Plan Dimensions Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Use of ICT by Teachers at Nan Yang Technician College, China

Background and Aims: Nowadays, the application of information and communication technology in education is becoming increasingly widespread, which poses new requirements for the ICT application ability of teachers. The aim of this study is to explore: (1) The ICT ability level of teachers at Nan Yang Technician College; and (2) Factors affecting the ICT ability of teachers at Nan Yang Technician College. Methodology: The data was collected from 185 Chinese teachers from a technician school engaged by using the questionnaires and analyzed by Mean, standard deviation, and one-way ANOVA. Results: Research has found that: (1) The overall ICT application ability of teachers at Nan Yang Technician College is at a good level (M=3.56). From the five dimensions, only the evaluation and diagnosis dimensions are at a poor level (M=2.68; SD=0.92). The Technician literacy dimension (M=3.86; SD=0.65) and the learning and development dimension scored the highest (M=3.87; SD=0.62), both reaching a good level. The dimensions of planning and preparation (M=3.19; SD=0.64) and organization and management (M=3.35; SD=0.98) are at a moderate level. (2) There are significant differences in ICT application abilities among teachers of different age groups. The overall level of young vocational school teachers is higher than that of older teachers, especially in terms of planning and preparation, as well as organization and management. There is no significant difference in ICT application ability among teachers of different genders, educational levels, and teaching majors. Conclusion: The overall score of ICT application ability of teachers at Nanyang Technician College is at a good level, but it is relatively low compared to teachers from similar schools. The evaluation and diagnosis dimensions are at a poor level. In terms of influencing factors, age has a significant impact on the teachers of Nanyang Technician College. The ICT application ability score of older teachers is significantly lower than that of younger teachers. The ICT application ability of older teachers needs to be paid attention to. Other factors such as gender, education level, and the courses taught have no significant impact on the ICT application ability of teachers. Based on the analysis of research results, this study suggests that unique ICT enhancement strategies should be developed for different age groups of teachers. The development of learning activities should be based on the analysis of the teacher's situation, such as strengthening the evaluation and diagnostic abilities of teachers.

Cross-fertilisation between spatial planning and territorial cohesion: lessons from the Czech Republic

ABSTRACT This paper contributes to the literature on the territorial dimension of EU Cohesion Policy and spatial planning in EU Member States. It offers a perspective on these debates by focusing on the case study of the Czech Republic which exemplifies the group of countries being the main beneficiaries of Cohesion Policy. Building on interviews, document analyses and interactive workshops, the barriers and potentials for cross-fertilisation between Cohesion Policy and spatial planning are identified. Upon this background, concrete policies are recommended. Therefore, the paper goes a step further by explaining why the problem occurs and what can be done about it.

Application of the MENTOR model to advance One Health by promoting bat conservation and reducing zoonotic spillover risk

For few taxonomic groups do conservation efforts have such a disproportionate impact on biodiversity and human well-being as they do with bats. Bats face significant conservation challenges that affect their long-term viability, inhibit their ecosystem functions and services, and increase zoonotic spillover risks. Protecting bat populations and their habitats ultimately reduces these conservation threats, helps prevent pandemics, and supports essential ecosystem services. MENTOR-Bat is a fellowship program focused on strengthening technical research, and leadership capacity in the Global South to promote healthy environments where bats and humans can coexist with reduced risks of pathogen transmission. Co-designed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Bat Conservation International (BCI), MENTOR-Bat mirrors the One Health framework by featuring a transdisciplinary team of three mentors and nine fellows from Cameroon, Colombia, and Indonesia. Fellows and mentors receive academic and field-based training on bat ecology and conservation, One Health, human dimensions of conservation, behavior change, strategic communications, international policy, adaptive management, project planning, conservation leadership, and public health. Fellows will then design and implement team pilot projects to advance One Health and bat conservation in their respective countries. Program evaluation of MENTOR-Bat is based on Kirkpatrick’s Hierarchy and focuses on measuring the development of established One Health core competences. By incorporating One Health and conservation within its activities, MENTOR-Bat can become a valuable programmatic template for transdisciplinary programming advancing evidence-based strategies for improving the well-being of bats, humans, and the environment.

The impact of town planning on direct residential CO2 emissions in rural China

China's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2060 has made decarbonization a key principle for spatial planning (also referred to as urban/city/town planning). Although the mitigation effect of spatial planning in urban areas has been well documented, its significance in rural development has yet to be investigated. This paper addresses this research gap by empirically examining the influence of town planning on rural direct residential CO2 emissions (DRCEs) across 30 provinces in China. Based on various quantitative models, this study not only confirms the significant impact of town planning on rural DRCEs and the moderation effect of plan implementation capacity but also discloses that different dimensions of town planning have disparate roles in rural DRCE reduction. Additionally, regional variations in the mitigation effects of town planning on rural DRCEs were observed. The study also reveals spatial spillover effects, indicating that the influence of town planning on rural DRCEs extends beyond individual areas. Overall, China's experiences demonstrate that well-managed town planning could play an essential role in low-carbon rural revitalization or, otherwise, it may augment rural DRCEs per capita. Consequently, governments should ascribe great importance to low-carbon town planning and allocate sufficient resources to towns, especially those in the central and western regions, so that they can afford professional planning consultation and adequate staffing in plan implementation. Moreover, governments should cooperate to promote knowledge sharing and transferring of low-carbon planning.

The Impact of Succession Planning on Enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior: A Field Study at Tikrit University

The study aims to determine the extent to which succession planning contributes to enhancing organizational citizenship behavior at Tikrit University. The research hypotheses were the availability of the dimensions of succession planning and the dimensions of organizational citizenship in the university under study, and the existence of significant correlations and influence between each succession planning and organizational citizenship behavior. The research community was identified with the teaching and administrative staff of Tikrit University, consisting of (280) people, and a survey was conducted on a random sample of them, numbering (158) individuals. All distributed questionnaires were retrieved with a recovery rate of 100%, while the questionnaires suitable for analysis were (120), representing (75.9%) of the total questionnaires returned. The data were analyzed and hypotheses were tested using the statistical analysis program SPSS V.26. The study reached a number of results, most notably: There is a high level of application of both succession planning and organizational citizenship behavior at Tikrit University. The results also showed that there is a positive and moderate significant correlation between succession planning and organizational citizenship behavior at the university under study. The results also showed a statistically significant effect of succession planning methods combined in enhancing organizational citizenship behavior at Tikrit University, which explains 29.5% of the changes in the dependent variable. In addition, there was a statistically significant positive effect for all dimensions of succession planning in enhancing organizational citizenship behavior at Tikrit University, where promotion was the most influential on organizational citizenship behavior, followed by job rotation, training, and finally job transfer.

Integrated approach for the development of railway as a core dimension of spatial planning

ABSTRACT The sustainable development of railway represents an essential dimension of spatial planning and a priority of the European Union as it constitutes a safe and environmentally friendly transportation mode. This paper focuses on the application of an integrated approach supporting the development of railway in Greece. A Decision Support System (LIPSOR) was used in order key components, key actors and possible future states to be explored; alternative scenarios were designed and assessed in combination with policy goals and measures. The main outcomes indicated the need to upgrade rail infrastructure and services, increase railway extroversion and reinforce investments.

Exploring the Association Between Knowledge Management and Innovation Capability in R&D Centers

Businesses striving to survive in today's highly competitive market conditions are continuously trying to utilize innovation related strategies to sustain their position and competitiveness. Knowledge management, on the other hand, has been shown to have a significant influence on the innovation capability of the organization. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the relationship between knowledge management practices and innovation capability in research and development (R&D) centers operating in Istanbul and Kocaeli / Turkiye through an empirical study. The data used in the study was collected from the managers of R&D centers using a web-based questionnaire, as well as face-to-face meetings. A complete census method was used as the sampling technique, and 220 R&D center managers in the region were contacted. Among the managers contacted, only 182 managers provided data and were included in the study. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was used to analyze the data obtained. As a result of the analyses, it is found that the knowledge acquisition dimension has a significant positive relationship with the learning capability, production capability, marketing capability and strategic planning capability. In addition, the results revealed that storing and sharing knowledge have significant and positive relationship with production capability, and transforming knowledge has a significant and positive relationship with both marketing and organizational capability. In particular, it is concluded that knowledge acquisition and sharing are important in terms of learning, production, marketing and strategic planning dimensions of innovation capability specifically in R&D centers.

Enhancing mathematics teachers’ pedagogical skills by using ChatGPT

The primary aim of this study was to propose a conceptual framework intended to leverage the capabilities of the Chat GPT artificial intelligence model to enhance the creative teaching proficiencies of secondary school mathematics teachers. A closed interview questionnaire designed by the researcher was administered to evaluate the proficiency levels of secondary mathematics teachers using a descriptive methodology. The study sample comprised 31 mathematics teachers. Furthermore, the researcher developed a proposed conceptual framework aimed at activating the Chat GPT model to foster creative teaching skills among secondary mathematics teachers. Analysis of the data revealed that teachers demonstrated a moderate level of proficiency in the planning dimension of creative teaching while their execution and evaluation competencies were comparatively less advanced. Moreover, the study confirmed the appropriateness of the proposed conceptual framework for augmenting the creative teaching aptitudes of secondary mathematics teachers emphasizing its relevance, significance and practical utility. According to teachers’ perspectives, this framework is appropriate in light of its relevance, importance and applicability. In a nutshell, this research contributes to the discourse on innovative pedagogical strategies by proposing a viable framework for the integration of artificial intelligence technologies into mathematics education. By doing so, it seeks to nurture creativity and efficacy among teachers within the secondary school potentially enhancing the quality of mathematics instruction and student learning outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of integrating regenerative AI ChatGPT into classrooms emphasizing its role in enhancing creative teaching skills and its practical applicability in educational contexts.

Executive functions and their relationship with age: Insights from a novel neuropsychological Assessment Battery in Children—a pilot study

Executive functions (EFs) are a set of cognitive processes that enable individuals to manage and coordinate their thoughts and actions toward achieving specific goals. EFs include planning, organizing, initiating, and monitoring actions, and have been found to improve with age due to the maturation of the brain, especially during childhood. Therefore, our correlational study sought to determine the relationship between the performance in executive functions and age in 79 children (36 girls, 45.6%) throughout development, between the ages of 6 and 12 (mean = 9.25; SD = 2.05), using a battery designed in Chile: BEFE (Batería de Evaluación de las Funciones Ejecutivas: Executive Function Assessment Battery) based on traditional neuropsychological tests to evaluate Working Memory, Inhibitory Control, Cognitive Flexibility, and Planning skills. Our results showed various correlations between the variables age and performance in various behavioral parameters, demonstrating an increase in the number of correct responses (positive correlation) and/or a decrease in errors (negative correlation) with age (6–12) in the subtests that correspond to dimensions of Cognitive Flexibility (Semantic and Phonological Fluency, Card Sorting Game, and Tracing Tasks), Inhibitory Control (ENA-F and Sentence Completion), Working Memory (Audio-verbal WM Forward and Ordering, and Visuospatial WM Forward and Backward), and Planning (La Portada de Antofagasta and FISA Maps). These results are consistent with previous empirical evidence and support the notion of a developmental relationship between EF performance and age. Additionally, this study contributes to understanding EF development in culturally specific contexts, highlighting the importance of contextually relevant assessment tools in evaluating cognitive development.

Urban greenway planning: Identifying optimal locations for active travel corridors through individual mobility assessment

Greenways are planned for various goals including nature conservation and promoting mobility by foot or bike in urban areas. A challenge associated with designed greenways pertains to their underutilization for mobility. Due to their multi-functionality greenways are usually not designed with a focus on active mobility, and thus, do not necessarily correspond with daily mobility patterns. This study addresses this issue by devising a methodology for the identification of optimal locations for active urban greenways within a metropolitan expanse, strategically aligned with the day-to-day pursuits of its inhabitants. Distinguished from prior greenway research, this investigation emphasizes individual mobility and adds a novel perspective to greenway planning. The method was tested in the city of Mashhad in Iran. By employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology in conjunction with a Geographic Information System (GIS) and a gravity formula, a meticulous selection process yielded 19 nodes (sites) deemed most suitable for greenway implementation, selected from a pool of 93 prospective nodes. These findings offer pragmatic insights into the expansion of greenways tailored to the daily activities of urban inhabitants, thus complementing established greenway paradigms and strengthening the mobility dimension and active travel corridors in urban greenway planning.

Development Teacher's Performance of Construct Reliability and Avarice Variance Extracted Measurement Instruments of Certified Islamic Education Teacher’s

The purpose of the study: The study to produce performance measurement instruments for Islamic education teachers has certified teachers. Research objectives: Research to produce performance measurement instruments for Islamic education teachers has teacher certification. Research Methodology: Research using quantitative methods of the Amos model. Participants were 202 participants of high school Islamic teachers. Findings: 1) Researchers develop a theoretical framework for teacher performance by applying the Ministry of Affairs version of the Teacher Performance Assessment Evaluation using at least two (two) hierarchies. 2) The theoretical construct of teacher performance chosen by the author consists of 4 (four) dimensions/aspects, which together form 14 (fourteen) indicators. There are five (five) indicators in the Learning Planning (LP) dimension, three (three) indicators in the Classroom Learning Implementation (CLP) dimension, three (three) indicators in the Evaluation Implementation (EI) dimension, and three (three) indicators in the Student Guidance dimension. 3) There are fifty (fifty) items in the performance evaluation of Islamic teachers, all of which are credible statements. As a result, the last item is recognized as a statement that can be trusted to form because the construct reliability value (CR) is greater than 0.5 (≥0.5), the corresponding indicator. The construct consists of fourteen indicators, all of which are considered valid and reliable because their t-values are declared significant (above 1.96, ≥1.96), the extracted variance value (AVE) exceeds 0.5 (≥0.5), and the construct reliability (CR) that forms the aspect of each statement item exceeds 0.5 (≥0.5). Originality/Value: Research Study Survey Development of Construct Reliability and Avarice Variance of Extracted Measurement Instruments.

Incorporation of human-wildlife interactions in ecosystem-based management to enhance conservation of endangered guitarfish.

Growing human use of the marine environment increases the proximity of humans to marine wildlife and thus likely increases human-wildlife interactions. Such interactions influence perceptions of nature and promote or undermine conservation. Despite their importance, human-wildlife interactions are rarely considered in ecosystem-based marine spatial planning (MSP). Ideally, these interactions should be identified and considered in ecosystem-based management (EBM), which is often purported to be the basis for MSP. We used Marxan software and data from a citizen science project documenting location, species, age, sex, and activity type to identify regions along Israel's coast with a high probability of encounters between people and 2 species of guitarfish. We considered the geographic distribution of these encounters and the various activities undertaken by the reporting observers. We ran 4 scenarios in Marxan. Two had conservation goals of 30% and 50% guitarfish habitat protection. In the third and fourth scenarios, we added a 50% conservation goal of human leisure activities to each guitarfish conservation goal. We also conducted a gap analysis between our guitarfish conservation goals and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority's master plan for marine protected areas. We found the park authority was close to meeting the 30% goal but was far from meeting the conservation goal of 50% of guitarfish habitat conservation. Different human uses were more likely to interact with different life stages of guitarfish, and different recreational activities occurred in different areas. Identifying areas of specific human use showed which activities should be addressed in conservation management decisions. Our addition of certain recreational uses to the model of habitat conservation showed how enhancing human dimensions in conservation planning can lead to more holistic ecosystem-based conservation necessary for effective marine planning.

Invasive weed optimization based compact hybridized fractal antenna design for RF energy harvesting and multifunctional wireless applications

This paper describes the optimal design and analysis of compact multiband Hybrid Fractal Antenna using Invasive Weed Optimization (HFAIWO). The configured structure involves the fusion of Minkowski, Sierpinski carpet and Giuseppe Peano in a coherent manner. The two-iterative conglomerated fractal antenna is realized physically by considering FR4 epoxy material (dielectric constant, εr = 4.4 and mass density = 1,900 kg/m3). The volumetric dimensions of the fabricated prototype are 36 x 36 x 1.6 mm3. In the designing process, the geometrical descriptors, namely, feedline width ‘WF’ and ground plane dimension ‘LG’ are optimized specifically using Invasive Weed Optimization (IWO) and Harmony Search Algorithm (HSA) strategies. The optimal solution is searched by changing the descriptor values under a set of practical constraints. The examined values of ‘WF’ and ‘LG’ using IWO and HSA are 3 and 31 mm, and 2.6 and 28.7 mm, respectively. Comparative results reveal that IWO offers superior solution quality and convergence than HSA. Afterwards, experimentation of the Projected HFAIWO is done to justify the recommended fractal hybridization approach. Measurements reveal that for VSWR ≤ 2, the fabricated structure produces nine resonance points (1.84, 3.99, 5.15, 5.55, 6.30, 6.58, 8.00, 9.29, and 12.01 GHz) with appreciable gain values. At the respective resonance points, the −10 dB impedance bandwidth is 3.9 %, 3.1 %, 2.1 %, 2.2 %, 1.4 %, 1.2 %, 6.9 %, 1.2 %, and 12.23 %. The provided radiation patterns are arbitrary bidirectional/omnidirectional. By applying the above-said approaches, the radiator size is reduced by 54 %. Importantly, the constructed structure covers two important bands i.e. 1.84 GHz (GSM 1800 band, downlink) and 5.55 GHz (WLAN (Lower) 5.150–5.725 GHz) associated with energy harvesting applications. The practical outcomes suggest that the introduced prototype is a proficient candidate for energy harvesting systems, Satellite communication for downlink, Long range tracking, Battlefield surveillance, Digital broadcast satellite service, Weather Radar, and Maritime navigation radar.

Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (nTMS) based Preoperative Planning for Brain Tumor Treatment.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique for analyzing the central and peripheral nervous system. TMS could be a powerful therapeutic technique for neurological disorders. TMS has also shown potential in treating various neurophysiological complications, such as depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders, without pain and analgesics. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, there has been an increase in the prevalence of brain cancer globally. For surgical planning, mapping brain tumors has proven challenging, particularly those localized in expressive regions. Preoperative brain tumor mapping may lower the possibility of postoperative morbidity in surrounding areas. A navigated TMS (nTMS) uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enable precise mapping during navigated brain stimulation. The resulting magnetic impulses can be precisely applied to the target spot in the cortical region by employing nTMS. This review focuses on nTMS for preoperative planning for brain cancer. This study reviews several studies on TMS and its subtypes in treating cancer and surgical planning. nTMS gives wider and improved dimensions of preoperative planning of the motor-eloquent areas in brain tumor patients. nTMS also predicts postoperative neurological deficits, which might be helpful in counseling patients. nTMS have the potential for finding possible abnormalities in the motor cortex areas.

TOWARDS AN ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CULTURE-DRIVEN INTERVENTIONS ON INTEGRATED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING: INSIGHTS FROM THE CASE STUDY OF PIRAEUS AVENUE IN ATHENS, GREECE

In recent years, culture has been addressed as a key component of integrated approaches to local development planning. In this context, it has been systematically combined with institutional and social aspects of local planning strategies and in support of local innovation/creativity systems. However, the articulation of these integrated approaches inhibits a wide typology of context-specific actions in European cities adopting different patterns of promoting culture as an innovative dimension of spatial planning. At the same time, recent discussion in the field suggests the adoption of more holistic frameworks that equally address the role of culture with differentiated aspects such as physical renewal, social relations and governance networks, hence recognising the integrated character of culture-driven interventions and explaining hindering development factors. The present paper aims to elaborate on the importance of such a holistic framework by testing its aspects in the context of the Piraeus Avenue area in Athens (Greece) and the (short-term and fragmented) emanating of developmental policies in support of the creativity and innovation that exist in this locality. The research focuses on the impact of cultural interventions in the Piraeus Avenue area in terms of the building of territorial efficiency, territorial quality, territorial identity and territorial capacity. In parallel, the research addresses the role of demographic and socio-economic parameters in this regard. To address these research aim issues, desktop research together with ten (10) semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders were conducted. Results indicate several positive impacts in the area mostly regarding spatial quality. However, in relation to territorial capacity building, a key finding is the need for activation towards building complementary uses and activities with other types of local stakeholders with accentuated decision-making powers. The research findings can serve to inform policy-making by identifying best practices and key challenges in the formulation of a holistic impact assessment framework towards culture-based spatial development planning in the European space.

Estimation of Additional Costs by Seismic Safety in Shallow Foundations Projects

Additional costs for seismic safety in shallow foundation projects for five reinforced concrete buildings with different dimensions in plan and prop, in the city of Santiago de Cuba, an area of greatest seismic danger in Cuba are evaluated. Costs of foundation plates for seismic, wind load and gravity loads are compared separately. Physical mechanical properties were obtained from testing soil samples by SPT test at the construction area. Requirements for designing foundation plates result from the structural modeling using SAP 2000 NL version 14 for combination load according to current Cuban regulations. The book Excel DISCAR 3.0 was used for designing the geotechnical and structural foundation. Budgets were calculated by using the PRESWIN program, showing increases costs for seismic safety of foundation plates between 34 to 66% in relation to similar costs obtained by wind loads or gravitational loads, significantly increasing the dimensions of foundation's plates, concrete and excavation volumes as well as total reinforcing steel weight for seismic loads.

URBAN SUSTAINABILITY IN ANCIENT OASIS CITIES - THE CASE OF KSAR LICHIANA IN ALGERIAN DESERT

The current research aims to determine the extent to which the cities of the ancient oases applied the concepts of sustainability in their planning dimension. To achieve this goal, the theoretical foundations of sustainable urban unit planning are identified, constituting the first part of the study. In the second part, the characteristics of the ancient oasis cities in the Ziban region, in the eastern Algerian desert, are highlighted, taking the city of Lichana as a case study. It then proceeds to analyze its urban principles and explore its planning vocabulary from the perspective of sustainability concepts, forming the final part. The research concludes that the cities of the ancient oases applied the concepts of sustainability early on in their planning dimension, within their three economic, social, and environmental pillars. The study breaks down these concepts by identifying the theoretical foundations of sustainable urban units, then examining the characteristics and planning vocabulary of a specific oasis city, Lichana. This analysis reveals that these ancient oasis cities integrated principles of economic, social, and environmental sustainability from their very conception.

Test of three-storey confined masonry structure built from clay blocks and PU glue

The paper presents an experimental test of a nearly full-scale three-storey model of a confined masonry structure. The walls were constructed using newly developed clay masonry blocks, with large holes filled with thermal insulation and polyurethane glue instead of mortar. In the construction,relatively thick 38 cm walls and large tie-columns with 25 cm × 25 cm plan dimensions. The test model was built as confined masonry according to Eurocode 8. The innovative materials and construction were developed for thermal efficiency and the test was intended to verify the structural response. The model, test setup, and test procedures are described, and the results of the tests are analysed. The building responded primarily in shear, and ultimately failed in the ground floor in a storey mechanism, but there was also substantial damage on the floor above. Due to the non-standard dimensions of the tie-columns and because masonry was thicker than the tie-columns, the in-plane loaded walls developed an interesting response mechanism in which protruding masonry sheared off. Although this did not significantly impact the overall response, it led to the earlier onset of the significant damage limit state of the structure. The model responded well with wide hysteretic loops and distributed damage, which indicated large energy dissipation capacity, and the response envelopes showed gradual strength deterioration after peak load. The response of the model was quantitatively estimated using the N2 method. Calculations showed that the tested model could withstand a design seismic load corresponding to a 0.21 g peak ground acceleration with significant damage and almost 0.52 g before collapsing. The overstrength was estimated at 1.71.

Exploring the Impact of Urban Morphology on Building Energy Consumption and Outdoor Comfort: A Comparative Study in Hot-Humid Climates

Research simultaneously examining building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort within urban environments remains limited. Few studies have delved into the sensitivity of design parameters based on building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlations between urban morphological design parameters and performance indicators, focusing on building energy consumption and outdoor thermal comfort (UTCI), across different urban block layouts in hot-humid regions, like Guangzhou. By establishing six fundamental morphological models—three individual unit layouts and three group layouts—the research explores both control and descriptive parameters through extensive simulation studies. Scatter plot visualizations provide insights into the impacts of various design parameters on energy consumption and UTCI, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of trends and quantitative relationships. Additionally, the study conducts sensitivity analyses on design parameters under different layout conditions to highlight their influences on target performance indicators. The findings reveal common trends, such as the significant impacts of plan dimensions and the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) on energy efficiency and outdoor comfort, as well as differential patterns, such as the varying sensitivities of the Shape Factor (S/V) and the Sky View Factor (SVF), across individual and collective layouts. Ultimately, this study offers a nuanced understanding of urban block morphology’s role in creating sustainable, comfortable, and energy-efficient urban environments, providing valuable guidelines for urban form design in hot-humid climates.

Planning the metropolitan region in the era of governance: three Latin American cases

ABSTRACT Although there is a large body of literature examining metropolitan regions, it is difficult to find specific literature on metropolitan planning, especially in Latin America. Few studies overlook the enormous diversity of institutional frameworks in a region that is often considered a homogeneous territory, failing to highlight many planning innovations. This paper aims to investigate the particularity of metropolitan planning in Latin America through a comparative case study of its three largest agglomerations: Greater Buenos Aires, the Valley of Mexico, and the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo. This analysis focuses on the instrumental, institutional, and procedural dimensions of planning.