Metallic vias with inductive shunt effects are used to visually enlarge radiating patch dimensions, so they present a significant improvement in antenna gain, BW, and axial ratio.
I think metal shorts and vias are commonly used in antenna designs to connect different parts of the antenna, create ground planes, and improve performance.
A metal short is a small metal strip that connects two parts of the antenna, such as the radiator and ground plane, to improve impedance matching and reduce losses.
Vias are small holes that are drilled in the substrate of the antenna to connect metal layers together. They can be used to create a ground plane, reduce cross-talk, and improve radiation efficiency.
In general, metal shorts and vias help to create a more compact and efficient antenna design by improving electrical performance and reducing losses.