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.

In the process of urban space creation, there exists a continuous exchange of ideas concerning the current state of that space and the desired conditions as articulated by its inhabitants. Improvements in the challenging realities of urban environments are often manifested through physical changes, one of which is urban regeneration. Given the proliferation of urban regeneration projects in recent decades, it is imperative to consider the social dimensions inherent in these initiatives. In this context, social capital, recognized as a significant social asset within neighborhoods, has assumed particular importance in the discourse surrounding regeneration. This research examines the role of social capital in the regeneration of urban neighborhoods, with a specific focus on the Islamabad Karaj neighborhood. The methodological approach employed in this investigation is descriptive-analytical. The primary objective of this study is to analyze the influence of social capital on the regeneration processes within the Islamabad Karaj neighborhood as perceived by its residents. Data collection for the theoretical framework was conducted using documentary analysis, while the empirical component involved a survey utilizing a questionnaire. The statistical population comprises individuals aged 15 years and older residing in a neighborhood of over 25,000 inhabitants, from which a sample of 410 respondents was selected through simple random sampling, employing Cochran's formula. For data analysis, Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS software. The findings indicate a strong correlation between social capital and urban regeneration within the Karaj neighborhood of Islamabad. The implications of this research highlight the necessity to focus on the components of social capital and to implement policies aimed at its maintenance and enhancement to facilitate successful urban regeneration in the Islamabad Karaj neighborhood.

Earthquake resilience, defined as the capacity of societies—including social, economic, institutional, geographical, and other dimensions—to withstand and recover from seismic events, is a critical issue that demands attention across various societal contexts. It is essential to acknowledge that attitudes toward resilience and the analytical frameworks employed to assess it significantly influence both the understanding of underlying causes of resilience and the formulation of policies aimed at risk reduction and management. The objective of this study is to evaluate and rank the earthquake resilience of new urban developments within the Isfahan Metropolitan area through the utilization of a combined index. Given the nature of the subject matter, the research adopts a descriptive-analytical approach. The study's statistical population comprises six new urban developments: Shahin Shahr, Majlesi, Sepahan Shahr, Foolad Shahr, Baharestan, and Shahid Keshvari. This research is characterized as applied in nature, and information for the literature review was gathered through library research methods. According to the results derived from the Potentially Optimal Solutions Evaluation Technique (POSET) analysis, the rankings of the urban developments based on the combined index of resilience to earthquake risk are as follows: Majlesi (3), Baharestan (6), Foolad Shahr (7), Sepahan Shahr (8), Shahin Shahr (11), and Shahid Keshvari (14). Consequently, to mitigate the adverse effects of earthquakes on communities, it is imperative to consider the unique capacities of each urban development, thereby reducing potential human and financial losses resulting from such events.

Policy-making in tourism development planning necessitates the adoption of innovative methodologies within the domain of urban governance. In alignment with this framework, it is imperative to implement policies that focus on the processes of "developing a good governance model for tourism in the post-COVID-19 era in Iran." This approach aims to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, which has imposed significant strain on the tourism industry by reducing the evaluation of tourism governance indicators and establishing a foundation for their implementation. The methodology of this research is descriptive-survey with a practical focus, employing both documentary studies and field research. The qualitative component of the study utilized interviews as a tool for data analysis and the examination of relevant tourism indicators. The statistical population comprises experts and stakeholders involved in the tourism sector in Iran, with a sample size of 14 individuals selected through a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed through a process of open, axial, and selective coding until theoretical saturation was achieved, leading to the categorization of main and sub-categories. The data analysis was informed by the grounded theory methodology. The findings of this research, which identify indicators of effective governance and elucidate the causal conditions for the application of such governance in Iran's tourism industry, provide a foundation for potential outcomes, including the enhancement of the business environment, particularly in the aftermath of the economic downturn experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These outcomes may lead to the creation of competitive advantages through the establishment of conducive platforms, including organizational measures, infrastructure development, technological enhancements, and the implementation of information and communication management strategies, marketing strategies, and oversight mechanisms, all of which are articulated as a comprehensive model.

Understanding the daily weather types of any specific location is crucial for identifying its long-term climate patterns. In this study, we utilized the Wos classification method in conjunction with a comprehensive climatological approach to analyze key variables, including minimum, average, and maximum temperatures, as well as cloud cover and daily precipitation. Data from 1985 to 2021 were collected from 39 synoptic stations, which exhibited a well-distributed representation across the country and provided complete datasets. Weather types were identified using established coding techniques. The findings indicated that the predominant temperature types in the country are primarily categorized as hot and very hot, with sub-codes reflecting generally low to moderate cloud cover and negligible precipitation. Furthermore, the application of Ward's clustering method facilitated the identification of three distinct climatic groups. The geographical characteristics of each location, including factors such as altitude, latitude, proximity to the sea, and synoptic influences, play a significant role in the regional differentiation of these groups within the country. The outcomes of this research can be instrumental in developing weather calendars for various regions, with implications for numerous sectors including agriculture and tourism.
 

The contemporary global landscape is characterized by heightened geopolitical competition, in which energy resources have evolved from being mere support for nations to becoming pivotal elements in the contest for power. This context has transformed corridors into significant arenas for competition, as each country endeavors to establish its position within the intricate network created by these emerging corridors. In this regard, the prevailing global geopolitical trend has intensified the competition over maritime chokepoints and secured access to cross-border markets.This research serves as a theoretical foundation, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology that incorporates a comparative approach, utilizing library and internet resources for data collection. Within the chronopolitical framework of Iran-Iraq relations, each actor strives to delineate its role in international corridors while pursuing various objectives. For instance, Iraq is actively engaged in the "FAW Corridor" initiative, whereas Iran seeks to expand economic cooperation and secure a place in the burgeoning alliances of the East. While it is challenging to make definitive predictions regarding the future of relations between the two countries from a chronopolitical perspective, emerging signs suggest a trend toward diminished cooperation and increased competition, influenced by a multitude of variables. A key indicator of this potential competition is the rivalry over transit routes (corridors).
 

Today, due to the conditions of globalization, city branding has become increasingly important due to its tourism potentials. Most regions with strategic planning in this area aim to achieve economic development and reduce deprivation through tourism. In this study, the research strategy is deductive, and its purpose is practical. The required data and information were collected from library resources and surveys (questionnaires and interviews) with experts. The meta-SWOT technique, based on an inside-out approach and a resource-based perspective, provides a framework for enhancing the competitiveness of cities and regions. The city of Kermanshah possesses significant capabilities to attract tourism, enabling it to achieve urban, regional, and global competitiveness. The findings of this study show that among the capabilities and potentials of Kermanshah, the existence of historical and cultural monuments—such as Taq-e Bostan, pillars, historic houses, museums, and its role as a center for handicrafts—as well as cultural similarities with people living in Iraq and Turkey, along with its unique culture, beliefs, and customs, serve as key tourism potentials. These attributes align with the four characteristics of the VIRO framework (Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization), making them the most strategic fit with macro variables affecting tourist attraction and urban competitiveness through tourism in Kermanshah. Among the major influential variables, the COVID-19 pandemic, international sanctions against Iran, climate change, natural disasters, and lack of funding have the greatest impact on the urban competitiveness of Kermanshah. Based on the analysis of resources and macro variables, a strategic fit map was developed, and appropriate solutions were proposed.

Extratropical cyclones, characterized by their frequency, duration, and intensity, serve as the primary drivers of mid- and high-latitude precipitation across the Mediterranean during the winter and autumn months. For this research, climatic variables obtained from the ECMWF network, featuring a temporal resolution of 6 hours and a spatial resolution of 0.25° × 0.25°, spanning from 1979 to 2016, were utilized. Additionally, precipitation data from four basin stations sourced from the Asfezari database for the same period were analyzed. Initially, geopotential height, temperature, humidity, and jet stream data for rainy days were extracted using MATLAB. Subsequently, a cyclonic center extraction algorithm was applied to identify cyclonic centers from the geopotential height data, based on the conditions that the geopotential height is at a minimum and the geopotential gradient is at a maximum. From the geopotential height matrix of rainy days (361×441×498), four distinct atmospheric patterns were identified through cluster analysis. The temporal and spatial frequency of these patterns, as well as the average temperature of cyclonic centers, were analyzed for the cold season months. The results indicated that the first pattern, identified as the Mediterranean trough pattern, is the most frequent, occurring 42% of the time. This pattern is characterized by the presence of a high-level system acting as a barrier, which deepens the low-level Mediterranean system and extends its axis toward the Red Sea. The interaction between low-level and high-level systems enhances instability, resulting in the highest precipitation levels among the identified patterns. Conversely, the fourth pattern, termed the western wind trough pattern, exhibits the lowest frequency at 10%. This pattern is characterized by a trough over the Caspian Sea; however, a high-level system in the southern region inhibits the entry of low-level systems, thereby confining cyclonic activity to the northern portion of the study area. Consequently, the isobars in the northern region assume a more orbital configuration, leading to a decreased influx of cyclones and, as a result, lower precipitation amounts compared to the other patterns. The analysis further revealed that cold-core cyclones accounted for 60% of occurrences in winter and 40% in autumn, while hot-core cyclones constituted 62% in winter and 38% in autumn. Notably, the frequency of hot-core cyclones increased relative to cold-core cyclones in winter, whereas an inverse trend was observed in autumn. Over the past decade, both the frequency and intensity of cyclones have diminished compared to the preceding two decades. In terms of cyclogenesis locations, the western part of the study area has consistently emerged as the most active region. Moreover, cyclogenesis activity exhibits a gradual increase from autumn to winter as the cold season progresses. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of extratropical cyclones and their significant role in shaping precipitation patterns across the Mediterranean region.
 

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.