Housing is a crucial domain for testing human interactions and serves as a physical framework where social, cultural, and economic resources intertwine. In order to achieve social progress, the realm of housing encompasses not only the residential units themselves but also their surrounding environments. The focus on housing quality indicators is essential for attaining sustainable housing, which in turn lays the foundation for sustainable urban development. However, the increasing demand for housing and the prevailing quantitative approach have led to the neglect of the fundamental issue of housing quality in its true essence. Insufficient access to suitable housing can contribute to or worsen various psychological and social challenges. Hence, this research aims to identify the main indicators and components of housing quality and prioritize them, assuming equal weighting of their influence. The research methodology employed in this study is practical in its objective and descriptive-analytical in its approach. To achieve the intended objective, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) model is utilized to determine the weight and prioritize each indicator and component of housing quality. Subsequently, after evaluating the indicators using the ANP model, the results indicate that among the examined indicators, housing facilities and amenities with  0.318, housing security with 0.218, housing comfort with 0.145, compatibility with complementary uses with 0.142, housing durability with 0.109, and housing climate adaptation with 0.065 have been assigned the highest weights, respectively.

Due to the significance of forests in both the natural and human environment, this study aims to investigate the impact of meteorological drought on oak forest dieback in Ilam province. Specifically, the study seeks to determine the relationship between Zagros Forest drought and droughts in this particular region. The analysis utilizes the Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) to identify the frequency of droughts during different time periods. The results indicate that the years 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, and 2016 experienced the highest occurrence of droughts. Additionally, remote sensing data from MODIS images were employed to examine the trend in tree greenness (NDVI) from 2000 to 2016. The analysis reveals a significant correlation (R2 = 0.9999) between the greenness trend and the drought index (SPI). Moreover, a land survey of oak drying points and simulation using Landsat satellite images, with a 15×15 pixel output from GIS software, indicate that approximately 17,894 hectares of forests in the region experienced drying and destruction between 2000 and 2016. By combining the oak forest drying layer with the output layers derived from drought zoning, visual indicators were created, and statistical analysis was conducted for three 5-year time series. The results demonstrate a correlation coefficient of 96.6% and an explanation coefficient of R2 = 0.985 for the 2002-2006 time series, a correlation coefficient of 95.4% and an explanation coefficient of R2 = 0.980 for the 2007-2011 time series, and a correlation coefficient of 98.8% and an explanation coefficient of R2 = 0.995 for the 2012-2016 time series. These findings illustrate the influence of drought and its variations in terms of intensity and duration on oak forests in the Zagros region of Ilam. Based on the study results, it is predicted that if the drought persists with the same trend, approximately 1,118.4 hectares of oak forests in Ilam province will dry up and be destroyed annually.

To conduct this research, data on monthly synoptic and hydrometric precipitation observations from the National Meteorological Organization and the Ministry of Energy were obtained for a 30-year period (1976-2005). To assess future changes in rainfall, historical data from the period (1976-2005) and simulated climate data from the period (2021-2050) using two models (CM3 and CSIRO-Mk3.6) from the CMIP5 series were used. These simulations were based on four scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6, and RCP8.5) with a spatial resolution of 0.5 x 0.5 using the BCSD method. A mean-based (MB) strategy was employed to correct any bias in the model outputs.  The results of the AOGCM models indicated that the CSIRO-Mk3.6 model had a lower error coefficient than the GFDL-CM3 model when simulating precipitation in the Large Karoun case. The average future rainfall (2021-2050) across the entire basin, compared to the average observed rainfall during the statistical period of 1976-2005, exhibited a significant decrease in both the amount and extent of precipitation in both basins for all models and scenarios. In the Great Karoun Basin, heavy rains were consistently concentrated east of the basin across all scenarios and models, with the central foothills experiencing the highest rainfall and the southwest and southeast regions receiving the lowest amounts.  The findings of this study estimate rainfall to range between 83-116 mm, with the highest rainfall expected in the Greater Karoun Basin under the rcp4.5 and rcp2.6 scenarios for both models.

Entrepreneurship, a burgeoning force in today's economy, plays a pivotal role in rural development by fostering progress, poverty alleviation, and job creation. However, rural areas often grapple with a scarcity of financial capital essential for business initiation or expansion. To address this, governments have introduced micro-rural credits as self-employment loans to stimulate rural employment and entrepreneurship. This study aims to evaluate the impact of government micro-credits on rural entrepreneurship development in Radkan. Adopting an applied, developmental, and descriptive-analytical approach, data was collected through documentary, library, and field research. The study population comprised 27 entrepreneurs, with a sample of 244 individuals from 13 Radkan villages selected using the Cochran formula with a 0.06 error level. Their opinions on research indicators related to the topic were assessed. Findings reveal that micro-government credits have had a negligible impact on rural entrepreneurship in the study area. Most sample entrepreneurs supplemented bank loans with personal funds. Furthermore, insufficient loan amounts, limited credit accessibility, absent insurance support, lengthy loan processing times, and unfavorable repayment terms resulted in low satisfaction levels among entrepreneurs (average 2.32) and rural residents (average 1.91).

The performance of broiler chickens is directly influenced by temperature changes and the occurrence of heat stress, whether it is cold or hot. The present study aims to assess the cooling and heating degree days in different stages of broiler chicken production in Khorasan Razavi province. To achieve this objective, daily average temperature data were collected from 13 synoptic stations during the statistical period of 1988-2018. Cooling and heating degree days were calculated for each week of production using specific thresholds, and their spatial distribution was analyzed. Furthermore, the relationship between cooling and heating degree days and geographical features was evaluated. The findings indicate a decrease in cooling degree days and an increase in heating degree days as latitude increases. The northern and western regions of the province exhibited a greater need for heating throughout all stages of broiler chicken production, whereas the eastern and southern regions had higher cooling requirements at different production stages. Overall, the northeastern, southern, and western marginal areas of the province, including Khaf, Gonabad, Kashmar, Sarakhs, and Sabzevar, exhibited the lowest cooling and heating needs during the 6-week period of broiler chicken production, making them suitable climates for this economic activity.

When empires and great nations decline, there are many interrelated reasons involved in. Empires are considered to be powerful entities in the world, and via historical surveys, one can identify several important empires that have existed in different eras. Geopolitical knowledge and its constituent concepts (power, politics, and space) are closely associated with empires and can be explored from this perspective. The aim of this research is to conduct a geopolitical investigation of the collapse of empires. The research deal with the geopolitical factors contributing to the collapse of empires such as Persia, Rome, Byzantium, Ottoman, Britain, Russia, Spain, and Arab countries, using a descriptive-analytical method and field research. The statistical population consists of 50 specialists and experts in the field of geopolitical studies. The Dimtel method has been utilized to test the conceptual model of the research. The findings demonstrate that variables such as the incompetence and capriciousness of rulers, the collapse of the domestic economy, the extravagance and corruption of the governing class, oppression and slavery, and internal rebellions have a high level of interaction and a strong systemic connection with other variables. In other words, when a country faces these challenges in terms of its leadership and governance, it becomes unable to effectively address other problems caused by these factors, leading to a crisis and the eventual collapse of the empire.

Industrialization and modernization have had a significant impact on various aspects of society including architecture, urban planning, environment, climate, and geography. This impact is evident in phenomena such as the construction of high rise buildings, climate inversion, and environmental degradation. Many of the problems observed in recent decades can be attributed to population growth, migration, and changing needs of citizens. As a result, city managers and architects face significant challenges. The main objective of this article is to conduct a theoretical study on the use of residential towers, with a particular focus on sustainable social development and its implications for environmental protection in Tehran. This research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach and has both applied and theoretical purposes. It is also part of a survey that employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The sample size for this study was 384 participants, and data were collected using questionnaires. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The most significant finding of this research is that population growth has fueled the construction of tall buildings, which in turn has contributed to issues such as excessive consumption of natural resources and fossil fuels, destruction of natural habitats, decline in social interactions, climate change, increased traffic congestion, and heightened air pollution. These issues have become a complex and seemingly insurmountable crisis.

The current research is based on the process of algorithmic design and simulation of village boundaries using the Grasshopper plugin in the Rhino software. The proposed algorithm utilizes the image simulator component and its importer in the Grasshopper plugin to input two-dimensional images taken from samples into this plugin. Before entering the data, the input images are converted to black and white to allow the system to distinguish between the background texture and the subject of analysis. Additionally, the proposed algorithm identifies the village boundary by comparing the subject and the text in the pixels of the two-dimensional image. By calculating the internal area of the identified boundary, the algorithm estimates the proportion of textures relative to the background. The main objective of this research is to examine the impact of green and dry textures as natural factors on the density of residential texture in terraced villages in Iran, across various climates. In addition to identifying the density of village textures, emphasizing the comparison of parameters will provide new insights into the texture of terraced villages. The simulation analysis tool, known as the density measurement algorithm, is developed based on aerial maps created by the researchers for this study. By using inverted aerial maps, this algorithm can determine the density of natural texture in the formation of villages and residential texture. This capability reduces the need for physical presence and enhances the accuracy of outputs in analyzing village texture. Furthermore, the identification of parameters will provide the next generation of rural housing with the density pattern of previous generations.

In arid and semi-arid regions, groundwater is more important for humans and ecosystems than surface water. Land subsidence is caused by the pumping and uncontrolled use of groundwater in an area. When the extracted quantities are not replenished by rainfall, it leads to damages such as road failures, destruction of residential areas, railways, as well as water and gas pipelines. The Yazd-Ardakan plain is one of the main plains in Yazd province, hosting 75% of the province's population density and most industrial centers. Additionally, this plain has been subjected to a ban by the Ministry of Energy due to a sharp decline in groundwater levels. This study aimed to quantify and compare the extent of subsidence using four Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images of the C-band from the Sentinel-1 satellite and the radar differential interferometry method from 2017 to 2021. The maximum subsidence recorded in 2017 was 13 cm, while in 2020 and 2021, it decreased to 9 cm, primarily concentrated in the Shamsi region between Meybod and Ardakan. Furthermore, to validate the satellite-derived results, they were compared with those obtained through accurate leveling methods conducted by the Iran National Cartographic Center. The study revealed that Sentinel images exhibit a strong capability to estimate the extent of subsidence. Considering the examination of groundwater consumption and depletion statistics in recent years, potential reasons for the reduction in subsidence in the study area could be attributed to management measures such as water transfer to this basin, alterations in agricultural practices, and a decrease in groundwater depletion compared to previous years in this region.

The city development strategy(CDS) is a novel initiative that is currently being implemented in numerous cities worldwide, including several in Iran. Its primary objectives are to enhance the quality of life, combat poverty, promote sustainable development, and foster effective urban management through a participatory approach. The purpose of this study is to examine and compare the perceptions of residents and municipal administrators regarding various aspects of the urban development plan. This study is characterized as descriptive-analytical. The statistical population comprises managers, employees of urban management, and citizens in Yasouj city. The sample size was estimated to be 384 for citizens and 30 for managers using Cochran's method. One-sample t-test, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance(ANOVA) and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze sample data. The findings of the study reveal that while municipal administrators are generally content with the current state of these dimensions, residents believe that these elements of the urban development plan are not satisfactory. The descriptive statistics and the t-test demonstrate that the overall mean of the urban development plan dimensions is 1.88 from the people's perspective and 2.98 from the viewpoint of urban administrators. Furthermore, the level of satisfaction with the research's dimensions significantly differs between the two groups. The linear regression analysis indicates that, according to the people's perspective, the dimensions of bankability and the ability to live comfortably hold the highest and lowest significance, with coefficients of 0.413 and 0.167, respectively. However, from the perspective of city managers, the dimensions of livability and good governance are the most and least significant, with coefficients of 0.373 and 0.112, respectively. Ultimately, the findings of this study can assist urban managers in making more informed decisions and delivering services that better align with the needs of the community.

Idealism for urban living necessitates the establishment of infrastructure and a platform that considers all stakeholders, including managers, planners, and citizens, regardless of their social and economic backgrounds, social class, gender, etc. This concept is encapsulated in the notion of the right to the city. However, implementing this concept can pose challenges in smaller cities with more unfavorable conditions. Hence, this research aims to introduce a model for actualizing the right to the city based on the Analytical Network Process (ANP) in the rural cities of western Mazandaran. The current study is categorized as applied research. The statistical population for this study comprised urban experts (chosen through the Delphi technique with a sample size of 25). Alongside on-site observations, information was gathered utilizing the fundamental maps of the country's mapping organization and studies focusing on the three cities of Baldeh, Kejur, and Pol (Kham-shahrs in the western part of Mazandaran province). The Analytical Network Process (ANP) method was employed to process and analyze the data, leading to the extraction of a balanced supermatrix using the Super Decision software. Following various steps, the final priorities of indicators and options for realizing the right to the city were determined. The results of the network analysis (ANP) of the dimensions of realizing the right to the city in the western cities of Mazandaran province indicate that the physical-biological dimension holds the highest weight and importance (0.1970). It is trailed by the economic dimension (0.1725) and the social and cultural dimensions (with a final weight of 0.0847). Among the criteria for realizing the right to the city in the western cities of Mazandaran province, the right to self-determination carries the most significance with a weight of 0.1461, followed by environmental rights (0.0943) and the right to a sustainable city economy (0.0840).

Ancient cities have always possessed inherent distinctions from contemporary cities, which are evident in their physical structures and overall layouts, allowing them to be easily differentiated from their modern counterparts. These distinctions, influenced by economic, political, cultural, and social conditions, have resulted in varying degrees of change in the urban structure and have given rise to two types of urban growth. Organic growth is characterized by a continuous and coherent expansion that prioritizes form in relation to function, in stark contrast to the fragmented and discrete nature of global cities in the modern era. This study seeks to address whether it is feasible to apply the characteristics and developmental patterns of ancient cities in today's world by examining the evolution of urban form throughout history up to the present day. Alternatively, can a favorable outcome be achieved by integrating certain characteristics of ancient cities into contemporary urban environments? Based on this objective, the study explores the evolution of urban form across three historical periods - pre-Islamic, post-Islamic, and the modern era - with a particular focus on the establishment of governmental centers in the central desert of Iran. The comparative method of induction is employed to discuss the subject matter in line with the research assumptions. The findings indicate that the first and second hypotheses have yielded more significant results in a greater number of unsuccessful experiments. Conversely, the third hypothesis has been more successful in a wider range of experiments with diverse outcomes. Moreover, considering the success rate of 0.100 and the absence of unsuccessful experiences for the Kerman experiment, it can be argued that this hypothesis is relatively superior and preferable for assessing the success rate of related projects.

By employing urban growth and development modeling, it is feasible to delineate a developmental trajectory that aligns with the specific circumstances of a city, considering environmental factors, natural elements, and population dynamics. The aim of this research is to propose an urban development model for Shushtar, which can serve as a valuable tool for analyzing the intricate processes of urban transformations. To accomplish this objective, two datasets were utilized: urban land use maps (including educational spaces, healthcare facilities, residential areas, etc.) and Landsat satellite imagery for key land uses such as rivers, barren lands, and forests, spanning three time periods: 1991, 2004, and 2014. These datasets were processed using GIS and MATLAB software. Existing urban land use maps were digitized and subsequently updated using Landsat satellite imagery. Subsequently, influential parameters in urban development were introduced as inputs to the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) algorithm. After training the model for the years 1991 and 2004, the predicted results of urban development using the algorithm were compared with the actual situation in 2014, demonstrating a high accuracy of 93.7%. The land use change map, resulting from the change detection process, can be generated based on multi-temporal remote sensing images and their integration with urban land use maps, enabling an analysis of the associated consequences. The use of intelligent algorithms in this research has facilitated modeling with a high level of accuracy. The obtained results are deemed acceptable, and this development has also been predicted for the upcoming years.

In the era of knowledge, the rapid advancement of information and communication technology (ICT) is considered a crucial factor in addressing the growing environmental, social, and economic challenges in urban areas. Knowledge-based cities, leveraging this technology, are at the forefront of enhancing the quality of life for residents and the efficiency of services towards achieving sustainable urban development. This study aims to explore the potential and application of ICT in knowledge-based urban development. The data analyzed were collected through a survey of 66 experts from the Deputy of Urban Planning in the 22 districts of Tehran Municipality, ensuring theoretical saturation. Structural equation modeling and the partial least squares approach, utilizing SmartPLS3 software, were employed for data analysis. The findings indicate that the variables of ICT application and potential, as well as knowledge-based urban development in Tehran, and their respective components, scored an average ranging from 3.5 to 4.3 on a 5-point Likert scale, suggesting a relatively stable status. Furthermore, the coefficient for the impact of ICT application and potential on knowledge-based urban development exceeded 0.96, confirming the main model of this research. The outcome suggests that investing in research and development of ICT can serve as a solution to overcome the limitations of knowledge-based urban development in the Tehran metropolis.

  Geotourism is one of the important ecotourism species with a responsible and conservation-oriented approach that emphasizes the popularization of the earth sciences and the cultural, social and economic development of indigenous communities. Geosite, as the concept of the basis of geotourism, emphasizes places with geological or geomorphologic values, along with added and complementary values. In order to evaluate the geotourism conditions of a region and to assess its capabilities for management, it is necessary to value Geotourism has been identified and evaluated. The city of Firozkouh, with its numerous heritage land, is one of the areas prone to geotourism. In this research, through library and survey methods and using geotechnical assessment methods including Fascias method, GAM method and land degradation method, the city's geocytes from different perspectives were evaluated and analyzed. The results show that most of the geocytes of the region have a weak link with the native community despite their high profile and high educational potential and aesthetic value, and their vulnerability and their risk of collapse are increasing. It also faces a major challenge in terms of conservation and tourism services. In proritizing geosites, the Waznah geosite, Vashi Strait and Burnik Cave were favorable for investment and marketing. Also, in terms of Geopark capabilities, it turned out that the city could not become an independent geopark, but could play an important role as part of the geopark of Damavand.

Urbanization and increase in urban population as a result of the natural increase in population and rural-urban migration, has led to the concentration of the highest material and spiritual human capitals in these urban settlements. At the same time, various natural and human crises threaten these capitals. Urban management has undertaken various programs to deal with these crises, and the latest approach in this regard is to increase the resilience of cities. The concept of resilience can be discussed in various physical, economic, social and environmental dimensions. The present study with a descriptive-analytical approach and with the aim of assessing the physical resilience of Tabriz metropolitan areas and determine their status relative to each other. For this purpose, multi-criteria decision making methods (MADM) and hierarchical analysis process (AHP) have been used. Also, 3 models of TOPSIS, VIKOR and COPRAS have been used to rank regions in terms of physical resilience. Finally, the Copeland model was used to combine the results of the mentioned models. The results show that regions 2, 8 and 9 jointly have the highest physical resilience. In the next ranks are regions 1, 10, 3, 7, 5, 4 and finally region 6, respectively.