Vitality is one of the main components in design, but it is a complex and multifaceted concept that overlaps in its physical, social and economic dimensions. Therefore, in this paper, according to the theoretical vacuum of this concept in architecture and considering its interdisciplinary nature, using the model of various types of communication and types of vitality, the fields of psychology and sociology were selected for comparative study of vitality. Then, by using the comparative method by juxtaposing the differences and similarities of vitality in the field of psychology and sociology with definitions in architecture and urban planning, as well as examining the difference between vitality and other similar concepts in architecture and urban planning, including quality. Life, viability, and sustainability were ultimately represented by the definition of vitality and the model of environmental vitality. Therefore, the present study was performed with interpretive paradigm, qualitative approach, comparative method and logic of deductive reasoning, which is explained in terms of theoretical purpose and type of results. The purpose of this study is to answer questions about the definition of environmental vitality, the appropriate approach to research on vitality, the appropriate scale of vitality research, the factors affecting environmental vitality and its evaluation methods.
 
Key word: Happiness, social vitality, comparative study, environmental vitality

Rural management has always undergone various changes. Today, this pillar is the responsibility of the rural municipality Foundation. The purpose of forming this institution is to have a strong executive force in order to develop rural areas. rural municipality, as the executor of village programs and projects, has an important role in reducing urban and rural inequalities and improving the development of the village. Determining the degree of success of rural municipality in performing tasks is possible when its performance is carefully measured. The purpose of this study is to assess the performance of rural municipality Foundation in terms of economic, social and environmental indicators in rural areas of Sarbisheh. The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on data collection in the field through a questionnaire. The statistical population of the study consisted of heads of households (1931 households) in 30 villages with rural areas. The sample size at the level of heads of households was calculated using the Cochran's formula of 320 people. The result of one-sample t-test showed that the best performance of rural areas is significantly less than 0.05 in terms of social indicators with an average of 3.78. Also, a significant difference was observed between the studied villages in the field of social indicators with a significant level (0.008), economic indicators with a significant level equal to (0.004) and environmental-physical indicators with a significant level (0.047). In terms of social performance, Dehneh Chah village with an average of 4.43, in terms of economic and environmental performance, Baghestan village with an average of 3.90 and 4.16 are in first place. The study of paired t-test with a significance level of less than 0.05 and an average difference of (-1.271) indicates that the situation of rural development indicators has become more appropriate after the establishment of the rural municipality Foundation.
Keywords: Dehyariha performance, economic, social and environmental indicators, rural areas, Sarbisheh.

The purpose of this article is to analyze the frequency and severity of the one to six days of rainfall in Iran. The trend of frequency changes and severity of each course was identified using my-candle test and the slope estimator during the 1968-1988 period. Then, using the main component analysis method and cluster analysis method, the entire stations were categorized in five clusters (abundance) and four (intensity) based on the annual changes of frequency indicators and intensity of precipitation. Cluster 1 and 2 stations represent the frequency of precipitation periods with a severe or without trend. The two clusters were mostly established in the southern half of Iran. Cluster 4 and 5 stations represent the frequency of precipitation periods with a positive (mild) trend, mainly in the northern part of the country. Cluster 3 stations represent the frequency of precipitation periods with decreased (mild) trends, which are mostly focused on west and southwestern Iran. The clustering results of the stations based on the intensity index of precipitation periods, contrary to many results; do not show a specific pattern. But in the cluster, there has been a severe decrease in the last half century. The stations of this cluster are mostly concentrated in the northern parts of the country. Other clusters are scattered in almost all parts of the country. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the frequency of precipitation periods in the northern latitudes of incremental processes (average or weak) and the severity of precipitation periods in these latitudes (north of the country) had severe declining trends.

Keywords: Frequency of precipitation, intensity of precipitation, analysis of main components, clustering, process.
 

The phenomenon of poverty is a social, economic, cultural, and political reality that has long been one of the greatest human problems. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors affecting poverty and examine the internal relations and its leveling with an interpretive structural approach in the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee of Tabriz. In this regard, based on the factors extracted from literature, a questionnaire has been developed. In this phase, 41 indicators have been selected as the most important indicators affecting poverty at Imam Khomeini Relief Committee of Tabriz city. After obtaining appropriate validity and reliability for the questionnaire, it has been distributed among the statistical sample. After distributing the questionnaire, factor analysis was used to analyze the information and reduce the variables to dimensions. The results of factor analysis showed that about 68.3% of the total variance of variables was explained by 14 factors and about 31.7% of the variance was explained by other variables that were not measured. As a result, 14 factors have been identified as the most important factors affecting poverty. These 14 factors are important in order of importance: 1- Economic; 2- Social; 3- Individual; 4- Legal; 5- Family; 6; Environment; 7; Political; 8; Management; 9; Cultural; 10- Overseas; 11. Security; 12. Scientific; 13. Organizational; 14. Geographical. Finally, the interrelationships between factors and the leveling of poverty-related factors have been examined by presenting an extended structural-comparative model (ISM).

Housing design plays a crucial role in sustainable social development as cities face numerous challenges due to various changes in the physical landscape. Therefore, it is imperative to establish appropriate design indicators for residential towers. This study aims to investigate the design indicators for sustainable social development in residential towers in the metropolis of Tehran. The research method employed is descriptive-analytical and applied in nature. The statistical population for this study consists of architectural experts who are members of the Tehran Organization. According to the Engineering System Organization, the statistical population comprises 22,000 experts and members of the Tehran Engineering System Organization. The sample size was determined to be 384 individuals based on the Morgan table. The results of the Friedman test indicate that designing open spaces for art, culture, games, and entertainment in towers promotes interactions and a sense of belonging, while mitigating the negative effects of industrial life on residents. This aspect was found to have the highest weightage of 17.81. Additionally, the flexibility in tower design and overcoming structural constraints through solutions such as strip design and atrium design, along with facilitating proper access and installation of open spaces, contribute to sustainable development and enhance residents' satisfaction. This indicator obtained a weightage of 17.51. Furthermore, the effective management of towers and the design of suitable social spaces on roofs and ground floors (interactive, sports, cultural, and artistic) have a significant impact on reducing tower-related issues and promoting vitality and public participation. This indicator ranked third with a weightage of 17.42. Consequently, sustainable social development is closely linked to the design of residential towers.

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.

Geotourism is one of the important types of ecotourism with a responsible and conservation-oriented approach that emphasizes the popularization of earth sciences and the cultural, social, and economic development of the local community. In order to evaluate and explain the geotourism conditions of a region and the capabilities of a destination to become a geopark, it is necessary to present and explain the optimal and desirable model for the development of geotourism destinations. Firouzkouh County, with its numerous earth heritage assets, is considered one of the areas susceptible to geotourism. Given the high potential of geotourism for development as a geopark and the lack of necessary utilization of these capabilities in the development of the county, it is necessary to present an optimal model for analyzing the development of geopark capabilities in the county. In this research, through library and survey methods and using geotourism evaluation methods including the Facilas method, the GAM method, and the terrestrial diversity sites method, the county's geosites were evaluated and analyzed from the perspective of different values. The results show that most of the geosites in the region, despite their high representation, educational potential, and aesthetic value, have a weak connection with the local community, and their vulnerability and risk of extinction are increasing. Also, from the perspective of assessing the geopark capabilities, it was determined that this county currently does not have the capability to become an independent geopark. Accordingly, a model for developing the county's capability to become a geopark has been presented, which mainly emphasizes participatory management, entrepreneurship, multipurpose tourists, and geotourism typology, etc.

Urbanization and the increase in urban populations, resulting from both natural population growth and rural-to-urban migration, have led to the concentration of significant material and spiritual human capital within urban settlements. Concurrently, various natural and human-induced crises pose threats to these capitals. Urban management has initiated a range of programs to address these crises, with a contemporary focus on enhancing the resilience of cities. The concept of resilience can be examined across various dimensions, including physical, economic, social, and environmental aspects.
The present study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach with the objective of assessing the physical resilience of metropolitan areas in Tabriz and determining their status relative to one another. To achieve this goal, multi-criteria decision-making methods (MADM) and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) have been employed. Additionally, three models—Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), VIKOR, and Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS)—have been utilized to rank the regions in terms of physical resilience. Ultimately, the Copeland model was applied to integrate the results from the aforementioned models. The findings indicate that regions 2, 8, and 9 collectively exhibit the highest levels of physical resilience, followed by regions 1, 10, 3, 7, 5, 4, and, lastly, region 6, respectively.

One area of activity that receives considerable attention in municipalities, particularly in metropolitan regions, is the management of properties assigned to municipalities for the implementation of detailed plans, comprehensive urban development strategies, and revitalization and renovation initiatives for deteriorated areas. Annually, municipalities engage in the construction or enhancement of road infrastructure and the establishment of recreational and cultural facilities in alignment with urban development and city expansion objectives. The objective of this research is to elucidate the legal issues associated with property ownership in deteriorated areas of historical significance as managed by the municipality of Sari. This study adopts a descriptive-analytical framework, employing an applied-developmental research approach grounded in survey and field methodologies. The data collection strategy utilized in this research comprises library research, document analysis, and field surveys, employing questionnaires administered to a sample of 384 citizens of Sari. Data analysis in this study employs chi-square statistical techniques using SPSS software. The findings reveal that the primary organizational challenges encountered by the municipality in terms of property ownership in deteriorated areas of Sari include insufficient awareness of laws and legal procedures, lack of coordination in implementation processes, failure to regularly update property pricing tariffs, delayed and unplanned project execution, and the absence of legal analyses in project preparation. Consequently, the municipality of Sari should prioritize the enhancement of its internal structure and operational performance, addressing identified weaknesses and fostering structural and functional coherence in property ownership as part of revitalization plans for deteriorated areas, rather than concentrating exclusively on external and inter-organizational dimensions.

By assessing the functions and ecosystem services of protected areas, planners and decision-makers of land use planning and sustainable development at the regional and national levels can be of great help. The present study specifically assesses the water and soil resources in the Gandu Protected Area and the economic valuation of these services. In order to model the ecosystem services of water balance, soil conservation and water quality, the hydrological model based on WWPSS remote sensing data was used. The simulation was carried out using a series of one-degree square mosaic images (one hectare) on a monthly scale. The Invest model and the replacement cost method were also used for economic valuation. The results showed that the total water produced in this area is 401,205,344 cubic meters per year. Also, the minimum, maximum and average water budgets are all negative and are equal to -1492.76, -38.04 and -639.24 mm per year respectively, which indicates a lack of rainfall and intense evaporation and transpiration in this region. The average potential pollution of surface water is 4.5% and this region prevents 2 tons per hectare of soil erosion annually. The real economic value of water production and soil conservation is estimated to be 20.18%, 67.54 and 2729.65 billion rials in 2019, respectively, with inflation correction. Three scenarios with discount rates (compound) of 8, 12 and 15% were used in the periods of 5, 10, 15 and 30 years to determine the economic value of the functions of these resources in the future. The results showed that, for example; With a discount rate of 15% and over a period of 30 years, the economic value of the water production and soil conservation functions reaches 4471.82 and 180730.13 billion rials, respectively. In total, the economic value of the water production and soil conservation functions is 0.35 and 14.17 percent of the total value of the region.
 

Climate change is a significant environmental concern due to the sensitivity of glacier melting processes and snow density to climate variations. Currently, a range of satellite sensors, including AVHRR, MODIS, GEOS, and MERIS, are employed for snow monitoring and are extensively utilized to analyze fluctuations and changes in global snow cover. The MODIS sensor is particularly favored for its extensive global spatial coverage, suitable spatial accuracy, and frequent temporal coverage across various scales. Consequently, this study utilizes snow products derived from the MODIS sensor. In this investigation, data on snow-related days from the statistical period of 1989 to 2018 were collected for three provinces: Kermanshah, Ilam, and Lorestan. This data was processed using MODIS snow cover information pertinent to the Middle Zagros region, in conjunction with remote sensing techniques. The study provides a detailed examination of snow cover changes within the specified area. The Normalized Difference Snow Index (NDSI) was employed to detect snow cover within the MODIS sensor products. To differentiate pixels and identify various phenomena, the acquired images were processed using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. Analysis of seasonal snow cover changes using MODIS sensor imagery indicates a significant decreasing trend in the majority of the studied area, particularly in the elevated regions. Notably, only the western and southwestern regions of the study area exhibit no discernible decreasing trend. Furthermore, the examination of snow-covered days throughout the study period reveals a decrease in snow cover in the Middle Zagros, with these changes intensifying in recent years, especially in the snow-covered areas of the region. Changes in snow cover during the winter months, particularly in elevated areas, were observed to be more pronounced compared to other seasons and regions within the study area.