https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/ Economic Geography Research en daily 1 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_731942.html The solution to the challenges of rural settlements such as poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, migration, lack of welfare, etc. lies in adopting new policies and strategies that are appropriate to the geographical conditions prevailing in rural settlementsDue to their functional nature, rural communities are closely related to their surrounding environment, many of which lead to the development of entrepreneurship and the strengthening of the rural economy, while others limit the development of entrepreneurship and delay economic progress. The aim of the present study is to identify the factors that inhibit and promote the development of entrepreneurship in the villages of the central part of Ardabil County. This study is descriptive-analytical in terms of its applied purpose and research method. The technique required to obtain the required data is library and field (questionnaire), and the research population is the villages of the central part of Ardabil County. The structural equation method in the LISREL software was used to analyze the data. The results showed that the managerial factor with an effect coefficient of 0.934, the economic factor with an effect coefficient of 0.917, the infrastructural and environmental factor with an effect coefficient of 0.905 are the important driving factors, respectively, and the economic factor with an effect coefficient of 0.912, the human resource factor with an effect coefficient of 0.905, and the managerial factor with an effect coefficient of 0.895 are the three important inhibiting factors for the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas of the central part of Ardabil County https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_716661.html The purpose of the research is to validate the model of participation of youth non-governmental organizations in public benefit affairs with a social marketing approach. The current research is cross-sectional in terms of practical purpose, from the time dimension; And in terms of a subject, it is in the field of social marketing management. The quantitative research method has been carried out by survey method. The statistical population includes all the directors of non-governmental youth organizations in the country, which in 1402 were equal to 4306 people, based on Cochran's formula, 350 people were selected using available sampling method. Data have been analyzed using Spss and LISREL software. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis showed that all research models are valid and fitted, and the results of the structural equation model show that the variable of causal factors with a standard effect coefficient (0.88) has a significant and positive effect on the central phenomenon variable. Also, contextual factors with a standard impact factor (0.90), intervening factors variable with a standard impact factor (0.69) and central phenomenon variable with a standard impact factor (0.86) have a positive and significant impact on research strategies. Finally, the strategy variable has a positive and significant effect on the results with a standard impact coefficient (0.92). The findings showed that the research model is valid and has good fit indices. Therefore, it is suggested that the social marketing approach can be used by the country's youth leaders to develop beneficial behaviors among the youth.Keywords: non-governmental organizations, youth, social participation, social marketing, public benefit affairs https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_717730.html The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive framework for the smartening of rural settlements with a systematic review approach. The current research is fundamental in terms of its purpose, and with the approach of systematically reviewing the literature related to the components of rural smartness and smart settlements between the years 2000 and 2023, using 3 specific keywords and a clear and pre-designed strategy, from 5 databases. , it was gathered. After screening and qualitative assessment, the final analysis was done on 59 articles. By analyzing the articles, 5 processes and 55 components were identified for the formulation of the theoretical framework for the smartening of rural settlements. The study shows that developing a theoretical framework for the implementation of the smart model requires creating a link between different economic and social sectors and interacting with urban areas, in other words, a smart village originates from a smart city. On the other hand, the evaluations carried out in the field of intelligentization studies showed that this process requires the availability of appropriate infrastructures and the synergy of organizations in the field of creating conditions to strengthen infrastructures. On the other hand, intelligentization is not only focused on technological and economic issues, but social and cultural issues It also has a significant place, on the other hand, intelligentization can be considered in all dimensions. In fact, the view of intelligentization is focused on the sustainability of existing resources and the maximum benefit of potential capacities. In fact, it can be said that the evaluations require the classification of studies and the extraction of successful components and strategies of intelligentization in leading and developing countries so that successful models can be implemented in the scope of studies based on that. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_717731.html Assessment of quality of life based on the urban development index in counties of Zanjan province In the twenty-first century, cities are facing many challenges. The urban flourishing model introduced by the United Nations Human Settlement Program in 2012 offers a fresh approach to urban development and sustainability, seeking fundamental solutions to improve quality of life. The aim of the current research is to evaluate and measure urban flourishing in Zanjan province based on the component of quality of life. This research is goal-oriented, practical, and involves descriptive-analytical data collection, drawing on documentary and field studies related to the research topic and objectives, utilizing 22 sub-criteria. For analysis, the data has been standardized, and Shannon's entropy method has been used for weighting each indicator. Subsequently, using the ELECTRE model, urban flourishing has been ranked for each city in Zanjan province. The results of this research indicate that Abhar, Khorramdarreh, and Mahneshan are the most prosperous counties, while Tarom, Sultanieh, and Khodabandeh are considered the least prosperous. Counties like Zanjan and Ijroud, in comparison to the prosperous counties, consistently fall below the threshold of development in terms of the urban flourishing index based on the quality of life component, placing them among the less prosperous counties. Zanjan county has been identified as one of the least prosperous counties due to its high population growth and the mismatch between the growth of quality of life indicators and population growth. Given the central role of this county in Zanjan province, it is necessary to implement necessary planning in this regard. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_717873.html Creating employment and increasing retention power can contribute to the socio-economic sustainability of rural areas. Considering the importance of revitalization and revitalization of rural areas in general and socio-economic revitalization of settlements in particular, before any planning for revitalization, it is necessary to determine the factors affecting the socio-economic revitalization of rural areas. This research has been conducted with the aim of investigating the factors affecting economic-social revitalization in the rural areas of Khodabande. The current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical and correlational in terms of nature and method. The statistical population of the research is residents of rural settlements in Khodabande city. A sufficient number of sample population for modeling and hypothesis testing using Cochran's formula (371 people) were randomly selected from the residents of the studied villages. The research tool for data collection is a researcher-made questionnaire based on theoretical foundations and interviews with experts and professors. Validity (content), reliability (Cronbach's alpha) and factorial validity (model fit) were confirmed by using the opinions of experts and professors. The methods of structural equation modeling and one-sample t-test were used to analyze the findings. The results showed that all the investigated indicators have a significant role in explaining socio-economic revival; So that investment factors, agricultural requirements and job skills, with coefficients of 0.836, 0.810 and 0.724 have the greatest role in explaining the socio-economic revival of rural settlements in Khodabande city. Also, the results showed that the factor of investment (36%), the factor of agricultural requirements (24%) and the factor of mediation and brokering (16%) explain the variable changes of socio-economic revitalization of rural settlements. Also, the results showed that economic, social, physical, environmental and political-institutional capacities with an average of 3.6 and an average difference of 0.605 of rural settlements are in a stable state. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_718222.html Today, the widespread presence of vehicles and the increasing share of pedestrian crossings have created many problems for cities and have turned sidewalks into places for passing. Meanwhile, sidewalks can play an important role in increasing social interactions and encourage people to be present in the space and create a connection between people and space. In the meantime, the neo-urbanists believe that the strengthening of public spaces such as sidewalks will revive civil life and enliven the space. Considering the innovation and originality of the study, the present applied research has analyzed the effects of the sidewalk on people-space connection. The research method is descriptive-analytical in nature and the statistical population of the research includes 30 experts with experience in the field of pedestrians. The data has been collected through field observations and library studies, and the evaluation stage of the research tool is in the form of a questionnaire, which is distributed among experts in one round with the Delphi technique. The results showed that the Zanjan square green pedestrian walkway has positive results in terms of functionality and the sidewalk has been able to have a positive effect on all its indicators, including sociability, legibility and visual appeal. The security index in the perceptual dimension showed a positive result, it can be concluded that the sidewalk has been able to ensure the safety of citizens by applying appropriate solutions. Also, in the structural dimension, only the index of facilities and user mix could have a positive effect, and this shows that the sidewalk has weak points in the structural dimension and measures should be taken to improve its structural conditions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_718298.html The closest phenomenon for human beings is the space in which they live interacting with it at various moments throughout their lives. Therefore, many psychological and social attributes of a person are manifested in their residence. Housing can be considered one of the main pillars of economic and social development. Lack of housing has affected many aspects of human life. The approach of this research is applied-developmental, and the method is descriptive-analytical. Given that the research focuses on housing planning, the research is structured into three key steps. The first step involved using library research methods and a literature review to achieve a general understanding of the subject. The second step analyzed the current state of housing and population in Urmia, intending to improve housing quality and urban livability. This analysis used GIS software to identify hot and cold spots, while Spectrum software was employed to project demographic factors and population growth through 2040. The population projections were based on three fertility scenarios: decreasing, increasing, and stable. The increasing scenario anticipates a 27% rise in population, from 746,860 in 2015 to 963,540 by 2040, along with an aging demographic. This scenario highlights the need for diverse housing options to accommodate both expanding family units and suitable living arrangements for the elderly. In contrast, the decreasing scenario indicates a decline in the younger population but a notable rise in individuals aged 50-59 by 2040, which suggests the necessity to convert family housing and educational facilities into Age-friendly units. Meanwhile, the stable scenario forecasts predictable housing needs across various age groups, emphasizing the importance of sustainable urban development that responds to evolving household compositions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_718618.html The purpose of the research is to investigate, identify and introduce the factors affecting the development of tourism in Angoran mine. This research is applied research and its method is descriptive-analytical. To collect data, two field methods based on questionnaire and library have been used. The questionnaire was completed among the sample population, including professors, experts, active people and local workers in the field of tourism, with a total of 210 samples. By implementing Cronbach's alpha test and the numerical index (KMO) is equal to 0.967, which indicates the reliability of the research. The statistical method of exploratory factor analysis was used to analyze the data. The results of the data analysis show that the numerical average values calculated for all the components related to the factors affecting the development of Angoran mine tourism are higher than the desired numerical desirability (range average equal to 3) and their significant difference is reported at the 95% positive level. By performing the Pearson correlation test between the variables of the indicators (natural and environmental-economic-social-cultural-management and advertising-transportation infrastructure and facilities) among 210 samples, the correlation has been confirmed at the 1% error level, also the value (Sig=.000) because they are smaller than 0.01. Therefore, it indicates the existence of a relationship with 99% confidence or 1% error. Further, by performing the factor analysis test, 18 factors with a specific value above 1% and with a variance value (76.96%) have the greatest impact on the tourism development of Angoran mine. The factor of development of communication and transportation facilities has the most impact with a variance of 11.623, and cultural and social planning and policy has the second most impact with a variance of 8.582. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_718619.html urbanization before the urban planning process along with problems and dilemmas such as migration to cities followed by uneven distribution of population, informal settlements, lack of urban per capita and the like have caused a decline in the quality of livability. This research was taken into consideration with the aim of analyzing the livability of the urban areas of Ardabil and it aimed to answer the question that to what extent each of the urban areas of Ardabil have been able to achieve urban livability indicators? And finally, to what extent does the city of Ardabil correspond to the indicators of urban livability? The research is descriptive-analytical and applied in nature. The evaluation was done in social, environmental and economic dimensions. To start the study, first, library sources and documents were used to identify the components of livability and the theories and literature of the subject. Then, to refer to the statistical population that was citizens over 18 years old, the number of 383 people was obtained for the statistical sample through Cochran's formula. 14 indicators in 3 dimensions were considered for analysis. For each index, three questions (42 questions in total) were designed by the researchers in the form of a 5-point Likert scale. The questionnaire was included in the statistical sample by simple random method. After collecting the data, the ratings were analyzed using SPSS and TOPSIS model, and finally the output of the analysis was presented through a GIS map, and it was found that zone one of Ardabil municipality had the highest rating and zone four had the lowest rating in They are viable. And the result is that the livability of Ardabil city with values (Pi 0.4830) was slightly lower than the average ideal point. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_719762.html Purpose: Every geographical space as a spatial reality is affected not only by internal forces and factors but also by external forces and factors. The purpose of this research is to identify the key drivers and drivers affecting the physical-spatial developments of the peri-urban settlements of Tehran metropolis in the area of Islamshahr city in the future. Method: The research method is practical in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of methodology, in such a way that first by Delphi method, the factors were identified and after its part was validated, by 35 experts in the field of information technology and planning and rural development in the form of a questionnaire using the structural analysis method. It has been evaluated in 1402. Findings: The results of the research showed that among the 43 key factors in the three axes of internal, external, and adjacent factors to the metropolis of Tehran and affecting physical-spatial changes in peri-urban settlements, 12 factors have been introduced as key drivers, of which five factors The variable of macro-national, regional and local laws (7+), the variable of progress in information and communication technology (4+), the variable of migration characteristics of rural people (6+), the variable of weakness in monitoring the sanctuaries of Tehran metropolis (8+) and the variable of change in the way Attitudes and norms (4+) have been introduced by experts as the most important critical drivers in the studied area. Therefore, the role of governance policies and urban planning in managing the physical-spatial developments of peri-urban settlements, especially in metropolises like Tehran, is very important in the ten-year short-term planning horizon. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_720044.html The purpose of this article is to evaluate the impact of economic, social, institutional-political and infrastructural indicators on the competitiveness of rural areas from the perspective of villagers using a structural equation modeling approach. The present study is an applied research in terms of its purpose and a descriptive-correlational research in terms of its nature. The statistical population of the study consists of 2234 household heads in a selected village in Sib and Soran rural district in Sib and Soran city. Using the Cochran formula, the statistical sample of 193 household heads was determined. This number was selected using a simple random sampling method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software and structural equation modeling (Smart PLS). In this study, observed variables were obtained for four social, economic, institutional-political and infrastructural components. The results show that the measured validity of all four measurement models on the competitiveness of rural areas is acceptable. According to the results, the t-coefficients between the main variables of the research were above 2.58, which means that the relationship is significant and direct; thus, the economic, social, infrastructure, and institutional-political dimensions have a positive and significant effect on the competitiveness of rural areas, which the R2 value shows that 79.7 percent of the competitiveness of rural areas is explained by achieving the four dimensions, and the economic dimension, with a coefficient of 0.89, has a greater effect on the competitiveness of rural areas than other dimensions. It is suggested that in order to improve the level of competitiveness of rural areas, social indicators should be given more attention so that the final outcome of the competitiveness of rural areas can be improved. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_720262.html Health tourism is one of the important types of tourism which has developed significantly in recent years and has attracted a large number of tourists. In this regard, it is essential to provide the foundations for the development of health tourism through appropriate policies and strategic planning, and the present study was written with this aim in the Tabriz metropolis. The research method in the present study is mixed (a combination of quantitative-qualitative methods) with an applied purpose and an analytical and exploratory nature, which in order to analyze the information, have been used the partial least squares model in Smart-pls software and the numerical mean test. Also, the statistical population of the study included academic elites and urban managers involved in the field of urban tourism, which due to the uncertainty of the number of the statistical population, 100 people were determined as the sample size using Cohen's formula at a confidence level of 95%. The research findings show that the most important components affecting the planning of health tourism development in Tabriz metropolis are related to the variables of information technology management implementation in organizations in charge of tourism affairs, the existence of coordination between key and fundamental decision-making centers, the use of individuals with knowledge competence in responsible organizations, and the existence of a supra-organizational leadership center to organize the dispersion of tourism affairs management, which the coefficients extracted from the structural model for them are 0.845, 0.822, 0.814, and 0.791, respectively. Also, in the field of policy-making, it is essential to emphasize reviewing diplomatic relations and reducing the ongoing economic and political sanctions, promoting the role and status of tourism in developing foreign relations with other countries, and creating appropriate policies to reduce the incitement of anti-Iranian movements in the region. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_720263.html In general, most of the technologies used in the process of implementing tourism in the form of a smart city include Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. Blockchain is a decentralized database system with high capabilities and a strong security system based on a series of data protection rules that can be defined as a large distributed public ledger that records transactions on a network.Blockchain, a word that we encounter in abundance these days, is a new phenomenon in recent years that has attracted the attention of many industry and business owners. The high security of this system as well as the speed of the transfer operation was a stimulus for researchers and economists to pay more attention to this system. In this regard, the aim of this research is to determine the role of internationalization business processes on integrated business performance based on blockchain technology with regard to marketing capabilities. The research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and survey in terms of data collection. Structural equation modeling technique has also been used to answer the research hypotheses. The statistical population of the research is companies and managers and marketers of Iranian companies with advanced or creative technology in Tehran. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS and Amos software, and the regression method was used in the path analysis test of the hypotheses. The findings of the research indicate that strategizing, synergy and standardization have a positive and significant impact on the marketing capabilities based on blockchain technology of companies. It also increases the quality of services provided to customers and attracts more companies and managers to this industry. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_721776.html Dealing with climate change requires government intervention and global planning. Creating infrastructure based on ICT to provide better services are proposed as a solution.This article analyzes the symmetric and asymmetric effects of e-government (EG) and financial development(FD) on climate change(CC) in Iran during 2003:3-2021:1 by Linear and Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL and NARDL) methods. The ARDL results showed that in the long-run, EG and good governance(GG) had a negative effect, and FD and foreign direct investment(FDI) had a positive effect on CC. In the short-run, GG had a negative and FDI had a positive effect on CC. The error correction shows that in each period, 51% of the short-term imbalances are adjusted and approach the long-term trend. The results of the NARDL method showed that in the short and long-term, positive (negative) changes in the EG had a negative (positive) effect on CC. Positive (negative) changes in FD had no effect (negative) in the short-term, and positive (negative) changes had a positive (negative) effect in the long-term. Positive (negative) changes in GG in the short and long-term had a negative (meaningless) effect on CC. The positive (negative) changes of FDI in the short and long-term had insignificant (negative) effect. The Wald test showed in the short and long-term, the effects of positive and negative changes in EG and GG are asymmetrical, and the effects of positive and negative changes in FDI are symmetrical. The error-correction showed in each period, 56% of the short-term imbalances are converged to the long-term trend. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_722089.html Creative talent is the foundation for the competitive advantage of cities, and the integration of creativity and tourism concepts is essential for the growth of such talents. In this regard, the aim of the present study is to identify the forces influencing the development of creative tourism in line with the sustainable urban development of Zabol. This research is applied in terms of purpose, a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods in terms of nature, survey-based in terms of method, and descriptive-analytical in terms of implementation. The statistical population of the study includes academic experts and specialists (university professors in the field of urban geography, executive officials, and related urban organizations), who were selected using a purposive sampling method, with 20 individuals chosen based on theoretical saturation. For data analysis, methods such as Grounded Theory, F-BWM, and F-AHP were used. The results of the Grounded Theory method were used to identify the effective forces in the development of creative tourism in Zabol city (five categories: physical, economic, socio-cultural, institutional, and structural, along with 16 semantic units), which were extracted using the opinions of experts and specialists. This indicates a comprehensive approach to the issues of creative tourism in Zabol city, considering the mentioned categories and semantic units. Among the proposed categories, the institutional category with a weight of 0.287 ranked the highest, while the structural category with a weight of 0.228, the economic category with a weight of 0.175, the socio-cultural category with a weight of 0.156, and the physical category with a weight of 0.154 ranked second to fifth, respectively. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_722350.html The Social Security Organization, as the largest insurance fund in the country, covers more than half of the Iranian population. The Social Security Organization, as the largest insurance fund in the country, covers more than half of the Iranian population. The main financial resources of this organization come from insurance premiums received from employers. The process of insuring workers and sending lists and paying social security premiums is not immune to deviation, and one of its examples is insurance evasion, which consequently confronts the organization with a deficit of resources and failure to fulfill obligations to insured persons and pensioners on time, and has a negative impact on the social welfare of the country. The present research aims to identify various types of insurance evasion based on the Identifying Types of Insurance Evasion Based on the Analysis of Work Experiences of Workers and Employers and Its Effects on Social Welfare (Case Study: Social Security Organization, Branch 3 of Mashhad). This research is exploratory in nature, qualitative in approach, and applied in purpose. Additionally, this study is cross-sectional (2020-2021) and descriptive-explanatory. The research was conducted using thematic analysis and in- depth interviews with 28 workers and employers in Mashhad. As a result of the analysis and open coding of the data, the central phenomenon of "insurance evasion" was obtained. Among the main categories obtained in this study are "stereotypical and unprofessional behaviors as well as innovative and professional behaviors of employers affected by the laws" in the phenomenon of insurance evasion. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723325.html The tourism industry has made a major contribution in creating added value for countries, and today it is a great source of foreign exchange income and has a lot of capacity to create employment in the focus of governments' attention. The current research is a descriptive survey in terms of its practical-developmental purpose and in terms of the method of gathering descriptive information. To determine the sample size of this study, 1403 tourists who have traveled to the central part of Zanjan city have been considered. In order to select 340 sample members, the content validity of the questionnaire has been confirmed by subject experts. Therefore, the present research was aimed at identifying the model of the effectiveness of tourists' retention in Bafater. Data analysis was done with 0.875 analysis method and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The findings of the present research show that the highest numerical mean is related to satisfaction with the quality of the behavior of the host community, and the lowest mean is related to the satisfaction with the quality of infrastructure and recreational activities in Zanjan city. And also, the analysis of the inferential findings of the t-test also shows that, based on the level of desirability of the test, environmental, information and advertising is at an unfavorable level, and the satisfaction with the quality of the behavior of the host community is the highest score of 19.02, and also the highest numerical average The sensory experience with a score of 3.23, the ideal experience is 3.17, and the lowest numerical average is the service quality experience with a score of 3, the unique experience is 3.01. And the t-test also shows that the index of unique experience, experience of service quality, interaction with local people is at an unfavorable level. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723639.html Capacity building is one of the essential components in every country in order to achieve sustainable development goals. The aim of the present study is to investigate the dimensions of cultural-social capacity building in the implementation of public policies of the Social Security Organization in five provinces of Iran. The sample size was 17 people who were selected by purposive sampling. The statistical population of the quantitative part is managers and experts of the Social Security Organization of Iran, numbering 3029 people. The sample size is 176 people based on the Cohen table, who were selected in a two-stage cluster. In this study, SPSS and EXCEL software were used to analyze the data. The results obtained led to the extraction of 26 components and 9 dimensions, including: approval of convergent policies and intra-organizational coherence, political independence of the organization, establishment of social justice, implementation of e-government principles in the organization, attention to environmental changes, reform of the social security culture, belief in creating change and innovation, networking in the organization, and creation of a monitoring and feedback system. The results of the DEMATEL analysis of the socio-cultural capacity-building model in the implementation of public policies in the social security organization show that the dimension of "networking in the organization" was the most important dimension and the dimension of "reforming the social security culture" was the most influential dimension. Efforts to improve the capacity to implement the policies of the social security organization should be accompanied by planning and constructive and sustainable changes in the structure of the organization and management, and with efficiency and effectiveness in restructuring the structure of the organization and management in formulating and implementing the policies of the social security organization, in order to strengthen other indicators. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723640.html Technological progress in the past few decades has led to digitalization of the economy and increased the speed of economic development. The need for digitalization of the economy has become more apparent than ever. The emerging industry of innovative technologies, especially in the financial sector, is exposed to competition from traditional financial services. Therefore, this article aims to identify the components of the intentions of risky entrepreneurs in accepting technological innovations. The research method is of an applied type and, from the perspective of approach, is a mixed (qualitative-quantitative) exploratory type. In the qualitative part, the content analysis method was used, and, considering the content of the interviews and the validity assessment of the indicators obtained by the Delphi method, 42 indicators, and 8 main components were approved by experts. The main components are: individual attitude, mental norms, perceived capabilities and capabilities of technological innovations, social environment, dimensions and characteristics of the organization, market conditions, business space actors, and business risk management in the fintech field. The statistical population of this study included 515 people from start-up businesses in Tehran, of 220 people were selected according to the study's statistical population using the Cochran formula, a convenient sampling method. In the quantitative part, the data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the results of the qualitative research, designed and distributed among the statistical sample. Smart PLS-software was used to perform statistical analysis. The research findings confirm a positive and significant relationship between the main components and adoption intentions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723641.html This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method.The research data collection tool was obtained using a researcher-made questionnaire, whose validity was confirmed by professors and experts in terms of form and content.Its reliability was also calculated by Cronbach's alpha at 0.81, which indicates appropriate reliability.The statistical population of the study is the households in the villages of Pol-e Dokhtar County, which is estimated to be 7358 households according to the general population and housing census of 2016. Also, the number of statistical samples was 365 households selected using the Cochran formula in a quota manner. In order to analyze the findings, one-sample t-test, multivariate regression analysis, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used.The results of the one-sample t-test showed that tourism entrepreneurship is in a favorable situation with an average of 3.107.The test results indicate that Jaydar rural district has the best situation in terms of tourism entrepreneurship among rural districts of Pol Dokhtar County with an average of 3.187, and Miankouh Gharbi rural district is in the worst situation with an average of 2.854.The results of the one-sample t-test showed that the vitality of rural households is assessed as favorable with an average of 3.068.The results of the regression analysis showed that the physical-infrastructure index with a beta coefficient of 0.287, the socio-cultural index with a beta coefficient of 0.239, the institutional index with a beta coefficient of 0.205, and the environmental index with a beta value of 0.153 are effective on the vitality of rural households. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723932.html The entrepreneurial ecosystem refers to the collection of individuals, organizations, processes, regulations, and events within a defined geographical area that influence entrepreneurial activities and may either facilitate or hinder an individual's decision to become an entrepreneur. This study aims to assess the evaluate the influence within the ecotourism entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Sorkhabad Protected Area. The research is developmental in purpose and descriptive-survey in method. The region’s ecotourism potential and biodiversity were assessed through a step-by-step survey, resulting in regional zoning, while potential ecotourism opportunities were identified via expert consultation. The desirability of ecosystem indicators was evaluated using one-sample T-tests based on responses from 126 tourism-related business owners selected through purposive non-probability sampling. Additionally, the influence of 14 indicators and 42 items was analyzed via a census of 30 ecotourism experts in Zanjan Province using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the Partial Least Squares (PLS) method in “Smart PLS” software. Indicators were derived from the 2022 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report, and the reliability of the questionnaires was confirmed by Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.781 (experts) and 0.933 (business owners). Results showed that only four indicators “venture capital” (3.45), “risk acceptance” (3.16), “opportunity-based startups” (3.13), and “cultural support” (3.02) were relatively favorable. The measurement, structural, and overall models demonstrated good fit at the 95% confidence level. “Opportunity recognition” (0.81), “human capital” (0.79), “startup creation skills” (0.75), and “networking” (0.72) had the strongest influence, while “innovation in process” (0.35) and “venture capital” (0.31) had the weakest. yielding coefficients of 0.781 for the expert group and 0.933 for the business owners. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_733143.html The main objective of this study is to analyze the direct effects of institutional quality indicators on fiscal policies and economic growth in Iran and other emerging economies, namely China, India, Brazil, Turkey, and Indonesia, over the period 2003–2022. The main variables of this research include institutional quality indicators (such as control of corruption, rule of law, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, transparency, and political stability), fiscal policy measures (including tax rate and government expenditures), and economic growth (measured by the growth rate of GDP per capita). Data were collected from reputable international sources, such as the World Bank and Worldwide Governance Indicators, to ensure accuracy and reliability in the analysis. This study is applied and causal in design, employing panel data and the generalized method of moments (GMM) econometric technique for precise data analysis and model estimation. The findings reveal that institutional quality indicators have a significant and positive effect on fiscal policy effectiveness. Specifically, in countries with stronger institutions, fiscal policies are implemented more efficiently, resulting in higher and more sustainable economic growth. Conversely, weak institutions lead to less effective fiscal policies. As a result, their impact on economic growth is diminished. The results further demonstrate that improvements in institutional quality—through enhanced transparency, improved governance, and reduced corruption—create a favorable environment for optimal resource allocation, increased investment attraction, and higher economic productivity. This study underscores the importance of interaction and alignment between institutional reforms and fiscal policy measures and shows that the success of fiscal strategies depends on the establishment of robust and transparent institutional frameworks. Therefore, strengthening institutional quality plays a crucial role in achieving sustainable economic growth and fostering long-term development in emerging economies https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734068.html On the one hand, dilapidated urban textures have valuable residential roots, cultural-social or architectural gardens, and on the other hand, they have suffered widespread problems and damages due to severe dilapidation, lack of desirable and appropriate services, accessibility and health. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the physical quality of the living environment and the level of citizen satisfaction and identify factors affecting citizen participation in the process of recreating dilapidated textures, and examine the role of citizen participation in recreating dilapidated urban textures and improving the quality of life in the city of Kamalshahr, Karaj; which is applied in terms of type and descriptive and analytical method. The statistical population of the study is 384 citizens of Kamalshahr. Quantitative models such as confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, and statistical tests such as Pearson correlation coefficient and analysis of variance (ANOVA) have been used to analyze the data. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the questions related to the quality of life and regeneration variables were appropriate explanatory variables with factor loadings greater than 0.5, and the model fit indices also indicated that the model fit the data well. The research findings and test results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the physical quality of the living environment and the level of citizens' satisfaction with dilapidated textures, and factors such as income, education, and social class also have a significant effect on the level of citizens' participation in the regeneration of dilapidated textures and can be effective in planning and implementing urban regeneration projects. Finally, the research has proposed and presented practical solutions for the successful regeneration of dilapidated textures in the study area to improve citizen participation and increase the quality of life. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734259.html The increasing growth and development of information technology has caused major changes in the global community. Today, various organizations offer their services digitally, and digitalization is a developing trend in all matters. This issue has also had a significant impact on the banking industry. In the meantime, recreating the banking system using new technologies, forming and implementing the digital banking model, and expanding and penetrating this market as much as possible, has become one of the main concerns of the players in this industry. Considering this, in the upcoming research, we will seek to identify the factors affecting the penetration of the digital banking market in Iran. For this purpose, in the first step, a total of 59 articles in the field of digital banking were identified and reviewed. These articles were evaluated in three stages using the meta-synthesis method. Finally, the results of the meta-synthesis method and the use of the open coding tool, eight main fields and a number of sub-fields, were explained in the form of a meta-synthesis model for variables affecting penetration in the digital banking market. Also, at this stage, using the indexing, conceptualization and categorization method, the primary data were produced in the form of new sub-components and added to the meta-synthesis model of the research. The eight main fields identified are: keeping up with global changes, advertising, culture building, quality of the service provider system, security, understanding the necessity of bank digitalization, training and management. In the meta-synthesis model of the research, the higher sub-components are relatively more important due to having the most codes and the highest repetition in the selected articles. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734387.html The aim of the present study is to analyze and investigate behavioral economics factors on farmers' tendency to climate adaptation in East Banajouy Rural District. This study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its implementation method. The statistical population of the study consists of all farmers in East Banajouy Rural District, Bonab County, which number 2400 people. In order to analyze the research findings, one-sample t-test, multivariate regression analysis, and path analysis were used. In order to examine the level of behavioral bias of farmers in East Banajouy Rural District, one-sample t-test was used. The test results showed that time bias with an average of 3.214, loss bias with an average of 3.216, reliability bias with an average of 3.240, and overconfidence bias with an average of 3.346 are all in an undesirable state, considering that the questionnaire items had a negative direction. Also, the test results showed that the farmers' tendency to climate adaptation is desirable with an average of 3.382. The results of the regression analysis showed that reliability bias with a standard coefficient of 0.367 has the greatest effect on farmers' tendency to climate adaptation. Also, loss bias with a coefficient of 0.323, overconfidence bias with a coefficient of 0.277, and time bias with a coefficient of 0.218 are in the next order of importance. Path analysis was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of behavioral economics factors on farmers' tendency to climate adaptation. Among the variables examined, the confidence bias has the highest overall effect (0.579) and is given first priority. This result indicates that the more farmers rely on their subjective perception and confidence in their decision-making, the more likely they are to be inclined towards climate adaptation. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734501.html This study aims to investigate the trends and process of commercializing products in technology startups that are members of the Lorestan regional Fan Bazaar network in order to draw possible scenarios for improving this process using futures research methods. The present study is qualitative and has a futures research approach that was conducted using trend analysis, Delphi, and scenario writing methods. The statistical population includes experts, managers, and owners of technology startups that are members of the Fan Bazaar network. The results of scenario writing show that a high percentage of the situations in the scenario portfolio are in a favorable situation. Among the most important factors that are in a critical situation and require special attention are government policies in supporting startups and clarifying the goals and criteria for commercialization, which are in a more unfavorable situation than other factors. Therefore, it can be said that by paying special attention to these two factors, a favorable future can be achieved for the commercialization of products in technology startups that are members of the Lorestan regional Fan Bazaar network. Successful commercialization of technology products in Lorestan startups requires strengthening cooperation between supporting institutions, universities and the private sector. Developing practical strategies based on future scenarios can help increase the effectiveness of this process. It is important to understand how knowledge is transformed into commercial products in the market and to profit from technological innovation. On the other hand, studies consider technology commercialization as a key competitive factor for technology-based companies. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734502.html In recent years, the world's inclination towards free trade has increased. Multinational companies, in pursuit of economic cost-benefit under trade strategies, have expanded their supply chains across the globe. One of these strategies is nearshoring, which has gained the attention of investors due to its risk reduction in trade . This approach fosters cross-border collaboration and balanced development in free trade zones. Under this strategy, free trade zones near common borders collaborate and benefit from symmetrical development. This research aims to examine the nearshoring strategy in the Aras Free Zone(AFZ) and has sought to explain the advantages of this strategy and its global experiences. Subsequently, the Meghri Special Economic Zone(MSEZ) in Armenia has been introduced as a key complement to the Aras Free Zone. To achieve the objectives of this research, a descriptive-analytical method was used, and data were collected from library resources, reputable articles and case studies. By reviewing global experiences, it can be concluded that nearshoring is an effective strategy for reducing production costs, increasing trade coordination, and minimizing political and logistical risks. The Aras Free Zone, due to its geoeconomics position and access to regional markets, has high capacity for implementing the nearshoring strategy. If this region converges with the Meghri region in Armenia, it can expand Iran's access to the markets of CIS countries and Russia. By addressing potential challenges and careful planning, nearshoring in the Aras Free Zone can strengthen regional integration and sustainable development, enhancing Iran's position in regional trade in a broader perspective. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734503.html Inequality creates significant economic and political concerns and challenges for governments. In our country, Iran, despite numerous studies in this field, studies have been limited to identifying the factors and reasons for the occurrence of this phenomenon. The aim of the research was to identify geographical clusters of growth and recession among the provinces of our country, emphasizing the spatial and temporal dimensions of economic developments. The research is a quantitative research type and, according to the problem under consideration, is among the applied research. In the research, statistical information on 6 categories of economic activity was obtained from regional economic accounts in 5-year time periods. In this section, the real provincial price index was used to actualize the information and the principal component analysis (PCA) method was used to weight the category of economic activity. After determining the final values in the VIKOR model, high and low clustering statistics and spatial autocorrelation distance were used in ArcGis. The results of the research show that contrary to the prevailing intellectual framework in regional planning in our country, which states that the spread of growth effects will be achieved in the centers and poles of development, this has not been done. In a way that, based on the results, the pattern of aggregation of the main centers of economic growth is random and no geographical clusters have been formed to spread the results of growth. In a way, there is also a negative relationship between the geographical distance of the provinces from each other and the rate of economic growth of the regions. In fact, the main growth regions are located at relatively large distances from each other, and this has caused greater divergence of the central regions from the southeastern and northwestern regions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734504.html The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of rural community capital in economic development by utilizing the capabilities of creative rural tourism. The statistical population of the study is families living in tourist villages with creative tourism indicators in the central part of Abhar County (Zanjan Province), which, according to the data of the General Population and Housing Census (2016), amounted to 1850 households. Using the Cochran formula, 272 cases were selected as a sample and a researcher-made questionnaire was distributed in the sample villages by simple random method. The present study is a user research type and is descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The validity of the questionnaire items was examined using the views and opinions of experts, and the reliability of the research items was calculated using the Cronbach's alpha test at 0.895 in the dimensions of rural capital and 0.864 in the local economy index. To analyze the questionnaire data, one-sample t-tests, Spearman correlation and multivariate regression were used. The results showed that among the rural community capitals, natural (3.7723), social (3.7582) and financial (3.6332) capitals of the sample villages played the greatest role in the development of creative tourism in the study area. Also, the results of the regression test, considering the value of the coefficient of determination of 0.66, indicate the positive effect of the dimensions of rural community capitals on the effects of tourism on the local economy in the study villages, and natural (0.507), financial (0.368) and physical (0.329) capitals, respectively, have had the greatest impact on the development of the rural economy through tourism. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734505.html This study aims to analyze and prioritize the comparative advantage of agricultural and horticultural products in Malekan County. The research employs a descriptive- analytical and field- based methodology. The statistical population consists of 40 active farmers from various villages within Malekan County, selected through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire and secondary sources. Data analysis was conducted using the Policy Analysis Matrix (PAM), which enables the assessment of private and social profitability, resource-use efficiency, and the impact of government support policies. The agricultural and horticultural products under investigation include almonds, dryland wheat, grapes, plums, and alfalfa. These were ranked based on comparative advantage indices (DRC less than 1 for almonds and dryland wheat), water productivity (value added per cubic meter of water for almonds was approximately 400,000 IRR), and sensitivity to exchange rate fluctuations (minimum exchange rate required to maintain advantage). The results indicate that almonds hold the highest comparative advantage and water-use efficiency, identifying them as the top-priority crop. Dryland wheat and grapes rank second and third, respectively, and play significant roles in economic sustainability and export markets. Plums and alfalfa ranked lower due to their relatively lower efficiency and higher sensitivity to exchange rate volatility, suggesting the need for targeted support policies. The study recommends promoting high comparative advantage crops, improving supportive policies, managing currency risk, and optimizing water resource use. These strategies can contribute to the sustainable development of agri culture and improve the liveli hoods of farmers in M alekan County. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734506.html In the wake of increasing global warming, intensifying the effects of climate change, and the spread of phenomena such as urban heat islands, the topic of thermal comfort in urban open spaces has been raised as one of the key issues in sustainable urban planning and design. The aim of this research is to analyze the structure and content of studies conducted in the field of urban thermal comfort with a comparative approach between domestic and international research in the period 1399 to 1404 (corresponding to 2020 to 2025). To achieve this goal, 145 articles, including 97 international articles and 48 Persian articles, were selected and reviewed using the PRISMA systematic methodological framework. The results of the analyses show that at the international level, research has increasingly moved towards the use of data-driven algorithms and machine learning models such as XGBoost, LightGBM, Random Forest, and deep neural networks. These studies, focusing on topics such as urban climate, spatial morphological patterns, physiological characteristics of individuals, remote sensing, and multiscale data analysis, have provided accurate prediction models that support urban decision-making. In contrast, domestic research is more based on experimental studies, field observations, and traditional statistical analyses, and uses indicators such as PMV, PET, and UTCI to measure comfort, while placing great emphasis on Iran's specific climatic conditions. These differences indicate a significant gap in the level of methodology, tools, and scope of analysis between domestic and international studies. By identifying macro trends, existing gaps, and research opportunities, this study emphasizes the need to integrate local experiences with advanced global modeling capabilities and provides perspectives for improving the quality of thermal comfort studies in Iran. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734507.html This study examines the impact of tourism activities on local livelihoods and poverty reduction in villages surrounding the Arasbaran Forest in Tabriz County.** Using data collected from 384 households, the research analyzes the relationships between social, economic, and environmental variables and their effects on livelihood outcomes, including income, food security, and access to social services. For data analysis, descriptive and inferential statistical methods were employed. Initially, the data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), a widely used software for analyzing social and economic data that provides diverse tools for statistical analysis. Subsequently, multivariate regression models were applied to examine the relationships between variables and their influence on household livelihood outcomes. These models helped assess the effects of independent variables (social, economic, and environmental factors) on the dependent variable (livelihood outcomes). Additionally, ANOVA analysis was conducted to compare means and identify statistically significant differences between groups. The findings indicate that tourism activities—particularly in accommodation services, handicrafts, and catering—have had significant positive effects on household income. Moreover, factors such as gender, age, household size, and access to credit and markets significantly influenced household participation in tourism activities, thereby improving their livelihoods. Specifically, men earned more than women due to greater access to employment opportunities in the tourism sector. However, the study also identified challenges, including unequal distribution of benefits and the persistence of poverty among certain local communities. This suggests that, despite the considerable potential of tourism, some segments of the population do not fully benefit from its economic advantages. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734508.html Investing in transportation infrastructure is a very important tool for regional development. In this regard, due to its special geographical location, West Azerbaijan province has the potential facilities to focus on the transportation sector and increasing the transit revenues due to the relocation of passengers and cargo. The main goal of this research is to investigate the development trend of the transportation sector of West Azerbaijan province in the years 2017-2021. The method of the current research is applied in terms of goal and has a descriptive-analytical nature, which is used to collect information from the library method. The statistical yearbooks of the Iranian Statistics Center during the years 2017 to 2021 has been used in order to collect the data of this research. The data collection tool of this research is taking note. DIMATEL matrix and DNAP software have been used to determine the level of influence and interrelationships of the research indicators. The analysis of the data collected in this research was done quantitatively and through the VIKOR decision-making model. The statistical data of West Azerbaijan province has been used to form the initial matrix of VIKOR model. The results of the research show that in the transport sector of West Azerbaijan province, we have faced significant progress in terms of infrastructure criteria such as freeway, highway, main road, secondary road and rural asphalt road; And also, according to the results of the VIKOR model, the ranking of the years under review shows that this sector has been in a downward trend due to the Corona virus and the reduction of passengers, travel and transported cargo. But with the containment of the corona virus in the first months of 2021, the statistics of the transportation sector have been on an upward trend. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734509.html Tourism, as one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy, is in a constant state of change and renewal. Despite the global expansion of theoretical debates in this area, research on tourism destinations in Iran remains constrained by theoretical weaknesses, conceptual fragmentation, and a lack of analytical coherence. Classical frameworks, particularly Butler’s Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC), have provided important foundations for destination studies but struggle to account for the complexity, heterogeneity, and nonlinear dynamics that characterize real tourism systems. This shortcoming highlights the need for new theoretical perspectives. This study introduces Evolutionary Economic Geography (EEG) as a promising paradigm for advancing the study of tourism destination evolution. EEG builds upon three interrelated concepts-path dependency, generalized Darwinism, and complexity theory-to examine how destinations develop, adapt, and transform over time. By adopting a narrative review approach, the research systematically analyzed scientific literature published between 1995 and mid-2025. Within this framework, destinations are conceptualized as adaptive complex systems shaped by multi-level interactions between human agency, institutional structures, and environmental conditions, and thus prone to both gradual adjustments and sudden, path-breaking changes. Concepts such as path creation, lock-in, and co-evolution enrich this perspective by explaining how tourism evolves in relation to broader social and economic systems. Applying EEG not only provides greater analytical coherence but also establishes a robust foundation for case studies in Iran’s tourism destinations. Overall, this approach, as a novel theoretical perspective, has the capacity to fill the conceptual gaps in Iranian tourism research and to open new horizons for future studies. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734510.html Income inequality refers to the uneven or disproportionate distribution of income among different individuals or segments of a population within a given geographical area. This concept is considered not only a fundamental measure of economic injustice or unequal opportunities but also an important indicator of a society's overall prosperity and well-being. The aim of this article is to investigate the effects of country risk and financial development on income inequality in Iran during the period 1984-2023. To this end, after conducting unit root tests, the relevant model was estimated using the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) method. The estimation results indicated that, in the long run, both positive and negative changes in country risk have a positive and significant effect on income inequality; specifically, an increase in country risk leads to higher income inequality, while a decrease in country risk results in reduced income inequality. Furthermore, the effects of both positive and negative changes in financial development on income inequality are negative and significant; meaning that improved financial development leads to lower income inequality, whereas worsened financial development increases income inequality.The results also revealed that inflation rate and trade openness have a positive and significant impact on income inequality, while per capita GDP and government expenditures have a negative and significant impact on income inequality. The results also revealed that inflation rate and trade openness have a positive and significant impact on income inequality, while per capita GDP and government expenditures have a negative and significant impact on income inequality. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734511.html The economic development of any country is strongly dependent on its human resources. Considering that women constitute half of these human resources, their active participation in the development process is essential and inevitable. One effective way to involve rural women is through the creation of small businesses and self-employment. Microcredit funds as an important tool for empowerment play a significant role in achieving this goal. The statistical population of the research is the women's cooperative of the Bayan village in Nahavand Towmship, which has 500 members from five villages and the sample size is 196 women based on Cochran's formula. The aim of the research is to analyze the role of microcredit funds in strengthening the capabilities of rural women. The independent variable is the microcredit fund with two indicators: financial and non-financial services and the dependent variable is women's empowerment with three indicators: economic empowerment, socio-cultural empowerment, and individual-psychological empowerment. The research method is descriptive-analytical and applied. Data analysis was performed using mean rank, one-sample t-tests and structural equation modeling with AMOS software. The results show that the average of women's empowerment variables and the performance of the microcredit fund are evaluated above the average, with the highest average related to socio-cultural empowerment (4.59), the lowest related to non-financial services of the fund (4.36). According to the structural equation analysis, the path coefficient between the microcredit fund variable and the empowerment of rural women was found to be 0.5, which indicates a direct, positive and relatively strong effect between these the two variables https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_734512.html In most countries, housing is mainly produced through market mechanisms, often putting pressure on governments design policies and plans to address problems. However, market priorities can make it difficult to achieve public policy goals. The purpose of housing policies is to rethink the housing policy-making. This research is based on the objective, fundamental and qualitative in nature, and by adopting an explanatory approach and deductive content analysis, it systematically reviews and analysis of sources in the field of the subject. So that by assuming specific definitions, the texts were studied and extracted. In the second step, resources were retrieved based on keywords, title and abstract, and in the third step, the analysis and conceptual framework were developed using MAXQDA software to extract the main keywords. The results of the research show that before any kind of policy-making, the intellectual-executive system of policymakers derived from neoliberal structures and political economy of space in order to solve the housing problems of target groups, It should be adjusting the ruling regime with the principles of regulation, direct government provision in times of need and non-intervention in times of no need, financing and subsidies, discourse-centered, providing information and guidance, taking responsibility, recognizing the characteristics of target groups, adjusting socio-economic, managerial, environmental-physical problems. In Iran, these principles have not been able to be implemented due to the lack of priority for the right to equal housing for citizens, and the spaces and housing that have been formed far from the principles of right, welfare, equality, and sustainability. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_735319.html Social media, due to its high interactive power, provides global audience access for residents of tourism villages. Social media, due to its high interactive power, provides global audience access for residents of tourism villages. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of social media on the tourism development of the eastern part of Guilan province. The present study is a correlational-analytical type and library and field methods were used to collect data. The statistical population of the study is the heads of households in seven tourism target villages in the east of Guilan province. Based on the 2016 census, the total number of households residing in these villages is 1,374, and using the Cochran formula, the required sample size for completing the questionnaire was calculated to be 385. The face validity of the questionnaire was assessed by experts, and the reliability of the variables was calculated to be 85% through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Statistical tests such as (one-sample t-test, regression, and Kruskal-Wallis H test) were employed for quantitative data analysis. The results indicate that social media has had a positive impact on the indices of interactions (3.1740), networking (3.7781), economic (3.4527), and social (3.4915), and a negative impact on the indices of reach scope (2.1693) and institutional (2.7499). in the regression model fit, the coefficient of determination was equal to (0.955). The ranking from the Kruskal-Wallis H test also shows that Hassan Sara and Sarolat villages in Rudsar county have experienced the greatest impact, and Anbarsar village in Astaneh-ye Ashrafiyeh county has experienced the least impact from social media on tourism development. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736119.html In recent years, economic developments have had an impact on the process of migration from cities to villages in Iran, such that the increase in the price of residential properties, the increase in rents, and investment in rural production and the establishment of quick-return economic workshops are among the most important economic factors that have paved the way for migration from cities to villages. The aim of this study is to examine the economic consequences of migration to villages in Rudbar County, which was conducted using a descriptive and analytical method. The statistical population is all immigrants in Rudbar County and the sample population is 378 immigrants. The economic power of villages and the economic developments of cities are two important factors in migration in the study area. The cheapness of land, housing, and rent in villages, the provision of facilities for building durable housing, and the availability of raw materials needed to start small and quick-return economic enterprises are among the factors that have been effective in motivating migration from cities to villages in Rudbar County. The results show that the increase in the price of residential properties in the city was the most important economic development of the city and was influential in migration from the city to the countryside and the cheapness of housing land and rent in the countryside was the most important factor in the economic power of the village and was influential in migration from the city to the countryside. Finally, it was determined that the price of land, housing and rent, and then receiving facilities for the construction of durable housing and finally income are the most important economic consequences of migration to the countryside in the study area. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736205.html Trade liberalization has been widely recognized as one of the key driving forces of economic integration and globalization over recent decades. The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of trade liberalization on domestic investment by considering the role of selected macroeconomic variables in developed and developing knowledge-producing countries. To capture potential nonlinearities and regime-dependent effects, the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) model is employed. The statistical sample consists of a group of developed and developing countries selected based on their level of scientific production and data availability over the study period. Trade liberalization is considered as the transition variable, while domestic investment is treated as the dependent variable. In addition, macroeconomic factors including economic growth, inflation rate, interest rate, private sector credit, and foreign direct investment are incorporated as control variables. The empirical results indicate that the effect of trade liberalization on domestic investment is nonlinear and depends on the level of trade openness. Specifically, in regimes characterized by lower levels of trade liberalization, its impact on domestic investment is relatively weak, whereas beyond a certain threshold level, trade liberalization significantly enhances domestic investment. The findings also reveal that macroeconomic stability and financial development play a crucial role in strengthening domestic investment, particularly in developing countries. These results highlight the importance of adopting gradual and well-designed trade liberalization policies accompanied by supportive macroeconomic frameworks to promote domestic investment and sustainable economic growth. Keywords: Trade Liberalization, Domestic Investment, Developed countries, Developing countries, Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736223.html Employee-based brand equity is a concept that focuses on the role and impact of employees in strengthening and developing the brand. This concept indicates the level of commitment, recognition, and interaction of employees with the brand, which can directly affect the overall performance of the organization. On the other hand, brand identity and knowledge create a set of expectations in the minds of consumers and employees of the organization.The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of brand knowledge and brand identity in customer-based brand equity by considering the mediating role of employee-based brand equity in the Iraqi hotel industry. The importance of this study is that in the competitive hotel industry, brand equity is considered a key factor in the success of the organization not only from the perspective of customers but also from the perspective of employees. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of method. To collect data for this study, a questionnaire with 30 items was distributed among 350 respondents from hotels in Iraq. Respondents were selected based on purposive sampling. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with SmartPLS software was used to analyze the data. The results show that brand knowledge and brand identity have a positive and significant effect on employee-based brand equity, and this variable, in turn, plays a significant mediating role in the effect of these factors on customer-based brand equity. The findings indicate that strengthening brand knowledge and identity among employees can lead to improved customer perception of the brand and increased loyalty. Based on the results, it is suggested that hotel managers should enhance brand equity at both the employee and customer levels through training, effective intra-organizational communications, and internal branding programs. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736224.html Field observations reveal a persistent negative trend in the consumption of sports‑wear in Iran, manifested by declining sales and eroding consumer trust. These challenges underscore the necessity of developing a model that can reshape attitudes and foster positive purchase behaviors. The present study aimed to design a qualitatively grounded model of consumer behavior in the context of sports‑apparel acquisition. Adopting a post‑modern (interpretive) paradigm, we employed thematic analysis of deep‑ and semi‑structured interviews conducted with fifteen experts drawn from sports management, sports marketing, and consumer‑behavior domains. Participants were selected purposively and interviews continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were coded manually and visualized through qualitative diagramming software to map relationships among categories and concepts. Results identified three primary challenges: (1) diminishing trust in influencers (importance weight = 51), (2) lack of advertising transparency (43), and (3) misalignment of promotional messages with consumer needs (37). Correspondingly, the most salient determinants of model credibility were reduced trust (68), opacity of advertising (54), and economic concerns such as inflation (48). The study proposes a suite of remedial strategies—mixed‑methods approaches (55), quantitative techniques (51), and digital tools (48)—to strengthen model robustness. The findings illustrate the nuanced and volatile nature of Iranian sports‑wear consumption, shaped by macro‑economic pressures and cultural dynamics. They highlight the imperative for flexible, adaptive models that can accommodate rapid shifts in consumer sentiment. Beyond addressing a notable gap in the literature, this research offers actionable guidance for practitioners and scholars: brands should adopt transparent, personalized advertising, and models must be continuously refined through long‑term monitoring. By integrating mixed, digital, and ethically grounded methodologies, stakeholders can develop credible, practice‑ready frameworks that effectively navigate the evolving Iranian sports‑apparel market. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736249.html The main objective of this study was to model the factors affecting the behavioral tendency of gardeners towards selling their products directly to the processing and supplementary industries among gardeners in the central part of Kohdasht County using the developed theory of planned behavior. The statistical population included all gardeners in the central part of Kohdasht County, Lorestan Province (N=1000). Based on the Krejci and Morgan table, a sample size of 270 gardeners was selected using the stratified sampling method with proportional assignment. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, the validity of which was based on the opinions of the faculty members of Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, and its reliability was determined through Cronbach's alpha. On the other hand, the average variance extracted (AVE) index was used to determine the construct validity and the composite reliability index (CR) was used to determine the model reliability. The results of structural equations showed that the attitude and subjective norm variables predicted 84 percent of the changes in the gardeners' tendency to sell their products directly to processing and complementary industries. Also, based on the results obtained from the developed theory of planned behavior, the attitude variable with a direct effect of 64 percent has the greatest impact on the gardeners' tendency to sell their products directly. In this regard, it is recommended to change or improve the attitude of farmers and gardeners towards selling their products directly to these industries by raising awareness and promoting information about the types of processing and complementary industries and the dimensions of their activities. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736250.html Determining the optimal growth rate of government expenditures and its appropriate size is one of the key topics in the field of public economics. The amount of government spending and how it is allocated across different economic sectors directly and indirectly impacts macroeconomic variables such as Gross Domestic Product, economic growth, and employment. Due to its unique structure, Iran's economy places significant importance on the service sector, which serves as one of the largest economic sectors in the country. This sector plays a crucial role in job creation and meeting societal needs. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the impact of the optimal size of government on employment in Iran's service sector. In this research, the optimal control method was employed to determine the optimal size of government. The data used in this study spans the period from 1981 to 2019. After determining the optimal size of government, its effect on employment in the service sector was analyzed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model. The results indicate that the optimal size of government has a positive and significant impact on employment in the service sector in the short term (lags 1 and 2). Additionally, in the long term, the influence of the optimal government size on employment in this sector remains positive and significant. A comparison of the findings reveals that the impact of government size on employment under optimal conditions is greater than under current conditions. This finding suggests that focusing on determining and implementing the optimal size of government can contribute to improving employment indicators in the service sector. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that proper management and optimal resource allocation by the government can enhance employment conditions and productivity in the service sector, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736251.html Evaluating real estate prices is always a popular topic in economic geography and urban land economics. Hedonic pricing is considered one of the best methods, which is interpreted as the sum of implicit prices, the characteristics of a good. While the factors and characteristics that determine housing prices are of interest to many planners and policymakers, housing prices fluctuate greatly and are difficult to predictWhile the factors and characteristics that determine housing prices are of interest to many planners and policymakers, housing prices fluctuate greatly and are difficult to predict. In the meantime, the hedonic price model plays an important role in determining housing prices. In this regard, the present study, which was descriptive and analytical, aimed to investigate and determine the impact of effective characteristics on housing prices in urban areas of Ardabil, emphasizing the hedonic model and using an objective and verbal method. The statistical population was the citizens of Ardabil, who were determined as the statistical sample size based on the Cochran formula to be 384 people. A researcher-made questionnaire with a five-option Likert scale consisting of 24 questions was provided to the statistical sample. After collecting the data, the data were analyzed using SPSS software using the combined model and TOPSIS model, and finally the results were ranked in the form of a map using ARC GIS software. The results showed that Ardabil city was slightly above the average with a value of 0.5949. Region 1 with values of (Q 0.6997), Region 3 (Q 0.6662), Region 2 (Q 0.6173), Region 4 (Q 0.5112), and Region 5 (Q 0.4902) had the highest to lowest acceptable status, respectively. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736252.html Small and medium-sized businesses in developing economies are considered the most dynamic investment sector and play a vital role in the socio-economic development of less developed regions. Rural tourism businesses are mainly categorized as micro-businesses and have the ability to create a suitable environment for sustainable economic growth and development by utilizing local resources. The aim of the present study is to investigate and analyze the economic challenges in the sustainability of rural tourism businesses. The present study is of an applied-analytical type and its statistical population is the owners of tourism businesses and local residents in the tourism target villages of Asara district. Two quantitative and qualitative methods have been used to collect the required data. So that in the first stage, the main axes were identified by conducting interviews and in the second stage, the interview findings were tabulated into a closed questionnaire. The results showed that the owners of tourism businesses in Asara district face numerous economic challenges in their development and maintenance, which can be referred to as the characteristics of the rural economy (vulnerability of the local economy, insufficient financing and investment, seasonality of tourism activities) and the inappropriateness of the tourism micro-business environment, such as the environment governing businesses in the economic dimension and the low riskiness of tourism micro-businesses. On the other hand, the results obtained from the quantitative analysis of the data from the closed questionnaire showed that, apart from the low riskiness index of tourism sector activities, other indicators under study were significant at the 99% level, and the indicators of "tourism business environment" and "local economy vulnerability" were considered the most important challenges to the formation, development and sustainability of rural tourism micro-businesses in the study area, with numerical average values ​​of 3.9595 and 3.4025, respectively. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736253.html Hand-woven carpet, as one of the most authentic traditional crafts of Iran, plays a significant role in employment generation, rural economic development, and the growth of non-oil exports. However, in recent years, this industry has encountered numerous challenges, leading to a decline in its production and supply. Among the affected regions, the Harris hand-woven carpet sector—despite its considerable economic, cultural, and social value—has suffered from reduced production and weakened market presence. This study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach to investigate the causes behind the stagnation of the hand-woven carpet industry in the rural areas of Harris County. The objective of the study is to identify the key factors contributing to this decline and to propose effective strategies for its revitalization. Data were collected using a Likert-scale-based questionnaire, focusing on the perspectives of local carpet weavers regarding the causes of the industry's recession. The data were analyzed using a one-sample t-test and Structural Equation Modeling (SMART PLS). The findings of the estimated model showed that several factors play a role in reducing the competitiveness of the regional hand-woven carpet industry. The most significant ones include the lack of appropriate design and patterning (44%), absence of incentive policies (30%), weak product aesthetics (26%), and low production quality (17%). These issues have resulted in declining customer demand, lower sales, and overall stagnation of the industry. The research emphasizes the necessity of developing supportive policies, adopting market-oriented designs, improving marketing strategies, enhancing product quality, strengthening workforce training, and increasing promotional efforts. Additionally, leveraging tourism potential and integrating the carpet industry with cultural tourism could play a vital role in the revival and sustainable development of Harris’s hand-woven carpet sector. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736254.html Solving the problems and issues of inefficient urban contexts is one of the serious programs of urban management; in a way that has led the relevant institutions to work to organize and recreate the aforementioned contexts. Establishing facilitation offices in these contexts is one of the solutions that have been implemented in Iranian metropolises to manage these contexts. So that these offices, by establishing themselves in the target contexts, try to solve the problems from the bottom up. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine the success and impact of the facilitation offices' actions on the empowerment of residents of Yousef Abad and Melazinal areas of Tabriz city. The present research is of an applied type in terms of its purpose and of a combined qualitative-quantitative type in terms of its nature and research method. The qualitative part includes identifying effective indicators in empowering target neighborhoods by examining the theoretical and practical foundations of the research and conducting a Delphi analysis with the participation of 60 experts and experts in the field of the research as panel members. In the quantitative part, using the structural equation analysis model and the path analysis method in the PLS SMART software, the type of components has been determined according to their impact and impact on other components. The results show that the administrative, economic, environmental-health, socio-cultural and physical indicators have had a positive and significant effect on the independent research variable (empowerment) with coefficients of 2.236 - 1.405 - 1.936 - 2.019 - 2.668 respectively at a significance level of p < 0.5. Among the indicators studied, the highest effect with a coefficient of 2.668 is related to the physical empowerment index, followed by the administrative, socio-cultural, environmental-health and economic indicators, respectively. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736255.html Uncovering the macro challenges of event tourism marketing in Iran: A qualitative study ‌‌ Event tourism is a rapidly growing sector with significant socioeconomic and cultural impacts, playing a vital role in developing tourism destinations. In this context, marketing activities are key, positioning events as distinct attractions. They substantially increase event attendance, attract diverse visitor segments, stimulate demand, and contribute to economic growth and cultural development, ultimately fostering sustainable development in the tourism industry. Despite Iran’s rich cultural and historical assets, the country's event tourism sector faces significant marketing challenges that have constrained its growth. This qualitative study addresses a notable research gap in this area by exploring these challenges through a thematic analysis based on expert interviews. Following the coding of the interviews, 15 sub-themes were identified, which were then categorized into four main themes: structural and policy-related challenges, inefficiencies in product development and delivery, shortcomings in marketing operations, and challenges in customer experience and demand management. By highlighting these obstacles, the findings of this research offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders. The study argues that to overcome these challenges and realize Iran's unique potential in event tourism, a paradigm shift is needed from simply holding events to commercializing them as a tourism product and comprehensively managing the customer experience. Additionally, a focus on supportive policymaking and strategic planning for advertising and branding can contribute to sustainable growth and strengthen Iran's competitive position in the global event tourism market Keywords: Event tourism, Tourism marketing, Event management, Marketing challenges, Destination management https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736256.html Introduction and Objective: Informal settlements represent one of the fundamental challenges in Iranian metropolises, reflecting the inefficiency of housing policies and urban governance. This research aimed to analyze the role of ownership policies and tenure security in realizing the right to housing in the informal settlements of Mashhad, considering the mediating variables of urban governance, local institutionalization, and spatial justice. Methods: This applied study utilized a descriptive-analytical approach and a survey strategy, implemented through a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) design. The statistical population consisted of residents of informal settlements in Mashhad, with 384 individuals selected through stratified random sampling using Cochran's formula. Data collection instruments included a researcher-developed questionnaire and semi-structured interviews, the validity and reliability of which were confirmed. Data were analyzed using SPSS and SmartPLS software. Findings: The results indicated that tenure security, with a path coefficient of 0.52, was the most influential factor affecting the right to housing. Spatial justice (0.31) and local institutionalization (0.24) were subsequent significant factors. Although urban governance did not have a significant direct effect, it played a facilitative role through mediating variables. Out of the seven research hypotheses, six were confirmed and one was partially rejected. Results and Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that realizing the right to housing in m informal settlements requires a multidimensional approach where tenure security serves as the central axis, complemented by spatial justice and local institutionalization. This study proposes a conceptual framework recommending the redesign of housing policies emphasizing gradual formalization, strengthening local institutions, and equitable distribution of services. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736257.html The present study aims to assess the current state of urban livability and identify its most influential dimensions in the city of Sirjan. Employing a descriptive-analytical and applied approach, this study investigates four primary dimensions: physical, social, economic, and environmental. Data were collected via questionnaires from a sample of 384 citizens and were analyzed using a suite of statistical tests, including the one-sample T-test, Friedman test, Pearson correlation, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) within SPSS and Smart PLS software. The results of the one-sample T-test indicated that, at a 95% confidence level, all livability indicators are in a favorable condition. Furthermore, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis, with T-values exceeding 1.96, validated the research model's structural validity. However, the prioritization results from the Friedman test offered a more nuanced perspective: the economic dimension was identified as the most significant factor (mean rank = 3.24), while the social dimension was ranked as the weakest link in the city's livability from the citizens' viewpoint (mean rank = 1.96). This significant gap indicates an imbalance in urban development. Moreover, the Pearson correlation analysis confirmed a very strong, positive, and significant relationship between the physical (0.942), social (0.956), economic (0.918), and environmental (0.931) dimensions and overall livability. Collectively, these findings indicate that while the overall state of livability in Sirjan is positive, the imbalanced attention to its dimensions, particularly the neglect of the social dimension, threatens the long-term sustainability of its quality of life. The study thus underscores the necessity of adopting a holistic approach wherein the strengthening and enhancement of social indicators are prioritized in parallel with economic development. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736258.html Rapid urbanization and limited land resources have emphasized the necessity of brownfield redevelopment as a key strategy for the efficient management of urban land. Accordingly, the present study aims to conduct a meta-analysis of sustainability processes in the redevelopment of brownfields in the Tehran metropolitan area. The research is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. Data were collected through a systematic bibliometric review and field studies, with 318 selected articles from scientific databases examined. Bibliometric data were visualized using Bibliometrix and VOSviewer, while structural equation modeling was performed using SmartPLS for data analysis. The study population included all stakeholders involved in Tehran’s brownfield redevelopment, and due to the lack of a comprehensive database, 96 participants were purposively selected using the Cochran method without N. The systematic review results indicate that between 2010 and 2025, attention to sustainable brownfield redevelopment steadily increased, peaking in 2021 and 2023, with the highest scientific output originating from China, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Environmental, social, and energy sciences accounted for the largest share of studies, with sustainability and urban regeneration emerging as central themes. Research trends shifted from a focus on urban planning toward environmental dimensions. Structural equation modeling results demonstrated that all components—economic (t=6.485), social (t=2.752), cultural (t=13.766), environmental (t=2.673), and governance (t=2.745)—significantly influenced urban brownfield redevelopment. Consequently, brownfield redevelopment is recognized as a key strategy for achieving sustainable urban development, in which all dimensions play a significant role. The successful implementation of this process requires the active and continuous participation of all relevant stakeholders, cross-sectoral collaboration, and the formulation of comprehensive, coordinated, and evidence-based policies and strategies. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736259.html Abyaneh village, located in Natanz County of Isfahan Province, is one of Iran’s most prominent rural tourism destinations with a history of nearly 1,500 years. The village attracts a large number of visitors annually, creating close interactions between tourists and local residents. This study aims to analyze the status of livelihood capitals of rural households in Abyaneh as a tourism-targeted village. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical and applied approach, using both documentary studies and field surveys through questionnaires. The statistical population consists of household heads in Abyaneh, with 332 households selected as the sample. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov, Pearson correlation, t-tests, and ANOVA. Findings reveal significant positive correlations between all livelihood capitals (social, human, financial, natural, and physical) and age, while education shows a significant negative relationship with livelihood capitals. No significant relationship was found with gender. In terms of priority, financial capital ranked highest, followed by social, human, natural, and physical capital. Moreover, strong positive correlations were observed among the different types of livelihood capitals. These results highlight the importance of tourism in shaping household livelihood structures and provide insights for sustainable rural development strategies in tourism destinations. Abyaneh village, located in Natanz County of Isfahan Province, is one of Iran’s most prominent rural tourism destinations with a history of nearly 1,500 years. The village attracts a large number of visitors annually, creating close interactions between tourists and local residents. This study aims to analyze the status of livelihood capitals of rural households in Abyaneh as a tourism-targeted village. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736260.html In the contemporary global economy, maritime infrastructures function as strategic corridors of international trade and essential enablers of sustainable economic growth. However, these infrastructures are increasingly exposed to systemic risks, including supply chain disruptions, sophisticated cyber intrusions, and climate-related stresses, all of which challenge their operational continuity and long-term resilience. Although emerging technologies offer considerable potential for strengthening infrastructure resilience, their strategic adoption and implementation in developing economies necessitate rigorous empirical investigation. This study examines the impact of emerging technology adoption on maritime infrastructure resilience, emphasizing the mediating roles of smart infrastructure deployment, organizational agility, and strategic collaboration within the broader context of economic development. The research is applied in purpose and employs a descriptive–correlational design with a causal modeling approach. The target population included senior and middle managers, infrastructure professionals, and experts in smart technologies and resilience across five major southern ports of Iran—Shahid Rajaee, Shahid Bahonar, Imam Khomeini, Bushehr, and Khorramshahr—comprising approximately 1,350 individuals. Using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling framework, a sample of 250 respondents was selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a validated and reliable structured questionnaire, and the hypotheses were tested via Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The empirical findings indicate that the strategic adoption of emerging technologies exerts a positive and significant effect on smart infrastructure deployment (β=0.429, t=3.572, p=0.003), organizational agility (β=0.354, t=3.737, p=0.002), and strategic collaboration for economic development (β=0.346, t=3.346, p=0.004). Moreover, the direct relationship between strategic technology adoption and maritime infrastructure resilience is strongly supported (β=0.740, t=20.072, p<0.001). Overall, the results suggest that the integration of emerging technologies with intelligent infrastructure systems, agile organizational capabilities, and collaborative strategic mechanisms constitutes a robust pathway for enhancing maritime infrastructure resilience in developing economies. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736261.html Urban economics is one of the important topics of study in the field of cities, and branding is considered a valid and powerful method in economic activities. The basis of branding for any tourism destination lies in its unique environmental characteristics and features, referred to as environmental factors. This study examines this subject in the city of Meshgin Shahr. The present research is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its nature and method. Data collection was carried out through library-documentary studies and field surveys (questionnaires). The statistical population of the study consists of the citizens of Meshginshahr, from whom 383 individuals were selected as the statistical sample using the random-cluster sampling method. Subsequently, the environmental factors in the studied area were assessed using a one-sample t-test, and the contribution of each factor and its relationship with branding was determined using one-way ANOVA and the DEMATEL technique. The results indicate that all dimensions are effective in the tourism branding of Meshginshahr. Overall, environmental factors achieved an average score of 3.83, which is above the baseline, and have effectively contributed to the destination branding of Meshginshahr as a tourist destination. The results of the one-way ANOVA test reveal that the highest average score belongs to the component of loyalty to the tourist destination. The value of the partial squared beta shows that, in the current situation, about 75% of the total variance or differences in the dimensions of branding are related to group differences or differences between the seven dimensions, which is confirmed by the DEMATEL technique. Among the effective dimensions of tourism branding, the natural dimension has the highest impact (14.980), while the dimension of awareness of tourism destinations has the highest influence (14.911). https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736262.html Urban livability, as a fundamental approach in urban planning and management, reflects the quality of citizens' living experience in the urban environment and consists of dimensions such as urban economy, infrastructure and services, urban community, urban management, and urban environment. Although the perception of the urban environment is subjective in nature, it is directly affected by the objective and managerial conditions of the city. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of urban livability components on the perception of the urban environment in Region 5 of Tabriz. This study is descriptive-analytical and based on a survey method. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire and field studies, and the sample size included 400 citizens of Region 5 of Tabriz, which was determined by the Cochran formula. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of urban livability components on the perception of the urban environment in Region 5 of Tabriz. This study is descriptive-analytical and based on a survey method. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire and field studies, and the sample size included 400 citizens of Region 5 of Tabriz, which was determined by the Cochran formula. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of urban livability components on the perception of the urban environment in Region 5 of Tabriz. This study is descriptive-analytical and based on a survey method. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire and field studies, and the sample size included 400 citizens of Region 5 of Tabriz, which was determined by the Cochran formula. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the impact of urban livability components on the perception of the urban environment in Region 5 of Tabriz. This study is descriptive-analytical and based on a survey method. Data were collected through a researcher-mquestionnaire and field studies, https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736293.html The contemporary world is facing an unprecedented intensification of climate change and increased hydrological instability, particularly in the form of persistent droughts. These conditions challenge the stability and resilience of water-dependent social-ecological systems (SES) and the security of local livelihoods. Enhancing the resilience of local communities has become a vital strategy for managing these stresses and ensuring the sustainability of livelihoods. The Taleqan watershed, a strategic mountainous SES in Iran, is impacted by these climatic shifts, making the evaluation of its adaptive capacity against escalating stresses essential. The objective of this mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative-spatial) research is to conduct a comparative and quantitative-spatial analysis of the impact of hydro-climatic stresses on the spatial differences in the nine resilience components of the SES across the different sub-catchments (Upper, Middle, and Lower) of the Taleqan watershed. The study utilized hydro-climatic data (1997–2017) and the SPI and SDI indices for trend analysis and drought assessment, alongside the SES framework for resilience evaluation across 101 local samples. The hydrological findings indicated the persistence of long-term droughts and spatial variability in their intensity, with Lower Taleqan recording the longest persistence of SDI drought. However, the resilience analysis revealed a spatial paradox: despite facing more severe stress, the Lower Taleqan region demonstrated stronger performance in the transformability components, both social (p = 0.009) and economic (p = 0.024), suggesting that escalating stress has acted as a driver for socio-economic transformation and innovation. Conversely, Upper Taleqan, despite having more available water, showed the weakest performance in infrastructural memory (p = 0.009). The conclusion is that Taleqan's resilience is a spatially heterogeneous phenomenon, necessitating the formulation of place-based policies, strengthening multi-level governance, promoting economic diversification of livelihoods, and developing hydro-social dynamic modeling to enhance the system's adaptive and transformative capacity. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736294.html Rangeland sustainability, as the foundation of local livelihoods and the guardian of ecological functions, depends on effective governance systems. This study aimed to analyze and compare the socio-economic and ecological consequences of two contrasting rangeland utilization regimes (leasehold and commons) in Shahindezh County. The research employed a hybrid survey approach, and data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire from eligible exploiters (35 common-rights holders and 28 leaseholders). To examine multidimensional relationships, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Hierarchical Component Modeling (HCM) were applied. The HCM results, with high path coefficients in explaining ecological (0.956) and socio-economic (0.947) dimensions, revealed that rangeland sustainability is a multidimensional socio-ecological issue. Factor load analysis confirmed that the leasehold regime constitutes a serious and multifaceted threat. In the ecological dimension, the indicator “increase in shrub cutting and ecological degradation” (0.886) was the strongest driver of destruction, followed by “soil erosion” and “reduction in forage production capacity.” This outcome stems from short-term exploitation incentives in the absence of secure usufruct rights. In the socio-economic dimension, the indicators “decline in investment motivation” (0.798) and “reduction in social participation” (0.789) reflected the weakening of social capital and long-term protective mechanisms under the leasehold regime. Consequently, the sustainability of Shahindezh rangelands requires urgent policy revision and a shift toward participatory and commons-based systems. Such systems, by granting long-term usufruct rights and strengthening local institutions, enable sustainable management and enhance socio-ecological resilience. Thus, the findings not only highlight the importance of reforming utilization policies but also underscore the necessity of addressing the interlinkages between social and ecological dimensions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736501.html This study aims to identify the geoeconomic drivers shaping the future of Hormozgan Province and to analyze plausible development scenarios within the strategic framework of Iran’s maritime economy. Hormozgan, located at the intersection of vital international waterways and bordering southern Persian Gulf nations, holds exceptional potential to emerge as a regional hub for trade, logistics, and economic cooperation. Its geostrategic position offers unique opportunities for integration into global transport networks and regional partnerships. To explore these prospects, the research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques such as library research, document analysis, expert interviews, the Delphi method, and structural analysis. Data were processed using MICMAC and ScenarioWizard software, resulting in the identification of four key variables: proximity to Persian Gulf countries, the province’s role in international transport corridors, the quality of transportation infrastructure, and its capacity to attract domestic and foreign investment. Each variable was assessed across three potential states—favorable, static, and critical—and a cross-impact matrix was constructed based on expert evaluations to examine interdependencies. Scenario analysis produced two internally consistent and plausible futures. The first scenario, Corridor of Peace and Prosperity, envisions Hormozgan as a dynamic center for regional economic, diplomatic, and scientific collaboration, actively engaged in sustainable development and global logistics. The second scenario, Inertia in the Waterway of Wealth, portrays a deteriorating trajectory marked by mismanagement, infrastructural decline, political isolation, and social unrest—leading to the erosion of strategic opportunities and increased vulnerability in national security. Ultimately, the study underscores that Hormozgan’s future is not predetermined but hinges on the quality of governance, strategic foresight, and national commitment to unlocking its geoeconomic potential. The findings advocate for six strategic pillars—developmental, diplomatic, infrastructural, economic, socio-environmental, and security—to guide the province toward a resilient and prosperous maritime future. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736502.html Youth employability is a fundamental socioeconomic challenge in Iran's major cities, particularly given youth unemployment rates exceeding 25% and a NEET rate above 30%, indicating that expanding job opportunities alone is insufficient. This study aims to identify and explain the effective components influencing Iranian youth employability from a lived-experience perspective, extracting core themes and developing a conceptual framework based on qualitative field data analysis. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing phenomenological method and thematic analysis based on Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-stage model. The statistical population includes all 18–35-year-old youth residing in Iran's major cities (Tehran, Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz) who face employability challenges in technical, digital, non-cognitive, and socio-economic domains; 84 participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation and snowball method. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, validated through triangulation (interviews, observation, documents), with 88% coding agreement and adherence to Lincoln and Guba's criteria (credibility, transferability, dependability). Analysis of 452 initial codes yielded 35 basic themes, 10 organizing themes, and 3 global themes. The final model illustrates a dynamic employability cycle consisting of four core competencies: Individual Competence (soft skills, personality traits, metacognition) as the internal foundation; Professional-Technical Competence (specialized knowledge, digital literacy, entrepreneurship) as the executive tool; Social Competence (teamwork, negotiation, networking) as the communicative bridge; and Cultural-Global Competence (cultural intelligence, diversity acceptance, social awareness) as the expansion horizon. These competencies interact synergistically, conceptualizing employability as a dynamic process within the education-labor market gap in Iran's major cities, thereby highlighting the study's contribution in localizing and integrating various dimensions of Iranian youth employability compared to previous research. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736503.html The purpose of this study is to explore public narratives of energy conservation policies in the lived experiences of Tehran households, extract core themes, and develop a conceptual framework based on qualitative analysis of field data. The present study adopts a qualitative approach, employing phenomenological methods and thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's (2006) six-phase model. The research population consists of all households residing in Tehran who have encountered challenges from energy conservation policies in areas such as electricity, gas, and water. Using purposeful sampling with maximum variation and snowball sampling, 65 household heads or primary members were selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and validity was ensured via triangulation strategies (interviews, observations, documents), confirmability (85% coding agreement), and Lincoln and Guba's criteria (credibility, transferability, and dependability). Findings from the analysis of 65 interviews yielded 8 main themes and 32 sub-themes. The final model delineates the dynamic interaction of energy conservation through eight key components: understanding and acceptance (rational, ethical, environmental, social) as the cognitive foundation; resistance (cultural, economic, psychological, social) as a weakening factor; the role of subsidies and pricing (low motivation, inequality, opacity) as an economic barrier; energy literacy and knowledge (limited awareness, translation to action, media literacy) as an awareness tool; housing and equipment structures (inefficiency, physical conditions, financial constraints) as physical limitations; socio-cultural impacts (family values, identity, neighbors, hospitality) as a normative context; media roles (educational messages, ineffective ones, social networks) as an intermediary link; and daily coping mechanisms (reduction strategies, adaptation, prioritization) as practical outputs. These components operate interactively and synergistically, framing conservation as a dynamic process within the legitimacy gap between policy and lived life. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736504.html The competitiveness of the tourism industry at the regional level is directly influenced by physical structures and the quality of urban infrastructure. Sarein, as one of the major tourism centres of Ardabil Province, benefits from hot springs, natural resources, and diverse service facilities, playing a significant role in promoting tourism in the region. This study was conducted with the aim of identifying and analysing the physical structures that affect the regional competitiveness of the tourism industry in the city of Sarein. The research is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in nature. Data were collected through 15 semi-structured interviews with experts and stakeholders in the fields of urban planning, architecture, and tourism, selected through purposive sampling. Using the grounded theory approach and MAXQDA software, the data was analysed through open, axial, and selective coding. The analysis resulted in the extraction of a paradigmatic model consisting of four main dimensions of influential physical structures, prioritised as follows: service-related physical structures (including transportation, parking, welfare facilities, and recreational amenities) with the strongest relationship (correlation coefficient 0.86); economic physical structures (including tourism infrastructure and investment); environmental physical structures (including natural resource management and green spaces); and socio-cultural physical structures (including cultural spaces and community participation). A comparative analysis of the current and desired conditions indicated that Sarein suffers from significant gaps in service-related and socio-cultural dimensions. The findings reveal that although Sarein possesses the natural advantage of hot springs, its tourism competitiveness depends on balanced and integrated development across all four dimensions of physical structure, particularly through addressing infrastructural and service-related deficiencies. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736505.html Championship sports require stable financial resources to continue their success, but dependence on government budgets and economic challenges have seriously limited the development of this field; therefore, identifying strategies to attract private sector participation to transition from the traditional budgeting system to modern financial support is an undeniable necessity. The present study aims to investigate strategies to increase private sector participation in financial support of championship sports in the country. This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of method with a structural equation modeling approach. The statistical population included sports and industrial managers and officials in Tehran province (N≈2000), and according to the Nunnally and Bernstein rule (allocation of 5 to 10 samples for each item), 300 people were analyzed as the final sample by a random-classified method. The data collection tool included standard questionnaires "Strategies for the Advancement of Champion Sports" and "Financial Support", whose validity (content and structure) and reliability (with Cronbach's alpha coefficients of 0.94 and 0.913) were verified. Data analysis was also performed in the SPSS-26 and Amos-24 software environments.The results of the present study confirm that *financial support, as a key driver, has a positive, direct and significant impact on the development process of championship sports. This impact, beyond the purely material dimensions, has systematically overshadowed four strategic areas including "economic" (the boom of the sports industry), "social" (enhancing social capital and national pride), "management" (improving structures and organizational accountability), and "government" (facilitating policymaking and reducing corporateism). In addition, the findings show that progress in the field of championship sports is a direct function of the optimal configuration of components such as strategic management, intelligent budget allocation, modernization of hardware equipment and strengthening motivational stimuli* among athletes and technical staff. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736506.html In recent decades, the concept of regional development has become one of the fundamental axes in spatial planning and policy studies. The main goal of regional development is to achieve a balance in the enjoyment of economic, social, and environmental opportunities between different regions and to sustainably improve the living standards of citizens. The equitable distribution of health services is a fundamental indicator of sustainable regional development, while disparities in access—especially in deprived areas—can lead to broad social and economic consequences. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the spatial inequality of regional health development in Sistan and Baluchistan Province using Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) models and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Statistical data were obtained from the Iranian Statistical Center (2021) and included 86 health indicators categorized into four main dimensions: health human resources, medical infrastructure, specialized and supportive health centers, and primary healthcare networks. After normalization and inverse adjustment of negative indicators, the Simple Weight Calculation (SIWEC) method was applied to assign weights, followed by the MABAC model to rank the counties. The weighted results were spatially analyzed in GIS using Kriging interpolation to visualize the spatial distribution of health inequalities. The findings revealed significant disparities across the Sistan and Baluchistan province, with Zabol, Zahedan, Iranshahr and Fannuj showing the highest levels of health development, while Lashar, Golshan, and Zarabad ranked lowest. Overall, the spatial pattern indicates a strong concentration of services in the northern regions and deprivation in the south, emphasizing the need for equity-oriented health policies and decentralized service delivery. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736657.html Third places, as social infrastructures, play a key role in strengthening informal interactions, social cohesion, and social capital, but their unequal distribution can lead to the reproduction of spatial inequalities in neighborhoods. The present study aims to analyze the spatial inequality of access to third places in Zanjan city, employing a descriptive-analytical approach and exploratory spatial data analysis. Data on six types of third places were extracted from Google Maps and analyzed in ArcGIS Pro. To examine the spatial distribution pattern, Moran's I index, hot and cold spot analysis, and OLS and MGWR regression models were used.The results showed that 291 third places exist in the city, the distribution of which is heavily concentrated in the central core and the old fabric. The Moran's I index (0.119) with a significance level of 0.032 indicates significant spatial clustering of moderate intensity. Hot spots are located in the city center, while cold spots are situated in peripheral areas and new developments. The OLS model revealed a positive and significant relationship between access to third places and variables such as age, employment, population density, education, mixed land use, and density of commercial activities. The MGWR model also confirmed spatial non-stationarity of the relationships and showed that the intensity of the variables' effects varies across different parts of the city. The pattern of "core concentration – disadvantaged periphery" indicates spatial inequality in access to social infrastructure in Zanjan. The findings emphasize the necessity of policy-making based on spatial justice and the targeted distribution of third places at the neighborhood scale. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_736871.html In recent decades, cities have increasingly faced complex challenges resulting from rapid population growth, changing settlement patterns, and intensified economic and environmental pressures, particularly within geographically hazard prone contexts. Among these challenges, the escalation of carbon emissions as a outcome of urban activities has underscored the necessity for innovative and sustainable urban management approaches. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the economic and institutional resilience of Kerman city in response to carbon related pressures. In terms of purpose, the research is developmental applied, while methodologically it adopts a descriptive analytical approach based on both library research and field surveys. In the first phase, economic and institutional resilience was assessed using a questionnaire survey administered to 380 household heads across different urban areas. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software to evaluate variations in resilience levels among city districts. In the second phase, the spatial pattern of carbon distribution was examined using indicator spatialization through Tracking Analyst Tools within a network analysis framework in the ArcGIS environment. The results indicate that the overall status of carbon related resilience indicators in Kerman city is favorable. However, mean resilience scores reveal spatial differences, with residents of District 2 and District 1 demonstrating higher resilience levels than other districts. Furthermore, findings from Geographically Weighted Regression analysis show that the industries and technology component has the strongest influence on carbon distribution patterns across the city. This variable significantly explains spatial variability in carbon dispersion and highlights its critical role in shaping urban resilience outcomes. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_717722.html The concept of space and spatial analysis of tourism areas serves as a fundamental framework for tourism-related activities, a criterion for determining centrality and required infrastructure, and a means of moderating inequalities between regions. The aim of this study was to conduct a spatial analysis of the impacts of ecotourism accommodation development in Kerman County. This research is applied in purpose and field-survey in method. The main tool for data collection and measurement of variables was a questionnaire integrating 35 criteria across economic, socio-cultural, environmental, managerial, physical, and security dimensions, completed in 27 locations with ecotourism accommodations. Data were analyzed and ranked using Excel software through the ANTRoPY and MABAC methods. Findings revealed that the city of Mahan, in terms of spatial analysis, has contributed to positive economic interactions, increased savings, environmental preservation, prevention of excessive migration, enhanced security, and positive spatial distribution of infrastructure and facilities in the county. Conversely, Keshituiyeh experienced negative spatial distribution in employment, entrepreneurship, savings, facilities, welfare, education, environmental issues, and security. Spatial inequalities have led to imbalances in economic interactions, savings growth, environmental preservation, migration patterns, infrastructure, and facilities. Therefore, recommendations include delegating tourism industry management to the private sector, employing spatial statistics, and utilizing geographic information features in the distribution and allocation of services across space. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_717729.html In recent years, community-based tourism has had significant benefits in rural areas and has been able to involve the rural community in tourism. Therefore, the aim of this research is to investigate the level of achievement of community-based tourism in tourism destination villages of Markazi Province in 2023. This research is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of its nature and data collection based on a cross-sectional method. Data was collected through both documentary (library resources, scientific journals) and field methods (using a questionnaire). The statistical population of this study is the tourism destination villages of Markazi Province. All target villages in this province, comprising 25 villages, were considered, and with the opinions of 15 experts related to tourism and university professors in the study area, an attempt was made to select the villages with the highest tourist attraction and the most potential. The required sample size for data collection was determined to be 325 people using the Cochran formula. Also, to assess the reliability of the research, Cronbach's alpha was used in SPSS 24, and according to the estimation, its value was obtained as 0.760. The validity of the research was also qualitatively assessed using the opinions of 15 experts. The findings showed that the factors of the foundations of community-based tourism with a value of 2.334, economic and business development with a value of 1.220, social and participatory with a value of 0.857, physical-environmental with a value of 0.448, and finally managerial-institutional with an eigenvalue of 0.142 have been realized. The results of this study show that there has been no systematic management and planning for the development of community-based tourism in tourism destination villages of Markazi Province. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_718135.html The phenomenon of segregation has become a major issue in order to achieve a stable and integrated society for big cities. The consequences of segregation not only affect all social groups, but also affect the structure of metropolises. In Tabriz metropolitan, with the greater division of labor that has taken place there, the segregation in its spatial structure has also become more visible. Examining the amount and severity of segregation at the metropolitan level is essential for urban management and a better understanding of its effects. Therefore, the aim of this research is to measure the intensity of social-spatial segregation among educational groups and the distribution of educational classes in the spatial structure of Tabriz in 2011. The research methodology is quantitative, descriptive-analytical in terms of purpose, and practical in terms of type. Based on the data of the 2011 population and housing census of Iran Statistics Center, educational data at the level of statistical blocks in 10 regions have been analyzed in two structural (non-spatial) and spatial modes. The structural dimension is used to measure the intensity of segregation of educational groups through four classical single-group indicators and three local indicators, and the spatial dimension is used to analyze the spatial distribution of educational groups in Tabriz metropolis using the kernel density method. The results indicate moderate to low segregation for educational groups based on classical indicators, although the highest intensity of segregation among educational groups belongs to the high educational group (master's degree-doctorate) with a numerical value of 0.6310 in the density dimension. The way of spatial distribution of educational classes is based on kernel density index, cluster structure and multicenter spatial pattern in Tabriz metropolis. Tabriz has a medium to low segregation in the social dimension and between educational groups except for the high educational group. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_719102.html Until a few years ago, the biggest religious tourism event was the spiritual journey of Hajj, but in recent years, the Arbaeen pilgrimage has won the first place and is considered a great social event in the world. Also, this massive and popular event is considered a great economic move because the large number of tourists with the Arbaeen trip help to promote tourism and business and increase the capacity and power of the destination. In this study, the factors affecting religious tourism and the degree of influence of the most important factors according to the statistics available in this field in Bijar city will be investigated. This research is of a descriptive-analytical type, and the information needed for the research is collected from the library and survey method, and the tool is a researcher-made questionnaire in the form of closed questions. In this research, according to the nature of the population and the statistical sample equations will be analyzed. The results showed that the desire to return Arbaeen religious tourists was not very strong and the most loyalty of tourists to Bijar city related to the components of local attractions at the rate of 0.94% and the intensity of influence (path coefficient) of 0.97%, satisfaction levels at the level of 0.93 and the intensity of influence at 0.96. The behavioral image was 0.92 and the intensity of influence was 0.96, and creativity was 0.92 and the intensity of influence was 0.96. Also, the highest loyalty calculated in the factor loadings related to paying attention to the tourist's belief and emotions, up-to-date tourism in the province at the rate of 0.97% and attractive travel destination, the existence of numerous and attractive parks and the use of trained and experienced people in the activities at the rate of 0.96% has been https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_721659.html The concept of city diplomacy is one of the basic components and tools of urban management in the 21st century. Given the backwardness of some cities in developing countries in expanding their international relations with global cities, it is necessary to identify the factors that lead to the weakening of city diplomacy performance by examining and evaluating city diplomacy indicators in these cities. The present study evaluates citizens' satisfaction with city diplomacy indicators in the Tabriz metropolis. The research method is descriptive-analytical and the research approach is qualitative and quantitative, and the nature of the research is applied. To analyze the data from the questionnaire and use the statistical tests of one-sample t, one-way analysis of variance, Friedman and Kruskal-Wallis, the research data were collected using library documents and field surveys, and the sample size was estimated to be 385 people according to the Cochran formula. The indicators determined in this study are, in order, the index of "urban economy", "urban culture", "urban development", "urban security", "urban representation", "urban networks" and finally "urban research". The results of data analysis indicate that from the point of view of the residents of the metropolis of Tabriz, the component of "urban economy" is the most important among the elements of city diplomacy evaluation. Also, the components of "urban culture" (4/81), "urban development" (4/48), "urban security" (4/25), "urban representation" (4/21), "urban networks" (4/12) and finally "urban research" (3/71) are ranked second to seventh, respectively. The aforementioned ranking indicates that the importance of city diplomacy components is not the same for citizens in the Tabriz metropolis, and in general, residents' satisfaction with city diplomacy indicators is below average. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_721777.html The spatial dynamics of land use changes in the metropolis of Tabriz is a critical topic for understanding urban growth dynamics and sustainable planning. This survey can help identify urban development patterns, prevent the destruction of natural and environmental resources, and guide growth towards balanced and sustainable development. This research utilizes Landsat-5 TM, Landsat-8 OLI, and Landsat-9 OLI satellite images, along with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to analyze land use and land cover (LULC) changes in the years 1991, 2001, 2011, and 2023. The land use maps generated from supervised classification of remote sensing data indicate that over the 32-year period, built-up areas have increased by approximately 28%, primarily at the expense of valuable agricultural lands.Identification of changes in the spatial pattern of LULC reveals that the highest average rate of increase in built-up areas occurs in Region 5, with an entropy value of -0.25, indicating significant changes in land use patterns. According to the results obtained from the Holdren model for the metropolis of Tabriz, which shows that 31.88% of urban expansion is due to population growth and 68.11% arises from unbalanced growth and sprawl, it is evident that Tabriz's spatial growth is largely driven by unbalanced development. Consequently, a significant increase in built-up land area, coupled with a decrease in water and agricultural resources, is observed, which will lead to future environmental crises. These findings underscore the necessity for comprehensive and sustainable planning to ensure balanced development and environmental protection in Tabriz.Spatial expansion of built-up areas in most urban centers of the world is mainly accelerated by the growth of urban population https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_723931.html Sari as one of the most populous cities in Iran is experiencing a growing presence of industrial and man-made structures, which has led to the degradation of its natural environment. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of built environments on energy consumption and air pollution in the urban ecosystem of Sari. This research is descriptive-analytical in nature and applied in purpose. Given that the study investigates the comparative impacts of the built environment on the natural environment of Sari across three time intervals (1999, 2009, and 2019), the study area includes both artificial and natural landscapes of Sari city.The data used in this research regarding air pollutants were obtained from Landsat and Sentinel satellite imagery. The analysis of the data was conducted using remote sensing techniques through ArcGIS and Terset software.The findings reveal that over the three time periods, land surface temperature (LST) increased in parallel with the decline in vegetation cover in Sari. In 1999, LST ranged from 19°C to 32°C, which rose to between 23°C and 41°C by 2019. The reduction in vegetation, driven by construction and urban physical expansion, has significantly increased surface temperatures. Moreover, the spatial correlation analysis of surface temperature across Sari shows a point-to-point spatial correlation of 0.47 between 1999 and 2019, indicating that approximately 5.3% of the city's area has experienced changes in its surface temperature pattern over the past two decades. There is a significant relationship (0.92) between temperature and the area of residential use, and this relationship is a direct relationship, which means that with the increase of residential use, the amount of temperature increases. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_732076.html The metropolis of Tehran, as an example of cities that have grown without a plan, is facing many problems. The concentration of population and activity in this city has led to spatial inequality. This research sought to answer the question of what is the spatial reflection of housing policies in Tehran metropolis. The descriptive-analytical research method used the data from 2011 to 2023. The VIKOR model was used to rank the areas of Tehran in terms of housing spatial indicators and the Moran's spatial autocorrelation method was used to examine the relationship between the indicators. The findings of the research showed that the results of the policies implemented in the city of Tehran are the presence of two completely separate poles in the northern and southern parts; The results obtained from the VIKOR model indicate the spatial inequality between the regions in having the studied indicators, which is the reflection and result of the government's policies, the inadequacies of the housing planning system, etc. Areas 1, 2, 3, and 6 are identified as fully privileged areas, and areas 18, 19, 20, and 21 are identified as deprived areas. Also, the value of Moran's index indicated the existence of spatial correlation between regions and having a cluster pattern. The output of the spatial analysis shows two very rich and deprived clusters. The results showed that regions 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 formed a cluster with high values, while regions 9, 16, 17, and 19 formed a cluster with low values and other regions in the middle of these two were placed. Therefore, it can be said that the housing policies as a part of the government policies implemented in the metropolis of Tehran have caused the formation of spatial inequality and imbalance at the level of Tehran's regions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_732077.html Climate change is one of the major challenges of the 21st century, with widespread impacts on food security and water resources at global and regional levels . Given the constraints of water resources and the intensifying effects of climate change, the need for responsible and sustainable management has become increasingly urgent. Within this context, water users' cooperatives—grounded in participatory governance—play a pivotal role in the equitable, efficient, and enduring stewardship of water resources. This applied, descriptive-analytical study investigates the factors influencing the sustainability of water users' cooperatives in Qazvin County, based on semi-structured interviews with 14 purposively selected experts, including agricultural specialists, university faculty, and cooperative practitioners. The findings highlight the identification of causal relationships and the prioritization of sustainability drivers, with educational factors emerging as the highest priority in both fuzzy DEMATEL and hierarchical analyses. These results underscore the foundational role of education in empowering members, enhancing participation, and improving cooperative performance. Educational, policy-making, and support-related factors were found to exert the strongest influence on sustainability, while management, socio-cultural, and legal dimensions serve as complementary pillars. Causal analysis confirms that education, policy, and support act as primary drivers, shaping and reinforcing other components. The study’s findings suggest that policymakers in water and agricultural sectors should prioritize targeted training programs, strengthen institutional support mechanisms, and critically reassess interventionist policies. Achieving a balance between cooperative autonomy and governmental assistance, enhancing local management capacity, and fostering social capital through active participation are strategic imperatives for ensuring the long-term viability and effectiveness of water users' cooperatives in semi-arid regions. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_733091.html Rapid urbanization in Iran, with its increased demand for educational services, has led to the expansion of non-profit schools. These schools, initially established to compensate for the lack of government resources and to utilize private sector participation, have in practice often exacerbated socio-spatial inequalities. The aim of the present study is to examine the spatial distribution of non-profit schools with a spatial justice approach in the city of Zanjan. The research method is descriptive-analytical and based on documentary and field data. The statistical population included 57 active non-profit schools in the educational districts of Zanjan city in the academic year 2021-2022, which were fully investigated. Analyses were performed using geographic information systems and spatial statistics techniques such as the nearest neighbor index, Moran's I global autocorrelation, hot and cold spot analysis, kernel density, standard deviation ellipse, central mean, and geographically weighted regression. The findings indicate a clustered distribution of non-profit schools (nearest neighbor coefficient 0.71) and their main concentration in the central and northern neighborhoods of the city (Kuy-e Nasr, Karmandan, Andisheh, Vahidiyeh) with better socio-economic status. In contrast, the western and underprivileged neighborhoods almost lack these schools. The service coverage of primary schools covers only 57% and secondary schools about 81% of the city area, and high-density but deprived areas lack adequate access. Although a significant relationship was observed between the number of schools and the school-age population in some neighborhoods, the overall pattern is not consistent with population needs. Finally, the spatial distribution of non-profit schools in Zanjan is not consistent with the principles of spatial justice and is more influenced by economic and profit-driven factors. This situation disrupts equal access to quality education and exacerbates the class gap. It is suggested that the location of these schools be reviewed based on population, deprivation, and compensatory distribution indices. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737644.html Rural tourism is widely recognized as one of the most effective strategies for promoting economic development, contributing significantly to employment generation, income growth, and value creation in local communities. Despite the rich natural, cultural, and economic resources of the rural areas in western Mazandaran, the absence of a value chain–based management approach has limited the efficient utilization of these capacities. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the rural tourism value chain and examine its effects on the economic development of rural areas in western Mazandaran, Iran. This research is applied in terms of purpose and adopts a descriptive-survey design with an analytical approach. The statistical population consisted of tourists, tourism stakeholders, and local entrepreneurs, from which a sample of 384 respondents was selected using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through a researcher-developed questionnaire and analyzed using the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) measure, Bartlett’s test of sphericity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that six key dimensions of the rural tourism value chain—destination marketing and branding, infrastructure and accessibility, accommodation and hospitality services, local products and handicrafts, community participation, and institutional support—collectively explained 74.4% of the total variance. Furthermore, all value chain dimensions had positive and statistically significant effects on the economic development of rural areas. Among these dimensions, local products and handicrafts exerted the strongest influence on regional economic development, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.35. Based on Porter’s Value Chain Model, strengthening the integration between primary and support activities, improving infrastructure, enhancing tourism services, promoting destination marketing, and supporting local production can substantially increase value added, generate sustainable employment, and foster the economic development of rural communities in western Mazandaran, Iran. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737405.html This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of nature and method. Data collection was conducted using both library and field methods (semi-structured questionnaires), and MICMAC and Scenario Wizard software were employed for data analysis. The statistical population consists of 32 experts and specialists from three sectors—industry, academia, and government—who were selected through purposive sampling. The findings from the structural analysis indicate that the housing supply and demand system in the problematic fabrics of Zanjan is unstable, with variables such as neglect of affordable housing policies, urban development regulations and standards, lack of good urban governance, housing quality, tenure security, household income and purchasing power, and population growth rate identified as the most influential factors affecting this system. Subsequently, among the 23 plausible scenarios identified, three main scenarios—namely, "Sustainable Housing Excellence Model" (the desirable scenario), "Low-Mobility Equilibrium; Continuation of Inefficient Trends" (the static scenario), and "Integrated Collapse; Deep Disruption in the Housing Market and Social Disorder" (the catastrophic scenario)—were introduced as the most probable futures ahead. The results show that achieving a stable equilibrium in the housing market of problematic urban fabrics requires institutional reforms, economic stability, social empowerment, transparency in the administrative system, and the establishment of good urban governance. Conversely, the continuation of the status quo and the lack of effective intervention will lead to the deepening of class divisions, reduced purchasing power, and increased spatial inequality. By providing a clear picture of probable futures, this research offers a framework for policy-making and strategic planning in the housing sector of Zanjan's problematic urban fabrics. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737640.html The aim of this study is to identify the key indicators influencing the achievement of sustainable development in developing countries, with a case study of the Thermal Power Generation Holding Company. The statistical population consists of 15 experts from the company. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and the ANP analysis technique was employed to achieve the research objective. Findings indicate that the adoption of renewable energy sources, policy alignment, institutional and political barriers, the importance of social acceptance and awareness, participation in international partnerships, adoption of technological advancements, economic constraints, and lack of technological infrastructure rank first to eighth, respectively. The results reveal that policy alignment has the greatest impact, while economic constraints are highly influential in terms of susceptibility. Institutional and political barriers show the highest level of interaction with other studied criteria. In this model, the adoption of technological advancements, renewable energy sources, participation in international partnerships, and policy alignment act as causal variables, while economic constraints, lack of technological infrastructure, institutional and political barriers, and the importance of social acceptance and awareness are consequential.. The aim of this study is to identify the key indicators influencing the achievement of sustainable development in developing countries, with a case study of the Thermal Power Generation Holding Company. The statistical population consists of 15 experts from the company. Data were collected using a questionnaire, and the ANP analysis technique was employed to achieve the research objective. Findings indicate that the adoption of renewable energy sources, policy alignment, institutional and political barriers, the importance of social acceptance and awareness, participation in international partnerships, adoption of technological advancements, economic constraints, and lack of technological infrastructure rank first to eighth, respectively. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737641.html The present research aimed to design a comprehensive and indigenous model for developing social insurance for farmers, villagers, and nomads in Iran, addressing fundamental challenges such as limited coverage, historical distrust of the target community, insufficient financial incentives, lack of adaptation to provincial climatic-cultural diversity, and weakness in digital infrastructure. This qualitative study employed thematic analysis, with data collected through semi-structured interviews with 83 managers, deputies, experts, and specialists from the Social Insurance Fund for Farmers, Villagers, and Nomads across the country's provinces (using purposive sampling with maximum variation), continuing until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was conducted using MAXQDA software based on Braun and Clarke's six-stage model, grouping over 1,200 initial codes into 52 basic themes, 26 organizing themes, and six main dimensions (structural, economic, socio-cultural, policy-making, technology and innovation, environmental and sustainability) along with 20 key components with operational sub-components. The proposed model is designed hierarchically-cyclically, highlighting dynamic interactions among dimensions; for example, strengthening structural infrastructure increases social trust, economic financial sustainability enhances participation, and digital innovations enable prediction of climatic risks. This indigenous model complements previous findings, such as emphasis on agent training (Zahedrig), quality of nomadic services (Azizpour et al.), micro-insurance requirements (Omidi-Najafabadi and Payandeh-Najafabadi), and structural barriers (Varmazyari and Moradi), while introducing innovations through technology and environmental dimensions. The research conclusion emphasizes the necessity of phased model implementation to achieve over 80% coverage, a 30% reduction in rural migration, realization of distributive justice, and sustainable development, offering policy recommendations such as a national five-year program, targeted subsidies, cultural campaigns, and data-driven monitoring to transform social insurance into an effective tool for national security, inequality reduction, and preservation of productive rural population. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737642.html Introduction: Amidst the rapid demographic transition in Iran, the elderly disabled veteran population is growing steadily, while the physical obsolescence and deterioration of existing sports infrastructure have led to a significant decline in their physical participation. This demographic requires specialized interventions to ensure active aging and quality of life. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the primary objective of exploring fundamental components and designing a comprehensive sports development model for elderly veterans within the Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs. Methodology: This qualitative research employed Glaser’s directed content analysis as its core strategy. Primary data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected experts in sports management and veteran policy-making until theoretical saturation was reached. The data analysis followed a rigorous three-stage process involving open, axial, and selective coding, facilitated by MAXQDA 2020 software. To ensure the reliability and trustworthiness of the findings, the inter-coder agreement method was applied, yielding a stable and high coefficient of 0.80. Findings: The systematic analysis identified 51 distinct concepts further organized into 11 major themes. Through a prioritization logic based on code frequency and repetition coefficients in expert statements, "Club Infrastructure Development" and "Event and Festival Management" emerged as the most vital drivers for development. Other significant categories identified include mental health support, administrative administrative structures, logistics and spatial accessibility, social networks, financial sponsorship, and sports economics. These themes collectively form a prioritized hierarchy for administrative intervention. Conclusion: The resulting multi-level model underscores three critical pillars: specialized infrastructural planning, logistical facilitation, and the sustainability of financial resources. The findings reveal that to bypass the current stagnation, governing institutions must undergo a strategic paradigm shift, moving from general service-oriented models toward specialized, location-based approaches focused on the physical environment's reconstruction. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_737643.html The wooden furniture industry, as one of the key sectors in Iran’s production oriented economy, plays a significant role in job creation, export development, and sustainable growth. Given the complexity of its supply chain and its vulnerability to various risks, the identification and systematic analysis of risks are of particular importance. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of supply chain risks in the wooden furniture industry of Malayer County using Bayesian Networks and the RPN method. Research data were collected through interviews with 20 manufacturers, questionnaires, and analysis performed using Agena Risk software. Risks were examined across four main stages of the supply chain: pre production, production, domestic sales, and export. A conceptual model was developed, and a tornado diagram was applied for sensitivity analysis. To enhance analytical accuracy, dependency structures among risks were modeled within the Bayesian network, enabling dynamic evaluation of the probability and impact of each risk under different scenarios. The most influential indicators in each of the four stages were identified, leading to the development of four primary scenarios and one comprehensive scenario. Sensitivity analysis results revealed that risks related to managerial knowledge, economic factors, government support, and environmental constraints are the most critical across different stages. Scenario analysis further indicated that the export market sales stage exerts the greatest influence on the entire supply chain. Based on the findings, practical strategies for risk mitigation were proposed for each stage. This study can support improved decision making in supply chain management and enhance the overall performance of the country’s furniture industry. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738175.html This study aims to explain alternative futures of spatial development in multifunctional economic regions, with a case study of the Khodabandeh–Ijrood region in Zanjan Province, Iran. Despite its considerable agricultural potential, this region faces several challenges, including a heavy dependence on traditional agriculture, a weak value chain, limited water resources, and the outmigration of the rural population. Accordingly, adopting a futures studies approach, this research seeks to identify the key drivers affecting the region’s spatial development and to analyze plausible future scenarios. The research follows a descriptive-analytical method within the framework of regional futures studies. First, the main drivers in the economic, social, environmental, and institutional dimensions were identified through documentary studies and expert opinions. In the second stage, critical uncertainties were determined based on two criteria, importance and level of uncertainty, using expert judgments and the TOPSIS method. Subsequently, by applying cross-impact analysis, the Cross-Impact Balance (CIB) method, and ScenarioWizard software, the mutual consistency of the drivers was examined and plausible future scenarios were generated. The findings indicate that the future of spatial development in the region is strongly influenced by the quality of local governance, the completion of the agricultural value chain, water resource management, and the level of social participation. Among the extracted scenarios, the “Synergistic Sustainability” scenario emerged as the most desirable condition. In this scenario, strengthening regional governance, developing agriculture-supporting industries, and utilizing tourism capacities create the conditions for a transition from a single-function agricultural pattern to a multifunctional economic region model. Finally, the study suggests that establishing functional linkages among agriculture, industry, and tourism, together with the implementation of coordinated spatial governance mechanisms, can provide the foundation for sustainable and balanced development in the Khodabandeh–Ijrood region. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738176.html Traditional rangeland-based livestock husbandry constitutes the foundation of livelihood for rural and nomadic communities in Iran and plays a key role in ensuring food security, milk and meat production, and conservation of natural ecosystems. Despite this strategic position, most experts believe that this system currently lacks economic justification, and factors such as recurrent droughts, overgrazing, and rangeland degradation have contributed to its decline. Economic evaluation of the traditional livestock system and awareness of its profitability and productivity can aid in predicting future development trends and planning for enhanced economic efficiency. This research aimed to estimate and analyze the production function and technical efficiency in the pastoral units of Sahand rangelands. For economic evaluation, 45 pastoral units were selected through stratified random sampling based on the number of users, area, livestock numbers, and accessibility. In the summer of 2020, questionnaires were completed for 205 households. The Cobb-Douglas production function and technical efficiency were estimated using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in DEAP software. In this study, the average technical efficiency with Constant Returns to Scale (CRS) was 0.984, with Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) was 0.996, and scale efficiency was 0.988. Out of 45 pastoral units, 14 exhibited scale inefficiency and can increase efficiency by adjusting their operational scale. Fodder, barley, and stubble inputs were identified as the most significant inputs in the production function. Production elasticity for all inputs ranged between zero and one, indicating their placement in the second region (the economic region of production). According to the significant variables in the production function, it is suggested that support facilities be provided for supplementary livestock feeding. Considering recent droughts and fodder shortages, price control policies for fodder and its cultivation in low-yield drylands are essential. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738177.html Nature-based solutions can be an effective tool for addressing environmental and social challenges in modern cities. However, one of the most important obstacles to implementing these solutions is ensuring environmental justice and equitable distribution of its benefits in reducing urban hazards. In this regard, the present study is a systematic and structural review meta-synthesis approach that is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical method based on bibliometrics and Delphi. In the first step, 153 scientific articles from the Web of Science database between 2018 and 2023 were analyzed in terms of environmental justice and nature-based solutions using Zotero 6.0.37 software. In the second step, 12 key indicators were analyzed using the Delphi method and structural analysis using the MICMAC technique, and future scenarios were identified using the Scenario Wizard software. The statistical population consisted of 70 experts in urban planning, environment, social justice, and urban policymaking who were selected using the snowball method. The findings of the systematic review showed that since 2018, attention to environmental justice and nature-based solutions has increased. Observing the dimensions of distributive, procedural, and cognitive justice in the design and implementation of nature-based solutions enhances the effectiveness of environmental policies. In the structural analysis, equitable distribution of green infrastructure had the greatest impact and response to health needs had the least impact. In the scenario writing process, five possible scenarios were drawn for Tehran, which are only possible in the optimal scenario to achieve environmental justice with effective interaction of key forces; therefore, achieving environmental justice in nature-based solutions in Tehran requires a comprehensive approach and active participation of vulnerable groups to reduce environmental inequalities. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738178.html One of the important issues in the field of urban management and planning is the resilience of urban spaces, which, by strengthening public services, increasing flexibility in infrastructure, and spatial connectivity, plays a crucial role in enhancing livability, quality of life, and the sustainability of cities. In this regard, evaluating and prioritizing the dimensions of urban-space resilience can provide a practical and efficient framework for managerial decision-making and urban planning. The present study aimed to examine the dimensions of urban-space resilience and determine the effective priorities in promoting urban livability in Aligudarz. This study is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature and was designed with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a researcher-constructed questionnaire with the participation of 383 individuals from the study population, including citizens, urban experts, university professors, and city managers. The questionnaire covers six dimensions of resilience: physical-spatial, environmental-ecological, social-cultural, psychological-perceptual, economic, and managerial-institutional, comprising a total of 37 indicators. To analyze the data and determine the relative importance of the resilience dimensions, multi-criteria decision-making methods were employed. In this regard, the EDAS and WASPAS models were used to calculate the weights of the indicators and rank the dimensions. The results indicated that the physical-spatial dimension, with a score of 0.723, is in first priority; the managerial-institutional dimension, with a score of 0.709, is in second place; and the social-cultural dimension, with a score of 0.600, is in third place. Therefore, examining and integrating resilience with urban livability is innovative relative to previous studies because urban resilience is a multi-dimensional concept, and its impact on enhancing urban livability stems from the interaction among the various physical, managerial, social, economic, and environmental factors. Consequently, to improve resilience with the aim of enhancing the livability of Aligudarz, the study provides recommendations at its end. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738194.html One of the fundamental challenges in modern societies is the prevalence of physical inactivity among various social groups, including employed women, who, owing to their specific biological and social circumstances, are among the most vulnerable populations to the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle. Accordingly, the present study aimed to identify the dimensions and components of the paradigmatic model of motivations influencing participation in sports activities, based on the subjective interpretations and perceptions of working women. This research was conducted utilizing a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory methodology. The statistical population comprised all working women in Zanjan. A sample of 13 participants was selected using a purposive sampling method. To ensure the validity of the measurement instrument, face validity was employed. Furthermore, the inter-rater reliability method was utilized to establish the reliability of the grounded theory interview analysis. The results indicated that the motivations influencing working women's participation are driven by causal conditions (enhancing physical health, promoting mental health, and achieving physical fitness). By adopting the identified strategies (offering sports discounts and subsidies, developing sports facilities, fostering a culture of encouraging sports, providing sports education and counseling, networking in women's sports, and drawing managerial attention to sports), and being influenced by contextual conditions (raising awareness about the benefits of sports, cultivating a sports culture, socializing sports, and restructuring sports development policies) as well as intervening conditions (motivation driven by family, managers, and society, alongside organizing sports competitions), these motivations can lead to several consequences. These consequences include improved efficiency; boosted self-confidence; a sense of tranquility, vitality, and happiness; feelings of enjoyment, recreation, and entertainment; strengthened physical stamina; improved physiological functions; personal and professional advancement; enhanced quality of life; reduced incidence of diseases; and healthy childbirth. https://jurs.znu.ac.ir/article_738215.html Smart cities, as a novel concept in the organization and management of urban spaces, have increasingly attracted attention in urban studies in recent years. The expansion of digital technologies, the growth of big data, and the increasing complexity of urban challenges have positioned the smart city concept as a central theme in urban planning and management research. Despite the rapid growth of this field, its thematic dispersion and conceptual diversity have made it difficult to clearly understand the knowledge structure, evolutionary trajectories, and major research directions within the domain. In this context, systematic analysis of the scientific literature can help clarify the dimensions of this field and identify major research trends. This study aims to map the scientific landscape and analyze the knowledge structure of smart city research using a bibliometric approach. The dataset consists of 1,040 scientific publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2003 and 2026. Within this framework, the temporal distribution of publications, keyword co-occurrence patterns, thematic clusters, and emerging research trends were analyzed to provide a comprehensive picture of the conceptual structure and developmental trajectory of this field. The findings indicate that scientific production in this domain has grown rapidly, particularly since 2015. The conceptual structure of smart city studies is mainly organized into clusters related to data-driven infrastructures, smart technologies, urban service systems, and security and privacy issues. Trend analysis also reveals a shift toward advanced topics such as digital twins, edge computing, blockchain, and cybersecurity, highlighting emerging directions for future research and urban governance.