Beauty is among the most sublime human needs. Since the time humans began building cities, they have paid attention to the sense of aesthetics. The purpose of this research is to conduct a comparative evaluation of two neighborhoods, Golestan and Moradab, as the two most well-off and least well-off neighborhoods in Karaj city, in terms of the aesthetic indicators of urban space. The research method is descriptive-analytical and data collection on 14 selected components related to the aesthetics of the urban environment was carried out by direct observation and using an evaluation checklist. Descriptive statistics parameters were used to analyze and compare the aesthetic level of the two neighborhoods, and zoning maps were drawn in the geographic information system and calculations and analysis were performed on the relevant descriptive tables to analyze spatial inequalities. Considering the evaluation of the indicators in the range of 1-10 points and assigning a higher point to a higher level of aesthetics, the findings showed that the average figure of the total indicators in Golestan neighborhood is 6.31 and in Moradab neighborhood is 2.57. Also, in Golestan neighborhood, the median figure is 6.43 and the first quartile figure is 4, while in Moradab neighborhood these figures are 1.78 and 1, respectively. Spatial analysis of the zoning map showed that in Golestan neighborhood, in terms of total indicators, there are no areas that are at the "very low" and "low" levels in terms of aesthetics, while in Mardab neighborhood, there are no areas at the "high" and "medium-high" levels. It can be concluded that Golestan neighborhood is at a high level in terms of aesthetic indicators and there is a lot of spatial inequality within and between the two studied neighborhoods.
 

In recent decades, good urban governance has been proposed as the most effective, least expensive, and most sustainable method for managing the complex and multi-level systems of modern cities. The centrality of this approach in urban management is based on democratic and egalitarian development, aiming to involve all interested and influential stakeholders in the administration of cities while addressing their diverse needs. On the other hand, women, as one of the main and most influential social groups in urban life, play a prominent role in city administration. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to examine the role of good urban governance during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on the women’s status in Semnan. From the perspective of its objective, this research is practical, and in terms of data collection, it is descriptive-survey. A questionnaire was used to collect data and information for this study. The statistical population of the research consists of the citizens of Semnan, with a population of 185,129 people. The sample size was calculated using Cochran's formula, resulting in 383 participants. To analyze the data, single-sample t-tests and multivariate linear regression were employed. Finally, to generalize the results from the sample to the statistical population, structural equation modeling was conducted using Lisrel software. The results of the one-sample t-test showed that the t-values for each of the research variables, with averages lower than the theoretical mean, were negative. This indicates that the dimensions of good urban governance in Semnan, as well as the situation of women in the city, are not in a favorable state. Additionally, the results of structural equation modeling in Lisrel software revealed that the justice variable has the strongest and most significant relationship with good urban governance. Finally, the survey results demonstrate that it is impossible to achieve good urban governance without defining and explaining the practical role of women, who represent half of the city's population and are one of the most important and influential groups in city administration.

To assess thermal comfort conditions in classrooms, a field study was conducted in Sabzevar. The thermal sensations reported by students regarding classroom conditions were documented at various times throughout the day during the 2009–2010 academic year across multiple classes. temperature and humidity data within the classrooms were recorded simultaneous using a data logger. To analyze differences, both ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis test were employed. The findings indicated that the geographical orientation and floor level of the classrooms did not significantly influence temperature and humidity levels. In contrast, significant hourly variations in these parameters were observed. Overall, reports of cooling sensations were more prevalent than those of heating sensations (24% vs. 12%). Thermal sensation exhibited considerable variation across different months, with October recording the lowest frequency of thermal comfort sensations. In all months except October, students expressed a preference for "heating." Although the performance of the heating system was deemed adequate, its operational schedule should be modified to commence closer to the beginning of morning classes in order to mitigate substantial energy waste. While temperature and humidity within the classrooms did not present significant monthly variations, students' thermal sensations varied markedly between months. This suggests that thermal sensation is influenced by factors beyond mere physical characteristics (temperature and humidity). In addition to climatic parameters, individual characteristics such as sex, age, weight, height, clothing, and activity level also play a significant role in shaping perceptions of thermal comfort. 

Urban development strategy represents a contemporary approach in urban planning and management, offering a framework for achieving sustainable urban development through poverty reduction, citizen participation, and increased investment. Like many cities in Iran, Ardabil faces numerous challenges, including inadequate governance, deteriorating infrastructure, substandard housing, weak public utilities, and insufficient social and health services. These issues underscore the necessity of strategic planning to address urban development effectively. This study aims to evaluate the indicators of urban development strategy in Ardabil. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, the research is grounded in field investigations. A sample size of 230 participants was determined using Sample Power software. Data analysis was conducted using one-sample T-tests and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS Graphics software. The results of the one-sample T-test revealed that the status of urban development strategy indicators—livability, good governance, bankability, and competitiveness—in Ardabil is suboptimal, with mean scores of 2.21, 2.6, 2.62, and 2.15, respectively. Second-order factor analysis indicated that among the dimensions of urban development strategy, competitiveness, with a factor weight of 0.93, exerts the most significant influence, while bankability, with a factor weight of 0.62, has the least impact. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that an improvement in the good urban governance index leads to a 0.55 increase in bankability, a 0.76 increase in livability, and a 0.86 increase in competitiveness. These results highlight the interconnectedness of governance quality with other dimensions of urban development, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies to enhance Ardabil's urban sustainability. 

In vast areas, accessing satellite images with appropriate spatial resolution, such as Landsat images, is often challenging.  dditionally, the temporal resolution of the Landsat satellite does not allow for the examination of short-term changes in phenomena such as vegetation. The aim of this research is to utilize temporal and spatial fusion techniques of Landsat-8 and MODIS satellite images to prepare a Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) map.  For this purpose, six image fusion algorithms—NNDiffuse (Nearest Neighbor Diffusion), PC (Principal Component), Brovey, CN (Color Normalized), Gram-Schmidt, and SFIM—were applied in an experimental area in Khuzestan province. After evaluating the results of these algorithms and selecting the most appropriate algorithm based on statistical indicators (spectral criteria such as the correlation coefficient and spatial criteria such as the Laplacian filter), the spectral and spatial information from the red and near-infrared bands of eight mosaic Landsat-8 images (30 m resolution) were combined with the red and near-infrared bands of one MODIS image (250 m resolution). To investigate vegetation cover, the NDVI was calculated using the fused satellite image for Khuzestan province. The results showed that the NNDiffuse fusion algorithm demonstrated very high accuracy among the tested algorithms in terms of spatial evaluation and spectral quality criteria. Consequently, this algorithm was selected to combine the red and near-infrared bands of Landsat-8 and MODIS images. Compared to the original Landsat-8 image, the NDVI map prepared using this algorithm had the lowest statistical errors, with an RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) of 0.1234 and an MAE (Mean Absolute Error) of 0.081.

Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a new perspective on science and technology emerged in Iran. This scientific discourse was profoundly shaped by the principles of the Islamic Revolution and Islamic ideology, leading to the establishment of new values and objectives for the advancement of science and technology. In the post-revolutionary era, as policymakers recognized science and technology as pivotal drivers of societal progress and excellence, they devised scientific policies and strategies aimed at achieving revolutionary and Islamic ideals. This evolving attitude toward science and technology significantly influenced Iran’s scientific and technological development during this period. Given that the Islamic Republic of Iran has assumed a leading role in scientific leadership within the region since 1979, its contributions to the development of scientific capabilities under successive post-revolution governments are noteworthy. To explore this, a descriptive-analytical approach was employed, utilizing reliable data from both domestic and international sources. The research findings indicate that the prevailing discourse in different governmental periods included a focus on industrialization through import substitution and capital resource allocation (1981–1989), modernization and institutional development with an emphasis on advanced technologies (1989–1997), the promotion of advanced technologies, innovation, export expansion, and social justice centered on knowledge-based industries (1997–2005), the transition toward knowledge-based innovation in the economy (2005–2013), and the enhancement of international cooperation with an emphasis on identity and rationality in policy formulation and implementation (2013–2021). The results demonstrate that, in each phase, measures such as the expansion of higher education and scientific research, the establishment of universities and research centers, and the creation of domestic and international scientific networks were implemented in alignment with the dominant discourse. 

As China's economic, technological, and military power continues to rise, the United States has grown increasingly concerned about Beijing's expanding influence. Washington perceives China's regional ascendancy as a challenge to its hegemonic ambitions. China's growing military capabilities and political influence in East Asia have sparked concern and suspicion among some of its neighbors and the United States. In response, the U.S. has maintained an active presence in the region, citing reasons such as countering China's rise and supporting freedom of navigation. Washington's efforts to challenge China's maritime sovereignty reflect its broader concerns about China's rise and its determination to maintain hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. This has led the United States to attempt to create a strategic encirclement against China, aiming to contain its regional influence and prevent a shift in the balance of power in East Asia that could disadvantage Washington. The research question addressed in this study is: What strategy does the United States employ to contain China's power in the South China Sea? The proposed hypothesis is that, given China's economic growth and the expansion of its maritime power are perceived as strategic threats to the region and the United States, Washington seeks to prevent China from becoming a regional hegemon in East Asia. By countering China's rise, the U.S. aims to shape the balance of power in favor of itself and its regional allies, thereby securing its goals and interests in the region. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to examine how the U.S. strategy of containing China's power and isolating it regionally contributes to maintaining the balance of power in East Asia, while advancing the influence and interests of the United States and its allies. 

The persistent drought conditions and the increasing reliance on groundwater resources over the past decades have significantly expanded the areas affected by land subsidence across various regions of the country, leading to substantial damage. To mitigate the impacts of subsidence, a comprehensive and precise understanding of this phenomenon is essential. In recent decades, the Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) interferometric technique has emerged as a widely used method for measuring subsidence. This study utilizes field data, including piezometric wells, groundwater level fluctuations during minimum and maximum periods, and exploitation wells, to calculate aquifer discharge rates using Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation. The aim is to analyze the time series of subsidence in the Esfarayen plain. Additionally, radar data from Sentinel-1 images were employed to estimate the subsidence rate during the first eight months of 2023. The findings reveal that subsidence in the study area ranged from 1 to 12 mm over the eight-month period, with 75.2% of the basin area classified as medium to highly critical. This indicates that the Esfarayen plain is in a critical state. The highest levels of water extraction and subsidence were observed in the southern regions of Sankhasat, Kharasha, Arg, Gazan, Jafarabad Kharaba, and Mehdiabad of Kal Beko wells, all of which fall within the highly critical zone. These areas require efficient groundwater management strategies to control and mitigate land subsidence.