https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/ Human Ecology en daily 1 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_235413.html Flash floods are one of the most destructive natural hazards, especially in rural areas where communities are highly exposed and have limited capacity to adapt. Their rapid onset, short warning times, and the intense transport of sediments pose serious risks to settlements, infrastructure, and livelihoods. In the Gorganrood watershed of Golestan Province, the combination of diverse climatic conditions, land use patterns, and various environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities further exacerbates these risks. The goal of this research is to create a detailed model for assessing the risk of flash floods and their impacts on rural communities. This study examines the factors that contribute to flash floods and the vulnerability of rural populations. Additionally, it aims to provide a comprehensive scientific basis for understanding flash flood dynamics and their impacts, which can support community preparedness and effective risk reduction measures. The study employs a mixed-methods approach that combines spatial analysis with field-based data collection. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 75 participants, including residents, experts, and local officials, to assess the significance of various indicators: physical, institutional, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, and GIS was utilized to examine spatial patterns and identify hotspots of vulnerability. The findings show that land-use dynamics are the most influential factor in determining flash flood risk, receiving the highest mean score (3.41), while environmental indicators ranked lowest (2.94). Risk assessments further revealed that villages in central and northern sub-basins face the greatest exposure, though vulnerability patterns remain fragmented and lack spatial coherence. Importantly, socio-cultural and institutional factors—including income, education, preparedness, governance, and coordination—were consistently prioritized by both experts and community members as decisive drivers of resilience. The principal outcome of the study is an integrated spatial model that combines hazard parameters with socio-economic and institutional vulnerabilities. Structured across five analytical stages, the model provides a comprehensive framework for identifying high-risk areas and explaining variations in community resilience. By demonstrating the interplay between physical drivers and social dynamics, the research advances the understanding of flash flood risks in rural settings and delivers practical insights that can guide more effective preparedness and risk reduction measures. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243247.html This study aims to develop a comprehensive climate-oriented framework for renewable energy planning in Iran by evaluating the simultaneous spatio-temporal analysis between heating–cooling energy demand (HDD and CDD) and the potential for hybrid wind-PV energy generation. Given the limitation of previous studies, which have primarily examined wind and solar resources separately, this research attempts to represent the complex interaction between energy supply and demand within an integrated, data-driven fuzzy model. Long-term temperature, solar radiation, and wind speed data extracted from the ECMWF database (ERA5 product) for the period 1995–2025 across the entire country, after preprocessing and normalization, were used as the basis for calculating energy demand indices (HDD and CDD) as well as estimating solar and wind energy potential. Subsequently, using pixel-wise Principal Component Analysis (PCA), local weighting of variables was performed to accurately account for Iran's climatic heterogeneity. Next, a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making framework was developed to combine energy generation and demand under four climatic scenarios and two strategic scenarios (self-sufficiency and surplus export). The results of this study indicate that the alignment patterns between renewable potential and energy demand in Iran are highly heterogeneous and dependent on climatic–geographical conditions. The south and southeast of the country, due to the coincidence of high solar radiation and intense cooling demand, are the most suitable areas for solar energy development and local self-sufficiency. In contrast, the east and parts of the central region, despite possessing both wind and solar resources, show the highest potential for genuine hybrid systems. The northwest and west, despite high heating demand, have the lowest suitability due to limited solar potential and weak alignment with wind. Furthermore, high-demand scenarios create the greatest spatial correspondence, while low-demand scenarios reveal suitable areas for surplus energy generation and export. Overall, the results indicate that optimal energy planning in Iran must be based on "functional zoning" and the simultaneous consideration of generation and demand. This approach can help increase efficiency, reduce energy waste, improve energy security, and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon system. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_238069.html The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ behavior regarding their willingness to pay (WTP) for the development of sustainable agricultural technologies, with a case study of farmers in Lorestan Province, Iran. This research was descriptive–correlational and employed a field survey method. Data were collected from a sample of 430 wheat and rice farmers in five counties (Khorramabad, Borujerd, Aligudarz, Dorud, and Kuhdasht), selected through stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data were analyzed using binary logit and probit econometric models. The results indicated that, on average, 41.9% of farmers in Lorestan Province were willing to pay for pressurized irrigation technology. Findings from the logistic regression model showed that access to financial credit (odds ratio = 2.44) and direct experience of drought (odds ratio = 2.83) were the strongest positive predictors of willingness to pay. In addition, perceived behavioral control (perceived technical capability), positive attitude, and membership in water user cooperatives were identified as other significant positive determinants. Conversely, increasing age had a significant and negative effect on farmers’ willingness to pay. These results emphasize the importance of integrating financial support mechanisms, practical training programs to reduce technology-related apprehension, and targeted interventions in drought-prone areas when designing policies for the development and extension of sustainable agricultural technologies in Lorestan Province. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243072.html This study aimed to assess the environmental quality of the Ozgol neighborhood and propose urban redesign strategies based on the prioritization of dimensions and sub-indicators. A mixed-methods approach was employed, where qualitative data were collected through 25 semi-structured interviews with residents and urban design experts, and quantitative analysis involved weighting environmental quality dimensions and sub-indicators using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and ranking redesign strategies through AHP–TOPSIS. Qualitative findings revealed that Ozgol faces significant challenges in the physical-spatial, social, and perceptual–meaningful dimensions, with residents highlighting poor street and sidewalk quality, limited green spaces, nighttime insecurity, and reduced social interactions. Quantitative results indicated that the physical-spatial dimension (weight = 0.312) and social dimension (weight = 0.248) have the highest impact on environmental quality, and improving sub-indicators such as street quality, access to open spaces, social interactions, and psychological security should be prioritized. The ranking of urban redesign strategies further emphasized the importance of enhancing public spaces, green areas, and street safety to improve residents’ environmental experience. The study demonstrates that effective urban redesign requires a multidimensional approach addressing physical, social, and perceptual needs simultaneously to enhance environmental quality, increase resident satisfaction and sense of belonging, and promote sustainable development and spatial justice. In addition to corroborating previous research, this study provides a combined qualitative–quantitative framework for prioritizing urban redesign strategies, which can serve as a decision-making model for similar neighborhoods. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243216.html The present study was conducted to investigate the demographic factors influencing the political orientations of students in Ahvaz County during the years 2017 to 2021. This descriptive-analytical research examined the role of variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, employment status, level of education, and income in relation to three major political orientation spectra, namely reformism, moderation, and conservatism. The statistical population consisted of students from Ahvaz Islamic Azad University, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, and Ahvaz Payame Noor University, whose total number was estimated at approximately 19,500. Using Cochran’s formula, the sample size was determined to be 384 participants. Sampling was conducted through proportionate cluster sampling, followed by random selection of individuals within each cluster. The questionnaire included background information such as age, gender, education, income, employment, and ethnicity, as well as items related to the measurement of students’ political orientations. The reliability of the instrument was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, and the results indicated satisfactory internal consistency for the three dimensions of conservatism (0.81), moderation (0.79), and reformism (0.90). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22. The findings showed that the student population under study was highly diverse in terms of demographic characteristics. Inferential results revealed that age had no significant relationship with political orientations; however, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status indicators, including education, occupation, and income, had significant effects on political tendencies. Women showed greater tendencies toward reformism and moderation, while individuals with higher income demonstrated stronger inclinations toward conservatism. In addition, ethnicity and educational level played significant roles in shaping students’ political preferences. Overall, the results suggest that students’ political orientations are primarily influenced by a combination of socio-economic, cultural, and educational factors, and that the demographic diversity of the region plays an important role in the formation of these patterns. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243396.html Considering that women constitute half of the world’s population, women’s participation in the development process, like men’s, is essential for achieving development. One of the important aspects of individual empowerment is income, which itself leads to increased empowerment in non-income dimensions, improved income productivity, and even, more directly, an increase in the absolute level of income. Improvement in income status is closely associated with the enhancement of other quantitative and qualitative indicators of empowerment. The present study aims to investigate the effect of empowering female-headed households on sustainable livelihoods in the villages of Rey County. This study is descriptive-correlational in nature. The data collection instrument was a questionnaire, the validity of which was confirmed based on the opinions of a group of professors and specialists. The reliability of the research instrument was determined by conducting a pilot test using SPSS software, and Cronbach’s alpha was obtained as 0.89. The statistical population of the study consisted of female-headed households covered by the Imam Khomeini Relief Committee in Rey County. Using an appropriate stratified random sampling method, 313 individuals were selected as the sample size. The variables whose effects on sustainable livelihood were examined showed that the obtained correlation coefficient of 0.520 indicates a strong and positive correlation between the two variables. This means that the higher the level of social empowerment of female-headed households, the higher the status of sustainable household livelihood provision, and vice versa. Furthermore, the obtained correlation coefficient of 0.557 indicates a strong and positive correlation between the two variables. This means that the higher the level of economic empowerment of female-headed households, the higher the status of sustainable household livelihood provision, and vice versa. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245846.html This study investigates the role of climate in shaping morphological differences between historic urban fabrics by comparatively examining two Iranian cities with contrasting climates: hyper-arid Yazd and humid Amol. The innovation of the research lies in the use of the Equal-Area Circle (EAC) and the calculation of a set of size-independent n-indices for historic blocks in order to enable fair comparison. After topological cleaning of the polygon layer of blocks, the indices were computed on a 100 × 100 m grid using interior/boundary sampling. To test between-city differences, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test was employed, together with effect size reporting (Cliff’s δ / r) and multiple-testing control via the Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate (FDR) procedure. The findings show that differences arise mainly in the measures of depth and compactness: nDepth in Yazd is significantly higher (mean 0.632 vs. 0.575; U = 51,517; FDR-p = 0.002; δ = 0.202), nGirth also shows a significant advantage (0.595 vs. 0.542; U = 51,940; FDR-p = 0.002; δ = 0.211), and nPerimeter confirms the same pattern (0.660 vs. 0.611; U = 50,316; FDR-p = 0.008; δ = 0.174). nDispersion exhibits a small but significant effect in favor of Yazd (0.742 vs. 0.718; U = 49,054; FDR-p ≈ 0.031; δ = 0.144). Other indices—including nProximity, nCohesion, nTraversal, nExchange, nRange, nDetour, and nInterior—do not remain significant after FDR correction. The spatial reading of the maps is consistent with the statistics: in Yazd, the upper deciles of nDepth, nGirth, and nPerimeter appear as continuous clusters in the historic core and along the main axes (indicating introversion and compact cores). In Amol, higher values tend to be more strip-like or peripheral, aligned with open/blue corridors (reflecting openness for ventilation and moisture removal). Climate thus generates significant differences in morphological depth and edge efficiency, while network efficiency in both fabrics converges to a relatively similar level. The practical implication for conservation and design is that in Yazd, priority should be given to preserving compact cores, maintaining continuous shade, and controlling edge roughness; whereas in Amol, preserving wind corridors and the continuity of open spaces, alongside increasing the morphological depth of shallow cores (without undermining permeability), becomes a key objective. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243473.html With the excessive increase in global energy consumption, the need for energy-saving strategies has become increasingly important. Over recent decades, energy consumption in public buildings has risen significantly. So far, various policies with different levels of effectiveness have been implemented to improve energy efficiency in the building sector across different types of structures. This study aims to propose a retrofit strategy for enhancing energy efficiency, focusing on higher education buildings located in hot and dry climatic regions, with Shiraz as the case study. Improving certain characteristics of building envelopes can enhance indoor comfort without compromising functional requirements. Comfort needs, including thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort, can contribute to reducing energy consumption. In this research, the emphasis is placed on thermal comfort as a means of achieving energy efficiency. Some of the key criteria used in the building envelope retrofit process include external walls, insulation, window glazing type, airtightness (air infiltration rate), and shading. The results of this study indicate that several simple retrofit strategies, such as shading, window glazing improvements, airtightness enhancement, and insulation, can reduce energy consumption by an average of up to 33%. From the perspective of building envelope characteristics, this research offers recommendations for design codes and standards, addressing thermal comfort, practical retrofit strategies, and providing a foundational reference for energy efficiency in educational buildings in Shiraz. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245000.html AbstractDespite the central role of public spaces in shaping the social life of cities, many of these spaces have become mere transitional areas due to the lack of perceptual stimuli and meaningful experiences. Meanwhile, art based environmental graphics, by employing the visual, semiotic, and aesthetic capacities of urban art, can act as an effective factor in activating spatial experience and enhancing social interaction in urban environments. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how art based environmental graphics influence social interaction in public spaces. The present research adopts a qualitative approach based on a case study strategy. Data were collected through three complementary methods: social semiotic analysis of selected examples, systematic observation of public spaces, and semi structured interviews with users. Data analysis was conducted using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings indicate that art based environmental graphics – by attracting attention, creating cognitive pause, arousing curiosity and meaning seeking, and fostering emotional and mental engagement – can facilitate dialogue, shared experience, and increased social interactions in public spaces. The results also show that the effectiveness of these interventions depends on the aesthetic quality of the work, its semiotic capacity, and the congruence between the artistic intervention and the spatial context. Accordingly, environmental graphics should be regarded not merely as a tool for beautification, but as a mechanism for enhancing the quality of urban experience, strengthening sense of place, and revitalising social life in public spaces. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243703.html In recent decades, global urbanization has increased exponentially alongside human population growth, consequently escalating the consumption of material resources. Specifically, the construction industry is responsible for utilizing a large portion of natural resources (32%). Although this is a reduction from the natural resources consumed in the 1990s (40%), it's estimated that over 75% of the waste generated by the construction industry holds residual value but is currently neither reused nor recycled. This is primarily due to the lack of an integrated waste management framework. This research aims to investigate the impact of employing recycled construction materials on economic and environmental efficiency during the construction process. It seeks to measure relevant indices and recycled materials using the Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. Furthermore, through the measurement and analysis of data using SPSS software, the study ranks the most effective index in terms of economic and environmental savings. The ultimate goal is to contribute to improving building quality and the economic efficiency of construction by promoting recycled materials, creating a clear understanding of recyclable waste, In fact, the innovation of this research is in reducing costs in reusing recyclable materials and also reducing environmental impacts in construction projects. Quantitative analyses of this project show that materials such as cement blocks (34,000 million rials), glass (26,000 million rials), and natural stone (19,000 million rials) have the greatest cost savings. and providing a practical solution for construction managers and experts. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245217.html This study aimed to analyze the role of free zones diplomacy in the sustainable development of the Iranian islands in the Persian Gulf, emphasizing the moderating role of international sanctions. The research scope encompassed the islands of Kish, Qeshm, and Hormuz, with a statistical population consisting of 85 senior managers and experts from free zone organizations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, university professors, and economic activists. The sample size was determined as 69 individuals using Cochran's formula, selected through stratified random sampling, ultimately yielding 62 complete questionnaires with a response rate of 89.85%. This applied-developmental and descriptive-analytical study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, interviews were conducted with 15 experts and upstream documents were analyzed, while in the quantitative phase, data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with SPSS and SmartPLS software. Data collection tools included interviews and a researcher-made questionnaire with 42 items, whose validity was confirmed through expert opinion and confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability was established with Cronbach's alpha of 0/94. The research innovation lies in explaining the moderating role of sanctions in the relationship between free zones diplomacy and the three dimensions of sustainable development, as well as presenting an indigenous model. The findings identified five main components including international networking with the strongest impact (0/42), transparent policymaking, human resource empowerment, innovation and technology, and attention to sustainable development. Free zones diplomacy had the greatest impact on economic development (0/65) and the least on environmental development (0.28). Sanctions played a significant negative moderating role with a coefficient of -0/35. The final model explained 58% of the variance in economic development, 45% of the variance in social development, and 32% of the variance in environmental development, respectively. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243807.html The government has obligations towards citizens based on the right to a healthy environment, which is considered a fundamental human and citizenship right. The right to a healthy environment is founded on principles such as sustainable development, prevention, precaution, the polluter-pays principle, environmental justice and fairness, sovereignty, information disclosure, cooperation for environmental protection, and precaution. In exercising its sovereignty and in accordance with the foundations of this right, the government is committed to protecting citizens against environmental risks. Environmental considerations in the exercise of government sovereignty should serve as a primary basis for the approval of national plans and projects. Moreover, the independence of the organizations for environmental protection, natural resources, and agricultural jihad, along with the amendment or enactment of new laws and their consolidation, can take effective steps toward fulfilling the government's absolute and sole responsibility for environmental obligations, thereby advancing the realization of citizens' rights. This article, which has been prepared in defense of a doctoral dissertation in public law entitled "The Civil Liability of the Government for the Right to a Healthy Environment with an Emphasis on the Foundations and Principles of Citizenship Rights," attempts to examine upstream documents, domestic and international laws from the perspective of public law using a library-based method, and to adopt a novel approach to government liability, so that through legal reforms and proper interpretation, we may witness the establishment of new judicial precedents. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_241718.html In the contemporary business environment, characterized by globalization, digital transformations, and an emphasis on sustainability, marketing management plays a pivotal role in enhancing local development. This approach positions marketing as a strategic tool for exploiting local potentials such as natural resources, cultural heritage, and young workforce. However, emerging economies like Iraq face structural challenges, including political instability, financial constraints, and environmental issues, which impact local development. These challenges highlight the necessity of identifying critical success factors in local marketing, where place branding and territorial marketing position local communities as competitive products in global markets and facilitate foreign direct investment attraction. The primary objective of this research is to examine the design of a model based on critical success factors to strengthen the performance of local development projects. The present study employed a qualitative approach using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory, based on semi-structured interviews with experts (professors, managers, and marketers). Snowball sampling continued until theoretical saturation, and data were coded at three levels: open, axial, and selective. The findings reveal a paradigmatic model comprising causal conditions (employment development, technological innovation), central phenomenon (digital and brand-oriented marketing), context (community participation, cultural adaptation), intervening conditions (local risks, government regulations), strategies (stakeholder interaction, performance monitoring), and consequences (economic growth, environmental protection, social welfare). Consequently, marketing as a critical success factor not only enhances local economic sustainability through market-oriented coordination and strategic utilization of digital tools but also, by reducing project failure rates and overcoming structural challenges in emerging economies like Iraq, increases long-term competitiveness and contributes to sustainable and inclusive community development. This model provides a practical framework for policymakers and managers to optimize the integration of marketing in local planning. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243306.html Urban resilience, as an emerging approach in contemporary urban planning and design, refers to the capacity of urban spaces to withstand natural hazards and reduce vulnerability. It has become one of the most significant topics in urban studies today. The present research aims to identify and analyze the physical indicators influencing the resilience of urban spaces and to propose strategies for enhancing physical resilience against natural hazards. The study area is Fadak Neighborhood located in the city of Shahroud, and the target population includes local residents and stakeholders, with a sample of 15 respondents participating in field interviews. A purposive sampling method (interview-based) was adopted, and the research followed a descriptive–analytical approach. Data were collected through documentary studies and field surveys (including direct observation and semi-structured interviews) and were analyzed using SWOT analysis. The research tools comprised documentary reviews, field observation, and semi-structured interviews, while the indicators were extracted and categorized into five physical dimensions including urban form, open spaces, movement and accessibility, land use, and site/infrastructure conditions. The innovation of this research lies in its systematic and comprehensive focus on the physical indicators of resilience at the neighborhood and residential district scale, which has received limited attention in previous studies. Findings indicate that among the 26 examined sub-indicators, “access to parks and green spaces,” “diversity of public open spaces,” “access to healthcare facilities,” “land-use mix,” “building quality,” and “street quality” have the greatest impact on enhancing physical resilience, whereas indicators such as waste management stability, distance from hazardous facilities, and access to fire stations represent lower priorities. Moreover, the SWOT analysis reveals strengths such as the presence of vacant lands and steel-structured complexes, alongside weaknesses including a shortage of green spaces, urban fabric deterioration, and a lack of welfare services. Accordingly, strategies such as increasing permeability and physical connectivity of blocks, renovation of deteriorated areas, designing flexible infrastructures, utilizing durable materials, promoting land-use diversity, and expanding green spaces are proposed. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_243809.html AbstractThis article aims to investigate the impact of selective decisions of administrative authorities on the right to freedom of assembly in line with citizenship rights, using an analytical-descriptive method. The results show that the government, as the main pillar of administrative authorities, in many cases applies selective decisions contrary to Article 27 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which adversely affects the right to freedom of assembly and violates this vital right of citizens and subjects of human rights. The exercise of sovereignty by governments cannot serve as a tool for the personal discretion of agents and administrative authorities. Although, according to Article 27 of the Constitution, these restrictions must be applied in cases of carrying weapons or disrupting the fundamentals of Islam, by a favorable interpretation, administrative authorities—contrary to the progressive principles of the Constitution—consider other conditions, such as limiting the freedom of assemblies and groups to specific parties, associations, and the like, which is a matter of considerable concern. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244362.html Kermanshah Taghebostan Boulevard has become a dynamic symbol of urban identity by combining green space and historical elements. This communication axis, with a link from the glorious past to the dynamic present, is a scene for social interactions and the manifestation of authentic Iranian culture. This research aimed to analyze the role of street green space in improving the quality of the urban landscape of Kermanshah Taghebostan Boulevard. The research method was a mixed (quantitative-qualitative) survey type that was carried out using a researcher-made questionnaire and field observation. The statistical population included 450 boulevard users who were selected using a convenient sampling method. The findings showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between all three factors of street green space (accessibility-spatial, functional-environmental, and socio-cultural) and the quality of the urban landscape. So that the accessibility-spatial factor with a correlation coefficient of 0.79 had the greatest impact on the quality of the urban landscape. Among the various components, the component of connection to the public transportation system with an average of 4.89 and the component of suitable places for socializing with a factor loading of 0.89 obtained the highest scores, respectively. In contrast, the components of maintaining environmental cleanliness and health and holding mass rituals were identified as requiring improvement. This research shows that paying attention to the multiple dimensions of street green space can make a significant contribution to improving the quality of the urban landscape and creating high-quality public spaces. By revealing the priority of the accessibility-spatial factor and also discovering the gap between the potential for informal socialization and the weakness in holding formal events, the present study provides new insights for planning and designing street green spaces in historical-tourism urban contexts. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244384.html The spatial transformations of cities in recent decades, resulting from the expansion of segregated land use patterns, have led to challenges such as reduced spatial efficiency, increased accessibility costs, and weakened functional interactions. Mixed-use urban development, as one of the innovative approaches in urban planning, has been proposed with the aim of enhancing spatial sustainability and functional balance of land use, reducing spatial fragmentation, and increasing the productivity of the urban system. This study, adopting an analytical-strategic approach, evaluates the status of land use mix in Qaem Shahr and seeks to provide a set of practical strategies for regenerating the land use system based on the analysis of the existing spatial structure using the SWOT model in terms of internal and external factors. The findings indicate that Qaem Shahr suffers from spatial imbalance, concentration of services in the central core, and weaknesses in functional linkages. Conversely, existing infrastructural and physical capacities can pave the way for the development of a mixed-use pattern. Finally, executive strategies are elaborated at four levels: SO, WO, ST, and WT. The results suggest that transitioning from a single-use pattern to a mixed-use development pattern requires strategic regeneration, revision of land use policies, and strengthening of functional linkages at the district scale. Accordingly, a set of policies and executive measures aligned with the spatial sustainability of Qaem Shahr is proposed. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244554.html Rural development is a multidimensional, spatial, and uneven phenomenon that cannot be accurately assessed using a single indicator or broad provincial and county-level averages. This study aims to assess, rank, and typologize rural development at the level of rural districts in Iran using an integrated BWM–VIKOR approach. In terms of purpose, the study is applied, and in terms of method, it is quantitative and model-based. The research data include 23 rural development indicators covering economic, educational, health, basic infrastructure and services, spatial accessibility, settlement and physical structure, cultural–sports, and social support/deprivation dimensions. First, the indicator weights were determined using the Best–Worst Method (BWM). Then, rural districts were ranked using the VIKOR model based on the S, R, and Q indices. In addition, to improve the interpretation of the results, rural districts were classified into five development classes based on the Q index using Jenks Natural Breaks Optimization, and the dominant source of their development weakness was identified. The results show that the indicator of the population of villages with access to safe drinking water, with a weight of 0.1092, is the most important in the model. It is followed by indicators such as the unemployment rate, literacy rate, health services, asphalted roads, and access to gas, which are highly important. The VIKOR results indicate that the Q value ranges from 0.0251 to 0.9538, reflecting a considerable development gap among rural districts. Natel Kenar-e Sofla rural district in Nur County, Mazandaran Province, ranked highest, while Sardasht rural district in Bashagard County, Hormozgan Province, ranked lowest. The typology results also reveal that health weakness and weakness in basic infrastructure and services are the two main sources of rural districts’ distance from the ideal development status. Accordingly, rural development policymaking should consider not only the overall level of development but also the dominant type of weakness in each rural district. The findings indicate that the integrated BWM–VIKOR approach can serve as a transparent decision-support tool for spatial comparison, identification of deprivation hotspots, and prioritization of rural development interventions at the rural district level. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244516.html The global acceleration of urbanization in mountainous cities, together with the shortage of low-slope land, has intensified the phenomenon of “slope creep” and settlement in high-risk zones. Due to its valley morphology, steep slopes, and active fault zones, the city of Sanandaj is a prominent example of such conditions. This study aims to present an integrated framework for identifying the directions of Sanandaj’s future development that simultaneously considers geomorphological safety, physical efficiency, and spatial justice. In this framework, hard constraints—including the permissible slope threshold, buffer zones around active faults, riverbeds and river buffers, and selected safety buffers around hazardous facilities—were first applied as binary masks in a GIS environment to eliminate unsafe cells before any scoring. Then, natural, environmental, accessibility, safety, and socio-physical criteria were standardized using appropriate fuzzy membership functions, and their relative weights were determined through group AHP. Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) was implemented as a fully compensatory reference scenario. In contrast, several Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) scenarios with different α values were applied to represent varying levels of risk tolerance. Suitability maps were then produced in five classes. The results showed that the share of “very suitable” lands decreased from approximately 62.8% in the highly optimistic scenario (α = 0.5) to 10.5% in the highly cautious scenario (α = 5). This indicates that OWA effectively moderates WLC's inherent optimism. A radial analysis of the spatial pattern of very suitable zones showed that, across all scenarios, the northeast–east–northwest corridor consistently emerges as the “sustainable development corridor” of Sanandaj. In contrast, the southern and southwestern directions are highly sensitive to risk levels, and even a slight increase in strictness removes them from the set of top-priority zones. Overall, the proposed GIS–MCDA–Fuzzy–OWA framework, by practically integrating hard constraints into the model's core, provides a scenario-based tool to guide Sanandaj's development toward safer, more efficient, and more equitable directions. The depth of shallow cores (without undermining permeability) becomes a key objective. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244934.html Providing sustainable and standardized shelters in crises, particularly for medium-term resettlement, has consistently faced the challenge of balancing rapid deployment with bio-climatic quality. A review of the literature reveals that, despite significant geometric advancements in deployable structures, a critical gap persists between “kinematic transformation mechanisms” and “logistical and operational requirements,” hindering the development of integrated systems for emergency sites. Aiming to achieve a systemic solution, this study designs and analyzes a deployable residential unit utilizing a gear-based mechanism. The research employs an applied-developmental approach through a three-stage methodology: first, analyzing spatial requirements and emergency housing standards; second, utilizing parametric modeling in CATIA to define the geometric logic of deployment; and third, evaluating the structural behavior during transit and assembly. Findings indicate that applying parametric logic to joint design, beyond optimizing transport volume, enables rapid assembly without heavy equipment and significantly enhances structural stability compared to traditional patterns. This study's results, by clearly defining the design model for deployable modules, provide an operational framework that shifts emergency housing from static to dynamic, efficient system building. These findings pave the way for reducing operational time in crisis sites and improving housing efficiency for displaced populations. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244517.html In recent years, urban tourism has become one of the main drivers of economic growth and improvements in the quality of life in medium-sized cities in Iran. However, the lack of spatially explicit and decision-oriented frameworks, along with reliance on intuitive judgments, has often led to fragmented interventions and reduced planning effectiveness. To address this gap, this study proposes an integrated framework to evaluate and identify suitable areas for sustainable urban tourism development in Ahar City. The framework integrates spatial multi-criteria decision-making within a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment, the Best–Worst Method (BWM), and Ordered Weighted Averaging (OWA) operators. In the first step, influential indicators were identified within four main clusters: accessibility, attraction, physical quality, and risk. These indicators were then standardized using fuzzy membership functions. Next, based on the judgments of local experts, the relative weights of the criteria were estimated using the BWM method. The spatial layers were subsequently integrated under several decision-making scenarios, ranging from a conservative WLC approach to different OWA scenarios and reference fuzzy operators. To validate the model, 230 positive points representing actual urban tourism destinations and 2,000 background points were extracted within the valid data extent. The performance of the scenarios was evaluated using Precision at different top-percentage levels of the suitability map and the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The results indicate that, within the weight vector, accessibility- and attraction-related components have the highest priority. However, in the single-criterion analysis, “distance to greenery” and “optimal distance to high-order roads” showed the greatest discriminatory power in explaining the spatial pattern of actual tourism destinations. The physical-quality cluster, including quality, façade, structural condition, and building age, also played an important role in locating tourism destinations. Among the aggregation scenarios, the WLC operator exhibited conservative behavior and performed close to random discrimination. In contrast, the OWA scenario with beta parameter 5 provided the best balance between overall discriminatory ability (AUC of approximately 0.597) and the coverage of positive points within the top 20% of the map (Precision of approximately 0.252 at this level). Although the Fuzzy OR operator captured about 85% of positive points in the upper class of the map, it produced a very broad zone that was less useful for targeted interventions and was therefore assessed as more suitable for initial opportunity screening. Accordingly, the integrated BWM–OWA–GIS framework can serve as an effective decision-support tool for sustainable urban tourism development planning in Ahar. By highlighting the roles of accessible greenery, safe distance from main arteries, and improved physical quality, this framework can meaningfully reduce the gap between spatial analysis and operational policymaking. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245558.html Considering the effects of being outdoors on students' mental and physical health, outdoor spaces are very important in educational environments. One way to improve these spaces is to enhance their thermal comfort. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of the form of educational buildings on improving outdoor thermal comfort in Tehran. Also, this paper uses optimization to identify the best and worst forms across different time frames. By analyzing and categorizing 92 buildings from different universities in Tehran, and by writing an algorithm capable of producing 432 forms, Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Galapagos were used to perform simulation and optimization. The results showed that the best form in the entire investigated time period is the rectangular form with an east-west extension. Comparing the best form with the worst form showed that the difference in the percentage of time the spaces have outdoor thermal comfort is 0/215%, and the difference in outdoor thermal comfort is 0/133 °C between these two forms. The best form can affect outdoor thermal comfort conditions up to 30 meters from the building on the site. Because cold stress prevails throughout the period at the site, the best form selected by optimization is partially similar to the best form for the cold seasons. Therefore, the best form has no gaps, more surfaces facing the sun, and less shading than the worst form. It also has an east-west extension. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245650.html Commercial façades in Tehran can no longer be understood merely as exterior envelopes, decorative surfaces, or visual instruments for market differentiation. In contemporary urban conditions, they operate as critical thresholds where architectural expression, environmental performance, commercial visibility, and public perception intersect. The central problem addressed in this study is the lack of a systematic mechanism to translate users’ and observers’ perceptual preferences into measurable, operational design criteria for commercial façades. Focusing on the second substudy of a doctoral research project, this article examines how perceptual judgments can be translated into architectural parameters that inform façade design decisions. The study adopts a quantitative-analytical approach based on 18 parametrically defined façade alternatives and nine design attributes, including entrance legibility, canopy depth, façade greenery, setback, glazing surface, materiality, opening rhythm, window-to-wall ratio, and ground-floor transparency. Data were collected from 309 respondents through 3,090 paired-choice tasks and 1,854 perceptual observations. A discrete choice model was used to estimate the implicit weight of façade attributes in users’ and observers’ decisions. At the same time, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) was employed to translate perceptual needs into design parameters. The results show that entrance legibility is the strongest predictor of façade choice, followed by canopy depth and façade greenery. In contrast, window-to-wall ratio and ground-floor transparency, when considered independently, did not exert a significant effect on selection. The QFD analysis further indicates that perceptual preferences are operationalized mainly through canopy depth, controlled transparency, setback, and the spatial articulation of the entrance threshold. The findings challenge the conventional assumption that greater transparency necessarily enhances commercial attractiveness. Instead, they suggest that a successful commercial façade in Tehran depends on a legible threshold, climatic moderation, perceptual clarity, and the careful translation of human experience into architectural design criteria. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245296.html Political identity, as one of the fundamental concepts in constructivist theory, plays a decisive role in shaping the foreign policy orientation of states. This article aims to develop a constructivist analytical framework to explain how political identity influences the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Using a library-based research method and drawing on the core assumptions of constructivism—particularly the ideas of Alexander Wendt—such as intersubjective structures, identity as a determinant of interests, the dialectical relationship between agent and structure, othering, and the prioritization of identity components, this study analyzes the relationship between identity and foreign policy. Data were collected from authoritative Persian and English sources, including specialized books, peer-reviewed academic articles, high-level policy documents, and official statements. The findings indicate that Iran’s political identity consists of five fundamental components: Shi’a Islamism, Iranian nationalism, revolutionaryism, independence-seeking and anti-domination, and justice-orientation. The process of “othering,” with the “West” as the hegemonic Other and “Israel” as the illegitimate Other, plays a central role in defining the Self and shaping Iran’s foreign policy orientation. The mechanism through which identity influences foreign policy operates at three levels: defining the Self and the Other, defining national interests, and legitimizing policies. realist and liberal theories, due to their neglect of non-material variables, are unable to fully explain Iran’s foreign policy. Constructivism, as a theoretical “third way,” provides an effective framework for analyzing Iran’s external behavior and demonstrates that foreign policy is not merely a “rational action,” but also an “identity-based action.” https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_244555.html The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of social vulnerability indicators on exposure and physical vulnerability indicators in Masjed Soleyman, identified as a multi-hazard city. The study was carried out in three stages. In the first stage, both natural and human-induced hazards, including floods, earthquakes, landslides, and oil pollution, were identified and spatially analyzed. A composite exposure indicator was calculated for the city’s census tracts. In the second stage, social and physical vulnerabilities were weighted and ranked using multi-criteria decision-making techniques. In the third stage, the geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was employed to examine the effects of social indicators—including household density, illiteracy rate, unemployment rate, and the proportion of rental housing units—on the exposure and physical vulnerability indicators across the study area's census tracts. The results indicated that the central and southern parts of the city have the highest levels of exposure, while physical vulnerability is spatially dispersed across the city. In contrast, social vulnerability is most concentrated in the central and northern areas. The results of the GWR model reveal that social indicators have a positive and significant effect on exposure and physical vulnerability levels. The findings can guide municipal and provincial authorities in designing targeted risk-reduction strategies, optimizing resource allocation, and informing urban development decisions that account for social and physical vulnerabilities, while enhancing public awareness and fostering community engagement in hazard preparedness. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245483.html Effective energy demand forecasting in grid stability and resource management is essential especially in cases of extreme climate turmoil to various regions. The dilemma of large electricity consumption was discussed in Babylon, Iraq. In the climate of Babylon, the forecasting models seldom factor in the impact of relative humidity. Although earlier studies have addressed temperature, the impact of humidity on power load is not well studied in this region. In light of these conditions, it is imperative to apply an ARMAX model. To address this, from March to June 2024, an ARMAX (Automatic Moving Average with External Input) model was developed using daily relative humidity. The model was evaluated using AIC, BIC, and RMSE criteria. The least squares method was used to estimate the model parameters, the maximum likelihood method and RLS-KF method. Incorporation of humidity as external variable improves forecasting results considerably better than univariate models, results show. The findings provide practical insights for regional policymakers aimed at enhancing short-term energy planning and reducing resource allocation inefficiencies in climate sensitive regions. ARMAX model makes use of historic time series data as well as the influence of other variables in order to achieve greater accuracy in forecasting and understanding the causes of fluctuations in a greater detail. The need for intelligent forecasting tools is growing to tackle climate change, energy efficiency, economic impact, and more. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_245177.html In today’s context, where architectural quality, construction speed, and the sustainability of building performance have simultaneously gained significant importance, selecting an appropriate construction method has become one of the major challenges in the design and housing construction process. Industrialized, conventional, and hybrid construction methods each possess distinct characteristics, advantages, and limitations that influence the quality and long-term performance of buildings. Given the concurrent importance of quality, speed, and sustainability, the lack of a precise analytical basis for evaluating construction methods has made the optimal selection process ambiguous, underscoring the need for this research. The innovation of this paper lies in the development of an integrated analytical framework for the simultaneous assessment of the three dimensions of “design, construction, and maintenance.” Using a comparative research strategy, this study identified specialized indicators within the aforementioned domains. Subsequently, by transforming qualitative spectra into quantitative values, the coding and evaluation processes were conducted in two stages: intra-group assessment and the final comparison of shared indicators. The results of the analyses indicate that, in the comprehensive evaluation of performance indicators, the “industrial hybrid method” achieved the highest ranking and demonstrated greater efficiency compared to the “conventional hybrid method.” The findings further reveal that although industrialized construction methods excel in precision, quality, and execution speed, they face limitations in areas such as flexibility. Ultimately, the paper proposes reliance on an optimized hybrid approach. The integration of conventional and industrial construction methods can provide a balanced solution to the multifaceted demands of contemporary residential projects while improving building quality and durability and accelerating construction. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246259.html The goal of combining risk management and value engineering is to maximize value, reduce the severity and probability of risk events, and maximize the return on initial investment. It also enables the project team to be in a position to create conditions for successful projects, given the specific characteristics of each project (goal, people, communications, real and achievable budget, specific achievements, feasible program, efficient delivery). If there is a risk management study group in the project, value engineering can use risk as one of the main criteria for evaluating its proposed options. Also, since the output of value engineering studies is provided as input to risk management, the separate application of these two methods will increase the time of project studies. By studying construction projects, it can be seen that the two processes above (risk and value management) are either not used in projects or are used separately, which does not create the necessary effectiveness. This article presents a combined approach of these two processes, using which the project management process can be evaluated and controlled at each specific stage. Specifically, this article examines and evaluates the internal risk structure of construction projects. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246260.html One of the most important and prominent elements of Iranian architecture is the roofing system, particularly domes. The construction of domes in Iran has ancient roots dating back to the pre-Islamic era and experienced remarkable progress during the Islamic periods. Geometry, mathematics, and the emergence of new tools throughout history have had a direct impact on the evolution of the form, structure, and construction of domes. This article aims to examine the historical evolution of the dome as a key element of Iranian architecture, its position in Islamic architecture, and the classification of various types of domes and arches. It analyzes the spatial and structural characteristics of this element. Domes from the Parthian period were generally circular and of the ribbed type (mazeh-dar), with a height greater than the radius of the base. In the Sasanian period, the arches included various types such as horseshoe, semi-circular (hilochiin), ribbed, Sasanian elliptical, and egg-shaped arches, which lacked pointed tips and possessed high load-bearing capacity. In the early Islamic centuries, slow and fast horseshoe arches, followed by pointed arches, became prevalent. In later periods, especially during the Timurid and Safavid eras, pointed load-bearing and decorative pointed arches were commonly used. The findings of the study indicate that developments in geometry and mathematics have been the main factors in the advancement or decline of the structural characteristics of domes in the history of Iranian architecture and can serve as a foundation for future research in this field. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246261.html This study aimed to analyze the impact of emerging architectural technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Building Information Modeling (BIM), Parametric Design, and Augmented Reality (AR), on design creativity, spatial optimization, and architects’ professional decision-making within the framework of pragmatism. The research was applied in purpose and descriptive–analytical in method, employing a survey approach. The statistical population consisted of professional architects, faculty members, and postgraduate architecture students familiar with emerging technologies, from whom 70 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire containing 20 items on a five-point Likert scale. Content validity was confirmed by experts, and reliability was verified through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (0.84). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, one-sample t-test, and multiple regression analysis in SPSS. The findings indicated that emerging technologies significantly improve design efficiency, spatial optimization, and architects’ decision-making processes. Artificial Intelligence showed the strongest effect on professional decision-making among the technologies examined. Significant positive relationships were found between emerging technologies and spatial optimization (r = 0.76) as well as design efficiency (r = 0.71). However, their influence on design creativity was comparatively weaker, highlighting the continuing importance of human experience and professional judgment in architectural practice. From a pragmatic perspective, the value of emerging technologies lies not merely in their technical capabilities but in their effectiveness in addressing real design challenges, improving the quality of the built environment, and supporting informed architectural decision-making. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246262.html Despite the historical significance of Isfahan’s Naqsh-e Jahan Square, the mechanisms through which the geometric codes of Safavid architecture are translated into enduring neural stimuli, and the reasons for the continuity of its lived experience of contemporaneity, remain neurophysiologically unexplored. This study aims to address this scholarly lacuna by analyzing the nexus between the square's physical components and the observer's neural processing to formulate a pattern for generating a sustainable sense of place within the contemporary spatiality paradigm. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, employing an interpretive-historical method and a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 15 elite experts in architecture, cognitive neuroscience, and environmental psychology, selected via snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was reached. The analysis process, integrating Colaizzi’s method with systematic coding strategies (open, axial, and selective), led to the conceptualization of the core category: the "Neuropsychological Convergence Paradigm in Safavid Architecture." Research validity and quality were ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s evaluative criteria. The findings indicate that the research’s analytical model rests on three perceptual, cognitive, and emotional domains. At the perceptual level, through embodied phenomenology, the architecture transforms perception from a passive encounter into active bodily engagement and integration. At the cognitive level, the square’s coherent and fractal geometry reduces the processing load on the prefrontal cortex, providing a platform for attention restoration and cognitive security. Furthermore, at the emotional level, symmetry and golden proportions activate the brain's reward circuits, linking aesthetic pleasure to identity-based belonging and authentic dwelling. In conclusion, the contemporaneity of Naqsh-e Jahan Square is the product of a bio-neural adaptation between its geometry and the human brain. Through a neuro-restorative performance, it mitigates cognitive load amidst urban chaos and, by responding to evolutionary needs, guarantees perceptual sustainability and the enduring legacy of Safavid architecture. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246965.html This study aimed to conduct an interpretive phenomenological examination of the lived experiences of women aged 20 to 45 in Lamerd regarding hijab and generational conflict within the broader context of cultural transformation. Employing a qualitative design and interpretive phenomenological methodology, data were gathered through in-depth semi-structured interviews with sixteen participants selected via purposive sampling based on maximum variation. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, proceeding through initial coding, the development of subthemes and overarching themes, and phenomenological 0interpretation. The findings indicate that the experience of hijab among participants is a multilayered phenomenon articulated through seven principal themes: redefining the meaning of hijab; shifts in attitudes over time; the family as the primary site of socialization; virtual spaces and the reconstruction of meaning; generational conflict in conceptualizing hijab; dialogue as a strategy for managing conflict; and movement toward informed choice. These themes encompass elements such as identity formation, cognitive reflection, intercultural exposure, value transmission, media influence, lifestyle change, empathy, and individual agency. Overall, the results suggest that hijab functions not merely as a normative practice or external mandate but as part of an ongoing process of identity construction and reflexivity shaped through interactions with familial, media, and cultural structures. Generational conflict is shown to stem less from superficial differences than from divergent value systems and meaning-making frameworks. Dialogue and intergenerational engagement emerged as the most effective strategies for mitigating conflict. In participants’ perspectives, the future of hijab is envisioned through the lenses of informed choice, cultural diversity, and the coexistence of multiple meanings. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_247206.html AbstractWomen's political participation is a fundamental indicator of social and political development. In Sistan and Baluchestan, the traditional political culture, rooted in religious beliefs and tribal norms, has created significant barriers to women's participation. This study examines the impact of political culture on women's political participation in this region after the Islamic Revolution. The main objective of this study is to analyze the barriers and opportunities related to women's political participation in Sistan and Baluchestan and to evaluate the influence of political culture on their behavior. Methodology: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted using data collected through library research and field questionnaires. The statistical population included women over 18 years of age in Sistan and Baluchestan, and random sampling was employed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. The results showed that religious beliefs (correlation coefficient: -0.72) and tribal structures (correlation coefficient: -0.68) are the main obstacles to women's participation. On the other hand, education (correlation coefficient: +0.65), social media (correlation coefficient: +0.58), and family support (correlation coefficient: +0.62) have positive effects on women's willingness to participate in politics. Traditional political culture significantly limits women's political participation in Sistan and Baluchestan. However, increasing educational levels, leveraging social media, and family support are effective tools for transforming this culture and enhancing women's participation. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_247207.html In this study, high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete was used as the repair layer. To develop the model, 17 mix designs in three distinct categories were employed. High-performance concrete mixtures were prepared with three dosage levels of microsilica (SF) and rice husk ash (RHA), at 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight of cement. Fiber-reinforced concrete mixtures were produced using two types of fibers: steel fibers (StF) and polypropylene fibers (PPF). For specimen preparation, the substrate concrete was first cast in specific molds for the pull-off test; after 28 days, the specimen surfaces were overlaid with other mix designs under two surface preparation conditions, namely grooved and wire-brushed surfaces. After setting and demolding, curing was carried out under two conditions: water ponding and open-air exposure. The maximum pull-off strength was obtained in specimens containing microsilica, and grooved surface preparation showed a positive effect on achieving higher pull-off strength. Artificial neural networks were employed using the results of the pull-off and slant shear tests to predict the mechanical behavior of the repair layer. A total of 408 data points were used as inputs for the neural network, including 286 samples for training and 61 samples for final testing. The network inputs were classified into five categories, including specimen ages of 28 and 120 days, two surface preparation methods (grooved and wire-brushed), and the type of mix design, while the output consisted of the test result. For this purpose, two types of neural networks, namely multilayer perceptron (MLP) and radial basis function (RBF), were used. Prediction and validation using the artificial neural networks confirmed that ANN performance in predicting the experimental results is reliable and cost-effective in terms of both time and expense. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246850.html With the increasing complexity of manufacturing systems and the growing emphasis on sustainable development, optimizing production and maintenance policies has become essential for improving equipment reliability, reducing operational costs, and enhancing resource efficiency. This study develops an optimal control model based on a Semi-Markov Decision Process (SMDP) to jointly determine production, maintenance, repair, overhaul, preventive maintenance, and production outsourcing policies in a deteriorating manufacturing system. The proposed model explicitly incorporates the effects of equipment deterioration on production quality, system reliability, defective products, inventory level, and operational costs. An instantaneous cost function and a value function are formulated to derive optimal control policies that minimize the expected long-term discounted cost of the system. A simulation framework is also implemented to evaluate the model under different operational conditions and maintenance scenarios. The findings indicate that integrating production and maintenance decisions improves system reliability, reduces defective production, minimizes resource waste, and enhances lifecycle cost efficiency. Furthermore, the coordinated use of preventive maintenance, overhaul, and production outsourcing helps maintain production capacity while ensuring an efficient response to demand under equipment deterioration. From a human ecology perspective, the proposed framework promotes sustainable manufacturing through more efficient resource utilization, extended equipment service life, reduced industrial waste, and improved operational resilience. Consequently, the proposed model provides an effective decision-support tool for managers seeking to balance economic performance with the long-term sustainability of manufacturing systems. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246851.html The aim of this study is to provide a model to investigate the relationships of project stakeholders in the successful implementation of road construction projects. The present study was a combination (quantitative and qualitative) type, which in the first stage, while examining the research literature, the summarized results and the success factors collected from the articles were classified. In the second stage, using Delphi method, the importance of success factors was prioritized. The Delphi team used in this study consisted of four groups of five. Data related to the theoretical framework of the research were designed using library study methods, interviews and documentary review and the initial theoretical framework of the research. Then, in order to validate the designed model, the structured questionnaire was designed based on the dimensions, components and characteristics of the designed model. Factors and structural equations are included. In order to prioritize the dimensions and components affecting the communication system of the project stakeholders in the successful implementation of road construction projects, the Friedman test was used. Based on the results of culture-building factors, organizational, empowering and instrumental factors are effective in the successful implementation of road construction projects. In the dimension of cultural factors, the components of honesty, team focus, availability, cultural differences, etc. are given priority, respectively. In terms of organizational factors, strategy development, contract system, budget, etc. are a priority. In the dimension of co-creating factors, improving the educational level of employees, experience, improving the level of attitude of employees, etc. are in priority. In terms of instrumental factors, information systems, related software, system effectiveness, and system integrity are prioritized. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_246852.html This study aims to explain the role of Russia's energy diplomacy in shaping and restructuring the Eurasian energy security architecture. In recent decades, energy has become one of the most important instruments of power and geopolitical influence for states, and Russia, relying on oil and gas reserves, pipeline networks and strategic location, used energy diplomacy to secure national interests and maintain influence. This research adopts a qualitative approach and descriptive-analytical method, using a comparative case study to examine Russia's energy diplomacy in three regions: Europe, Central Asia and Caucasus and East Asia. Data were collected from documentary sources, international reports, official documents academic articles analyzed using process tracing and comparative analysis. Findings show Russia's energy diplomacy has shifted from a traditional model of regional hegemony to eastward pivot strategy. Furthermore, use of energy as political pressure tool against Europe has reduced European countries' trust in Russia and accelerated diversification of energy sources. At same time, expansion of China's energy cooperation with Central Asian countries has weakened Russia's monopoly in Eurasian energy market. As a result, Eurasian energy security architecture is transitioning from centralized structure under Russian hegemony toward a multipolar, competitive order based on diverse actors and energy routes. https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_247132.html The SARS CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak poses a serious threat to humans, society, and economic activity around the world. Strict global control measures to limit virus spread have a number of positive environmental consequences. The study provides an unprecedented opportunity to understand and quantify the human impact on the atmospheric environment. New York City has seen a decrease in the average LST and a negative growth in the rate of change of this key parameter to the amount of (-0.83%) in NYC. The LST was validated with air temperature taken from air temperature measured at meteorological stations measured over NYC (RMSE = 6.34 °C and R2 = 0.94). On the other hand, the quarantine plans reduced the concentrations of NO2, SO2, O3, and CO, and the rate of change of these parameters during the quarantine period was negative and included (NO2 (-30.0%), O3 (-31.25%), (0) SO2, and CO (-25%)). During the lockdown, reducing the number of moving vehicles and people on the roads reduces pollution and has a direct positive impact on the urban environment. This study compares the environmental status of the index (NDVI), NDBI, NDWI, and Albedo during the lockdown period in NYC to pre-lockdown (2015-2019) and post-lockdown (2021). The results show that the NDVI and NDWI have a positive change rate during the lock period, respectively; the rate of change of these two during the lock period includes (0.45 %, 2.29%), and the range of changes during this period was negative in the case of the NDBI index (-0.85%). Finally, the main goal of this study is to model LST at the local scale using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Therefore, land surface spectral indices known as land cover indices as well as air quality parameters can be used as indices that affect LST. The relationship between six spectral indices and air quality parameters with LST was investigated, and the indices that had a high correlation with LST were used as input to the neural network. Due to the fact that the results of correlation with LST were different in each period, the inputs of the neural network were different in each period. In the pre-lockdown, the input parameters include (NDBI, Albedo, CO, and NDWI), in the period of lockdown (NDWI, NDBI, SO2, and NO2), and post-lockdown (NDBI, Albedo, CO, and NDWI). The ANN model provided accurate results in the training and testing process with (RMSE) and (R2) values, respectively, in all three periods (RMSE:0.004, R2: 071), (RMSE:0.003, R2: 073), (RMSE:0.003, R2: 072). https://www.landscapeecologyjournals.ir/article_247301.html The objective of this research is to analyze the social factors contributing to fertility and population decline in Iran. This study employs a descriptive-analytical methodology using a library-based data collection approach. This analytical framework enables a comprehensive examination of the various social dimensions underlying fertility and population decline in the country. The findings indicate that numerous social factors have played a significant role in the demographic shift in the Islamic Republic of Iran. These factors can be broadly categorized into two main domains: international social transformations and domestic transformations within Iranian society and family structures. Influences such as the “hegemonic system” (global powers), international aid, and the impact of feminism on Iranian families are identified as factors of international transformation. Conversely, domestic factors include the implementation of population control and family planning policies, weakened marital relations, marital conflicts, the rising age of marriage and involuntary singlehood, structural changes in Iranian families, an increase in abortions, poor media literacy, the influence of cyberspace, consumerist addiction, rapid urbanization, migration, and the prevalence of the single-child phenomenon.