Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: In recent years, climate change and human activities have increasingly intensified the global water scarcity crisis. These changes have disrupted the hydrological cycle, placing surface water resources under serious threat in terms of accessibility, quality, and sustainability.
Methodology: To assess the impact of climate change on surface water resources in the Babolrood watershed, meteorological and hydrometric data were initially collected. After addressing statistical deficiencies, removing outliers, and selecting a common temporal baseline, future climate variables (precipitation, minimum temperature, and maximum temperature) were projected for the period 2020–2100 using the CanESM5 climate model under IPCC AR6 scenarios SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, and SSP5-8.5 within the SDSM framework. Streamflow simulation for the future period was conducted using downscaled data processed through an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Finally, to identify trends in the projected data, non-parametric Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope estimator tests were applied using the R software environment.
Results and Findings: Trend analysis of streamflow using the Mann–Kendall test, Sen’s slope estimator, and the ANN model over the period 2021–2100 revealed a weak and statistically insignificant decreasing trend across all SSP climate scenarios. The most pronounced decline was observed under the SSP5-8.5 scenario. Minimum temperature exhibited a non-significant increasing trend, potentially indicating nighttime or cold-season warming, while precipitation showed no discernible trend. The ANN model results were consistent with the statistical tests, confirming a gradual reduction in streamflow, thereby underscoring the need for sustainable water resource management in the face of climate change. These findings not only confirm the direct impact of climate change on surface water resources but also highlight the importance of employing intelligent models for long-term analysis and sustainable water resource management. Moreover, they underscore the necessity of integrated approaches and region-specific analyses in future studies.

Abstract Background and Objective: Urban construction control is carried out by urban construction criteria, but despite the various measures of urban management, there are reports of construction breach annually in cities. In fact, construction breach can be defined as non -compliance with urban construction rules and regulations that threaten the quality of life in cities. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the spatial distribution of building breach in the city of Tourism for use in urban management areas.
Methodology: The method of collecting the information and data needed for the documentation, library and field observations is prepared and a descriptive and descriptive table from the Secretariat of Article 100 of the Municipality. The time range over a one -year period (1401) and its location range is the legal area of Sarein. The present study is descriptive-analytical and practical, using the nearest neighborhood distance and analyzing hot spots in the GIS software platform.
Results and findings: According to the analysis, the highest number of breach occurred in the central core of the city and the Coffee and Chaldaran area, and the surplus breach over the other breach are significant and significant, and the number of breach without licenses is in the next line, and this violation is further excluded from the non -licensed classes. According to the results, the main direction of the breach is from the southwest to the northeast of the city, and the most breach occurred within 600 to 900 meters from the city's center of gravit.

Abstract Background and Objective: Urban public services are key elements in shaping the physical, social, and spatial structure of cities. In many urban Regions, especially in developing countries, access to services such as healthcare, education, transportation, and infrastructure is significantly unequal. The main objective of this study is to identify the key factors contributing to inequality in the provision of public services in the study area Urmia city and to develop future-oriented scenarios using futures research tools.
Methodology:This applied futures study employs a descriptive, analytical, and exploratory research approach. In the first stage, the TOPSIS ranking model was used to evaluate and rank the five urban regions based on their level of public services. Subsequently, possible future scenarios were generated using the MicMac and Scenario Wizard software.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that Region Five has the highest level of desirability, Regions One and Four are in a moderate state, and Regions Two and Three are in an unfavorable condition. Scenario analysis reveals two contrasting paths: a favorable scenario characterized by transparency, anti-corruption measures, and equitable resource distribution, which leads to reduced service gaps and improved access; and a crisis scenario marked by budget concentration in select Regions and institutional weakness, which intensifies inequalities. The study underscores the urgent need for action to address disparities in public service distribution and to ensure equitable access to essential urban facilities for all citizens, regardless of geographic location or economic status.

Abstract Background and Objective: Urban differential refers to a key phenomenon in urban geography and planning that expresses differences, inequalities, and spatial – socio – economic discontinuities within a city or between different areas of an urban area. The city of shanderman ,located in gilan province in northern iran , is known as one of the important and historical cities of this region with its unique features.
Methodology: the present study uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the urban differential in shanderman from 1365-1400, this study was a descriptive –analytical study that focused on the small population,access to public services ,immigration,unemployment rate,and also on the hierarchical system of ranking and position of the city of shanderman among the cities of Gilan province,qualitative data that shows the depth of the issue ,including semi-structured interriews with experts and scholars,as well as a paradigmatic model,was used to identify causal ,contextual, and intervening conditions.
Findings and Conclusion: the data in integration shows that investment in health and education has been insufficient and local governance, as an effective factor in this field, has deepened socio -economic issues for this region due to the lack of balanced budget allocation. this in balance has caused the central parts of the city to be at the top of the pyramid in terms of health and education services, access to services, and welfare levels, which the peripheral and rural areas of the city are in a weaker position in terms of access to facilities such as small productive industries and welfare and education services.

Abstract Background and Objective: In recent years, with the increasing growth of the urban population and pressures from environmental, social, and economic issues, the theory of the "sustainable smart city" has become one of the key concepts in urban studies. The purpose of this research is to conduct a systematic comparative review of studies conducted in the field of the sustainable smart city at the level of Iran and the world, in order to identify and analyze theoretical patterns, commonalities and differences, as well as existing research gaps in this field.
Methodology:This study was conducted using the systematic review method with a comparative approach.The research population consisted of 31 scientific articles published in reputable domestic and international databases between 2017 and 2024, which were selected using standard methods and subjected to qualitative content analysis.
Results and Findings:The findings indicate that at the global level, the sustainable smart city paradigm is understood as a multidimensional and dynamic concept in which technology serves to achieve broader goals such as environmental sustainability, social justice, participatory governance, resilience, and improving the quality of life. In contrast, in domestic Iranian studies, the predominant emphasis has been on the technical and infrastructural aspects of smartening, while the theoretical, social, and citizen-oriented dimensions of this concept have received less attention. This gap highlights the necessity of revising research and policy-making approaches in the national context to move towards the comprehensive realization of the sustainable smart city.

Abstract Background and Objective : Women’s mental health, as one of the essential dimensions of public health, is influenced by various factors, including the quality and accessibility of urban public spaces. This study aimed to analyze the impact of urban public spaces on women’s mental health in Ardabil within the framework of women-friendly city indicators.
Methodology: This applied research adopted a descriptive–analytical approach. The required data were collected through the distribution of 400 questionnaires among women residing in Ardabil, using a systematic random sampling method. The research tool included 58 items covering five main indicators (physical–spatial, socio–cultural, safety, accessibility, and mental health). Data were analyzed using the one-sample t-test in SPSS software and structural equation modeling (SEM) in AMOS software.
Findings and Conclusion: The results showed that the physical–spatial (mean = 3.17) and socio-cultural (mean = 3.05) indicators were in a relatively favorable condition. Moreover, based on the path analysis results, the physical–spatial indicator had the greatest role in enhancing women’s mental health, with an impact coefficient of 0.89. Following this, the indicators of environmental security, socio-cultural, accessibility, and mental health ranked next in terms of influence. These findings emphasize the importance of designing public spaces with a focus on physical and environmental components to promote women’s mental health and highlight the necessity for urban planners to pay attention to these dimensions. The innovation of this research lies in the simultaneous analysis of five key women-friendly city indicators using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and focusing on the city of Ardabil as a localized case, which has received less attention in previous studies.

Abstract Background and Aim: Urban creativity is one of the main drivers for achieving sustainable development. This requires having creative industries, creative employees, creative knowledge, and cultural richness. The present study was conducted with the aim of strategic planning to achieve a creative city in Ardabil.
Methodology: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The data collection method is library-survey. Based on the creative city indicators and the collected data, 34 strategies for achieving a creative city were divided into five main criteria (people, economic enterprises, urban spaces, connections and communications, and city vision and reputation), and to determine their importance (opinions of 50 experts), structural equation testing was used in SMART-PLS software.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the economic enterprises criterion (factor loading 0.937), the people criterion (factor loading 0.936), the urban spaces criterion (factor loading 0.918), the linkages and communications criterion (factor loading 0.896), and the city vision and reputation criterion (factor loading 0.875) are the best strategies for achieving a creative city. Also, among the economic enterprises criterion, specialized support for creative businesses (factor load 0.87), among the people criterion, developing creative capacity at all levels of general education (factor load 0.85), among the urban spaces criterion, creating stable and secure spaces for cultural and artistic activities (factor load 0.76), among the linkage and communications criterion, providing virtual infrastructures and facilitating electronic communications (factor load 0.82), and among the city's vision and reputation criterion, planning to enhance the city's regional and supra-regional position and facilitating the presence of tourists (factor load 0.83) are the most important strategies for achieving a creative city in Ardabil.

Abstract Background and Objective: Human resources, as the most important and valuable resource, play a significant role in the success of an organization because the organization's human resources have the ability to change their performance and are considered the main tool for achieving organizational goals. Today, the success of organizations requires more attention to human resources. In order to succeed, organizations must make good use of their human resources capabilities, and in this regard, paying attention to organizational citizenship behavior is of particular importance. Therefore, in today's world, having employees who go beyond their roles and duties and demonstrate organizational citizenship behavior is a prerequisite for the success of organizations. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of the effect of organizational citizenship behavior on employee performance in the hotel industry at Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan.
Methodology: The statistical population of this study included all employees of Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan. The data required for this study was collected from the employees of Abbasi Hotel in Isfahan using a simple random sampling method and a questionnaire. The present study is applied in terms of purpose and is descriptive and survey-type based on the data collection method. Also, structural equation modeling using Smart PLS software was used to analyze the data.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that organizational citizenship behavior and each of its dimensions have a positive and significant effect on employee performance. It was also shown that the work conscientiousness variable has the largest path coefficient value and its effect on employee performance is greater than that of other variables.

Abstract Background and Aim: The objective of the present study is to investigate the intersection of digital marketing and sustainable urban tourism, focusing on Ardabil City as a case study. Digital marketing provides innovative tools for promoting destinations, along with advancing responsible tourism practices. Sustainable urban tourism also seeks to balance economic growth, cultural preservation, and environmental management in urban spaces.
 Methods and Material:The research method is inductive and a qualitative approach based on Grounded Theory. The participants in the research process include experts, university professors, and experienced employees in the fields of tourism and marketing. Additionally, a purposive sampling method was used, and to reach theoretical saturation and development, interviews were conducted with 12 people  and analyzed using MaxQDA software.
Results and Discussion: Based on the results, the causal conditions (weakness in promoting sustainable tourism attractions, weakness in the digital ecosystem, mismatch of existing marketing methods with modern tourist expectations, and cultural and social challenges); the contextual conditions (geographical and natural features, facilities and infrastructure, and the economic and social structure of the local community); the intervening conditions (political and managerial factors, human resource training and expertise, and technological and infrastructural barriers); the strategies (utilizing digital marketing elements, integrated and interactive platform strategies, and collaboration and synergy strategies); and the outcomes (increased awareness and attraction of responsible tourists, economic and social empowerment of the community, branding of Ardabil City as a sustainable destination, and environmental results) were identified.

Abstract Background and Objective: The capacities and capabilities of Sistan and Baluchestan province in terms of geography, natural and economic resources, and potential human resources are many, which, if realized, can bring many advantages to both the province and the region. Given the importance of this issue, the purpose of the present study is to design a social-security development model for Sistan and Baluchestan province.
Methodology: The research method is structural equation modeling and quantitative-survey. The research population consisted of all managers and employees of government organizations in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The sample size was 292 people selected using the Cochran formula. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire and the collected data were analyzed in two descriptive and inferential methods using SPSS 16 and Smart PLS software.
Results and Findings: Seven components play a role in explaining the socio-security development of Sistan and Baluchestan province, which are: economic security, social security, military security, development of justice, development of quality of life, development of social ethics, and finally development of political security. In order to examine the fit of the model, X2, R and RS were examined, and the existence of a low X2 and the ratio of chi-square to the degree of freedom of less than three, as well as the calculated coefficient of determination and adjusted coefficient of determination, indicated a proper fit of the model. Finally, from the summary of the factors, dimensions and components of the socio-security development model of Sistan and Baluchestan province, 4 factors were proposed with high priority. These factors are: first priority: military security, second priority: social security, third priority: development of quality of life, and finally, fourth priority: development of justice. It is hoped that this type of study will be a step towards deepening applied knowledge and improving the socio-security situation of Sistan and Baluchestan province.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rapid urbanization and environmental pressures challenge cities to provide a high quality of life. Livability, encompassing social, economic, physical, and environmental dimensions, is influenced by effective urban management. This study aims to evaluate the impact of managerial strategies on urban livability in Districts 1 and 10 of Tabriz, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform sustainable planning and policy decisions.
Methodology: Descriptive-analytical approach with questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS with t-tests and regression analysis to compare districts and assess relationships between management strategies and livability indicators.
Results and Findings: Findings indicate significant differences between the two districts. District 1 demonstrated higher levels of livability across most indicators, especially in infrastructure and services, while District 10 showed weaknesses in socio-cultural and environmental dimensions. Regression results confirm a meaningful relationship between the quality of urban management and perceived livability. These findings are consistent with international research emphasizing the role of governance, participation, and equitable distribution of resources in enhancing urban life.

Abstract Background and Objective: With the rapid pace of urbanization and its associated environmental challenges, novel approaches such as the smart sustainable city and green infrastructure have become essential. However, the gap between theory and practice, particularly regarding the prioritization of interventions, persists. This study was conducted with the objective of analyzing the impact of green infrastructure on the realization of a smart sustainable city and providing a data-driven framework for spatial prioritization in the metropolis of Karaj.
Methodology: This is an applied study employing a descriptive-analytical method. Initially, 24 key variables were identified and distributed to 30 experts via a questionnaire. Subsequently, using a hybrid approach, the Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied to Classification (MICMAC) technique was utilized to identify key drivers, and the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method was employed to rank the readiness of the 11 urban districts of Karaj.
Results and Findings: The results indicated that seven drivers, including "permeable surfaces," "ecological corridors," "investment," and "integrated governance," are the most powerful factors influencing the system. Furthermore, the CoCoSo analysis identified District 5 as the most suitable area for initiating projects. The findings emphasize that a successful transition to a smart sustainable city requires an integrated strategy that simultaneously focuses on physical infrastructure, governance factors, and economic incentives, and that policies must be formulated based on spatial priorities. Ultimately, this study shows that the realization of a smart sustainable city in Karaj is only possible through an integrated strategy that incorporates the key physical, governance, and economic drivers within specific spatial priorities.

Abstract



Background and Objective: This research was conducted to measure tail risks and interbank correlations within the Iranian banking system and to identify the root causes of systemic fragility. The focus is on the extended period following the global financial crisis (from 2008 to 2024), during which the banking system has been under severe pressure from structural factors such as fixed provisional profit payments to depositors, widespread overdrafts from the central bank, severe balance sheet imbalances, and macroeconomic shocks. The primary objective is to assess the current state of systemic vulnerability and forecast probable future paths using advanced hybrid modeling approaches.
Methodology: This study employs a novel hybrid model integrating deep learning, Gaussian processes, Time-Varying Parameter Vector Autoregression (TVP-VAR) models, interbank network analysis, and extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Quarterly data on twelve key banking variables (including overdrafts, non-performing loans, capital adequacy ratio, liquidity, etc.) alongside macroeconomic variables (inflation, exchange rate, economic growth, etc.) from 2008 to 2024 were analyzed. A systemic vulnerability index and the magnitude of risk transmission through various channels (particularly the trust channel) were calculated and compared with conventional methods.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that the Iranian banking system entered a stable critical and chaotic regime at the beginning of 2008 and has remained in this state until the end of 2024. The systemic vulnerability index surpassed 0.96 in 2024, signifying a highly fragile condition nearing a critical point. Shocks to the system operate in a highly asymmetric manner, with negative shocks being approximately ten times stronger than positive ones and tending to be nearly permanent. Risk transmission among banks occurs almost entirely (close to 100%) through the trust channel and hidden correlations. The root cause of this fragility is the continued policy of paying fixed provisional profits to depositors (despite real resource-use imbalances) and the widespread overdrafting of banks from the central bank, which has created a vicious cycle of liquidity expansion and steadily increasing systemic risk. Simulations estimate the probability of a systemic collapse by the end of 2026, assuming the current trend continues, at over 87%. Conversely, immediate and decisive structural reforms, including the complete elimination of fixed provisional profit payments, the dissolution or merger of insolvent banks, and a serious overhaul of corporate governance, could steer the banking system toward a stable and self-reinforcing regime. The forecasting accuracy of the proposed model is significantly higher than that of traditional methods.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rational Comprehensive Planning, as one of the dominant approaches in urban planning during the second half of the twentieth century, has been grounded in assumptions such as instrumental rationality, the possibility of comprehensive knowledge, the predictability of the future, and the existence of a single public interest. However, contemporary social, economic, and institutional transformations particularly in cities of developing countries have cast serious doubt on the effectiveness of this approach. The objective of this study is to provide a critical re-reading of Rational Comprehensive Planning and to assess its theoretical and practical capacities and limitations in addressing the complexities of contemporary urban conditions.
Methodology: This study employs a critical literature review method based on the SALSA framework (Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis). Accordingly, classical theoretical works and recent empirical studies related to Rational Comprehensive Planning particularly those published during the periods 1950–1980 and 2020–2025 were systematically collected from reputable academic databases, screened, critically appraised, and subsequently analyzed through conceptual synthesis.
Results and Findings: The findings indicate that the core assumptions of Rational Comprehensive Planning are difficult to realize in practice due to data limitations, conflicting interests, the role of power, social dynamism, and future uncertainty. Global experiences, especially in developing countries, demonstrate that the implementation of technocratic versions of this approach has frequently resulted in a gap between plans and reality, implementation inefficiencies, the expansion of informal settlements, and various forms of social resistance.
The results suggest that the challenges of Rational Comprehensive Planning are not merely related to implementation failures, but rather stem from structural limitations within its theoretical foundations. Nevertheless, revitalizing the effectiveness of this approach is possible through its redefinition and integration with adaptive, participatory, learning-oriented, and context-sensitive approaches an orientation that is better suited to addressing the complex realities of contemporary cities.
 

Abstract Background and Objective: Human societies have long enabled settlements by creating habitable environments that are suitable for their surroundings. In archaeology, this approach emphasizes the significant role of environmental factors in evaluating settlements within each period. Besides identifying the extent of environmental impacts, this perspective reveals the degree of adaptation of habitats to prevailing environmental conditions. As spatial tools have advanced, GIS archaeology has evolved, allowing the visualisation of ancient settlements and the analysis of changes in spatial use over time.
Methodology: This study uses environmental factor analysis to examine the settlement and distribution patterns of 161 ancient sites in the Qezel Ozan Basin with a GIS information system. After the analysis of GIS maps, it assesses and distributes these settlements in relation to the natural environment, focusing on water resources, altitude, slope, and land use.
Results and Findings: Since the 1st millennium BCE, the foothills and plains have seen an expansion in the dispersion of communities. 2. The 1st millennium BCE villages are mostly found at elevations of -2000 m, with an average slope of 5-10. They are situated less than -500 m from rivers, and the choice of land type has been made. A decrease in population and the type of seasonal deployments is indicated by altitude, steep slopes on riverbanks (plains to foothills). 3. Land use: The distribution of ancient sites in the Qezel Ozan river basin is indicated by the rise and development of agriculture, transportation routes along water resources, trade exchanges, and regional and interregional links.The evolution of settlements in the East Kurdistan region from the Chalcolithic to the Islamic era demonstrates the adaptation and competition of inhabitants with the natural environment in the Qezel Ozen basin. It also provides insights into the complex social development of the region.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rural settlements as a context for human life and activities are a multidimensional issue. The issue of rural settlements is part of a broader issue that is manifested under the title of sustainable development at the national and regional levels. Therefore, it is considered by rural, urban and regional planners. Since the peri-urban spaces and villages of Iran, especially in North Khorasan Province, are at a critical juncture in their rural-urban transformation and development process, they must have precise planning in line with unbridled growth. In this regard, this research intends to envision a sustainable role for the village by designing a 5-year plan for Khodagholi village.
Methodology: The method of this research is descriptive-analytical in nature. Library and field methods (questionnaire, interview and observation) were used to collect information. Also, focus groups and qualitative methods were used to analyze the information. The geographical territory of Khodagholi village is one of the villages within the Bojnord city limits.
Results and Findings: The research findings show that the location of Khodagholi village within the Bojnord city limits has increased the rate of migration to this village and has caused many problems. According to the SWOT results, the strengths and opportunities of this village are more than the weaknesses and threats. Therefore, its most important development strategy is aggressive. According to the QSPM results, creating the necessary infrastructure for tourism and accommodation, developing the services, infrastructure and facilities required by the village, completing the rural guide plan, developing small, home and modern jobs, developing the industrial-workshop sector of the village and completing the value chain of village products are the most important strategies for sustainable development of the village.

Abstract Background and Objective: Increasing population density in urban areas and the rising concerns regarding sustainability and public health have encouraged residents to adopt active mobility patterns. In this context, the concept of the 15-minute city has emerged as a modern urban model aiming to ensure that residents can access essential daily needs (such as work, education, healthcare, and recreation) within a maximum 15-minute distance using non-motorized modes.
Methodology: This applied research was conducted with a descriptive–analytical approach in the Hamidian neighborhood of Rasht. Data were collected through library studies, field observations, maps, satellite images, and upper-level planning documents. Strategies for realizing the 15-minute city were formulated using the SWOT technique and prioritized through the QSPM matrix.
Findings and Conclusion: The findings indicate that the most fundamental requirement for steering the Hamidian neighborhood toward a 15-minute city is improving accessibility and mobility systems. The top three strategies holding the highest priority directly relate to enhancing safe and efficient non-motorized mobility (walking, cycling, and public transport), emphasizing that without adequate transport infrastructure, other objectives of the 15-minute city cannot be achieved. Based on the QSPM scoring, “the quality of pedestrian pathways and pedestrian safety” was identified as the key factor with the highest score, while “smart technologies and tourism development” were recognized as the lowest-priority factor under the neighborhood’s current conditions. Despite challenges such as limited public spaces and weak transport systems, the neighborhood possesses notable potentials, including its suitable connectivity and the presence of the Einak Lagoon. Priority strategies include improving the transport network, enhancing pedestrian pathways, and developing non-motorized access to services and green spaces. Ultimately, the successful implementation of this model requires collaboration among management institutions, citizen participation, and the adoption of smart technologies.

Abstract Background and Aim: Rapid physical and social transformations in Iranian cities over recent decades have rendered neighborhood social security a multidimensional and complex phenomenon, necessitating simultaneous analysis of spatial attributes, social relations, and institutional mechanisms. This study aims to conduct a multidimensional analysis of social security and evaluate the explanatory power of physical, social, and institutional-governance dimensions in the Azadshahr neighborhood of Yazd.
Methodology: Employing a sequential mixed-methods exploratory-explanatory design, the research was implemented in two phases. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with residents, security experts, and urban specialists, followed by thematic analysis to identify context-specific indicators of social security. In the quantitative phase, data were collected from 367 residents and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that the proposed model exhibited satisfactory fit, with all three dimensions—physical, social, and institutional-governance—exerting statistically significant positive effects on social security. The social dimension emerged as the strongest predictor (β = 0.56, t = 11.74, p < 0.001; R² = 0.57), driven particularly by neighborly relations, social capital, and a sense of belonging and ownership. The physical dimension demonstrated a moderate-to-strong effect (β = 0.31, t = 4.21; R² = 0.23), with the highest correlations observed for public space design and lighting. Although the institutional-governance dimension was significant (β = 0.29, t = 3.98; R² = 0.19), it exhibited the weakest direct influence. Collectively, the integrated model accounted for 63% of the variance in social security. These findings underscore that social security in the studied neighborhood is fundamentally a socio-perceptual phenomenon, contingent upon local cohesion, trust, and participatory dynamics rather than purely physical or supervisory measures. Consequently, strategies to enhance urban security—particularly in Iran’s medium-sized cities—should prioritize strengthening social capacities and local capital, complemented by physical restructuring and improvements in the quality of local governance.

Abstract Background and Objective : In recent decades, planners have adopted various strategies, including the transformation of villages into cities, with the aim of reducing regional inequalities and urban-rural disparities. These transformations have not only caused structural-functional changes but have also influenced the lifestyle of residents in these areas. The present research aims to investigate the impact of rural-urban integration on lifestyle changes among the residents of Somarin city in Ardabil.
Methodology: This study is applied in nature and quantitative in method. The statistical population includes all residents of Samarin rural-city, and the statistical sample consists of 252 households, estimated using the Cochran method and selected through systematic random sampling.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that changes have occurred in health-oriented (49%) and media-oriented (54%) lifestyle indicators; however, these changes have not been particularly pronounced or fundamental in the studied environment. In other words, rural-urban integration and administrative-managerial transformations have led to quantitative changes in lifestyle, and lifestyle transformations have been more influenced by social interactions and cultural-media factors among residents than by decisions made by governmental institutions. Analysis of the findings reveals that rural-urban transformation in Samarin has resulted in unbalanced changes: while media consumption (74.6%) has grown significantly, access to health services (29.9%) has shown limited improvement. This gap highlights the need to revise classical lifestyle theories for transitioning societies and to adopt an integrated approach in planning.

Abstract Background and Objective: With increasing environmental pressures and the growing need for clean energy, the use of biofuels has been considered as a solution to improve the sustainability of the agricultural supply chain. This study aimed to analyze the role of biofuels in the sustainable development of the agricultural supply chain using a systematic, focus group, and computational intelligence-based modeling approach.
Methodology: In the first stage, a systematic review method based on the PRISMA guideline was used to identify key variables. With the participation of 20 experts in the focus group format, the most important influential parameters, including biofuel production technology, support policies, energy infrastructure, and economic and environmental indicators, were identified. Subsequently, random forest algorithms and Relief feature selection were used to analyze the data.
Results and Findings: The modeling showed that the random forest algorithm was able to effectively cluster supply chains with different levels of sustainability with an accuracy of 85% (AUC=0.98). Clustering indicated that indicators such as direct employment generation in rural areas, pollution reduction, energy cost reduction, and distance to processing centers had the greatest impact on promoting sustainability, while the type and amount of biofuel consumed had a lesser impact. The findings indicate that sustainable development of the agricultural supply chain requires a focus on improving production technologies, biofuel infrastructure, targeted support policies, and educational programs for farmers.While providing a new framework for integrating renewable energies into the agricultural supply chain, it can provide a basis for policy decisions and optimization strategies to achieve sustainable development in the agricultural sector of Iran and other developing countries.

Abstract Background and Objective: Examining the relationship between government expenditures and revenues is crucial for economic growth and development. Understanding the causal relationship between government income and expenditures can significantly aid in formulating an important budgetary plan to achieve economic prosperity in a country. The relationship between government income and expenditures can indicate the level of government investment in key sectors of the economy (such as education, health, and infrastructure). Increased investment in these sectors leads to long-term economic growth.
Methodology: Given the importance of investigating the relationship between government spending and revenues, this study has examined this relationship and identified the cause-and-effect relationship using the Markov Switching method. The present study has applied the Markov Switching causality method to data from the period 1973-2022.
Results and Findings: The results indicate that in a state where both government revenues and expenditures are high, causality runs from government revenues (both other revenues and oil revenues) to construction and current expenditures. In contrast, in a state of low revenue and expenditure, oil revenue only leads to a change in development costs, and other revenues lead to a change in current costs. Examining the results from the expenditure side to government revenues separately for the two investigated regimes shows that during the zero regime (high revenues and expenditures), no causality is observed from development and current costs to revenue. Conversely, when the income and expenditure situation is low, only development costs can lead to a change in other revenues, and no causality is observed from current costs to government revenues.