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 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.

As cities develop and expand, their encounters with various topographic and geomorphological units and related issues increase. Geomorphological units are always related to the dynamics and dynamism of the natural environment, and any action taken in the direction of the development and construction of cities in some way intersects with the aforementioned dynamics and dynamism and, as a result, with morphological phenomena. In this encounter, if some essential principles and points are not observed, the morphodynamic balance of the environment will be disrupted and major risks will threaten the majority of urban equipment and facilities. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the role of unevenness in coastal city planning by comparing the two analytical hierarchy process methods, AHP and AHP FUZZY, in the city of Noor. The research method is descriptive, analytical and field-based in terms of applied and developmental purpose and in terms of data collection, in which the researcher-made questionnaire was used as a tool. The result of the sensitivity analysis showed that AHP is sensitive to uncertainty in the decision model; However, the comparative analysis shows that the differences between the criteria rankings in the two models do not necessarily result in the selection of different options (as focal points), but rather differences in the spatial extent of the selected options are more important. The findings provide a new direction for the selection of MCDM methods for urban planning. If the planning objective is to identify priority areas for development as focal points, then simpler MCDM methods such as AHP should suffice; but in more detailed planning where the identification of spatial boundaries is required (such as determining the master plan), a multiple approach using two or more MCDM techniques would be ideal.

A sense of belonging to an environment is an emotional connection that takes place between people and the external environment. Many studies have shown that the existence of this connection and its deepening between the person and the environment has a significant role in promoting the physical environment and the emergence of positive social behaviors. Therefore, recognizing the sense of belonging and the factors affecting it and ways to improve it is one of the issues that can lead to the improvement of living conditions and physical environment. Among the many factors that affect the sense of belonging, the time factor as one of these factors can be effective from two perspectives; Duration of residence and age of the environment. In this study, while researching the effect of each of these factors on the sense of belonging of residents, a comparison between these two factors and the intensity of the effect of each on the sense of belonging has been done. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. In order to collect the required data and information, library and field methods and questionnaire tools were used. The statistical population of the study consists of citizens living in the six studied neighborhoods in Zanjan. The sample size was estimated to be 300 people using the Cochran's formula. SPSS software was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the sense of belonging in the study areas is moderate to low. The results also showed that the duration of residence and the age of the environment have a positive and significant effect on the sense of spatial belonging and its components. Among the variables, the effect of the environment variable on the sense of spatial belonging is greater than the length of stay, so that the age of the environment predicts 27.1% of the variance of the variable of spatial belonging.
 

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.

The effectiveness of urban management plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of cities from various perspectives. A significant and influential dimension of urban management is the quality of life experienced by citizens across different neighborhoods. The enhancement of quality of life through management performance can be achieved via citizen participation, service provision, and transparency, among other factors. Consequently, this study aims to assess the impact of urban management performance on the quality of life in informal settlements within Miandoab City. The research employed a descriptive-analytical methodology, utilizing field data collected through a structured questionnaire. The validity of the questionnaire was established, and its reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha, which yielded a value greater than 0.79. The study's statistical population encompassed 11,545 residents living in 10 informal settlements in Miandoab City. Utilizing Cochran's formula, a sample size of 313 was determined. The results indicated that the urban management index was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.000, which is less than the threshold of 0.05. The average difference was calculated at -1.403, and the T-statistic was -54.8568, confirming that the urban management index for informal settlements in Miandoab is deficient. Furthermore, the regression model demonstrated that the urban management index, comprising five variables, has a coefficient of 0.901, indicating a 90% efficacy in enhancing the quality of life in informal settlements.  Among the variables, the participation variable, with a coefficient of 0.231, accounted for 23% of the variation in the quality of life in neighborhoods. The urban facilities and infrastructure variable predicted 21% of the quality of life, while the financing, provision of municipal services, and environmental cleanliness and hygiene variables contributed 16%, 18%, and 11%, respectively, to the improvement of quality of life in informal neighborhoods.