reduce their carbon emissions, as well as their utility bills.

Ing. Charles Buttigieg stated, “The free home visits are an initiative that is gaining popularity among the public and is contributing to an increased awareness of more efficient use of electricity and water in households. In fact, over 700 visits were conducted in 2023, a number that continues to grow year after year.”

The Malta Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of SMEs, the Malta Developers’ Association (MDA), the Chamber of Engineers, the Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency (MIEAA), and the Malta Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energies Association (MEEREA) were present for the meeting.

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