Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective:Climate is a pervasive and important component of the ecosystem, and its changes, although insignificant, can affect other components to varying degrees. Among the most important climatic disasters that bring devastating environmental consequences every year are heat waves. The aim of the present study is to investigate the synoptic heat wave above 50 degrees Celsius on July 13, 2024, in Khuzestan Province.
Methodology:This research was conducted with an environmental perspective on atmospheric circulation, in which, first, the recorded temperatures of Khuzestan province stations and their changes were received from the Meteorological Department of Khuzestan province, and then by receiving data from the upper levels of the atmosphere and analyzing them, the causes of extreme heat were identified. In this research, to analyze the synoptic patterns leading to the heat wave in Khuzestan province, the atmospheric data at the level of 500 hectopascals were extracted from the NOAA website, which included maps of geopotential height, sea level pressure, omega, relative humidity and precipitable water, temperature, wind speed and thickness for the days of July 13-15, 2024.
Results and Findings:The results showed that the penetration of thermal low pressure systems in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the establishment of the subtropical Azores high pressure in the southwest and the Siberian high pressure in northern Iran at a level of 500 hectopascals, were the most important influential patterns in creating the heat wave of July 13, 2024 in Khuzestan Province, which began 48 hours ago. The association of this low pressure system located in the region with its topographic pattern (Southern Zagros heights) and its counterclockwise currents from the south and southwest of the province caused the warm advection of the radiant temperature of the hot deserts of Lut, Saudi Arabia, and the Sea of Oman. On the other hand, by passing over the warm waters of the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, it affected this region simultaneously with the onset of the hot season, which resulted in a sharp increase in temperature and provided the necessary synoptic conditions to create heat above 50 degrees Celsius in Khuzestan Province.

Abstract Background and Objective: Khuzestan Province has always faced numerous challenges in the field of water resources due to its climatic and geographical conditions. These challenges, known as water stresses, can have widespread impacts on various aspects of social life and reduce the resilience of society to crises. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between water stresses and social resilience in Khuzestan Province using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method.
Methodology: The present study, with a statistical population of 4,710,509 citizens of Khuzestan Province, selected and examined a sample of 386 people using the Cochran formula. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire with confirmed content (face) and construct validity and acceptable composite reliability. The data were analyzed using correlation analysis and structural equation modeling methods using SPSS and Smart PLS software.
Results and Findings: The results of structural equation modeling indicate a strong and significant relationship (p<0.05) between water stress indices and social resilience. In other words, these findings show that with increasing water stress, social resilience in the studied community decreases. In addition, the model fit indices also show that the data are well consistent with the conceptual model of the research and the model has the necessary fit. This strengthens the validity and reliability of the modeling results and confirms that the proposed model is able to correctly explain the relationship between the variables under study. Finally, comparing the correlation coefficients shows that the environmental index and then the institutional index have the strongest relationship with the social resilience index and water stress. Also, the results of the PLS test showed that among the water stress indicators, the environmental indicators with a score of 24.828, the economic indicators with a score of 21.762, and then among the social resilience indicators, the institutional index with a score of 21.677 and the social index with a score of 20.145 ranked first to fourth, respectively, and this indicates the impact of water stress indicators on social resilience in Khuzestan Province.

Abstract Background and Objective: The present study aimed to design a model for the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan province based on databased theory. This study was conducted using a qualitative method by conducting semi-structured interviews with 15 professors and specialists in sports and youth departments who were selected using a purposive sampling method.
Methodology: The method of collecting information was through the study of previous research and conducting semi-structured interviews. To examine the face and content validity, the research findings were presented to the participants and they studied the text of the theory and then their opinions were applied. The method used to examine reliability was the intra-subject agreement method. The average intra-subject agreement was reported to be 0.83.
 Results and findings: : Based on a comprehensive analysis of interviews, the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan province is influenced by causal factors (human resources, economy, management), contextual conditions (infrastructure, security, environmental attractions), effective strategies (planning, participation, monitoring), and intervening factors (environment, technology, education). The successful development of this industry will lead to positive outcomes such as economic growth, social advancement, entrepreneurship, and cultural enrichment. Therefore, it is suggested that in order to develop horse tourism, considering the identified factors, focusing on improving infrastructure, strengthening management and strategic planning, and paying attention to intervening factors (environment, technology, education), the ground should be prepared for the active participation of stakeholders and benefiting from positive economic, social, and cultural outcomes.

Abstract Background and Objective: Economic development of horse tourism in Khuzestan, relying on the purebred Arabian breed, is a strategic solution to move beyond the oil economy, create rural employment, and improve provincial infrastructure. This approach, by creating a value chain and attracting foreign exchange earnings, turns Khuzestan into an international hub for sports and commercial tourism. In this regard, the present study was conducted with the aim of Identifying income-generating factors for the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan Province.
Methodology: The present study is organized in two phases: qualitative (identification of indicators through interviews) and quantitative (weighting using the SIWEC method). The aim of this approach was to extract and accurately rank the factors affecting the research topic, relying on the knowledge of experts in the field of tourism and equestrianism in Khuzestan province. The process of selecting participants in different sections was also carried out based on purposeful and judgmental sampling to ensure the richness of specialized data.
Results and Findings: The research findings show that the development of horse tourism in Khuzestan requires a logical hierarchy in which investment and finance, with priority given to banking facilities, act as the cornerstone and most vital economic driver. Secondly, specialized infrastructure and border trade, with an emphasis on modern transportation and global registration of native breeds, provide the necessary physical and diplomatic platforms for a revenue leap. Finally, job creation and event prosperity are secondary outcomes that will only be achieved if the macro strategy changes from traditional approaches to establishing investment security and export-oriented development.

Abstract Background and Objective Today, the use of the future research approach has been proposed as a necessity in the field of sports and especially educational sports in educational and sports institutions. Despite the long history of student sports and physical education in the country's schools, the management of student sports is still facing many issues and problems, and especially at the level of Khuzestan province, the development of student sports and planning for its future has received little attention. In this regard, the purpose of the current research is to evaluate the state of student sports in Khuzestan province, which is practical in terms of its purpose and exploratory in terms of its nature and analytical method.
Methodology: A questionnaire, Delphi technique, and documentary-library studies were used to collect data. The Delphi method and the cross-effects matrix (MicMac) were used to analyze the data.
Results and Findings: The findings of the research showed that among the 15 main factors affecting the state of student sports in Khuzestan province, 9 variables are known as key and influential. These variables have the most influence and the least influence on the future development of student sports in Khuzestan province. Also, the results showed that in terms of the direct influence of variables such as social networks with a score of 860, infrastructure and sports facilities and students' attitude towards sports with a score of 835 and 810, they are located in the first to third positions, respectively. On the other hand, the variables that have an indirect effect on the state of student sports are social networks with a score of 876, infrastructure and sports facilities, and students' attitude towards sports with a score of 872 and 796, respectively, they are located in the first to third positions.

Abstract Background and Objective: Sports tourism, as a growing industry, can play an important role in the economic and social development of different regions. Khuzestan Province, with its diverse natural, historical, and cultural capacities, has a high potential for the development of this type of tourism. The aim of this study is to identify and prioritize the factors affecting sports tourism in Khuzestan Province.
Methodology: In this regard, the present study is applied in terms of its purpose and analytical-exploratory in terms of its nature and method. This study was conducted with an applied approach, using a descriptive-analytical method and collecting the opinions of 30 experts in the field of sports tourism through the Delphi method, and using the DANP technique and Excel software.
Results and Findings: In this study, 6 general indicators and 22 sub-indicators were identified that affect sports tourism in Khuzestan Province. Next, using the Danp technique, the influential indicators were identified and prioritized to determine which of these indicators have the greatest impact on sports tourism in Khuzestan Province. The results of his research showed that the development of this industry requires a multifaceted approach; so that management and planning factors play a key role as the main axis, influencing other factors. Also, socio-cultural, economic, marketing, infrastructure and environmental factors are significantly involved in this process. Along with these macro factors, the sub-indicators of a suitable climate, attracting foreign capital and social participation have been identified as the main drivers of the development of sports tourism in Khuzestan. These results provide a practical roadmap for policymakers and planners to focus on these key factors to provide the grounds for sustainable growth and prosperity of sports tourism in the province.

Abstract Background and Aim: In the last few decades, one of the policies that has been taken into consideration by the statesmen as a tool for empowering the villagers is microcredits. These credits, if properly invested, can guarantee sustainable rural development. In recent years, Barkat Foundation has started its activity towards the removal of deprivation and economic-social empowerment of deprived areas of the country by granting micro credit. Therefore, this research was conducted in order to model the effects of Barkat Foundation's microcredits on the social-economic development of the rural areas of Khuzestan province.
Methods:  This research is theoretical-applicative in nature and its study method is descriptive-analytical. The method of collecting information is survey-library. The statistical population of the research includes people living in the villages of Izeh, Masjid Suleiman, Lali, Endika and Dezpart cities who have used the microcredits of the Barkat Foundation, and according to their number, the sample size was estimated to be 340 people. Paired t-test, stepwise regression and simple t-test were used to analyze the data. The research results showed that there is a significant difference between before and after receiving the facility.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of multivariable regression also showed that Barkat Foundation's actions created 86% positive changes in rural areas. The index of managerial ability with beta value of 0.430, economic welfare with 0.316 and business development with beta of 0.276 have received the most influence from microcredits. Finally, the results of the simple t-test show that microcredits have had the greatest impact on agricultural and animal husbandry occupations, technical occupations, and farming, respectively.