Planning Efforts Research Articles

Calibration of IMO Half-Century Staid Commitments Stocktake through Marine Pollution Reversal Pact: While Re-echoing for Full-scale Synchronized Efforts in Sustainable Future Planning

Calibration of IMO Half-Century Staid Commitments Stocktake through Marine Pollution Reversal Pact: While Re-echoing for Full-scale Synchronized Efforts in Sustainable Future Planning

Development Policies and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria

Nigeria is not referred to as the Poverty Capital of the World for lack of development policies. Even before the Second Republic, various regimes, have initiated brilliant development policies aimed at positioning the country as real Giant of Africa; as opposed to the demographic giant that we are on the continent today. The country is endowed with enormous human and material resources that could be harnessed for the benefit of the citizenry. But failure on the part of our leaders has led to the staggering level of poverty that inundates the land, especially, the country side. Sadly, poverty is not a phenomenon that can be cast away through prayers; or wished away; neither can development be achieved in the realm of desirability. It takes conscious planning, dogged and pragmatic efforts to conquer these phenomena. The paper adopts the Human Capital Theory by Gary Becker and Jacob Mincer as its theoretical framework. The theory is apt because it prescribes education, training and skills acquisition as mechanisms for attracting productivity, workers’ efficiency and overall socio-economic development. The work will take a cursory look at development policies initiated by past regimes, from the Second Republic till date. In that light, poverty reduction in Nigeria shall be viewed through the prism of the impact of the development policies experimented over the years. The study shall also look at the challenges that these policies faced in course of their implementation. The causes of the failures of these well-intended policies shall be looked into and recommendations to ameliorate the problems shall be given.

A comparative study of the saproxylic diversity of a natural and a reforested forest in Morocco: Implications for conservation and ecosystem management

Moroccan forest ecosystems are rich in biodiversity. However, they are threatened by deforestation. To reduce this, the country has adopted plans involving reforestation. This study compares the diversity of saproxylic litter beetles in two forests in the province of El Jadida, Morocco: the natural Haouzia matorral and the reforested Chiadma forest. The Winkler method and Tullgren funnel were used to assess saproxylic beetles, which serve as bioindicators to evaluate the effectiveness of reforestation efforts. A total of 160 specimens were sampled in the natural forest, symmetrically and concentratedly distributed, with 3% being saproxylic. In the natural bushes, anthropogenic activities have caused a low percentage of species richness. Conversely, the reforested forest has a similar abundance and richness, with 85 specimens and 7% saproxylic. However, the distribution of specimens in the reforested forest is less symmetrical and concentrated than in the natural forest. The differences in species richness are attributed to the different systems present at each site. The natural scrub has an endemism rate of 33%, which is higher than that of Chiadma (13%). These results highlight the significance of management, planning, and protection efforts to conserve these natural ecosystems, which are a national heritage.

Association between subjective well‐being and cognition of neighborhood places: An online questionnaire study conducted in the Tokyo metropolitan area

AbstractImproving individuals' subjective well‐being has become a focus of policymaking globally in recent times. The current study examined the association between cognition of neighborhood places and subjective well‐being, with the aim of informing urban planning and community development efforts to improve the latter. An online questionnaire was distributed among residents in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and 2600 individuals responded. Regression analysis showed that respondents with greater neighborhood awareness and higher levels of education and household income exhibited better subjective well‐being. Moreover, psychological distress, loneliness, and sense of coherence were observed to be associated with amount of cognition of neighborhood places. Another regression analysis revealed that amount of cognition of neighborhood places was associated with education levels and household income independently, suggesting the possibility of amount of cognition of neighborhood places playing a mediatory role in health disparities, a global public health concern. The findings of the current study suggest that urban planning and community development policies should aim to increase individuals' amount of cognition of neighborhood places by improving accessibility and providing information on the history, available facilities, and culture of their neighborhood. These measures should also be conducted in areas with residents from lower socioeconomic strata.

Identifying and synthesizing components of perinatal mental health peer support - a systematic review.

Becoming a parent, while often perceived as a joyous event, can also be a vulnerable life transition, with approximately one in five mothers experiencing perinatal mental illness. Peer support is recommended for its preventive and therapeutic benefits. However, relevant program components of perinatal mental health peer support remain to be identified. This review aims to (1) identify peer support programs in perinatal mental health through existing reviews and to (2) synthesize the components of these programs. A systematic literature review guided by PRISMA was conducted searching four databases, supplemented by hand searches. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist facilitated the systematic extraction and synthesis of program components. Eleven peer support programs were identified from three reviews, largely conducted in English-speaking countries. The identified reviews highlight the benefits of peer support in perinatal mental health. Key components of individual programs were contextual background, materials, provider training and support, delivery modes and locations, and evaluation. Sharing lived experience and providing flexible support were central to all programs. Aspects of flexibility, authenticity and the challenges of program evaluation in peer support must be considered. Findings can now inform future planning and implementation efforts of peer support programs in periantal mental health.

The development of green open spaces and ecological patterns on the ecological supply chain and its implications for environmental sustainability

This study aims to explore the interrelationships between Green Open Spaces, Ecological Patterns, the Ecological Supply Chain, and Environmental Sustainability in urban ecosystems. A quantitative research approach employing a cross-sectional design was utilized. Data were collected through surveys and field observations from urban residents with access to green spaces. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Smart PLS was used for data analysis. The findings indicate significant impacts of Green Open Spaces and Ecological Patterns on both the Ecological Supply Chain and Environmental Sustainability. Moreover, the Ecological Supply Chain mediates the relationship between Green Open Spaces/Ecological Patterns and Environmental Sustainability. Limitations include the focus on a specific geographical area and potential biases in self-reported data. This study contributes to ecological theory by emphasizing the interconnectedness between ecological elements and their influence on Environmental Sustainability. Practically, it provides insights for urban planning and conservation efforts, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats within urban environments. The findings also underscore the need for holistic approaches to ecosystem management and sustainability. The novel aspect of this study lies in its examination of the mediating role of the Ecological Supply Chain in the relationship between ecological elements and Environmental Sustainability, offering new insights into the mechanisms driving ecosystem dynamics in urban settings.

Revelando desigualdades espaciais de renda e raciais e padrões de segregação com um indicador configuracional de acessibilidade potencial.

Abstract Urban segregation has been a central challenge in the pursuit of equity and sustainability, especially in Latin American cities. The existing body of research on segregation, however, has predominantly focused on cities in the United States and Europe. Most existing metrics on segregation do not usually explicitly address the spatial dimension and diversity of cities’ spatial structures. As a result, there is still a gap in the methods to properly capture the spatial relationships implied in segregation. This paper proposes and applies a network-based method for assessing the inequalities in access to opportunities for different social groups (income and race), and the patterns of socio-spatial segregation based on urban accessibility levels. We apply the method to the city of Pelotas, Brazil, combining the street network configuration with population densities and spatial distribution of urban opportunities. Results revealed that high-income white groups dominate the accessibility levels, benefiting from a concentration of opportunities in the central district, while low-income non-white groups experience poorer accessibility. The method allowed to uncover a center-periphery segregation pattern, although more complex and spatially diversified, providing valuable insights that can inform urban planning and policy-making efforts at the intraurban scale.

What would it look like? Visualizing a future US Corn Belt landscape with more table food production

Abstract Most farmland in the US Corn Belt is used to grow row crops at large scales (e.g., corn, soybean) that are highly processed before entering the human food stream rather than specialty crops grown in smaller areas and meant for direct human consumption (table food). Bolstering local table food production close to urban populations in this region through peri-urban agriculture (PUA) could enhance sustainability and resilience. Understanding factors influencing PUA producers' preferences and willingness to produce table food would enable supportive planning and policy efforts. This study combined land use visualization and survey data to examine the potential for increased local table food production for the US Corn Belt. We developed a spatial visualization of current agricultural land use and a future scenario with increased table food production designed to meet 50% of dietary requirements for a metropolitan population in 2050. A survey was administered to row crop (1360) and specialty crop (55) producers near Des Moines, Iowa, US to understand current and intended agricultural land use and factors influencing production. Responses from 316 row crop and 25 specialty crop producers were eligible for this analysis. A future scenario with increased table food production would require less than 3% of available agricultural land and some additional producers (approximately 130, primarily for grain production). Survey responses indicated PUA producers planned small increases in table food production in the next three to five years. Producer plans, including land rental for table food production, could provide approximately 25% of residents' fruit, vegetables, and grains, an increase from the baseline of 2%. Row crop producers ranked food safety regulations, and specialty producers ranked labor concerns as strong influences on their decision-making. Both groups indicated that crop insurance and processing facilities were also important. Increasing table food production by clustering mid-scale operations to increase economies of scale and strengthening supply chains and production infrastructure could provide new profitable opportunities for farmers and more resilient food systems for growing urban regions in the US Corn Belt. Continuing to address producer factors and landscape-scale environmental impacts will be critical in considering food system sustainability challenges holistically.

Evolution of zoning philosophy for emergency planning around nuclear power plants

Emergency planning zones (EPZs) serve as vital geographic framework within nuclear emergency preparedness and response (EPR) strategies, facilitating the swift implementation of protective measures across varying levels of urgency during nuclear emergencies. Over the years, nations have undergone thorough reassessments of these zones, in the light of evolving evaluation methods, reactor technology, and lessons learned from accidents, leading to the refinement of methodologies for delineating EPZ distances. Adherence to the International Atomic Energy Agency safety guidelines regarding EPZ size has demonstrated effectiveness in protecting both the public and environment surrounding existing nuclear power plants. As the landscape of nuclear energy evolves with the advent of small modular reactors, characterized by reduced power capacity and innovative safety features, there is enough potential for smaller EPZs. However, the determination of EPZ also depends on national policies, public acceptance, and nuanced risk criteria. This paper seeks to synthesize current insights into the evolution of EPZs and explores avenues for resizing them to accommodate emerging reactor technologies. Its findings hold relevance for reactor designers, risk analysts, and experts in nuclear EPR, offering guidance for future planning and implementation efforts.

Method for the Derivation of Flexible Process Modules

Matrix production systems are modular, cycle time-independent, and flow-oriented production systems. They combine flexibility plus productivity and consist of flexibly linked and freely accessible process modules. The derivation and design of these process modules in flexible structures is still very time-consuming due to many degrees of freedom and limiting constraints. This paper presents a method for deriving flexible process modules, taking into account the creation of increased automation potentials, flexible order flows, and specialization in processes. The method consists of seven steps to derive harmonized process modules for multiple products. It is suitable for all manufacturing industries to reduce the planning effort. The defined process modules can be further used for layout planning.

Bull kelp (Nereocystis luetkeana) growth rates as climate stress indicators for Canada’s Pacific coast

Primary producers’ growth rates are ideal bioindicators of changing climate due to their sensitivity to environmental conditions. On the Central Coast of British Columbia, we assessed growth rates of Nereocystis luetkeana, a canopy-forming annual kelp, by assessing baseline variability in growth rates and their response to environmental conditions of over 600 individuals and across three sites (2016–2019). Optimal growth rates for blades and stipes (∼13–14 cm/day) occurred within a narrow range of local environmental conditions. Growth decreased at temperatures > 10 °C, below 1 µm/L nitrate concentration, and surface light availability reduced blade growth at low and high levels (daily light integral or DLI <20 and >40 mol/m2/day). Spatiotemporal variability in these environmental drivers co-occurred with differences in growth rates, suggesting that local conditions strongly influenced growth. In particular, temperature and nutrients were un-coupled seasonally in this region, with more variable responses in growth over the primary growing season (May to September). Overall, the sensitivity of the growth rates of this annual kelp to changing climatic conditions suggests that it is a useful bioindicator for management and marine planning efforts (e.g., restoration and aquaculture) across its species range and provides a feasible metric for monitoring.

Role of Primary Stakeholders in Needs Assessment for Local Development Planning

The involvement of primary stakeholders in needs assessment becomes not only necessary but strategically imperative. This paper aims to conceptualize the role of primary stakeholders in needs assessment regarding local development planning context. The roles of primary stakeholders in local development planning are subjective and can trace out by interpretative way considering the constructivist standpoint. Methodologically, this paper adopted a descriptive content analysis approach using secondary sources. Prior studies argued different views on the role of primary stakeholders in needs assessment. As a participatory tool, it is remarkable to note that primary stakeholders' involvement in needs assessment, prioritize needs, aid in decision-making, resource allocation, and implementation. Primary stakeholder's involvement in planning and decision-making is challenged by poor communication, ignorance of planning importance, political interference, weak accountability, and bureaucratic dominance. However, the result indicates that the degree of stakeholders' involvement in local development planning and more specifically defining the felt needs within the community is a yardstick and provide a new turning point for further planning and development effort. It helps to reduce the unnecessary cost of the plan and develop proper coordination, collaboration, and consultation in the needs identification process. Stakeholders create a clear road map for sustainable and inclusive planning. Community people are active change agents and can define real development priorities through the assessment process. However, this paper is limited in subjective analysis and only the primary stakeholder's role in needs using limited sources.

Risk Burden of Heat-Related Morbidity Due to Urban Heat Island Effect in Tamalanrea District, Makassar

One of the problems in the urban environment is the rise in land surface temperature and heat buildup (Urban Heat Island) around built-up areas. People living in UHI areas will experience an increased risk of health burdens. Therefore, early identification for disaster mitigation is needed to achieve a sustainable city. This study aims to provide an overview of the risk of the spread of heat-related diseases based on the relative risk value in Tamalanrea District. This study considers the relationship between Land Surface Temperature (LST) values in 2019, 2020, and 2021 with the incidence of heat-related diseases obtained from the Integrated Health Center Recording and Reporting System (IHCRRS) in Tamalanrea District, Makassar City in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Data analysis used Pearson correlation test and Standardized Morbidity Ratio (SMR) epidemiological approach. The results showed a significant relationship between LST values and the incidence of hypertension, heart disease, and asthma in 2019 and the incidence of headache and hypertension in 2021. Bira and Kapasa sub-districts were at the highest risk for the spread of heat-related diseases than other sub-districts with a risk score > 4.00 (very high). These findings can be used to help guide public health interventions and preventive urban planning efforts.

The Three-Decade Journey of Nation-State Formation: Examining Strategic Planning Models and Policy Frameworks Tailored for the Sequential Stages of Nation-Building, Emphasizing the Significance of Each Phase in the Overall Development and Sustainability of a Nation-State

Nation-building represents a multifaceted endeavor requiring meticulous planning, comprehensive policies, and sustained efforts to foster the establishment, growth, and enduring stability of nation-states. This strategic analysis delves into the intricate facets of nation-building over a three-decade period, exploring the foundational policies and long-term planning crucial for effective nation-state establishment, development, and sustainability. Through an interdisciplinary lens that amalgamates political science, economics, sociology, and public policy, this study investigates the essential components of successful nation-building initiatives. It dissects the significance of foundational policies in shaping the socio-political landscape, economic infrastructure, and institutional frameworks necessary for the nascent stages of nationhood. Drawing upon empirical evidence and case studies from diverse nation-building endeavors worldwide, this research identifies key success factors and pitfalls in sustained nation-building efforts. It scrutinizes the roles of governance structures, inclusive policymaking, civic engagement, and international collaborations in fortifying the foundations and ensuring the resilience of burgeoning nation-states. The findings of this analysis not only contribute to academic discourse but also offer practical insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders involved in nation-building initiatives. By comprehensively examining the strategic aspects of nation-building across three decades, this study aspires to inform and guide future endeavors towards fostering resilient, inclusive, and sustainable nation-states on a global scale.

Evaluation of Site Suitability for Photovoltaic Power Plants in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region of China Using a Combined Weighting Method

As the construction of photovoltaic power plants continues to expand, investors have placed great importance on the suitability assessment of site selection. In this study, we have developed a multi-level evaluation system and proposed an AHP–XGBoost–GIS comprehensive evaluation model for assessing site suitability in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region. The findings revealed that approximately 48,800 km2 (21.59% of the total area) constituted a suitable area in this region, surpassing previous research results. Generally suitable areas accounted for the largest proportion at 35.89%. Suitable areas in Beijing and Tianjin were relatively limited, with most of them concentrated in Baoding City, Zhangjiakou City, and Chengde City on the northwest side of the “Yanshan-Taihang Mountains”, where there are ample wastelands with gentle slopes conducive to constructing photovoltaic power plants southeast of the “Yanshan-Taihang Mountains”, and solar radiation conditions were better. However, ecological and economic factors restricted suitable areas resulting in smaller coverage including cities such as Handan, Xingtai, Qinhuangdao, and Tangshan, among others. This study successfully overcame limitations associated with traditional subjective evaluation methods by providing decision support for regional energy allocation planning and spatial planning efforts, as well as environmental protection endeavors.

Bridging scales for landscape-level wildfire adaptation: A case study of the Kittitas Fire Adapted Communities Coalition

Federal-level strategies or guidance for addressing wildfire risk encourage adaptation activities that span progressively larger scales, often focusing on landscape-level action that necessitates coordination between decision-makers and socially diverse communities. Collaborative organizations are increasingly explored as one approach for coordinating local efforts that address wildfire risk and adaptation, offering a platform for scaling and adjusting federal and state guidance that align with the needs of local landscapes. We conducted semi-structured interviews with members and supporters of the Kittitas Fire Adapted Communities Coalition (KFACC) and later facilitated two workshops at the behest of the organization. The goal of our interviews and workshops were to better understand how organizations such as KFACC emerge, function, and evolve in complex social and ecological landscapes, with a focus on their role in addressing landscape-level wildfire adaptation. We use an existing theoretical analogy of fire adaptation that crosses institutional and physical scales to help conceive of lessons from in-depth analysis of KFACC functioning. We found that KFACC originated from a need to establish a shared local mission for fire adaptation and a recognition that federal and state initiatives surrounding wildfire management needed further contextualization to be effective among diverse local social conditions. Later organizational foci included identifying key audiences for targeted adaptation efforts, including the identification of key messages and communities where specific mitigation actions might be needed. KFACC members were effective in strategically advocating for fire adaptation resources and policies at broader scales that might increase adaptation within Kittitas County, including caveats to local planning efforts designed for wildfire risk reduction. Likewise, the organization had begun to focus on tailoring mitigation efforts to different communities in the landscape as an effective means of catalyzing sustained, realistic fire adaptation actions. We suggest that organizations like KFACC are well-positioned to act as “board hoppers” who can integrate community-based needs into wildfire management, but caution that the functioning and ‘niche’ of such organizations may require strategic development or regular reflection on organizational goals.

Black Arts/West and the ironies of development in Seattle’s ‘Other America’

ABSTRACT It is now commonplace to weave arts initiatives into community planning and development efforts. One historical foundation for this practice was the U.S. federal Model Cities programme, which promoted a role for the arts in the demonstration projects it funded. The reasons and purposes for doing so were worked out not by federal officials, but by funded projects on the ground in specific places. This essay tells the story of a federally funded performing arts programme in Seattle – Black Arts/West – and the intellectual landscape its supporters navigated to make a case for art’s role in neighbourhood development. That case was based on a belief that the Black Arts could contribute not only job training and consumer dollars to neighbourhood development, but also a cosmopolitan vision of a welcoming and diverse city. Ironically, even as Black Arts/West helped root the Black Arts in Seattle’s Central Area, it helped establish ways of thinking about the arts and diversity that would contribute to the neighbourhood’s gentrification.

Strategic restoration planning for land birds in the Colorado River Delta, Mexico

Ecological restoration is an essential strategy for mitigating the current biodiversity crisis, yet restoration actions are costly. We used systematic conservation planning principles to design an approach that prioritizes restoration sites for birds and tested it in a riparian forest restoration program in the Colorado River Delta. Restoration goals were to maximize the abundance and diversity of 15 priority birds with a variety of habitat preferences. We built abundance models for priority birds based on the current landscape, and predicted bird distributions and relative abundances under a scenario of complete riparian forest restoration throughout our study area. Then, we used Zonation conservation planning software to rank this restored landscape based on core areas for all priority birds. The locations with the highest ranks represented the highest priorities for restoration and were located throughout the river reach. We optimized how much of the available landscape to restore by simulating restoration of the top 10–90% of ranked sites in 10% intervals. We found that total diversity was maximized when 40% of the landscape was restored, and mean relative abundance was maximized when 80% of the landscape was restored. The results suggest that complete restoration is not optimal for this community of priority birds and restoration of approximately 60% of the landscape would provide a balance between maximum relative abundance and diversity. Subsequent planning efforts will combine our results with an assessment of restoration costs to provide further decision support for the restoration-siting process. Our approach can be applied to any landscape-scale restoration program to improve the return on investment of limited economic resources for restoration.

Assessing seismic risk in the built environment of Istanbul: High-resolution hazard mapping and ground motion analysis in the sea of Marmara region

This research scrutinizes the seismic threat looming over Istanbul, potentially subject to a substantial earthquake. We analyze six plausible earthquake scenarios, utilizing six ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), to forge high-resolution seismic hazard maps. These maps reveal not only peak horizontal ground accelerations but also spectral acceleration values across varying temporal frames, integrating the amplification effects of softer sediments. Our approach delineates that Istanbul’s western shoreline faces heightened risk, with median spectral accelerations at 0.3 s approaching 1 g, signifying intense shaking potential. In contrast, the area encompassing the financial district exhibits lower values, around 0.3 g. The granularity of these findings lays bare the seismic vulnerabilities of the region, offering a window into the risks and potential damages facing this bustling metropolis. This enhanced understanding paves the way for strategic urban planning and risk mitigation efforts aimed at safeguarding Istanbul’s populace and infrastructure. This article succinctly condenses our study’s pivotal conclusions, presenting a clarion call for proactive measures to diminish earthquake impacts on this dynamic urban landscape.

Spatial Analysis of Urban Road Traffic Accidents Using GIS

Road traffic accidents are on the rise in urban areas globally, including Sri Lanka, leading to significant human and property losses. The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) area in Sri Lanka witnesses a particularly high number of these accidents. This study aimed to analyze urban traffic accidents using GIS within complex urban networks. It employed a two-step approach, starting with a hot spot analysis based on accident times and types (fatal, non-grievous, and damage-only), using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and Nearest Neighbor Hierarchy (NNH) methods. Additionally, it created separate severity maps and compares the results visually, with KDE offering a comprehensive overview and NNH pinpointing high-accident areas. The KDE method was expected to benefit long-term traffic congestion reduction and safety enhancement. NNH's severity map provides immediate insights for road safety specialists. A mathematical approach involved calculating the Prediction Accuracy Index (PAI) for each method, revealing a notably higher value for NNH, making it a more suitable choice. In conclusion, this study recommended the Nearest Neighbor Hierarchy (NNH) method as superior for road safety analysis, offering important guidance for urban planning and accident prevention efforts