Review the Optimization of the Free Learning Curriculum

The emergence of a new curriculum, namely the independent curriculum as a breakthrough that requires time for educators and students to adjust, is the background of this research. Educators are beset by a lack of understanding regarding the concept of independent learning and how to make it happen in the learning process. Therefore, in its application, educators are required to be alert to the independent curriculum and always develop their own competence. In terms of developing the competence of educators, it refers to the four basic competencies that must be possessed and mastered. This article aims to examine more deeply the concept of independent learning and the important role of educators in it. This research uses the method of library research (library research) through a descriptive qualitative approach. Data sources were obtained from various references in the form of relevant journals, books, proceedings and articles. The results of the study show that teachers should own and master the four basic competencies according to Law Number 14 of 2005 article 10 paragraph 1 concerning teachers and lecturers. This is to support the concept of independent learning in which teachers are at the forefront and driving forces of national education. The results of the research can add to scientific treasures and have implications especially for educators and lecturers to maximize self-competence so that it is as quality as possible

Challenges in measuring indicators of progress for the Atlantic Action Plan

The EU Atlantic Action Plan (AAP) has recently been updated and revised to support ‘blue growth’ along Europe’s western coastal regions. The revisions reflect recent challenges facing the Atlantic Arc maritime economies including the Covid-19 crisis, Brexit and the new requirements of the European Green Deal. This new revision, termed AAP 2.0, also addresses some of the weaknesses highlighted in the original Atlantic Action Plan particularly regarding identifying indicators that may be used to measure progress in the achievement of the Plan’s objectives. Using a database with comparable marine socio-economic data across the Atlantic regions, a number of indicators are identified that may be used to monitor progress of the AAP 2.0. Recent trends and spatial distributions across the Atlantic Arc region are shown for these indicators. The challenges in measuring progress are also highlighted, including where some AAP objectives and associated indicators may conflict with other EU policy aims and where the current monitoring framework can be bolstered with the inclusion of new indicators

A cost-effective method for tranquility mapping using open environmental data

In this study, we propose a cost-effective method for tranquillity mapping using multi-criteria analysis and open geospatial data. We apply this method in an extended zone around a major Greek highway trespassing areas of high natural value. Composite criteria are developed through analytic functions and geostatistical methods to reflect either barriers or enablers of tranquillity. The results indicate that it is possible to identify tranquility zones which are spatially plausible. To verify the validity of the results, we calculate the Kappa coefficient (0.71) and the overall accuracy (80%) using preference data obtained from non-specialized photo-interpreters in a sample of places on Google Earth. We believe that this method can inform planning, especially in countries with a weak landscape policy. © The Author(s) 2018

Evaluating the land use patterns of medium-sized Hellenic cities

Land use morphology has profound effects both on city functions and peri-urban areas. They can either lead to conflicts with negative side effects or generate positive synergies. This study focuses on land use spatial configurations and interprets the interactions among them. In order to evaluate spatial planning policies, the measurement of urban land use patterns is considered to play an important role in the urban development process and deserves further attention. A comparative analysis of the land use patterns of the medium-sized Hellenic cities is attempted, there are also used using pre-existing metrics, some new data from the European Environment Agency Urban Atlas 2006 geodataset and population and construction census data concerning the last decade from the national Hellenic Statistical Authority data set. The Larger Urban Zones of the medium-sized Hellenic cities are chosen as a suitable study level based both on population size and socio-spatial procedures. The results provide interesting information about the diversification among medium-sized cities, while some particularities concerning urban procedures appear to emerge for some of them. Many discussion points arise from this study concerning the data availability, the method, the functional city area delineation and the Larger Urban Zones definition. © 2015 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group