Journal of Sustainable Urban & Regional Development Studies (JSURDS)

Abstract Background and Objective: Water security as a comprehensive concept that encompasses the measurement of the achievement of various water resources management goals. In other words, water security is strongly influenced by many factors, including increasing urban population, economic development, changes in living standards, increasing water pollution, overexploitation of groundwater resources, and climate change. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate and prioritize the Water Security Index (WSI) in the Qarasu sub-basins in Ardabil province.
Methodology: In this study, hydrological (H), environmental (E), life (L) and ... indicators were used to estimate the water security index. In other words, the water security index uses the combination of the aforementioned indicators and normalization to assess the sustainability of the watershed.
Results and findings: The results of the environmental criteria assessment showed that the most rangeland is in sub-basin (17) with 19.33 percent, and in terms of forest land, the most is in sub-basin (7) with 60.92 percent, and the least rangeland is in sub-basin (11) with 0.04 percent, and forest land is in sub-basins (5, 11, 14) with 0.01 percent. The results of the life criteria assessment also showed that the most human development is in sub-basins (1, 4, 5, 11, 14, 15, 17, 24, 25) with a maximum score of 1. Finally, based on the results of combining the (H, E, L) indicators, the results of the Water Security Index (WSI) showed that the highest level of sustainability of the Qarasu-Samian watershed in terms of water security is related to sub-basin (1) with a value of 0.63, which indicates the sustainability of this sub-basin in the entire area of the Qarasu-Samian watershed. Also, the lowest level of water security sustainability of the watershed was assigned to sub-basin (21) with a value of 0.03, which indicates a very high weakness of the water security of the sub-basin in the entire area of the Qarasu-Samian watershed.
Conclusion: Therefore, it is concluded that the higher the sub-basins are in terms of hydrological, environmental and life indicators, the higher the watershed will be in terms of sustainability and water security. Finally, it is suggested that in future studies, more tests, indicators and new methods should be used to assess the water security of the watershed.

Abstract Background and Aim: By creating jobs, attracting investment, and promoting sustainable practices, solar energy not only addresses environmental challenges but also fosters strong economic development. Studying the effects of solar energy on employment and economic growth is not only essential for a better understanding of the economic and social impacts of this energy source, but can also contribute to sustainable development and the creation of sustainable job opportunities in the future. Given the environmental challenges and the need for clean energy sources, these studies become even more important. Given the importance of solar energy and its role and place in growth and employment in Iraq and Iraq’s high potential in this field, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of using solar energy on employment and economic growth in Iraq.
Methods and Material: In this research, a time series approach based on the autodistribution model with wide lags (ARDL) was used to examine the effects of solar energy use on employment and economic growth in Iraq during the period 1995-2022.
Results and Discussion: The findings of this study showed that solar energy had a positive effect on economic growth at a 95% confidence level. The effects of solar energy on employment were also positive and statistically significant at a 90% confidence level. According to the findings, the error correction term coefficient in this model was -0.489 and was statistically significant, indicating that if a shock is introduced to the economic growth rate in Iraq, 0.489 percent of the imbalance in the economic growth rate will be adjusted during each period and will approach its long-term trend. Also, the error correction coefficient in this model is -0.365 and is statistically significant, indicating that if a shock occurs to the employment rate in Iraq, 0.365 percent of the imbalance in the employment rate will be adjusted during each period and will approach its long-term trend. According to the results obtained, Iraq can invest in solar energy to improve economic growth and employment while preserving the environment.

Abstract Background and Objective: Location selection is one of the strategic elements in the development of a country's defense infrastructure, requiring precise analysis of environmental, climatic, and human factors using modern spatial approaches. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the role of climatic and geomorphological factors affecting the site selection of military garrisons in Moghan Plain, located in Ardabil Province, by utilizing remote sensing and GIS capabilities.
Methodology: To fulfill the research objective, 14 relevant criteria were selected, including precipitation, temperature, actual evapotranspiration, elevation, slope, aspect, vegetation cover, land use, distance from rivers, faults, roads, cities, villages, and geology. The required spatial layers were derived from remote sensing data sources such as Sentinel-2 imagery, the 12.5-meter ALOS PALSAR Digital Elevation Model, and global climate datasets including TerraClimate, and were processed within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) environment. Subsequently, training sample points representing suitable and unsuitable locations were defined, and the Random Forest (RF) algorithm was trained and applied to produce the final suitability zoning map.
Results and Findings: The variable importance analysis indicated that proximity to cities and villages, slope, vegetation cover, and distance from geological faults were the most influential factors in military base site selection within the study area. The final suitability map classified the region into five categories: very suitable, suitable, moderately suitable, unsuitable, and very unsuitable. Notably, portions of the northern and eastern sections of the Moghan Plain were identified as very suitable zones. This study demonstrates that the integration of machine learning algorithms with remote sensing data offers a robust and efficient approach for spatial analysis and supports strategic decision-making in the defense and military planning sectors.
Conclusion: The findings of this study can support the optimization of military base site selection by integrating strategic, environmental, and security-related criteria. Such an approach has the potential to enhance military operational efficiency, strengthen crisis management capabilities, reduce infrastructure development costs, and minimize vulnerability to natural hazards.

Abstract Background and Aim: Third places are active and attractive public spaces that provide the context for interaction, recreation, personal growth, stress reduction, creativity stimulation, and social vitality in cities. The purpose of this study is to geographically analyze the indicators and examples of a happy city with an emphasis on Ray Oldenburg''''s third place theory in the city of Khorramabad.
Methodology: The research method is descriptive-analytical and survey-type. The statistical sample of the research consists of 400 citizens who were selected by simple random sampling using Sample Power software. Data collection, classification, and analysis were performed using SPSS and AMOS statistical software.
Results and Discussion: The findings of the study showed that Khorramabad city is in a weak position in terms of the dimensions and criteria of a happy city. Also, the results obtained from the structural equation modeling of the study showed that the economic factor with a factor load of 0.082 has the greatest impact on happiness. After that, environmental, physical-spatial, security and socio-cultural factors with factor loads of 0.076, 0.073, 0.071 and 0.063 were determined in the next ranks of impact on social happiness. In addition, it was determined that the third places, which include parks, sports centers, cafes, libraries and mosques, each have an impact of 0.071, 0.044, 0.043, 0.027 and 0.020 on social happiness in the selected area. Finally, based on the integrated path analysis model of the research, the effects of third places on the social vitality of Khorramabad city were determined to be 0.063.

Abstract Background and Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate urban regeneration and evaluate informal settlements with a case study of Qanat Naseri neighborhood in Arak city. Qanat Nasseri neighborhood is one of the informal settlements that faces numerous challenges in physical, social, economic, and environmental dimensions. For this reason, it was necessary to identify the neighborhood's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats and provide solutions to organize them.
Methodology: The research method was descriptive-analytical and its purpose was applied. Survey and documentary methods were used to collect data and information. The statistical population of the study was the residents of Qanat Naseri neighborhood in the northeast of Arak. For this purpose, 37 educated residents of the area and 21 experts and specialists from the consulting company and the Arak Construction and Reconstruction Organization were selected and they answered the questionnaire questions. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and SWOT and QSPM models.
 Findings and Conclusion: The findings showed that public participation, improving physical infrastructure, addressing environmental problems, and economic empowerment are among the key factors in regenerating this neighborhood. The analyses conducted showed that the Qanat Nasseri neighborhood is located in the WO (conservative strategies) section of the SWOT matrix, which relies on using external opportunities to reduce internal weaknesses. Accordingly, it is necessary to use the marginal texture organization equation. In the absence of careful management and complete oversight, those with more power control all the resources and make things even more difficult for others. Sometimes, the government itself oppresses marginalized people by imposing restrictions or forced evictions. In such circumstances, the situation of each of the marginal areas should be analyzed separately and a solution should be proposed based on that. According to the findings of this study, marginal neighborhoods face numerous bottlenecks. The methods used for organization have not been very successful so far. According to this study, using the equation for organizing marginal textures does not have these shortcomings of previous methods. The second stage is dedicated to the preparation and transformation of the human condition. Ultimately, with the change in social status, positive and sustainable changes will occur in this area.

Abstract Background and Aim: City furniture is actually a manifestation of the aesthetics and identity of a society. Therefore, functional design, appropriate location, and proper and principled use of furniture in the city context are very important. Although city furniture is one of the most important categories of a city, it is not possible to equip and improve the current situation of this important thing at a time and simultaneously in all regions of a city; therefore, a comparative comparison in this regard can be effective and help urban managers perform better and make decisions in accordance with the priority of intervention at the level of each region. On this basis, the present study has been developed with the aim of a comparative study of the regions of Tabriz metropolis based on the components of city furniture.
Methodology: This research is applied in nature and descriptive, analytical and survey in terms of method. The statistical population of the research includes 30 experts and specialists in the urban field. In order to evaluate and prioritize the target areas, 5 components (environmental quality, beauty and proportion of urban furniture, correct placement of urban furniture, balanced urban structure, quality of urban furniture components) were used. In this regard, 10 areas of Tabriz city were prioritized using the MABAC model.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of implementing the model showed that Region 2 was in the first place with a final score of 0.513 and was in a favorable position, while Regions 5 and 9 were in the second and third places with scores of 0.388 and 0.362, respectively. In contrast, Region 1 was in the last place with the lowest score of -0.382. According to the findings of the present study, planning and management in accordance with the ranking made in the present study can, in turn, pave the way for urban managers to make future plans in the study area.

Abstract Background and Objective: With the rapid pace of urbanization and emerging challenges such as air pollution, traffic congestion, and declining quality of life, walkability has gained attention as a sustainable strategy in urban planning. This study aims to assess the environmental quality of the Andisheh neighborhood in Dezful, Iran, based on walkability indicators and within the framework of the 15-minute city approach.
Methodology: The research is applied and follows a descriptive-analytical method. Seven key indicators were identified: land-use mix, environmental safety, public transportation, sidewalk design, intersection improvements, parking management, and bicycle lane development. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the relative weight of each criterion, while a SWOT analysis was employed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting walkability in the area.
Findings and Conclusion: According to the AHP results, "land-use mix" (0.348) and "environmental safety" (0.222) were the most critical indicators for enhancing walkability. The SWOT analysis highlighted significant opportunities such as increased property values and access to public services, along with threats including resistance to car-use restrictions and insufficient safety measures for pedestrians, especially at night. Despite existing urban challenges, the Andisheh neighborhood demonstrates strong potential for implementing the 15-minute city model due to its spatial characteristics and community structure. However, the success of this approach relies on improving pedestrian infrastructure, strengthening public transportation, enhancing safety, and raising public awareness. This research provides a practical framework for promoting walkable environments and sustainable urban living in similar neighborhoods.

Abstract Background and Objective:. The movement towards good urban governance is inevitable and necessary. Good urban governance is one of the important and prominent topics in society today, in the sense that urban management, instead of assuming full responsibility for the administration of society alone, should be considered alongside citizens as one of the institutions or factors responsible for the administration of society. And with this change, urban management can play a facilitating and ground-breaking role in the development of urban and local society. Ardabil urban management can also be planned for good urban governance and its urban issues such as pollution reduction, public transportation, etc., in the direction of Ardabil city's good governance strategy to achieve sustainable development.
Methodology: This article attempts to review the concepts and good urban governance, and to examine and analyze its components and indicators for the city of Ardabil. It is done through semi-structured interviews with 22 experts and managers in the Ardabil municipality using random sampling method, and also through a questionnaire of Ardabil citizens using Cochran sampling method with 384 people, and the final extracted indicators were examined in the form of a SWOT model.
Findings and Conclusion: The result of the position of good urban governance in Ardabil city is in the worst possible position, namely defensive (the confrontation of weakness and threat), out of the four states of aggressive, conservative, defensive and competitive. It is also weak in terms of internal factors (strengths and weaknesses) and has not shown suitable conditions against external factors (opportunities and threats).

Abstract Background and Aim: Social resilience is one of the approaches that has become very important nowadays in order to reduce injuries. Due to its central role, Urmia city has attracted immigrants and a large number of them settled in the villages on the outskirts of the city. This has led to the unplanned growth and vulnerability of these villages. The purpose of this research is to analyze the dimensions of social resilience in reducing human risks in the villages on the outskirts of 3 km of Urmia.
Methodology: analyze the dimensions of social resilience in reducing human risks in the villages on the outskirts of 3 km of Urmia. The descriptive-analytical research method is the statistical population of the residents of the studied villages and the sample size is 374 people from the heads of the household based on the Cochran formula. The data collection tools are documents and questionnaires. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling was used using LISREL software.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of modeling the structural equations of social resilience of villages based on the estimation of the standardized coefficients of the structural model of the research, a significance level of 0.021 has been obtained, which indicates the optimal fit of the model, and based on the research findings, the effects of the participation factor on social resilience with the coefficient direct and positive 0.98, the effect of the knowledge and awareness factor on the social resilience of the villages in question with a direct and positive coefficient of 0.97, and the trust index for social resilience with a positive coefficient of 0.98, the belonging factor with a direct and positive coefficient of 0.98, the effect of the credit index on resilience Social resilience with a direct and positive coefficient of 0.93, and finally the economic factor with the greatest impact with a direct and positive coefficient of 0.99 have an effective role in the social resilience of villages against hazards.

Abstract Background and Objective: Mount Sabalan, the second highest peak in Iran (with an elevation of 4,811 meters) and one of the most significant natural features of Ardabil Province, has played a decisive role in the formation of ancient civilizations in the region. Not only is it the tallest peak in northwestern Iran, but it is also considered one of the key centers for the emergence of early civilizations in this area. This study investigates the impact of Sabalan’s unique characteristics—including its water resources (hot springs and the Qarasoo River), fertile volcanic soils, and strategic location—on the spatial distribution patterns of archaeological settlements in Ardabil Province.
Methodology
Data analysis was carried out using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and comparative methods. The present study employed field surveys, spatial analyses, and archival research to examine 20 significant archaeological sites in Ardabil Province, including Yeri City (Meshginshahr), the archaeological areas of Sarein, and the historical Qahqaha Castle complex.
Findings and Conclusion:  The results show that more than 80% of the archaeological settlements in Ardabil Province are located within a 40-kilometer radius of Mount Sabalan. The fertile soils on the eastern slopes of the mountain played a crucial role in the development of ancient agriculture in the region.The research demonstrates that Sabalan’s natural features—especially access to water resources (the Qarasoo River and hot springs), fertile lands, and natural defensive positioning were key factors in the site selection of ancient settlements. Additionally, evidence suggests that the mountain’s ritual significance also influenced settlement patterns. This study highlights that Sabalan’s environmental conditions significantly contributed not only to the initial attraction of human communities but also tothe continuity and advancement of civilizations in the region.

Abstract Background and Objective: Oil revenues significantly affect fiscal policies, public spending, and budget management in Iraq. Studying these impacts helps policymakers assess the effectiveness of revenue management strategies such as oil revenue allocation, budget planning, and the establishment of stabilization funds. In addition, the impact of geopolitical risk on economic growth, which has been dominant in most oil-exporting countries, has become a necessity, and its results can have very important policy implications for policymakers and decision-makers at the macro level. Therefore, Iraq’s dependence on oil revenues makes understanding the effects of oil revenues on economic growth of great importance for assessing the sustainability of the Iraqi economy. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of oil revenues on Iraq’s economic growth by considering geopolitical risk. The results of the study will help identify the extent to which Iraq's economic growth is dependent on oil revenues and the possible risks associated with such dependence, along with existing risks.
Methodology: This study is of an applied type based on its objectives. Data and information in the background section were collected with a library approach, and the data and statistics required to estimate the empirical model were collected from the Central Bank of Iraq and the World Bank websites in a time series format, and the analysis of the research model was also carried out using the self-explanatory model with extended lags (ARDL). The country's macroeconomic variables in the period 1995 to 2022 are the data used in this study.
Findings and Conclusion:Based on the results of the model estimation, oil revenues have a positive and significant effect on economic growth in the short and long term, and the effect of geopolitical risk and the interactive effect of geopolitical risk on oil revenues are negative and significant in the long term on economic growth. The results also show a positive and significant impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth. Oil revenues as a major source of income can lead to an increase in the government budget, domestic and foreign investment in infrastructure, improvement of public services and creation of job opportunities in various economic sectors. However, political tensions and instability and geopolitical risk can reduce investment, reduce production and consequently reduce economic growth. Therefore, the government should adopt policies that reduce negative factors and increase factors that enhance economic growth.

Abstract Background and Aim: Heavy rainfall every year leads to heavy and unpredictable floods in the world and Iran, which cause severe financial and human losses. The aim of this article is to examine the synoptics of the heavy and widespread rainfall in the northwest region of Iran on February 2, 1988.
Methodology: First, the amount of heavy precipitation that occurred was identified by ground stations in northwest Iran, and by receiving and analyzing upper-level atmospheric data, the key factors for heavy and widespread precipitation were identified. Next, maps of geopotential height, sea level pressure, omega, relative humidity and precipitable water, wind speed, and thickness at the 500 hectopascal level were used for the days of January 31 to February 2, 1988.
Finding and Results: The weather maps for heavy and widespread precipitation on February 2, 1988, in the northwest region of Iran indicate the establishment of a Siberian high-pressure system over northern Iran and the intrusion of a thermal low-pressure system from migrating Europe into the northwestern area under study at the 500 hPa level. This created a steep pressure gradient, where the ascent of warm air, along with the transfer of moisture from surrounding warm water sources such as the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, played a key role in the intensity and distribution of the heavy precipitation in the area in question. In the upper levels of the atmosphere, the formation of omega-shaped and rex blockings, along with deep Mediterranean low formations produced by these blocking systems, which placed the area of study in front of the existing trough axis, combined with the influx of very warm and moist air, led to the continuation of heavy and widespread rainfall on February 2 in northwest Iran.

Abstract Background and Objective: Tourism is one of the main ways of developing regions in diversifying the national and regional economy, and in many countries, investment in this industry and its related infrastructure is considered a key priority. The aim of this study is to evaluate the consequences of rural ecotourism with an emphasis on intra-regional economic relations in the villages of the Sardinia region.
Methodology: The research method was descriptive-analytical and survey, so that after conducting library and documentary studies, in accordance with the topic and reviewing the background and literature of the research, the findings were analyzed from two aspects of evaluating the consequences of ecotourism and examining economic relations through a questionnaire consisting of two groups of native people, 90 people, and experts, 10 people, with SPSS22 software. The first group included: villagers (local residents) to determine the sample size, to complete the questionnaire in 5 villages, which were classified into three categories of villages with historical, religious, and natural attractions and distributed randomly. And the other was the selection of experts, who used the opinions of experts and researchers in this field to measure the validity or reliability, and the reliability of the questionnaire was measured based on the level of tourist satisfaction, which was confirmed by using the Cronbach's alpha formula, using 100 preliminary questionnaires, with 95 percent.
Results and Findings: The results indicate the maximum exploitation of rural resources by the city and less confirmation of the existence of a trend of expansion and development in the studied area. In general, the actual demand for tourism in the region is weak, so appropriate planning and prioritization of tourism development using existing capabilities can eliminate the threats and weaknesses of tourism development in the Sardouia sector and ultimately act as an important step for sustainable rural development in this region.

Abstract Background and Objective: In recent years, the preparation of land cover maps through digital classification of remote sensing data has been considered as a suitable alternative for the preparation of this type of maps. Remote sensing is one of the new and efficient technologies in extracting land cover, updating maps, and detecting land cover changes. In this dirction, the aim of present study is to compare two methods of pixel-based and object-oriented classification in land cover mapping with using OLI image in Doviraj region, Ilam province using Idrisi Teerrset software.
Research Method: After the supply of related image and implementing geometric and radiometric corrections on image, we applied two classification methods to land cover mapping. To assess the accuracy of classification methods, we used of indices of overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, producer accuracy and user accuracy. The results show that the object-oriented classification method has more resolution than the pixel-based classification method.
Findings and Conclusion: The results of accuracy show that method of object-oriented in two indices of overall accuracy and kappa coefficient with (respectively) 94 percent and 0/93 percent was more accuracy then to pixel-based classification method with overall and Kappa coefficient 88 percent and 0/87 percent. The result of this study suggests that from object-oriented classification method use to production of land ucover map.

Abstract Background and Objective: In today's world, for the realization of sustainable urban development, creative tourism is considered as a key variable that plays an important role in improving urban sustainability indicators. The present study, focusing on the city of Ahvaz, examines the necessity of how creative tourism can play a role as a powerful tool in improving urban sustainability indicators. By identifying the cultural and artistic potential of the city, it seeks to provide practical solutions to solve environmental, social and economic challenges, and in this way, it draws a path to achieving a sustainable and dynamic city.
Materials and Methods: The statistical population was 1,184,788 citizens of Ahvaz, of whom 384 were selected as a statistical sample using the Cochran formula and studied. Data analysis was performed through correlation analysis and structural equation modeling using SPSS and Smart PLS software.
Findings and Results: The results showed that the research measurement tool has high validity and reliability. The average variance extracted (AVE) values ​​for all constructs are above 0.5 and the composite reliability (CR) and Cronbach's alpha values ​​are also above 0.7, indicating the convergent validity and sufficient internal consistency of the instrument. In confirmatory factor analysis, the factor loadings showed that each sub-index is a strong and valid indicator for its respective construct, as almost all factor loadings were above 0.7. The highest factor loading was related to the "Creativity" sub-index (0.914) and the lowest was related to "Green Space" (0.631). These results confirm that the measurement model has high accuracy and validity.

Abstract Background and Objective: The phenomenon of marginalization, as one of the major challenges in Iranian metropolises, not only reflects spatial inequalities but also paves the way for various forms of social exclusion. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between informal settlements and social exclusion, emphasizing the mediating role of social capital in the metropolis of Mashhad.
Methodology: This research employed a mixed-methods (quantitative-qualitative) design. The statistical population consisted of residents of informal settlements in Mashhad, from which 500 individuals were selected through stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire, and qualitative data were gathered through 20 semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results and Findings: Quantitative findings revealed that informal settlements have a direct and positive effect on social exclusion (β = 0.59), and social capital exerts a significant negative effect on social exclusion (β = -0.42). Furthermore, social capital plays a significant mediating role in the relationship between informal settlements and social exclusion. Qualitative findings uncovered three main themes: pervasive structural deprivation, social isolation and experience of discrimination, and weakness of support networks. Exploratory factor analysis also identified three factors contributing to informal settlements: economic poverty and employment issues, migration and lack of urban services, and lack of legal ownership. The findings indicate that informal settlements lead to social exclusion through both direct and indirect pathways (via social capital). This study suggests that urban policies should focus not only on physical interventions but also on strengthening bridging social capital and establishing participatory local institutions. The results of this research can serve as a basis for equity-oriented planning in similar metropolises.

Abstract Background and Objective: Rapid technological developments (such as artificial intelligence, automation, and the digital economy), labor market fluctuations, demographic changes, and increasing societal expectations in the field of welfare require a review of new missions and mechanisms. This study aimed to conduct foresight analysis of the cooperative sector in Ardabil Province by 2031 and propose development strategies.
Methodology: The research was descriptive-inferential and foresight-oriented, employing a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. The statistical population consisted of 58 experts, government and non-government officials, cooperative members, and researchers in the cooperative sector, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected via Likert-scale questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and documentary studies. Various methods were used for data analysis: PESTEL analysis to identify macro-environmental factors, MICMAC method to examine interrelationships among key variables, and Shell scenario planning to develop future scenarios. Additionally, correlation analysis, Kruskal-Wallis test, SWOT analysis, TF-IDF technique, and K-Means clustering were applied for quantitative and qualitative data analysis. 
Results and Findings: The results indicated that economic factors, such as inflation rates, and political factors, such as political stability, were the most influential. Technology was identified as a key driver, and scenarios of economic stagnation and water scarcity threats were deemed the most likely futures. The absence of significant differences among respondent groups facilitated unified policymaking. Ultimately, strategies such as leveraging strengths to capitalize on opportunities, focusing on key factors, preparing for likely scenarios, and promoting technological development were proposed. These findings can assist policymakers and cooperative managers in formulating sustainable development strategies.  While numerous studies on foresight and related topics have been conducted domestically and internationally, no research has been observed specifically on the foresight of the cooperative sector in Ardabil Province.

Abstract Background and Objective: Financing is a critical pillar for the growth and sustainability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a key role in job creation, GDP growth, and innovation. In East and West Azerbaijan provinces, despite potentials such as border locations and free trade zones, SMEs face challenges like complex loan acquisition processes, heavy collateral requirements, and high interest rates. This study aims to identify, analyze, and rank factors affecting SME financing in these provinces to provide practical guidance for policymakers.
Methodology: This study employed a mixed-method (qualitative-quantitative) approach. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews with 18 experts (purposively selected) and thematic analysis using Jupyter Notebook identified initial factors. In the quantitative phase, data from 100 SME managers were analyzed using DEMATEL and DANP techniques. Calculations were performed in Python, with reliability (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.918) and validity (factor analysis explaining 69.9% of variance) confirmed.
Results and Findings: Key factors include access to loans (weight: 0.076602), government support (weight: 0.077008), and financial credit (weight: 0.076977). Critical components identified include a detailed business plan and managerial experience. It is recommended to enhance SME access through flexible financing and targeted support.The study’s innovation lies in using DEMATEL and DANP to analyze complex relationships in the specific context of these provinces, offering a practical framework for policymaking that can serve as a model for other regions.

Abstract Background and Objective: In recent decades, digital transformations and globalization have created novel opportunities for digital startups to expand beyond national borders. In Iran, despite the remarkable growth of the startup ecosystem and a young, talented human resource pool, the internationalization process of these companies faces multifaceted challenges, including economic and political sanctions, financial restrictions, and weak international networks. These barriers threaten the success of startups in global markets and underscore the need for a systematic analysis of influencing factors. The objective of this research is to identify and model key factors affecting the internationalization process of Iranian digital startups, focusing on barriers, opportunities, and interrelationships, to provide a practical conceptual framework for stakeholders such as policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Methodology: This study employs a mixed-methods qualitative-quantitative approach. In the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 experts from Iran's startup ecosystem (using snowball sampling until saturation), identifying influencing factors and categorizing them into 6 dimensions and 41 components via thematic analysis (using MaxQDA software). In the quantitative phase, inter-dimensional relationships were analyzed using Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) and a self-interaction matrix, with model stability assessed through MICMAC analysis.
Results and Findings: The findings reveal six main dimensions: strategic and business model, marketing and customer interaction, cultural and international, infrastructural and legal, human resources and team, and supportive and financial. Marketing and cultural factors rank at the first level (linkage and vital), infrastructural and human at the second (autonomous), and financial at the third (independent). The ISM model emphasizes that successful internationalization requires a focus on cultural adaptation and marketing strategies, while financial and infrastructural supports play a facilitating role. The results urge policymakers to strengthen international networks and cultural empowerment, offering suggestions for future research such as comparative analyses and the role of emerging technologies. This model provides a practical framework to accelerate the internationalization of Iranian startups.

Abstract Background and Objective: Given the increasing trend of global urbanization, studying and monitoring the expansion of urban constructions is of great importance, as the growth of such structures often leads to significant changes in land surface cover. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to analyze and investigate the trend of expansion of urban constructions in a part of Noor County, Mazandaran Province.
Methodology: In this study, land use maps of the study area for the period 2005–2025 were extracted using Landsat 5 and 8 satellite imagery and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. Additionally, the Land Change Modeler (LCM) tool was employed to assess the temporal-spatial patterns of change during this period.
Results and Findings: The The findings of this study indicate that the area of urban constructions in the region increased from 33.07 km² in 2005 to 92.7 km² in 2015, and further to 97.15 km² in 2025. Accordingly, the extent of constructions in proximity to the cities of the region has shown greater growth due to increased construction activities. Assessments reveal the inevitable impact of the expansion of constructions on the reduction of other land use types in the region. By 2025, approximately 99.8 km² of the region have been directly affected by the expansion of constructions, with pastures and agricultural lands experiencing the most significant impacts in this regard. The results of this study highlight the increasing trend of expansion of human constructions in parallel with the region’s population growth and underscore the importance of adopting land use planning and programs to optimally manage land use in line with sustainable territorial development.

Abstract Background and Objective: Land use changes represent a critical environmental challenge, significantly impacting natural resources, ecosystems, and hydrological processes. This study aims to comparatively evaluate the performance of two machine learning algorithms—Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM)—for land use mapping and analyzing temporal changes between 2015 and 2024 in the Samian Watershed, Ardabil Province, with an approximate area of 4236 km².
Methodology: Satellite imagery from Landsat 8 and 9, along with Sentinel-2, were utilized within the Google Earth Engine platform for land use classification. The RF and SVM classifiers were applied to produce land use maps consisting of eight classes: water, residential, irrigated agriculture, rainfed agriculture, snow, forest, dense rangeland, and sparse rangeland. Accuracy assessment was conducted using confusion matrices and related accuracy metrics. Global datasets (Dynamic World and GHSL) were employed for sampling and model training.
Results and Findings: Comparative analysis revealed that the RF algorithm outperformed SVM, achieving an overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient exceeding 99%. Significant land use changes were observed during the study period, including a notable increase in irrigated agriculture and residential areas, alongside a decrease in rainfed lands, snow cover, and surface water bodies. Overall, due to its high accuracy and stable performance, RF is recommended as the superior method for monitoring land use changes within big data environments such as Google Earth Engine.               

Abstract Background and Objective: Land surface temperature is a fundamental indicator in monitoring energy balance models at the land surface at regional and global scales. Given the limitations of meteorological stations, remote sensing can be a suitable alternative for estimating land surface temperature. The main objective of this research is to monitor land surface temperature and land use changes and urban development using satellite images from 2003 and 2023. The results of the 20-year land use map showed that very visible urban development was observed throughout the entire Aslandoz Township. If this development is done with minimizing damage to the environment and forests, it will be very positive.
Methodology: In this study, Landsat satellite images from 2003 and 2023 were used to investigate and assess the feasibility of using solar radiation energy. ENVI software was used to perform calculations using ArcGIS software to prepare maps. One of the applications of thermal images is to prepare thermal maps to determine isothermal zones.
Results and Findings: The results of the LST map showed that the land surface temperature in Aslandoz Township has increased significantly, so that in 2003 the land surface temperature was 42.49, and in 2023 this figure has increased to 49.92. The results of the integration of land use maps and land surface temperature showed that the lowest temperature in both years was attributed to water and forest use, which is due to high humidity, and the highest temperature was attributed to soil and residential use. Soil use in 2003 was 42.09 and in 2023 was 49.86, and residential use in 2003 was 42.57, and in 2023 the highest value for residential use was 42.57, which is a significant figure. The reason for this very high temperature and the difference in use is that if an area is devoid of vegetation or has sparse coverage, evaporation and transpiration are low and the temperature increases.

Abstract Background and Objective: The expansion of rural migration to urban peripheries is a phenomenon profoundly influencing the social and spatial fabric of cities. This study investigates the relationship between social networks and rural migration, and its subsequent outcome: the formation of informal settlements on the outskirts of Ahvaz, Iran.
Methodology: Focusing on two neighborhoods, Goldasht and Golbahar, as primary destinations for rural migrants, this research employs a descriptive-analytical method. Data were collected via a researcher-administered questionnaire from 300 household heads and analyzed in SPSS using a one-sample t-test and the Friedman rank test.
Results and Findings: The results reveal that kinship relations, with a mean score of 3.02 (above the theoretical average), constituted the most significant network factor in migration decision-making and destination choice. Furthermore, economic factors, with a mean rank of 2.24, were identified as the primary driver for migration from rural areas. In contrast, the overall satisfaction of residents with their living conditions, averaging 2.99, fell below the median, indicating unsatisfactory circumstances in these settlements. In conclusion, the findings underscore the prominent role of social networks and economic pressures in shaping waves of rural migration. The low levels of resident satisfaction simultaneously highlight the persistent and serious challenges to quality of life within these informal urban settlements.

Abstract Background and Objective: Roads are one of the most fundamental means of communication between humans, states, and cultures. Throughout different historical periods, roads have always played an important role in creating links between human societies and transmitting cultures, and their existence has been a political requirement for the development of civilizations.
Methodology: The present study, using a historical-archaeological approach, examines the spatial pattern and functions of the road system in northwest Iran during the Seljuk and Timurid periods. Due to its location at the intersection of the Central Iranian Plateau with the Caucasus and Asia Minor, this region has always been at the center of Iran's political and economic developments.
Results and Findings: The findings of the present study indicate that during the Seljuk period, the concentration of power and bureaucratic authority led to the formation of a coherent network of safe roads and road bases following a radial-centralized pattern; While in the Timurid period, with the transfer of the political center to Soltanieh and the expansion of the economic role of Tabriz, the road network acquired a multi-focal nature and encompassed diverse communication areas. Spatial and functional analysis of the data indicates that the dynamics of the road network were more than anything else subject to three key factors: the stability of the central government, the adaptation of the structure of the routes to natural features, and the level of prosperity of urban trade; finally, the road management pattern of northwestern Iran can be considered a reflection of the spatial organization of power and the mechanism of continuity of security and economy in the Islamic Middle Ages.