Institute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250802Factors affecting the food security of farmers' households in small-scale farming units of Hamedan province with an emphasis on the effect of resilienceFactors affecting the food security of farmers' households in small-scale farming units of Hamedan province with an emphasis on the effect of resilience11510235610.22059/jhgr.2024.369816.1008658FAMahsaMotaghedDepartment of Planning and Agricultural Development, Agricultural Education and Extension Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, IranHosseinShabanali FamiDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranAliAsadiDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranKhalilKalantariDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranAliakbarBaratiDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranAmirAlamBeigiDepartment of Agricultural Extension and Education, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranJournal Article20250329<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
In various societies, including Iran, the increasing demand for food due to current population growth trends necessitates improvements in the food supply chain, starting at the farm level. Recent challenges, such as drought in food production systems linked to climate change, emphasize the need to enhance the resilience of farming units. This enhancement holds the promise of fortifying food security for farming households and brings advantages to other sectors within the society or contributes to national food security. Maintaining the hypothetical connection between the resilience of small farms and the food security of their households, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the food security of small-scale farming households in Hamedan province, placing a particular emphasis on the role of resilience. The research targeted active farmer households operating on small-scale farming units (below 10 hectares), with a sample size of 300 individuals determined using Cochran's formula. Cluster sampling was employed in two stages, and farmers were surveyed through researcher-designed questionnaires. The validity of the main research tool was confirmed by a panel of agricultural development experts and faculty members from Tehran University. Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SMART PLS3 and SPSSwin25 software, revealing that food security was most significantly impacted by social participation, use of new technologies, and resilience of farming units. Based on these findings, adopting agroecological methods such as mixed farming, mulching, and socio-economic empowerment of farming families are recommended to enhance resilience and fortify food security
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
In line with ongoing global population growth, including in Iran, the demand for food is steadily increasing. Meeting this demand and ensuring food security require improvements throughout the food supply chain. Recent years have presented challenges to food production, notably climate change-induced factors such as drought. A practical response involves bolstering the resilience of farming units, strengthening food security for agricultural households, and benefiting various sectors. Iran has faced food security challenges due to climate change, population growth, and water scarcity, affecting agriculture. Safeguarding food security necessitates resilience against natural and economic fluctuations, enabling households to withstand crises. Resilient farmers can absorb, react, recover, and learn from climate impacts. Sustainable food production requires attention to traditional tools and knowledge in small-scale agriculture.
Climate change has adversely affected strategic food production in Hamedan province, particularly impacting small-scale farming systems crucial for livelihoods. The absence of risk reduction systems exacerbates the impact, diminishing farmers' resilience. Mitigation strategies focus on enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and adapting small-scale units to establish resilient agricultural systems. Technological interventions such as water-saving technologies positively influence farmers' income and food security. Changes in cultivation patterns toward drought-resistant crops and improved water management contribute to increased crop production and quality. However, small-scale farmers often face reduced food production and income, leading to heightened rural poverty and food insecurity. Despite efforts by small farmers, concerns persist regarding food security and resilience against climate change. Household vulnerability to climate change correlates with varying levels of food insecurity. Enhancing resilience becomes crucial in ensuring food security, enabling farmers to sustain livelihoods amidst evolving climate conditions. Resilience-building emerges as a key strategy in the agricultural sector to address climate challenges and secure food production. However, limited studies examining the relationship between farm resilience and food security highlight the need for further research. This study aimed to identify factors influencing food security in small-scale farming units in Hamedan province, a key agricultural region, with a focus on resilience.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
This applied research evaluated factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province, emphasizing resilience. Factors were identified through a comprehensive literature review, and an adapted resilience assessment model was employed. The model incorporated three primary structures: government policies and support, socio-economic capacities, and local-agricultural measures. The study used "The Household Food Insecurity Scale" (HFIAS) to assess food security levels. The study targeted small-scale farmers with less than 10 hectares of land, amounting to a population of 75,442 individuals. Data collection involved interviews with a representative sample of 300 farmers, selected through cluster and random sampling. Content validity confirmed the questionnaire's accuracy, while reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Statistical analysis using SMART PLS3 and SPSS revealed internal validity, coherence, and reliability.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
The study identified key factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province. Access to clean water, financial resources, effective financial management, organic fertilizers, personal savings, and risk management were crucial contributors. Higher economic status correlated with better food security, allowing greater food choices and purchasing power. Psychological factors, including self-confidence and belief in individual capabilities, also positively influenced food security, fostering well-being and life satisfaction. Social factors, such as participation in household decision-making, collaboration with villagers, and involvement in local organizations, significantly contributed to food security. A strong correlation was found between the resilience of agricultural units and food security. Challenges related to food insecurity, including reduced children's meals due to financial constraints, highlighted its prevalence among farming households. The research emphasized the importance of maintaining and securing production resources for sustainable food security. Although cultivating crops like potatoes and cereals positively impacted food security, reliance on the market complicated the situation. Overall, the results underscored the complexity of food security, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The study revealed that 69.7% of small-scale farmers' households in Hamedan province experienced food insecurity to varying degrees. Resilience to climate change had a strong association with food security, exerting a positive impact. Economic, psychological, and social factors emerged as key determinants of food security levels. The dietary emphasis on grains and the importance of self-reliant crop production underscored the intricate link between agricultural practices and food security. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies integrating economic empowerment, psychological well-being, social cooperation, and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings provide valuable guidance for interventions to improve food security among small-scale farmers in the region, particularly by enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Funding</strong>
This research was conducted with the financial support of the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Tehran and the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). Therefore, we hereby extend our gratitude to these organizations for their cooperation and assistance.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
All authors equally contributed to the conceptualization and writing of the article. Each author reviewed and approved the final content of the manuscript, agreeing on all aspects of the work. The authors declare no competing interests.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
All authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
The authors acknowledge the University of Tehran and Iran's National Science Foundation (Grant No. 98002929) for supporting this study.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
In various societies, including Iran, the increasing demand for food due to current population growth trends necessitates improvements in the food supply chain, starting at the farm level. Recent challenges, such as drought in food production systems linked to climate change, emphasize the need to enhance the resilience of farming units. This enhancement holds the promise of fortifying food security for farming households and brings advantages to other sectors within the society or contributes to national food security. Maintaining the hypothetical connection between the resilience of small farms and the food security of their households, this study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the food security of small-scale farming households in Hamedan province, placing a particular emphasis on the role of resilience. The research targeted active farmer households operating on small-scale farming units (below 10 hectares), with a sample size of 300 individuals determined using Cochran's formula. Cluster sampling was employed in two stages, and farmers were surveyed through researcher-designed questionnaires. The validity of the main research tool was confirmed by a panel of agricultural development experts and faculty members from Tehran University. Reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using SMART PLS3 and SPSSwin25 software, revealing that food security was most significantly impacted by social participation, use of new technologies, and resilience of farming units. Based on these findings, adopting agroecological methods such as mixed farming, mulching, and socio-economic empowerment of farming families are recommended to enhance resilience and fortify food security
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
In line with ongoing global population growth, including in Iran, the demand for food is steadily increasing. Meeting this demand and ensuring food security require improvements throughout the food supply chain. Recent years have presented challenges to food production, notably climate change-induced factors such as drought. A practical response involves bolstering the resilience of farming units, strengthening food security for agricultural households, and benefiting various sectors. Iran has faced food security challenges due to climate change, population growth, and water scarcity, affecting agriculture. Safeguarding food security necessitates resilience against natural and economic fluctuations, enabling households to withstand crises. Resilient farmers can absorb, react, recover, and learn from climate impacts. Sustainable food production requires attention to traditional tools and knowledge in small-scale agriculture.
Climate change has adversely affected strategic food production in Hamedan province, particularly impacting small-scale farming systems crucial for livelihoods. The absence of risk reduction systems exacerbates the impact, diminishing farmers' resilience. Mitigation strategies focus on enhancing resilience, reducing vulnerability, and adapting small-scale units to establish resilient agricultural systems. Technological interventions such as water-saving technologies positively influence farmers' income and food security. Changes in cultivation patterns toward drought-resistant crops and improved water management contribute to increased crop production and quality. However, small-scale farmers often face reduced food production and income, leading to heightened rural poverty and food insecurity. Despite efforts by small farmers, concerns persist regarding food security and resilience against climate change. Household vulnerability to climate change correlates with varying levels of food insecurity. Enhancing resilience becomes crucial in ensuring food security, enabling farmers to sustain livelihoods amidst evolving climate conditions. Resilience-building emerges as a key strategy in the agricultural sector to address climate challenges and secure food production. However, limited studies examining the relationship between farm resilience and food security highlight the need for further research. This study aimed to identify factors influencing food security in small-scale farming units in Hamedan province, a key agricultural region, with a focus on resilience.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
This applied research evaluated factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province, emphasizing resilience. Factors were identified through a comprehensive literature review, and an adapted resilience assessment model was employed. The model incorporated three primary structures: government policies and support, socio-economic capacities, and local-agricultural measures. The study used "The Household Food Insecurity Scale" (HFIAS) to assess food security levels. The study targeted small-scale farmers with less than 10 hectares of land, amounting to a population of 75,442 individuals. Data collection involved interviews with a representative sample of 300 farmers, selected through cluster and random sampling. Content validity confirmed the questionnaire's accuracy, while reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Statistical analysis using SMART PLS3 and SPSS revealed internal validity, coherence, and reliability.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
The study identified key factors influencing food security among small-scale farmers in Hamedan province. Access to clean water, financial resources, effective financial management, organic fertilizers, personal savings, and risk management were crucial contributors. Higher economic status correlated with better food security, allowing greater food choices and purchasing power. Psychological factors, including self-confidence and belief in individual capabilities, also positively influenced food security, fostering well-being and life satisfaction. Social factors, such as participation in household decision-making, collaboration with villagers, and involvement in local organizations, significantly contributed to food security. A strong correlation was found between the resilience of agricultural units and food security. Challenges related to food insecurity, including reduced children's meals due to financial constraints, highlighted its prevalence among farming households. The research emphasized the importance of maintaining and securing production resources for sustainable food security. Although cultivating crops like potatoes and cereals positively impacted food security, reliance on the market complicated the situation. Overall, the results underscored the complexity of food security, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The study revealed that 69.7% of small-scale farmers' households in Hamedan province experienced food insecurity to varying degrees. Resilience to climate change had a strong association with food security, exerting a positive impact. Economic, psychological, and social factors emerged as key determinants of food security levels. The dietary emphasis on grains and the importance of self-reliant crop production underscored the intricate link between agricultural practices and food security. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies integrating economic empowerment, psychological well-being, social cooperation, and sustainable agricultural practices. The findings provide valuable guidance for interventions to improve food security among small-scale farmers in the region, particularly by enhancing farmers' adaptive capacity to climate change.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Funding</strong>
This research was conducted with the financial support of the Vice Presidency for Research and Technology of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Tehran and the Iran National Science Foundation (INSF). Therefore, we hereby extend our gratitude to these organizations for their cooperation and assistance.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
All authors equally contributed to the conceptualization and writing of the article. Each author reviewed and approved the final content of the manuscript, agreeing on all aspects of the work. The authors declare no competing interests.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
All authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
The authors acknowledge the University of Tehran and Iran's National Science Foundation (Grant No. 98002929) for supporting this study.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_102356_bb3466368b6ff1e7bd379406ccf74776.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250802Optimizing the spatial distribution of marketers using GIS analyticsOptimizing the spatial distribution of marketers using GIS analytics173210172210.22059/jhgr.2025.380361.1008720FAJavadKoohpaymaDepartment of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranMohammadrezaJelokhani-NiarakiDepartment of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250329ABSTRACT
Marketing is a critical factor in the success of urban businesses, contributing significantly to commercial growth and competitive advantage. Production and distribution companies (such as those in the food, cosmetics, hygiene, detergent, and pharmaceutical industries) are increasingly seeking to reduce the costs associated with personnel and the travel of their marketing agents across urban areas. Optimal spatial distribution of marketers plays a vital role in minimizing human resource waste, time, and expenses, while enhancing the effectiveness of marketing activities. This study aims to optimize the spatial allocation of marketing agents using network analysis within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. To achieve this, a GIS-based network analysis method is proposed for clustering marketing territories based on the number and geographic distribution of retail outlets. The proposed method partitions retail locations into a set of geographical clusters in which the number of outlets is as evenly distributed as possible. Each cluster is then assigned to a specific marketing agent. The implementation of this method in District 6 of Tehran demonstrates that the resulting clusters and marketing visit routes within each cluster are optimized, with minimal boundary fragmentation—facilitating easier recognition by marketers and reducing operational errors. In other words, the proposed approach enables the formation of marketing clusters with an equal number of retail outlets and allows for the shortest possible intra-cluster visit routes.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In today's world, marketing is recognized as one of the most important and prominent factors in the success of organizations or businesses. Marketing refers to communicating with customers, analyzing the market, designing advertising and sales strategies, attracting the attention of the audience, and creating an emotional connection with them. The importance of marketing is significant in various ways; including business growth and development, creating competition, identifying customer needs and preferences, and improving interaction and establishing effective communication with them. Manufacturing and distribution companies (such as food, cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, etc.) are looking to reduce human resources costs and marketing time. Since marketers are the main link between retailers and manufacturing and distribution companies, proper management and control of their performance will reduce distribution costs and, as a result, customer (retail) satisfaction. Meanwhile, the distribution of marketers in the region depends on the location of the retailers, so that there must be a balance between the number of marketers and retailers. The conventional method of assigning marketers to each region is to divide or cluster the retailers based on geographical areas and then assign each area to a marketer. In the past, distribution companies manually marked out territories on large paper maps, but today, various technologies have been developed that facilitate the management of marketers in providing services to customers and increase their efficiency.
Today, location-based marketing methods, utilizing concepts and tools based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), have enabled the management, planning, and implementation of optimal marketing operations based on the geographic location of consumers and retailers. GIS can be considered as a computer-based information system consisting of hardware, software, people, data, methods, and models that is used to collect and store spatial and descriptive data, manage and display data, query and answer questions, process and analyze data, and generate geographic information and display this information. GIS is capable of integrating various types of spatial data and related descriptive data using analytical tools or spatial reporting to produce useful information to solve marketing problems. This information can help planners, decision makers, and managers of large and small businesses in the areas of sales territory allocation, geographic distribution of marketers, etc. In other words, spatial and descriptive data analysis related to the main components of an urban business system, including customers, competitors, and markets, is performed with greater accuracy, and owners and managers of small and large businesses are able to analyze and manage large volumes of information such as geographic location, customer addresses, range, and marketing routes in an area.
Methodology
One type of marketing method is location-based marketing. Location-based marketing uses the concepts and technologies of location information to manage, plan, and execute optimal marketing operations based on the geographic location of consumers. Jelokhani et al. (2019) state that GIS, as a powerful, popular, and cost-effective location-based tool, can play an important role in managing marketing activities such as market segmentation and spatial distribution of marketers. Accordingly, marketers can classify their company's market geographically based on various criteria and then determine their target market based on the strengths and weaknesses of their products and services.
The first step is to prepare the main roads and build the road network of the study area. In this step, using the capabilities of GIS network analysis, the road network has been created. In order to cluster retail locations and zone them, it is necessary to extract micro-areas from the street network. These micro-areas are the basis for creating larger geographic areas (clusters) for allocation to marketers. To determine the number of retail outlets in micro-areas, spatial connectivity is required. In other words, this analysis identifies the retail stores in each micro-area separately by spatially overlapping retail locations with micro-areas. Then, the center of gravity of each micro-area is determined and the retail stores within each micro-area are connected to that point. In order to aggregate micro-areas and extract larger geographic areas based on the number of retail stores, a regular grid of points was created. The average distances of the points of this network from the centers of gravity of the micro-areas were calculated through spatial allocation analysis, and based on this, and considering the number of marketers required, the center of the clusters was determined. It should be noted that during spatial allocation analysis, clusters are optimized based on a specific threshold. Ultimately, each micro-area is assigned to a cluster, and each cluster is assigned to a marketer.
Results and discussion
The micro-areas are grouped together to form clusters based on the minimum distance from the center. The algorithm ends where the sum of these distances is the minimum and the number of retail stores is approximately equal. Clusters represent geographic areas designated for marketers. Retail stores within each cluster are then assigned to a marketer. To quantitatively evaluate the proposed algorithm, the parameters of path lengths, standard deviation of path lengths in clusters, cluster compactness, and the number of fractures at the cluster boundary were used. The paths between points in each cluster were run and calculated separately for each method. A visual method was used to count the number of fractures, so that firstly, the outer clusters were not considered, and secondly, whenever the angle change within the cluster was more than 30 degrees, it was counted as a fracture. Obviously, the greater the number of clusters, the shorter the path lengths will be.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms existing approaches in several key aspects, including minimizing travel distance, reducing boundary fragmentation and discontinuity, and maximizing compactness. The reduced fragmentation along boundaries leads to improved accuracy in identifying and delineating marketing area borders. It should be noted, however, that this algorithm was applied only to District 6 of Tehran, and its performance may vary in other districts or cities with different road networks and urban structures.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all scientific advisors and contributors who participated in the research process.ABSTRACT
Marketing is a critical factor in the success of urban businesses, contributing significantly to commercial growth and competitive advantage. Production and distribution companies (such as those in the food, cosmetics, hygiene, detergent, and pharmaceutical industries) are increasingly seeking to reduce the costs associated with personnel and the travel of their marketing agents across urban areas. Optimal spatial distribution of marketers plays a vital role in minimizing human resource waste, time, and expenses, while enhancing the effectiveness of marketing activities. This study aims to optimize the spatial allocation of marketing agents using network analysis within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework. To achieve this, a GIS-based network analysis method is proposed for clustering marketing territories based on the number and geographic distribution of retail outlets. The proposed method partitions retail locations into a set of geographical clusters in which the number of outlets is as evenly distributed as possible. Each cluster is then assigned to a specific marketing agent. The implementation of this method in District 6 of Tehran demonstrates that the resulting clusters and marketing visit routes within each cluster are optimized, with minimal boundary fragmentation—facilitating easier recognition by marketers and reducing operational errors. In other words, the proposed approach enables the formation of marketing clusters with an equal number of retail outlets and allows for the shortest possible intra-cluster visit routes.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
In today's world, marketing is recognized as one of the most important and prominent factors in the success of organizations or businesses. Marketing refers to communicating with customers, analyzing the market, designing advertising and sales strategies, attracting the attention of the audience, and creating an emotional connection with them. The importance of marketing is significant in various ways; including business growth and development, creating competition, identifying customer needs and preferences, and improving interaction and establishing effective communication with them. Manufacturing and distribution companies (such as food, cosmetics, detergents, pharmaceuticals, etc.) are looking to reduce human resources costs and marketing time. Since marketers are the main link between retailers and manufacturing and distribution companies, proper management and control of their performance will reduce distribution costs and, as a result, customer (retail) satisfaction. Meanwhile, the distribution of marketers in the region depends on the location of the retailers, so that there must be a balance between the number of marketers and retailers. The conventional method of assigning marketers to each region is to divide or cluster the retailers based on geographical areas and then assign each area to a marketer. In the past, distribution companies manually marked out territories on large paper maps, but today, various technologies have been developed that facilitate the management of marketers in providing services to customers and increase their efficiency.
Today, location-based marketing methods, utilizing concepts and tools based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), have enabled the management, planning, and implementation of optimal marketing operations based on the geographic location of consumers and retailers. GIS can be considered as a computer-based information system consisting of hardware, software, people, data, methods, and models that is used to collect and store spatial and descriptive data, manage and display data, query and answer questions, process and analyze data, and generate geographic information and display this information. GIS is capable of integrating various types of spatial data and related descriptive data using analytical tools or spatial reporting to produce useful information to solve marketing problems. This information can help planners, decision makers, and managers of large and small businesses in the areas of sales territory allocation, geographic distribution of marketers, etc. In other words, spatial and descriptive data analysis related to the main components of an urban business system, including customers, competitors, and markets, is performed with greater accuracy, and owners and managers of small and large businesses are able to analyze and manage large volumes of information such as geographic location, customer addresses, range, and marketing routes in an area.
Methodology
One type of marketing method is location-based marketing. Location-based marketing uses the concepts and technologies of location information to manage, plan, and execute optimal marketing operations based on the geographic location of consumers. Jelokhani et al. (2019) state that GIS, as a powerful, popular, and cost-effective location-based tool, can play an important role in managing marketing activities such as market segmentation and spatial distribution of marketers. Accordingly, marketers can classify their company's market geographically based on various criteria and then determine their target market based on the strengths and weaknesses of their products and services.
The first step is to prepare the main roads and build the road network of the study area. In this step, using the capabilities of GIS network analysis, the road network has been created. In order to cluster retail locations and zone them, it is necessary to extract micro-areas from the street network. These micro-areas are the basis for creating larger geographic areas (clusters) for allocation to marketers. To determine the number of retail outlets in micro-areas, spatial connectivity is required. In other words, this analysis identifies the retail stores in each micro-area separately by spatially overlapping retail locations with micro-areas. Then, the center of gravity of each micro-area is determined and the retail stores within each micro-area are connected to that point. In order to aggregate micro-areas and extract larger geographic areas based on the number of retail stores, a regular grid of points was created. The average distances of the points of this network from the centers of gravity of the micro-areas were calculated through spatial allocation analysis, and based on this, and considering the number of marketers required, the center of the clusters was determined. It should be noted that during spatial allocation analysis, clusters are optimized based on a specific threshold. Ultimately, each micro-area is assigned to a cluster, and each cluster is assigned to a marketer.
Results and discussion
The micro-areas are grouped together to form clusters based on the minimum distance from the center. The algorithm ends where the sum of these distances is the minimum and the number of retail stores is approximately equal. Clusters represent geographic areas designated for marketers. Retail stores within each cluster are then assigned to a marketer. To quantitatively evaluate the proposed algorithm, the parameters of path lengths, standard deviation of path lengths in clusters, cluster compactness, and the number of fractures at the cluster boundary were used. The paths between points in each cluster were run and calculated separately for each method. A visual method was used to count the number of fractures, so that firstly, the outer clusters were not considered, and secondly, whenever the angle change within the cluster was more than 30 degrees, it was counted as a fracture. Obviously, the greater the number of clusters, the shorter the path lengths will be.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that the proposed method outperforms existing approaches in several key aspects, including minimizing travel distance, reducing boundary fragmentation and discontinuity, and maximizing compactness. The reduced fragmentation along boundaries leads to improved accuracy in identifying and delineating marketing area borders. It should be noted, however, that this algorithm was applied only to District 6 of Tehran, and its performance may vary in other districts or cities with different road networks and urban structures.
Funding
There is no funding support.
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all scientific advisors and contributors who participated in the research process.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_101722_020779dc7afc7a931da802a7cd25ee23.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250803Geoeconomic explanation of Silk Road and its effect on Iran's regional powerGeoeconomic explanation of Silk Road and its effect on Iran's regional power334710295810.22059/jhgr.2023.357677.1008591FAHamid RezaMeliDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranAfshinMottaghiDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranHosseinRabieiDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranMoradKaviani RadDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geographical Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250330<strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />In terms of geo-economic potentials, the Silk Road has a privileged status among countries in different areas such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and West Asia. Iran is one of the countries located on this road. Rich energy and mineral resources are among Iran's most important economic attractions. In addition, Iran is geographically located in one of the most unique geo-economic positions in the world. However, in recent decades, due to the weakness of the political management of space and especially international problems, the corridors have not been used to transform the said potential into regional power. In this context, the current research has studied the geo-economic role of the Silk Road and its impact on Iran's regional power with a descriptive-analytical and survey method. The statistical population consists of all experts in the field of political geography, whose sample size was determined to be 35 people. The analysis of the findings was based on the similarity of cosine economic models, and SPSS software was used. The results showed that developing the Silk Road, in addition to improving Iran's position in economic, commercial, political, and military terms, could also widen the range of economic diplomacy in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Silk Road development can provide Iran's geo-economic interests among the countries of Central Asia, the Caspian, and the Indian subcontinent. It can also increase the export of oil and energy, as well as increase the cooperation and dependencies of Central Asian countries, especially China.<br /> <br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />Iran’s strategic geographic position has long made it a vital crossroads connecting East and West, as well as North and South. The passage of the historical Silk Road through Iranian territory transformed the country into a major commercial and cultural hub. In the modern era, with China’s revival of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Iran’s geoeconomic significance has gained renewed attention. Its vast energy resources, access to open seas, proximity to major regional and transregional markets, and location along key international corridors offer considerable potential for increasing Iran’s regional power. However, over recent decades, this potential has not been fully realized due to inadequate spatial political management, infrastructure challenges, and international pressures. This paper aims to analyze the geoeconomic role of the Silk Road in enhancing Iran’s regional power and to identify the key factors influencing the optimal use of this opportunity.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This study employs a descriptive-analytical and survey-based research design. The statistical population includes political geography experts in Iran. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 35 experts was selected. Data were collected via a researcher-designed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the research instrument was assessed through content analysis and expert review, while its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying statistical models such as cosine similarity and frequency analysis. The questionnaire included items on the impact of the Silk Road on various components of Iran’s regional power, including economy, politics, security, diplomacy, and regional interdependencies.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />The results indicate that the revitalization of the Silk Road could exert multi-layered and positive effects on Iran’s regional power. On the economic front, the development of oil, gas, petrochemical, and other raw material exports-particularly to Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Indian subcontinent-was identified as a major benefit. Other potential advantages include increased foreign direct investment, growth in foreign exchange revenues through transit, and a boost in tourism. Politically, deeper economic engagement could enhance Iran’s economic diplomacy and strengthen its bargaining power in regional and international negotiations. Improved relations with powers such as China and Russia, along with increased economic interdependence among regional states, may also expand Iran’s political influence. In the security domain, given regional countries’ dependence on Iranian transit routes, the Silk Road could serve as a lever for fostering regional stability and reducing geopolitical threats.<br />Statistical analysis of the questionnaire revealed high average responses for key indicators: growth in energy exports (4.66), petrochemical exports (4.71), foreign investment attraction (4.66), enhancement of cultural relations (4.66), and strategic partnerships (4.81).<br />These findings are consistent with domestic studies, including those by MirMohammadi et al. (2019), Zarei (2021), and Pishgahi-Fard and Ranjbari (2020), all of which emphasize Iran’s geoeconomic potential as a transit corridor. The results also align with international research, such as Becquelin (2019) and Fallon (2015), which highlight the Silk Road’s strategic role in shaping a new Eurasian economic order-indicating this study’s coherence with the broader body of global academic literature.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Given its substantial geoeconomic capacities, Iran-if equipped with effective political management, upgraded infrastructure, and an active economic diplomacy-can emerge as an influential player in the regional and global order. The development of the Silk Road presents a unique opportunity for diversifying foreign exchange income, reducing oil dependence, expanding regional influence, and transforming Iran into a central axis connecting East and West, North and South. However, realizing this vision requires overcoming internal obstacles such as bureaucratic inefficiency, underdeveloped transportation infrastructure, investment insecurity, and weak regional and international engagement. Therefore, it is recommended that a national strategy be developed to maximize the geoeconomic potential of the Silk Road, making it a top priority in Iran’s economic and diplomatic policymaking.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />In terms of geo-economic potentials, the Silk Road has a privileged status among countries in different areas such as Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and West Asia. Iran is one of the countries located on this road. Rich energy and mineral resources are among Iran's most important economic attractions. In addition, Iran is geographically located in one of the most unique geo-economic positions in the world. However, in recent decades, due to the weakness of the political management of space and especially international problems, the corridors have not been used to transform the said potential into regional power. In this context, the current research has studied the geo-economic role of the Silk Road and its impact on Iran's regional power with a descriptive-analytical and survey method. The statistical population consists of all experts in the field of political geography, whose sample size was determined to be 35 people. The analysis of the findings was based on the similarity of cosine economic models, and SPSS software was used. The results showed that developing the Silk Road, in addition to improving Iran's position in economic, commercial, political, and military terms, could also widen the range of economic diplomacy in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Silk Road development can provide Iran's geo-economic interests among the countries of Central Asia, the Caspian, and the Indian subcontinent. It can also increase the export of oil and energy, as well as increase the cooperation and dependencies of Central Asian countries, especially China.<br /> <br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />Iran’s strategic geographic position has long made it a vital crossroads connecting East and West, as well as North and South. The passage of the historical Silk Road through Iranian territory transformed the country into a major commercial and cultural hub. In the modern era, with China’s revival of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Iran’s geoeconomic significance has gained renewed attention. Its vast energy resources, access to open seas, proximity to major regional and transregional markets, and location along key international corridors offer considerable potential for increasing Iran’s regional power. However, over recent decades, this potential has not been fully realized due to inadequate spatial political management, infrastructure challenges, and international pressures. This paper aims to analyze the geoeconomic role of the Silk Road in enhancing Iran’s regional power and to identify the key factors influencing the optimal use of this opportunity.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />This study employs a descriptive-analytical and survey-based research design. The statistical population includes political geography experts in Iran. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 35 experts was selected. Data were collected via a researcher-designed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale. The validity of the research instrument was assessed through content analysis and expert review, while its reliability was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, applying statistical models such as cosine similarity and frequency analysis. The questionnaire included items on the impact of the Silk Road on various components of Iran’s regional power, including economy, politics, security, diplomacy, and regional interdependencies.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />The results indicate that the revitalization of the Silk Road could exert multi-layered and positive effects on Iran’s regional power. On the economic front, the development of oil, gas, petrochemical, and other raw material exports-particularly to Central Asia, the Caspian region, and the Indian subcontinent-was identified as a major benefit. Other potential advantages include increased foreign direct investment, growth in foreign exchange revenues through transit, and a boost in tourism. Politically, deeper economic engagement could enhance Iran’s economic diplomacy and strengthen its bargaining power in regional and international negotiations. Improved relations with powers such as China and Russia, along with increased economic interdependence among regional states, may also expand Iran’s political influence. In the security domain, given regional countries’ dependence on Iranian transit routes, the Silk Road could serve as a lever for fostering regional stability and reducing geopolitical threats.<br />Statistical analysis of the questionnaire revealed high average responses for key indicators: growth in energy exports (4.66), petrochemical exports (4.71), foreign investment attraction (4.66), enhancement of cultural relations (4.66), and strategic partnerships (4.81).<br />These findings are consistent with domestic studies, including those by MirMohammadi et al. (2019), Zarei (2021), and Pishgahi-Fard and Ranjbari (2020), all of which emphasize Iran’s geoeconomic potential as a transit corridor. The results also align with international research, such as Becquelin (2019) and Fallon (2015), which highlight the Silk Road’s strategic role in shaping a new Eurasian economic order-indicating this study’s coherence with the broader body of global academic literature.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />Given its substantial geoeconomic capacities, Iran-if equipped with effective political management, upgraded infrastructure, and an active economic diplomacy-can emerge as an influential player in the regional and global order. The development of the Silk Road presents a unique opportunity for diversifying foreign exchange income, reducing oil dependence, expanding regional influence, and transforming Iran into a central axis connecting East and West, North and South. However, realizing this vision requires overcoming internal obstacles such as bureaucratic inefficiency, underdeveloped transportation infrastructure, investment insecurity, and weak regional and international engagement. Therefore, it is recommended that a national strategy be developed to maximize the geoeconomic potential of the Silk Road, making it a top priority in Iran’s economic and diplomatic policymaking.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_102958_d2033ea530afc24a8f6b266b04164ed8.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250803The Concept and Dimensions of Risk Management in Smart Cities:
A case study of Mashhad MunicipalitThe Concept and Dimensions of Risk Management in Smart Cities:
A case study of Mashhad Municipalit496410298310.22059/jhgr.2024.365037.1008631FARaziehGhasemzadehDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities Dr. Shariati, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranOmid AliKharazmiDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Literature and Humanities Dr. Shariati, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20250330<strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />With the ever-increasing expansion of cities and the increase of migrations, we are witnessing the emergence of problems and inappropriate living conditions in cities, especially megacities, to deal with the situation, various approaches and theories have been proposed and used, among which we can mention the smart city. The purpose of the smart city is to provide favorable living conditions in cities for citizens so that they can easily access all available resources. Smart cities face risks and dangers due to the connection of urban networks and the complexity of issues. The important events in the urban environment from the political, economic, social, geographical, and human points of view show that human societies are constantly faced with natural and unnatural events. Issues related to risks and dangers in smart cities, including system failure, cyber-attacks, disruption of urban networks, illegal access to data, trade blocking, information diversion, etc., are real and common issues and need further analysis and investigation. Therefore, the security and privacy of citizens, which is mostly related to technology, and the issues related to the urban environment and organizations are among the important issues to optimize smart cities and improve the quality of life for citizens. Mashhad metropolis is the first leading city in the field of urban smartness in Iran, and it has a certificate of successful implementation of the key indicators of a sustainable smart city from the Global Sustainable Smart Cities Union. Risk management has a great value for Mashhad Metropolitan Municipality as the main trustee in urban management. Considering these issues, municipalities should consider that planning for smartness alone cannot provide the necessary security, comfort and convenience for citizens. The main goal of this research is to investigate the risk management situation in Mashhad Municipality. For this purpose, the dimensions and components of risk management are classified and themed, and finally the desired model is presented. As part of the work, this article tries to answer these questions: <br />-What are the themes, dimensions and components of risk management?<br /> <br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In terms of the purpose, the present research is part of applied research and based on the approach, it is of the type of qualitative studies. The research method is interpretive phenomenology. The participants were selected from Mashhad Municipality specialists and experts from organizations related to smart building. There were 15 participants in the qualitative section, and the snowball sampling method was exerted to select the desired sample. The collection and analysis of findings in the qualitative section was continuous and simultaneous. The main method of data collection was structured interview with open questions. The criterion for continuing the research was to reach theoretical saturation. Saturation of the findings was achieved with 8 participants; but in order to validate the findings, the interviews continued until the 15th person. In order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the theme analysis method and MAXQDA software were used. This method can be implemented in various ways, among them, a theme network method was applied.<br /> <br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />In this research, the researcher has tried to explain the concept and dimensions of risk management; the results of the research included seven comprehensive themes, which include the senior manager and the special risk department in the municipal organization, risk maps, information documents, warning equipment, monitoring emerging risks, disaster recovery planning, and risk management workshops. According to the results of the research findings of the senior manager department and the special risk department in Mashhad municipality with the research of Vitonskite et al. (2019) in the research of smart cities and cyber security, a comparative study of the role of standards, third party risk management and security ownership, which is a comparison between Barcelona and Singapore and London have done equals that the results show that a common understanding of key security requirements is not shared between managers and different departments. The findings of the risk map section are consistent with the research of Sharvari et al. (2019), who conducted a comprehensive risk mapping study for strategic evacuation in semi-open roads and open spaces in smart cities. The findings of the warning equipment section are consistent with the research of Priyanka et al. (2021), who investigated the use of warning equipment in relation to the water network line in smart cities. Thus, the Internet of Things integrates sensor knowledge to monitor pressure, flow rate, pumping station parameters, temperature, and other external parameters, enabling a transition from monitoring and response to a pre-aware and proactive approach. In internal studies, the issue of risk management is mainly done with an organizational, banking, tax, etc. approach. In the field of smart cities, a limited number of research studies have been conducted in relation to cyber and technological security. Ghanbari and Shafiei (2020) in the research of cyber security, the main framework of smart cities concerning cyber risks in smart cities, and Beiramizadeh and Mollahosseini (2019) in the research of the concept of smart cities and their cyber security challenges and existing solutions have concluded that the field of cyber security of smart city in Iran is in its early stages and requires the efforts of governments and developers.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings from the analysis show that from the aspect of risk management in Mashhad municipality, they have taken more measures in the area of warning equipment and preparation of risk maps. Also, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. According to the analysis, risk management is a new topic in Mashhad municipality, and the necessary fields in the municipality and related organizations are either not prepared or are being implemented. Based on the results of the existing risk management programs in Mashhad municipality, it needs to be integrated and uniform. From this point of view, it can be said that according to the topics obtained from the interviews, there are plans for risk management in Mashhad Municipality. However, because there is no managerial integration, risk management cannot be done properly because, as mentioned, all urban systems are connected in smart cities. Hence, a disturbance in one department affects the rest and needs integrated management.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<br /><strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />The purpose of the research is to study the concept, dimensions, and examples of risk management in the two dimensions of technology and organization in Mashhad municipality from the perspective of specialists and experts in intelligentization and its relationship with intelligentization. The current research uses the qualitative method and is done with the interpretive phenomenology method. The participants in the research included 15 specialists and experts of Mashhad Municipality who were selected by snowball sampling, and the process of collecting information continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The findings show that management integration in Mashhad municipality is needed in light of the risks related to smart cities. Although they have taken measures regarding warning equipment and preparing risk maps, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. The results of the research included seven comprehensive topics, which include the senior manager and the specific risk department (alternative departments of risk management, related enterprises dealing with risks, the manager of the specific risk department), risk maps (intelligent risk calculation software, environmental risk maps, risk map guidelines), informational documents (risk assessment, information about equipment failures and malfunctions, risk management protocols), warning equipment (environmental warning equipment, identifying risks with systems), monitoring of emerging risks (preparation and prevention department), disaster recovery planning (crisis management, recovery plans), and the existence of risk management workshops (management and information security steering group, risk management training workshops).<br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />With the ever-increasing expansion of cities and the increase of migrations, we are witnessing the emergence of problems and inappropriate living conditions in cities, especially megacities, to deal with the situation, various approaches and theories have been proposed and used, among which we can mention the smart city. The purpose of the smart city is to provide favorable living conditions in cities for citizens so that they can easily access all available resources. Smart cities face risks and dangers due to the connection of urban networks and the complexity of issues. The important events in the urban environment from the political, economic, social, geographical, and human points of view show that human societies are constantly faced with natural and unnatural events. Issues related to risks and dangers in smart cities, including system failure, cyber-attacks, disruption of urban networks, illegal access to data, trade blocking, information diversion, etc., are real and common issues and need further analysis and investigation. Therefore, the security and privacy of citizens, which is mostly related to technology, and the issues related to the urban environment and organizations are among the important issues to optimize smart cities and improve the quality of life for citizens. Mashhad metropolis is the first leading city in the field of urban smartness in Iran, and it has a certificate of successful implementation of the key indicators of a sustainable smart city from the Global Sustainable Smart Cities Union. Risk management has a great value for Mashhad Metropolitan Municipality as the main trustee in urban management. Considering these issues, municipalities should consider that planning for smartness alone cannot provide the necessary security, comfort and convenience for citizens. The main goal of this research is to investigate the risk management situation in Mashhad Municipality. For this purpose, the dimensions and components of risk management are classified and themed, and finally the desired model is presented. As part of the work, this article tries to answer these questions: <br />-What are the themes, dimensions and components of risk management?<br /> <br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In terms of the purpose, the present research is part of applied research and based on the approach, it is of the type of qualitative studies. The research method is interpretive phenomenology. The participants were selected from Mashhad Municipality specialists and experts from organizations related to smart building. There were 15 participants in the qualitative section, and the snowball sampling method was exerted to select the desired sample. The collection and analysis of findings in the qualitative section was continuous and simultaneous. The main method of data collection was structured interview with open questions. The criterion for continuing the research was to reach theoretical saturation. Saturation of the findings was achieved with 8 participants; but in order to validate the findings, the interviews continued until the 15th person. In order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the theme analysis method and MAXQDA software were used. This method can be implemented in various ways, among them, a theme network method was applied.<br /> <br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />In this research, the researcher has tried to explain the concept and dimensions of risk management; the results of the research included seven comprehensive themes, which include the senior manager and the special risk department in the municipal organization, risk maps, information documents, warning equipment, monitoring emerging risks, disaster recovery planning, and risk management workshops. According to the results of the research findings of the senior manager department and the special risk department in Mashhad municipality with the research of Vitonskite et al. (2019) in the research of smart cities and cyber security, a comparative study of the role of standards, third party risk management and security ownership, which is a comparison between Barcelona and Singapore and London have done equals that the results show that a common understanding of key security requirements is not shared between managers and different departments. The findings of the risk map section are consistent with the research of Sharvari et al. (2019), who conducted a comprehensive risk mapping study for strategic evacuation in semi-open roads and open spaces in smart cities. The findings of the warning equipment section are consistent with the research of Priyanka et al. (2021), who investigated the use of warning equipment in relation to the water network line in smart cities. Thus, the Internet of Things integrates sensor knowledge to monitor pressure, flow rate, pumping station parameters, temperature, and other external parameters, enabling a transition from monitoring and response to a pre-aware and proactive approach. In internal studies, the issue of risk management is mainly done with an organizational, banking, tax, etc. approach. In the field of smart cities, a limited number of research studies have been conducted in relation to cyber and technological security. Ghanbari and Shafiei (2020) in the research of cyber security, the main framework of smart cities concerning cyber risks in smart cities, and Beiramizadeh and Mollahosseini (2019) in the research of the concept of smart cities and their cyber security challenges and existing solutions have concluded that the field of cyber security of smart city in Iran is in its early stages and requires the efforts of governments and developers.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings from the analysis show that from the aspect of risk management in Mashhad municipality, they have taken more measures in the area of warning equipment and preparation of risk maps. Also, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. According to the analysis, risk management is a new topic in Mashhad municipality, and the necessary fields in the municipality and related organizations are either not prepared or are being implemented. Based on the results of the existing risk management programs in Mashhad municipality, it needs to be integrated and uniform. From this point of view, it can be said that according to the topics obtained from the interviews, there are plans for risk management in Mashhad Municipality. However, because there is no managerial integration, risk management cannot be done properly because, as mentioned, all urban systems are connected in smart cities. Hence, a disturbance in one department affects the rest and needs integrated management.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />With the ever-increasing expansion of cities and the increase of migrations, we are witnessing the emergence of problems and inappropriate living conditions in cities, especially megacities, to deal with the situation, various approaches and theories have been proposed and used, among which we can mention the smart city. The purpose of the smart city is to provide favorable living conditions in cities for citizens so that they can easily access all available resources. Smart cities face risks and dangers due to the connection of urban networks and the complexity of issues. The important events in the urban environment from the political, economic, social, geographical, and human points of view show that human societies are constantly faced with natural and unnatural events. Issues related to risks and dangers in smart cities, including system failure, cyber-attacks, disruption of urban networks, illegal access to data, trade blocking, information diversion, etc., are real and common issues and need further analysis and investigation. Therefore, the security and privacy of citizens, which is mostly related to technology, and the issues related to the urban environment and organizations are among the important issues to optimize smart cities and improve the quality of life for citizens. Mashhad metropolis is the first leading city in the field of urban smartness in Iran, and it has a certificate of successful implementation of the key indicators of a sustainable smart city from the Global Sustainable Smart Cities Union. Risk management has a great value for Mashhad Metropolitan Municipality as the main trustee in urban management. Considering these issues, municipalities should consider that planning for smartness alone cannot provide the necessary security, comfort and convenience for citizens. The main goal of this research is to investigate the risk management situation in Mashhad Municipality. For this purpose, the dimensions and components of risk management are classified and themed, and finally the desired model is presented. As part of the work, this article tries to answer these questions: <br />-What are the themes, dimensions and components of risk management?<br /> <br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In terms of the purpose, the present research is part of applied research and based on the approach, it is of the type of qualitative studies. The research method is interpretive phenomenology. The participants were selected from Mashhad Municipality specialists and experts from organizations related to smart building. There were 15 participants in the qualitative section, and the snowball sampling method was exerted to select the desired sample. The collection and analysis of findings in the qualitative section was continuous and simultaneous. The main method of data collection was structured interview with open questions. The criterion for continuing the research was to reach theoretical saturation. Saturation of the findings was achieved with 8 participants; but in order to validate the findings, the interviews continued until the 15th person. In order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the theme analysis method and MAXQDA software were used. This method can be implemented in various ways, among them, a theme network method was applied.<br /> <br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />In this research, the researcher has tried to explain the concept and dimensions of risk management; the results of the research included seven comprehensive themes, which include the senior manager and the special risk department in the municipal organization, risk maps, information documents, warning equipment, monitoring emerging risks, disaster recovery planning, and risk management workshops. According to the results of the research findings of the senior manager department and the special risk department in Mashhad municipality with the research of Vitonskite et al. (2019) in the research of smart cities and cyber security, a comparative study of the role of standards, third party risk management and security ownership, which is a comparison between Barcelona and Singapore and London have done equals that the results show that a common understanding of key security requirements is not shared between managers and different departments. The findings of the risk map section are consistent with the research of Sharvari et al. (2019), who conducted a comprehensive risk mapping study for strategic evacuation in semi-open roads and open spaces in smart cities. The findings of the warning equipment section are consistent with the research of Priyanka et al. (2021), who investigated the use of warning equipment in relation to the water network line in smart cities. Thus, the Internet of Things integrates sensor knowledge to monitor pressure, flow rate, pumping station parameters, temperature, and other external parameters, enabling a transition from monitoring and response to a pre-aware and proactive approach. In internal studies, the issue of risk management is mainly done with an organizational, banking, tax, etc. approach. In the field of smart cities, a limited number of research studies have been conducted in relation to cyber and technological security. Ghanbari and Shafiei (2020) in the research of cyber security, the main framework of smart cities concerning cyber risks in smart cities, and Beiramizadeh and Mollahosseini (2019) in the research of the concept of smart cities and their cyber security challenges and existing solutions have concluded that the field of cyber security of smart city in Iran is in its early stages and requires the efforts of governments and developers.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings from the analysis show that from the aspect of risk management in Mashhad municipality, they have taken more measures in the area of warning equipment and preparation of risk maps. Also, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. According to the analysis, risk management is a new topic in Mashhad municipality, and the necessary fields in the municipality and related organizations are either not prepared or are being implemented. Based on the results of the existing risk management programs in Mashhad municipality, it needs to be integrated and uniform. From this point of view, it can be said that according to the topics obtained from the interviews, there are plans for risk management in Mashhad Municipality. However, because there is no managerial integration, risk management cannot be done properly because, as mentioned, all urban systems are connected in smart cities. Hence, a disturbance in one department affects the rest and needs integrated management.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<br /><strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />The purpose of the research is to study the concept, dimensions, and examples of risk management in the two dimensions of technology and organization in Mashhad municipality from the perspective of specialists and experts in intelligentization and its relationship with intelligentization. The current research uses the qualitative method and is done with the interpretive phenomenology method. The participants in the research included 15 specialists and experts of Mashhad Municipality who were selected by snowball sampling, and the process of collecting information continued until theoretical saturation was reached. The findings show that management integration in Mashhad municipality is needed in light of the risks related to smart cities. Although they have taken measures regarding warning equipment and preparing risk maps, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. The results of the research included seven comprehensive topics, which include the senior manager and the specific risk department (alternative departments of risk management, related enterprises dealing with risks, the manager of the specific risk department), risk maps (intelligent risk calculation software, environmental risk maps, risk map guidelines), informational documents (risk assessment, information about equipment failures and malfunctions, risk management protocols), warning equipment (environmental warning equipment, identifying risks with systems), monitoring of emerging risks (preparation and prevention department), disaster recovery planning (crisis management, recovery plans), and the existence of risk management workshops (management and information security steering group, risk management training workshops).<br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />With the ever-increasing expansion of cities and the increase of migrations, we are witnessing the emergence of problems and inappropriate living conditions in cities, especially megacities, to deal with the situation, various approaches and theories have been proposed and used, among which we can mention the smart city. The purpose of the smart city is to provide favorable living conditions in cities for citizens so that they can easily access all available resources. Smart cities face risks and dangers due to the connection of urban networks and the complexity of issues. The important events in the urban environment from the political, economic, social, geographical, and human points of view show that human societies are constantly faced with natural and unnatural events. Issues related to risks and dangers in smart cities, including system failure, cyber-attacks, disruption of urban networks, illegal access to data, trade blocking, information diversion, etc., are real and common issues and need further analysis and investigation. Therefore, the security and privacy of citizens, which is mostly related to technology, and the issues related to the urban environment and organizations are among the important issues to optimize smart cities and improve the quality of life for citizens. Mashhad metropolis is the first leading city in the field of urban smartness in Iran, and it has a certificate of successful implementation of the key indicators of a sustainable smart city from the Global Sustainable Smart Cities Union. Risk management has a great value for Mashhad Metropolitan Municipality as the main trustee in urban management. Considering these issues, municipalities should consider that planning for smartness alone cannot provide the necessary security, comfort and convenience for citizens. The main goal of this research is to investigate the risk management situation in Mashhad Municipality. For this purpose, the dimensions and components of risk management are classified and themed, and finally the desired model is presented. As part of the work, this article tries to answer these questions: <br />-What are the themes, dimensions and components of risk management?<br /> <br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In terms of the purpose, the present research is part of applied research and based on the approach, it is of the type of qualitative studies. The research method is interpretive phenomenology. The participants were selected from Mashhad Municipality specialists and experts from organizations related to smart building. There were 15 participants in the qualitative section, and the snowball sampling method was exerted to select the desired sample. The collection and analysis of findings in the qualitative section was continuous and simultaneous. The main method of data collection was structured interview with open questions. The criterion for continuing the research was to reach theoretical saturation. Saturation of the findings was achieved with 8 participants; but in order to validate the findings, the interviews continued until the 15th person. In order to analyze the data in the qualitative part, the theme analysis method and MAXQDA software were used. This method can be implemented in various ways, among them, a theme network method was applied.<br /> <br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />In this research, the researcher has tried to explain the concept and dimensions of risk management; the results of the research included seven comprehensive themes, which include the senior manager and the special risk department in the municipal organization, risk maps, information documents, warning equipment, monitoring emerging risks, disaster recovery planning, and risk management workshops. According to the results of the research findings of the senior manager department and the special risk department in Mashhad municipality with the research of Vitonskite et al. (2019) in the research of smart cities and cyber security, a comparative study of the role of standards, third party risk management and security ownership, which is a comparison between Barcelona and Singapore and London have done equals that the results show that a common understanding of key security requirements is not shared between managers and different departments. The findings of the risk map section are consistent with the research of Sharvari et al. (2019), who conducted a comprehensive risk mapping study for strategic evacuation in semi-open roads and open spaces in smart cities. The findings of the warning equipment section are consistent with the research of Priyanka et al. (2021), who investigated the use of warning equipment in relation to the water network line in smart cities. Thus, the Internet of Things integrates sensor knowledge to monitor pressure, flow rate, pumping station parameters, temperature, and other external parameters, enabling a transition from monitoring and response to a pre-aware and proactive approach. In internal studies, the issue of risk management is mainly done with an organizational, banking, tax, etc. approach. In the field of smart cities, a limited number of research studies have been conducted in relation to cyber and technological security. Ghanbari and Shafiei (2020) in the research of cyber security, the main framework of smart cities concerning cyber risks in smart cities, and Beiramizadeh and Mollahosseini (2019) in the research of the concept of smart cities and their cyber security challenges and existing solutions have concluded that the field of cyber security of smart city in Iran is in its early stages and requires the efforts of governments and developers.<br /> <br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings from the analysis show that from the aspect of risk management in Mashhad municipality, they have taken more measures in the area of warning equipment and preparation of risk maps. Also, the planning is mostly focused on recovery after disaster and crisis. According to the analysis, risk management is a new topic in Mashhad municipality, and the necessary fields in the municipality and related organizations are either not prepared or are being implemented. Based on the results of the existing risk management programs in Mashhad municipality, it needs to be integrated and uniform. From this point of view, it can be said that according to the topics obtained from the interviews, there are plans for risk management in Mashhad Municipality. However, because there is no managerial integration, risk management cannot be done properly because, as mentioned, all urban systems are connected in smart cities. Hence, a disturbance in one department affects the rest and needs integrated management.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /><strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_102983_3e4b29607728dcf4fb30f23c158a340e.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250804Capitals of Local Communities and Tourism-Oriented Economic Development:
A case study of Target Villages for Tourism in Zanjan ProvinceCapitals of Local Communities and Tourism-Oriented Economic Development:
A case study of Target Villages for Tourism in Zanjan Province658110298410.22059/jhgr.2024.371800.1008668FASamiraMosaviDepartment of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran0009-0001-1646-2213JamshidEinaliDepartment of Geography, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, IranFarhadJavanDepartment of Tourism Management, Faculty of Cultural Heritage, HandiCrafts and Tourism, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranJournal Article20250330<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
The purpose of the research is to evaluate the role of the capital framework of the rural community in the development of the rural economy through the development of tourism in the target villages of Zanjan province. For this purpose, from each of the eight cities of the province, only one village has been selected as a tourism destination by the tourism organization. The statistical population of sample villages in 2016 comprised 8,812 cases. A sample size of 327 individuals was determined using Cochran's formula. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires. In order to analyze the data, statistical tests such as one-sample t, multivariate linear regression, correlation and agreement tables, and Kruskal-Wallis have been used. The results of the analysis showed that all dimensions of the local community's capital are higher than the numerical desirability of the test and show a significant difference at the 99% level, and among the dimensions of the rural community's capital, social capital (3.8245), and built capital (3.9635), respectively. They have had the most significant impact on the development of the rural economy. On the other hand, the development of tourism in the sample villages has had a positive effect on the diversity of income sources for residents (3.5315) and improved employment and income opportunities (3.3637). Also, the results of the linear regression analysis according to the coefficient of determination (0.901) and the value of the F test statistic equal to 394.172 showed that the most direct impact of the dimensions of local community capital in the rural economy through the development of tourism from the point of view of the respondents living in the target villages of the studied tourism. The sequence belongs to financial capital (0.546) and social capital (0.512).
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
Rural areas and communities significantly influence developing countries' political and economic stability. On the other hand, rural areas in developing countries, especially Iran, have economic challenges such as extensive rural-urban migration and the aging of the rural population structure, severe changes in land use, limited job opportunities and high unemployment rate, weak public infrastructure and failure of commercial and market networks, low level of productivity of production factors and weak managerial and technical knowledge, high outflow of capital and limited resources and weakness economic capacities, and the like are facing the rural community with many challenges in achieving economic equality and sustainability of socio-economic development. On the other hand, the emergence of socio-economic changes caused by globalization, the rapid development of urbanization, insufficiency of agricultural sector activities in providing livelihood, and attention to tourism development as a complement to economic development by utilizing local community funds is a solution for rural development. Therefore, in Zanjan province, 16 villages with tourism capacities and attractions in historical, natural, and cultural fields have been identified and introduced as target villages for tourism by the organization of tourism, cultural heritage, and handicrafts. Better planning to properly use rural community funds in different dimensions can provide the basis for sustainable development, especially in rural economy indicators. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the role of the local capital framework of the rural community in developing the rural economy by taking advantage of the development of rural tourism in the target villages of Zanjan province. It tries to answer questions:
1- What is the relationship between the local community's capital and the tourism development in the target villages?
2- What are the most important assets of the local community in developing the local economy through tourism?
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
The current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The methods and tools of information gathering in the current research included library and field methods based on observation and completing the questionnaire. To determine the validity of the questionnaire, after preparing it, the supervisors and advisors initially controlled the questionnaire questions, and meaningless and irrelevant questions were removed. In order to determine the reliability coefficient, 30 questionnaires (about 10% of the sample) were distributed among the household heads of the studied villages. After collecting the data from the questionnaires, the data was entered into the computer, and using Cronbach's alpha test, the validity of the questionnaires was obtained as 0.867. The statistical population of the research includes the target villages of tourism in Zanjan province, which, according to cost and time limitations, and for detailed study, one case from each city of the province has been selected as a sample. Several 327 cases were selected for studying and completing the questionnaire using Cochran's sampling formula. Statistical tests such as one-sample t, Kruskal-Wallis, regression, and Spearman's correlation were used for quantitative data analysis.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
The results of the desirability of local society's capital indices using a one-sample t-test with the assumption of numerical desirability of 3 as the mean of the Likert spectrum showed that this amount is higher than the numerical desirability of the test for all dimensions of local community capitals and shows a significant difference at the 99% level which shows the positive impact of all aspects of the local community's capital in the development of the local economy based on tourism and the most significant impact among the capitals of the local community, respectively, in the dimensions of "social capital" with a numerical average (3.8245), "built or physical capital" with a numerical average (3.9635) and "natural capital" with a numerical average (3.6931). Investigating the direction and intensity of the impact of rural community capital dimensions in the rural economy through tourism development using linear regression test showed that the significant relationship according to the equivalent determination coefficient (0.901) and the value of the F test statistic equal to 394.172 showed that the significant relationship is significant at the 99% level. Based on the regression result, it can be said that the most significant direct impact of the dimensions of the local community's capital in the rural economy through tourism development from the point of view of the respondents living in the studied tourism target villages can be attributed to financial capital (0.546) and social capital (0.512) was found to be related. Investigating the correlation between the dimensions of rural community capital and the rural economy development index through tourism showed using the Spearman test that between the rural economy development index through tourism and the dimensions of rural community capital inbuilt (physical) capital (0.330), natural capital (0.265), political-institutional capital (0.767), financial capital (0.752), capital Social (0.440) there is a significant relationship at the 99% level. On the other hand, there is no significant relationship between the dimensions of human capital (0.070) and cultural capital (-0.037) and the development of rural economy through tourism in the studied villages.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
Finally, the final results show that among the 8 target villages studied, the villages of Su Kahriz in Khorramdarreh county, with an average rank (of 164.75) and Shit in Tarom county, with an average rank (of 164.30), are ranked first and second in terms of the total dimensions of rural community capital. In addition, Papai village in Zanjan county has the lowest rank with an average rating (141.04), and other tourist target villages are located between Behestan and Su Kahriz villages. Also, the spatial analysis of the economic effects of tourism development in the studied tourism target villages in Zanjan province shows this fact that Shit villages in Tarom county and Darsajin in Abhar county, respectively, with average ranking (of 190.00) and (186.64) have the most effectiveness in the development of the tourism-based rural economy. Moreover, activities related to it and Behestan village in Mahneshan county, with an average rating (of 134.39), have the lowest rating in this regard. According to the above-mentioned cases, there is no significant relationship at the level of 95% among the sample villages in both of the studied indicators, i.e., having the dimensions of local capital and the economic effects of tourism development. The main reason for this can be seen in selecting these villages as the target villages for tourism and their unique and numerous attractions.
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
The purpose of the research is to evaluate the role of the capital framework of the rural community in the development of the rural economy through the development of tourism in the target villages of Zanjan province. For this purpose, from each of the eight cities of the province, only one village has been selected as a tourism destination by the tourism organization. The statistical population of sample villages in 2016 comprised 8,812 cases. A sample size of 327 individuals was determined using Cochran's formula. Data collection was carried out through questionnaires. In order to analyze the data, statistical tests such as one-sample t, multivariate linear regression, correlation and agreement tables, and Kruskal-Wallis have been used. The results of the analysis showed that all dimensions of the local community's capital are higher than the numerical desirability of the test and show a significant difference at the 99% level, and among the dimensions of the rural community's capital, social capital (3.8245), and built capital (3.9635), respectively. They have had the most significant impact on the development of the rural economy. On the other hand, the development of tourism in the sample villages has had a positive effect on the diversity of income sources for residents (3.5315) and improved employment and income opportunities (3.3637). Also, the results of the linear regression analysis according to the coefficient of determination (0.901) and the value of the F test statistic equal to 394.172 showed that the most direct impact of the dimensions of local community capital in the rural economy through the development of tourism from the point of view of the respondents living in the target villages of the studied tourism. The sequence belongs to financial capital (0.546) and social capital (0.512).
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
Rural areas and communities significantly influence developing countries' political and economic stability. On the other hand, rural areas in developing countries, especially Iran, have economic challenges such as extensive rural-urban migration and the aging of the rural population structure, severe changes in land use, limited job opportunities and high unemployment rate, weak public infrastructure and failure of commercial and market networks, low level of productivity of production factors and weak managerial and technical knowledge, high outflow of capital and limited resources and weakness economic capacities, and the like are facing the rural community with many challenges in achieving economic equality and sustainability of socio-economic development. On the other hand, the emergence of socio-economic changes caused by globalization, the rapid development of urbanization, insufficiency of agricultural sector activities in providing livelihood, and attention to tourism development as a complement to economic development by utilizing local community funds is a solution for rural development. Therefore, in Zanjan province, 16 villages with tourism capacities and attractions in historical, natural, and cultural fields have been identified and introduced as target villages for tourism by the organization of tourism, cultural heritage, and handicrafts. Better planning to properly use rural community funds in different dimensions can provide the basis for sustainable development, especially in rural economy indicators. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to evaluate the role of the local capital framework of the rural community in developing the rural economy by taking advantage of the development of rural tourism in the target villages of Zanjan province. It tries to answer questions:
1- What is the relationship between the local community's capital and the tourism development in the target villages?
2- What are the most important assets of the local community in developing the local economy through tourism?
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
The current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of method. The methods and tools of information gathering in the current research included library and field methods based on observation and completing the questionnaire. To determine the validity of the questionnaire, after preparing it, the supervisors and advisors initially controlled the questionnaire questions, and meaningless and irrelevant questions were removed. In order to determine the reliability coefficient, 30 questionnaires (about 10% of the sample) were distributed among the household heads of the studied villages. After collecting the data from the questionnaires, the data was entered into the computer, and using Cronbach's alpha test, the validity of the questionnaires was obtained as 0.867. The statistical population of the research includes the target villages of tourism in Zanjan province, which, according to cost and time limitations, and for detailed study, one case from each city of the province has been selected as a sample. Several 327 cases were selected for studying and completing the questionnaire using Cochran's sampling formula. Statistical tests such as one-sample t, Kruskal-Wallis, regression, and Spearman's correlation were used for quantitative data analysis.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
The results of the desirability of local society's capital indices using a one-sample t-test with the assumption of numerical desirability of 3 as the mean of the Likert spectrum showed that this amount is higher than the numerical desirability of the test for all dimensions of local community capitals and shows a significant difference at the 99% level which shows the positive impact of all aspects of the local community's capital in the development of the local economy based on tourism and the most significant impact among the capitals of the local community, respectively, in the dimensions of "social capital" with a numerical average (3.8245), "built or physical capital" with a numerical average (3.9635) and "natural capital" with a numerical average (3.6931). Investigating the direction and intensity of the impact of rural community capital dimensions in the rural economy through tourism development using linear regression test showed that the significant relationship according to the equivalent determination coefficient (0.901) and the value of the F test statistic equal to 394.172 showed that the significant relationship is significant at the 99% level. Based on the regression result, it can be said that the most significant direct impact of the dimensions of the local community's capital in the rural economy through tourism development from the point of view of the respondents living in the studied tourism target villages can be attributed to financial capital (0.546) and social capital (0.512) was found to be related. Investigating the correlation between the dimensions of rural community capital and the rural economy development index through tourism showed using the Spearman test that between the rural economy development index through tourism and the dimensions of rural community capital inbuilt (physical) capital (0.330), natural capital (0.265), political-institutional capital (0.767), financial capital (0.752), capital Social (0.440) there is a significant relationship at the 99% level. On the other hand, there is no significant relationship between the dimensions of human capital (0.070) and cultural capital (-0.037) and the development of rural economy through tourism in the studied villages.
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
Finally, the final results show that among the 8 target villages studied, the villages of Su Kahriz in Khorramdarreh county, with an average rank (of 164.75) and Shit in Tarom county, with an average rank (of 164.30), are ranked first and second in terms of the total dimensions of rural community capital. In addition, Papai village in Zanjan county has the lowest rank with an average rating (141.04), and other tourist target villages are located between Behestan and Su Kahriz villages. Also, the spatial analysis of the economic effects of tourism development in the studied tourism target villages in Zanjan province shows this fact that Shit villages in Tarom county and Darsajin in Abhar county, respectively, with average ranking (of 190.00) and (186.64) have the most effectiveness in the development of the tourism-based rural economy. Moreover, activities related to it and Behestan village in Mahneshan county, with an average rating (of 134.39), have the lowest rating in this regard. According to the above-mentioned cases, there is no significant relationship at the level of 95% among the sample villages in both of the studied indicators, i.e., having the dimensions of local capital and the economic effects of tourism development. The main reason for this can be seen in selecting these villages as the target villages for tourism and their unique and numerous attractions.
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_102984_48cd58f157f43b7f6c8f026383efd3d1.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250805Urban Logistics in Historic Centers by Using of Multi-criteria Evaluationin
the Geographical Information System in the City of SaqqezUrban Logistics in Historic Centers by Using of Multi-criteria Evaluationin
the Geographical Information System in the City of Saqqez8310310301110.22059/jhgr.2024.365418.1008633FAAbolfazlGhanbariDepartment of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Science, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranSadraKarimzadehDepartment of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Science, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranBahmanMardaniDepartment of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Science, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranJournal Article20250330<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
This research aims to investigate the relationship between urban transportation and land use, texture, zoning and urban planning in order to create urban logistics strategies to help land use planning and organize logistics flows in the center of Saqqez city. This method is mainly based on the use of geographic information system, which is used to detect and accumulate cargo vehicles in the production centers of cargo trips in the central region of Saqqez city. Finally, it has been used as a factor to identify urban logistics strategies and criteria in order to improve urban logistics in Saqqez city. in addition, by using multi-criteria evaluation in geographic information system, it has been used to identify suitability map related to urban logistics activity and compatible with land use. Also, from the multi-criteria decision-making model (FUZZY AHP), the weight of the criteria and then the suitability map in the environment (ARC GIS) have been operationalized. However, the results of the final suitability based on the aggregation of the five policies indicate the suitability of the Eastern, Northern and southern towards the city center
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
The logistics city brings a new concept in land use planning and management of urban logistics flows, solving problems related to the movement of urban goods, while seeking a balance between the required efficiency of urban transportation and existing social costs. The concept of urban logistics is defined as the process of complete optimization of logistics and transportation and the activity of private companies in the urban area due to the increase in traffic and fuel consumption in an economic market. The importance of logistics in Saqqez city reduces traffic in the city center, which has a high traffic level, as well as reducing traffic, more penetration, security, reducing transportation costs, timely distribution of goods, and reducing pollution. The purpose of this research is to conduct urban logistics based on multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) in the geographic information system environment for possible strategies to be applied in Saqqez city in order to control traffic and reduce traffic. It is also an examination of the relationship between logistics and form, texture, zoning, and land use. Finally, the question that the current research seeks to answer is, what strategy can be used to control these problems?
<strong>Methodology</strong>
The current research method is analytical-descriptive. The information layers of the detailed city plan have been prepared by Saqqez Municipality. And the data related to the unloading and loading places has been prepared by taking the coordinates of the points by GPS. In this way, based on the opinion of experts and opinion leaders, information criteria were weighted with the help of software using the process of hierarchical analysis. In order to measure the appropriateness of logistics, it was investigated using 18 criteria in the form of five policies. And the map related to each criterion was operationalized in the form of five policies in the ArcMap environment, and all the policies were overlapped and the suitability map was obtained. In order to investigate the relationship between urban logistics and zoning, land use, urban form and texture, as well as to validate and evaluate the sensitivity of the results of this research, use the maximum entropy model in 5 functions and 2500 repetitions for each relationship.
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
Checking the situation of loading and unloading places: In order to check the situation of unloading and loading in Saqqez city, the transportation distance of these places with the geometric center of the city, the historical context of the city and also the places of demand. were analyzed through linear regression analysis. results show that there is a significant relationship between the distance from the date center and the distance from the geometric center with the place of demand.
Suitability of urban logistics
The policy of improving the level of access to unloading and loading elements: According to this policy, the maximum length of the network is related to the very high suitability class (71.885 meters in the entire main road network of Saqqez) and the lowest is related to the very low suitability class (1.667 meters in the entire main road network).
Policy to increase efficiency in final distribution: The results obtained from this policy, based on the fuzzification of the layers, the highest amount of network length corresponds to the high suitability class (44.915 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest amount corresponds to the very low suitability class (3.780 meters in the entire main road network) Is.
The policy of reducing handling time: The results of the layers' fuzzification show that the highest amount of network length corresponds to the low suitability class (88.919 meters in the entire main road network of Saqqez city) and the lowest amount corresponds to the medium suitability class (13.278 meters in the entire main network) passages).
The policy of improving the level of access to facilities and basic equipment: The results of this policy show that the maximum length of the network is related to the high suitability class (66.322 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest is related to the very low suitability class (2.364 meters in the entire main road network).
Policy to achieve sustainable logistics: Based on the results obtained from the fuzzy overlapping of the layers (parameters), the maximum length of the network corresponds to the medium fitness class (76.403 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest value corresponds to the very low fitness class (9.189) meters in the entire main network of roads).
The overlap of the five policies: Based on the results obtained from the fuzzy overlapping of the layers for all parameters, the highest amount of network length corresponds to the high suitability class (71.106 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest amount corresponds to the very low suitability class (7.586 meters in the entire network) main roads).
Investigating the relationship between logistics and zoning, land use, city form and texture:
Logistics and city zoning: Therefore, commercial areas, residential areas with low density and residential areas with medium density are considered as the most important factors affecting the existence of logistic optimal points, respectively.
Logistics and urban land use: Therefore, the commercial use of residential areas with low density, residential areas with medium density, green space, urban facilities and equipment, and education are the most important factors affecting the presence of logistics optimal points, respectively.
Logistics and urban form: Therefore, the planned urban form is more important than the organic urban form in the presence of optimal logistic points.
Logistics and urban Texture: Therefore, the effect of various types of urban textures on the presence of logistics optimal points is respectively related to compact texture, scattered texture and semi-compact texture.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The results of the final suitability based on the aggregation of the five policies show the suitability of the east, north and south towards the city center.
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
This research aims to investigate the relationship between urban transportation and land use, texture, zoning and urban planning in order to create urban logistics strategies to help land use planning and organize logistics flows in the center of Saqqez city. This method is mainly based on the use of geographic information system, which is used to detect and accumulate cargo vehicles in the production centers of cargo trips in the central region of Saqqez city. Finally, it has been used as a factor to identify urban logistics strategies and criteria in order to improve urban logistics in Saqqez city. in addition, by using multi-criteria evaluation in geographic information system, it has been used to identify suitability map related to urban logistics activity and compatible with land use. Also, from the multi-criteria decision-making model (FUZZY AHP), the weight of the criteria and then the suitability map in the environment (ARC GIS) have been operationalized. However, the results of the final suitability based on the aggregation of the five policies indicate the suitability of the Eastern, Northern and southern towards the city center
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
The logistics city brings a new concept in land use planning and management of urban logistics flows, solving problems related to the movement of urban goods, while seeking a balance between the required efficiency of urban transportation and existing social costs. The concept of urban logistics is defined as the process of complete optimization of logistics and transportation and the activity of private companies in the urban area due to the increase in traffic and fuel consumption in an economic market. The importance of logistics in Saqqez city reduces traffic in the city center, which has a high traffic level, as well as reducing traffic, more penetration, security, reducing transportation costs, timely distribution of goods, and reducing pollution. The purpose of this research is to conduct urban logistics based on multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) in the geographic information system environment for possible strategies to be applied in Saqqez city in order to control traffic and reduce traffic. It is also an examination of the relationship between logistics and form, texture, zoning, and land use. Finally, the question that the current research seeks to answer is, what strategy can be used to control these problems?
<strong>Methodology</strong>
The current research method is analytical-descriptive. The information layers of the detailed city plan have been prepared by Saqqez Municipality. And the data related to the unloading and loading places has been prepared by taking the coordinates of the points by GPS. In this way, based on the opinion of experts and opinion leaders, information criteria were weighted with the help of software using the process of hierarchical analysis. In order to measure the appropriateness of logistics, it was investigated using 18 criteria in the form of five policies. And the map related to each criterion was operationalized in the form of five policies in the ArcMap environment, and all the policies were overlapped and the suitability map was obtained. In order to investigate the relationship between urban logistics and zoning, land use, urban form and texture, as well as to validate and evaluate the sensitivity of the results of this research, use the maximum entropy model in 5 functions and 2500 repetitions for each relationship.
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
Checking the situation of loading and unloading places: In order to check the situation of unloading and loading in Saqqez city, the transportation distance of these places with the geometric center of the city, the historical context of the city and also the places of demand. were analyzed through linear regression analysis. results show that there is a significant relationship between the distance from the date center and the distance from the geometric center with the place of demand.
Suitability of urban logistics
The policy of improving the level of access to unloading and loading elements: According to this policy, the maximum length of the network is related to the very high suitability class (71.885 meters in the entire main road network of Saqqez) and the lowest is related to the very low suitability class (1.667 meters in the entire main road network).
Policy to increase efficiency in final distribution: The results obtained from this policy, based on the fuzzification of the layers, the highest amount of network length corresponds to the high suitability class (44.915 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest amount corresponds to the very low suitability class (3.780 meters in the entire main road network) Is.
The policy of reducing handling time: The results of the layers' fuzzification show that the highest amount of network length corresponds to the low suitability class (88.919 meters in the entire main road network of Saqqez city) and the lowest amount corresponds to the medium suitability class (13.278 meters in the entire main network) passages).
The policy of improving the level of access to facilities and basic equipment: The results of this policy show that the maximum length of the network is related to the high suitability class (66.322 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest is related to the very low suitability class (2.364 meters in the entire main road network).
Policy to achieve sustainable logistics: Based on the results obtained from the fuzzy overlapping of the layers (parameters), the maximum length of the network corresponds to the medium fitness class (76.403 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest value corresponds to the very low fitness class (9.189) meters in the entire main network of roads).
The overlap of the five policies: Based on the results obtained from the fuzzy overlapping of the layers for all parameters, the highest amount of network length corresponds to the high suitability class (71.106 meters in the entire main road network) and the lowest amount corresponds to the very low suitability class (7.586 meters in the entire network) main roads).
Investigating the relationship between logistics and zoning, land use, city form and texture:
Logistics and city zoning: Therefore, commercial areas, residential areas with low density and residential areas with medium density are considered as the most important factors affecting the existence of logistic optimal points, respectively.
Logistics and urban land use: Therefore, the commercial use of residential areas with low density, residential areas with medium density, green space, urban facilities and equipment, and education are the most important factors affecting the presence of logistics optimal points, respectively.
Logistics and urban form: Therefore, the planned urban form is more important than the organic urban form in the presence of optimal logistic points.
Logistics and urban Texture: Therefore, the effect of various types of urban textures on the presence of logistics optimal points is respectively related to compact texture, scattered texture and semi-compact texture.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The results of the final suitability based on the aggregation of the five policies show the suitability of the east, north and south towards the city center.
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_103011_68cbaf7c5df6d69bc86c228bfc08df3a.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250805A Narrative-Systematic Review of the Incompatibility of the Objective and Perceptual Components of the Physical Environment and Its Effect on Physical Activity (Walkability)A Narrative-Systematic Review of the Incompatibility of the Objective and Perceptual Components of the Physical Environment and Its Effect on Physical Activity (Walkability)10512010309210.22059/jhgr.2024.369485.1008657FASedighehLotfiDepartment of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University Mazandaran, Babolsar, IranMojtabaShahabi ShahmiriDepartment of Regional Planning, School of Urban Planning, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250330ABSTRACT
Most of the researches that study the link between the environmental components of neighborhoods and the physical activity of the residents, focus on one of the objective and perceptual criteria and sometimes use these criteria instead of each other. Each of them has different impacts on travel behavior and physical activity. This has led to a new trend in the literature, which is measuring the compatibility between these two objective and perceptual components to determine the manner and extent of the effect of each on the levels of outdoor physical activity. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted in the country after two decades of extensive international efforts. So, the present research tries to open the way for researchers and clarify the methodological challenges and factors affecting the incongruity between objective and perceptual criteria. The data were accessed by search engines such as Google Scholar, Pop Med, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to criteria such as limiting the topic to physical activity and its relationship with subjective and objective components of information, 43 articles were selected for the review. The findings showed that there is partial to moderate agreement between the objective and perceptual criteria and the residents' positive mental perception when the objective walkability of a neighborhood unit is relatively low; it can be attributed to the deficiencies caused by the real environment on the amount of physical activity in compensate people. Based on the findings, disregarding the qualitative criteria of wisdom, ignoring the effect of individual, psychological, and social factors on the perceptual criteria, the effect of the socio-economic status and the level of people's expectations on the perceptual environment, the dominance of cross-sectional studies over the cohort were listed as the main challenges
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
<strong>The presence of pedestrians in urban spaces has always been important as one of the criteria for the vitality and attractiveness of urban environments. </strong>However<strong>, in recent decades, with the decrease in physical activity and</strong> obesity <strong>becoming a global concern, pedestrianization of neighborhoods and urban environments has gained increasing importance as a way to solve this problem and improve the health of society. Therefore, countless research studies are trying to answer the question of how the characteristics and components of urban spaces can facilitate and strengthen active patterns and behaviors. In this regard, studies often focused on one of the objective and perceptual aspects of the environment. Systematic reviews and experimental studies showed that the incompatibility between the perceptual and objective environment is one reason that leads to contradictory findings from studies of the physical environment, physical activity, obesity, and related diseases. Thus, the current research seeks to create a clear and transparent path for entering this current from pedestrian and health literature into domestic research with a systematic narrative review of experimental studies conducted worldwide.</strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
<strong>The methodology of research is based on a narrative-systematic review approach. Google Scholar, Pop Med, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to find articles so that the words "pedestrian," "perceptual," "objective," "inconsistency," "adaptation and "Non-compliance" were searched in the title of articles, keywords, and abstract. Then, by reviewing these articles and repeating keywords, subsequent searches focused on words and concepts such as density, accessibility, mix of uses, and street connection and distance. In total, by removing similar articles from the databases, 352 articles were selected for initial review. Then, the irrelevant articles were removed by studying the title and abstract, and finally, 102 articles were selected for full review. After a complete review and according to criteria such as limiting the topic to physical activity and its relationship with mental and objective components, the information from 43 articles was used for this review. In order to analyze and review the selected articles, a checklist including goals and questions, methodology, results, and research limitations was prepared, and all the data and information of the articles were extracted based on this checklist.</strong>
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
<strong>Generally, the research results showed a low to moderate agreement between the variables of the perceptual and objective environment, and a few factors consistently have a level of agreement and compatibility. The selected studies can be divided into two groups according to objective criteria; one group only compared different types of objective characteristics of the research participants' neighborhood units, while the other group considered more detailed variables such as density, mix of uses, and street connectivity for objective pedestrian measurement. Studies that consider the effect of objective and perceptual walking on physical activity or walking find stronger effects on perceptual walking than on objective walking. However, both types of walking have significant effects. Some studies showed that the reason for the low conformity between the standards is the lack of sufficient development of the perceptual standards as the objective variables of measuring the environment of the neighborhood unit. Objective and perceptual criteria cannot be used interchangeably because they consider different sources of change in behavior. Cross-sectional studies prevent causation and temporal progression of effects (from the objective environment to perceptions to behavior). Although a randomized controlled trial is not possible in this field of research, quasi-experimental and long-term longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the extent and direction of the studied effects. One of the weak points of the studies was less attention to the place of physical activity. This causes the potential of places to do physical activity to be ignored; at home, near home or work, or anywhere. In addition, activities should be distinguished from each other. Some studies showed that the compatibility between residents' perception of pedestrian orientation and the pedestrian score is dependent on the change in geographical location. The pedestrianization of suburban retail corridors, which have a high concentration of businesses but have a mix of uses and weak pedestrian infrastructure, has been overestimated.</strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
<strong>The current research aimed to answer the key questions related to the objective and perceptual criteria of the environment and physical activity with a relational-systematic review:</strong>
<strong>a) Is the effect of objective criteria and perceptual criteria on walking the same? b) Is the more the objective and perceptual criteria match each other, the higher the amount of walking or vice versa? c) What are the reasons for non-compliance between subjective and objective criteria?</strong>
<strong>First, the research results showed that the environment's objective and perceptual characteristics affect physical activity and walking. However, each has a different effect and cannot be used instead of the other. Second, the studies in this field try to create a synergy between the objective and perceptual environment by bringing people's mental perception closer to the reality of pedestrianized environments or areas with lower pedestrianization so that the amount of walking and physical activity increases. Finally, it seems that the reasons for non-compliance between objective and subjective standards can be distinguished into two groups. The following suggestions were proposed as a research agenda for further studies in this field. Considering the emphasis of studies on the importance of psychological factors (such as habits, perceptions and priorities) in the adjustment or mediation of objective and perceptual criteria, these variables may help to avoid unobserved variable errors and provide more explanations for some unusual results from the analyses.</strong>
<strong>Longitudinal research and follow-up of physical changes and their effect on walking are recommended in order to find out the causal relationships between effective individual components, such as people's mobility, and social components, such as the sense of local community during the time of residence and the perceptual criteria of the environment.</strong>
<strong>In addition, evaluating the effectiveness of multi-level strategies such as infrastructures and citizens' awareness of these opportunities through mass media or signs on the perception of walking and then walkability, can be another part of future research.</strong>
<strong>Funding</strong>
<strong>There is no funding support.</strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
<strong>Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.</strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
<strong>Authors declared no conflict of interest.</strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.</strong>ABSTRACT
Most of the researches that study the link between the environmental components of neighborhoods and the physical activity of the residents, focus on one of the objective and perceptual criteria and sometimes use these criteria instead of each other. Each of them has different impacts on travel behavior and physical activity. This has led to a new trend in the literature, which is measuring the compatibility between these two objective and perceptual components to determine the manner and extent of the effect of each on the levels of outdoor physical activity. Nevertheless, few studies have been conducted in the country after two decades of extensive international efforts. So, the present research tries to open the way for researchers and clarify the methodological challenges and factors affecting the incongruity between objective and perceptual criteria. The data were accessed by search engines such as Google Scholar, Pop Med, Scopus, and Web of Science. According to criteria such as limiting the topic to physical activity and its relationship with subjective and objective components of information, 43 articles were selected for the review. The findings showed that there is partial to moderate agreement between the objective and perceptual criteria and the residents' positive mental perception when the objective walkability of a neighborhood unit is relatively low; it can be attributed to the deficiencies caused by the real environment on the amount of physical activity in compensate people. Based on the findings, disregarding the qualitative criteria of wisdom, ignoring the effect of individual, psychological, and social factors on the perceptual criteria, the effect of the socio-economic status and the level of people's expectations on the perceptual environment, the dominance of cross-sectional studies over the cohort were listed as the main challenges
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
<strong>The presence of pedestrians in urban spaces has always been important as one of the criteria for the vitality and attractiveness of urban environments. </strong>However<strong>, in recent decades, with the decrease in physical activity and</strong> obesity <strong>becoming a global concern, pedestrianization of neighborhoods and urban environments has gained increasing importance as a way to solve this problem and improve the health of society. Therefore, countless research studies are trying to answer the question of how the characteristics and components of urban spaces can facilitate and strengthen active patterns and behaviors. In this regard, studies often focused on one of the objective and perceptual aspects of the environment. Systematic reviews and experimental studies showed that the incompatibility between the perceptual and objective environment is one reason that leads to contradictory findings from studies of the physical environment, physical activity, obesity, and related diseases. Thus, the current research seeks to create a clear and transparent path for entering this current from pedestrian and health literature into domestic research with a systematic narrative review of experimental studies conducted worldwide.</strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
<strong>The methodology of research is based on a narrative-systematic review approach. Google Scholar, Pop Med, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were used to find articles so that the words "pedestrian," "perceptual," "objective," "inconsistency," "adaptation and "Non-compliance" were searched in the title of articles, keywords, and abstract. Then, by reviewing these articles and repeating keywords, subsequent searches focused on words and concepts such as density, accessibility, mix of uses, and street connection and distance. In total, by removing similar articles from the databases, 352 articles were selected for initial review. Then, the irrelevant articles were removed by studying the title and abstract, and finally, 102 articles were selected for full review. After a complete review and according to criteria such as limiting the topic to physical activity and its relationship with mental and objective components, the information from 43 articles was used for this review. In order to analyze and review the selected articles, a checklist including goals and questions, methodology, results, and research limitations was prepared, and all the data and information of the articles were extracted based on this checklist.</strong>
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
<strong>Generally, the research results showed a low to moderate agreement between the variables of the perceptual and objective environment, and a few factors consistently have a level of agreement and compatibility. The selected studies can be divided into two groups according to objective criteria; one group only compared different types of objective characteristics of the research participants' neighborhood units, while the other group considered more detailed variables such as density, mix of uses, and street connectivity for objective pedestrian measurement. Studies that consider the effect of objective and perceptual walking on physical activity or walking find stronger effects on perceptual walking than on objective walking. However, both types of walking have significant effects. Some studies showed that the reason for the low conformity between the standards is the lack of sufficient development of the perceptual standards as the objective variables of measuring the environment of the neighborhood unit. Objective and perceptual criteria cannot be used interchangeably because they consider different sources of change in behavior. Cross-sectional studies prevent causation and temporal progression of effects (from the objective environment to perceptions to behavior). Although a randomized controlled trial is not possible in this field of research, quasi-experimental and long-term longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the extent and direction of the studied effects. One of the weak points of the studies was less attention to the place of physical activity. This causes the potential of places to do physical activity to be ignored; at home, near home or work, or anywhere. In addition, activities should be distinguished from each other. Some studies showed that the compatibility between residents' perception of pedestrian orientation and the pedestrian score is dependent on the change in geographical location. The pedestrianization of suburban retail corridors, which have a high concentration of businesses but have a mix of uses and weak pedestrian infrastructure, has been overestimated.</strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
<strong>The current research aimed to answer the key questions related to the objective and perceptual criteria of the environment and physical activity with a relational-systematic review:</strong>
<strong>a) Is the effect of objective criteria and perceptual criteria on walking the same? b) Is the more the objective and perceptual criteria match each other, the higher the amount of walking or vice versa? c) What are the reasons for non-compliance between subjective and objective criteria?</strong>
<strong>First, the research results showed that the environment's objective and perceptual characteristics affect physical activity and walking. However, each has a different effect and cannot be used instead of the other. Second, the studies in this field try to create a synergy between the objective and perceptual environment by bringing people's mental perception closer to the reality of pedestrianized environments or areas with lower pedestrianization so that the amount of walking and physical activity increases. Finally, it seems that the reasons for non-compliance between objective and subjective standards can be distinguished into two groups. The following suggestions were proposed as a research agenda for further studies in this field. Considering the emphasis of studies on the importance of psychological factors (such as habits, perceptions and priorities) in the adjustment or mediation of objective and perceptual criteria, these variables may help to avoid unobserved variable errors and provide more explanations for some unusual results from the analyses.</strong>
<strong>Longitudinal research and follow-up of physical changes and their effect on walking are recommended in order to find out the causal relationships between effective individual components, such as people's mobility, and social components, such as the sense of local community during the time of residence and the perceptual criteria of the environment.</strong>
<strong>In addition, evaluating the effectiveness of multi-level strategies such as infrastructures and citizens' awareness of these opportunities through mass media or signs on the perception of walking and then walkability, can be another part of future research.</strong>
<strong>Funding</strong>
<strong>There is no funding support.</strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
<strong>Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.</strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
<strong>Authors declared no conflict of interest.</strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.</strong>https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_103092_a07548a35de5f74a38dc19ee09222403.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250805Geopolitics of Ports: Contrasting Port-Based Geopolitical Codes of India and China in Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) at Material and Discursive LevelsGeopolitics of Ports: Contrasting Port-Based Geopolitical Codes of India and China in Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) at Material and Discursive Levels12113710072410.22059/jhgr.2025.365178.1008680FAHassanNooraliDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranSeyyed AbbasAhmadiDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranQiomarsYazdanpanah DeroDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranZahraPishgahifardDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Geography, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranMohammadrezaHafezniaDepartment of Political Geography, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250330<strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />Ports, as mainly urban strategic spaces, constitute geographical sources of power, which are extremely important among states with their geostrategic position as a gateway between land and sea powers. Since they have the pulse of the coastal country's economy, ports are considered their geo-economic heartland in connection with the global economy and the network of port cities. This article aims to conceptualize the geopolitics of ports with an emphasis on the geopolitical codes of emerging powers and create a suitable framework for studying the geopolitical role of these political-spatial components in geopolitical literature. The innovation of the current research is the conceptualization of the geopolitics of the port according to the three components of "power, regional/global actors, and the geographical space of the port" and placing it in the framework of geopolitical codes. The methodological novelty of the research is an attempt to overcome the dichotomy of realistic/idealistic methods and, in line with it, to create a bridge between critical geopolitics and classical geopolitics, which examines the port space in both material and discursive levels. The results show that placing ports as geopolitical codes in the foreign policy agenda of countries can change the geographical distribution of power between countries on the world map in favor of port power.<br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />Ports, as mainly urban strategic spaces, constitute geographical sources of power, which are extremely important among states with their geostrategic position as a gateway between land and sea powers. Since they have the pulse of the coastal country's economy, these components are considered their geo-economic heartland in connection with the global economy and the network of port cities. In addition, ports are the scene of the power game in this century, and a new great game centered on the geopolitical role of access to ports and hegemony over them has been formed. In such a way, the geopolitical codes included in India's foreign policy agenda is access to the heartland through ports. China's geopolitical code is the construction and development of a string of pearls of ports in the coastal geopolitical lines of the world, including the Indian Ocean region. This article aims to conceptualize the geopolitics of ports with emphasis on the geopolitical codes of emerging powers and create a suitable framework for studying the geopolitical role of these political-spatial components in geopolitical literature. <br />The innovation of the current research is the conceptualization of the geopolitics of the port according to the three components of “power, regional/global actors, and the geographical space of the port” and placing it in the framework of geopolitical codes. On the other hand, the methodological novelty of the research is an attempt to overcome the dichotomy of realistic/idealistic methods and to create a bridge between critical geopolitics and classical geopolitics, which examines the port space in both material and discursive levels. Because the geopolitical codes of the foreign policy of emerging powers such as China and India rely on ports, the empirical example of the current research is focused on the more complex port competitions within the geopolitical codes of these two countries.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In response to Hardy and Thomas's call (2014), in the geopolitical analysis of power and war relations, we cross the duality of realistic and idealistic methods in classic and critical schools and see geopolitics as a process that is both material and discursive. This combination can serve as a bridge between classical and critical geopolitics, providing a geopolitical understanding of space as subjective and objective categories. We, therefore, show that port governance practices, while physically changing space, generate symbolic messages. Geo-governance is understood here as simultaneously material and representational processes that consider the importance of materiality alongside discourse in geopolitical understandings of the world in both practice and language. In this way, the language games of the rulers shape the geographical imaginations of society and the world, producing a vertical layer that justifies the physical actions on the land.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />Port geopolitics is a new thematic trend in geopolitics that emerges from the mutual relations between three components of power, regional/global actors and port spaces. Therefore, placing ports as geopolitical codes in the foreign policy agenda of countries can change the geographical distribution of power among countries on the world map in favor of port power.<br />Ports can be considered geopolitical assets of a maritime country according to the following components as:<br />1) Their potential to stimulate industrial development;<br />2) Geographical sources of entry of countries into the scene of sea and global power competition;<br />3) Strengthening the maritime geopolitical capabilities of the coastal country;<br />4) The country's gateway to the global economy;<br />5) The desire of regional and global powers for long-term investments in them;<br /> 6) Ensuring business security and geo-energy needs.<br />Today, with the shift of power, the role of ports as highways for international trade has been developed in the chess game of powers. Therefore, the acquisition and control of ports for independent political units on the map of the political geography of the world has become one of the basic components of power, especially economic power in the new global geopolitical system. With a combined vision in the field of power distribution in the world, we will come to the fact that the geopolitical importance of ports can transform the power cycle of the world at all scales in favor of the port hegemon country. On the other hand, geopolitical representations and territorial depictions of ports as threatening sources for changing the world order by competing powers in a discursive space can challenge this hegemony. With the change of geopolitical power structures in the 21<sup>st</sup> century, the Central Asian scene is still centered on the global geopolitical chessboard, and China, Russia, the United States, and India are the leading players in the geopolitical competition over this region. These powers are competing in an area that is vital to global balance. It is no coincidence that geopolitical analysts call it the new big game. Among these 4 powers, 3 countries, America, China and India, do not have direct access to this region, and ports are the most desirable way for these powers to access the heartland.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The research results show that the "hegemonic power of ports" can play a decisive role in the field of power confrontation, that is, sea and land. Therefore, ports should be considered increasingly in the new topics of "geopolitics" and foreign policy of countries. Therefore, since these geopolitical components connect the two geographic areas of "land" and "sea" and are considered national-strategic assets of the coastal country, today the attention of strategists, theorists, and governments of emerging powers, including China and India, has attracted. In such a way that ports appear in the political-economic doctrines and geopolitical codes of these countries. The geopolitical importance of these geographical components becomes apparent when the geopolitical representations of the United States and its Asian democratic allies mention China's strategy in building and developing a network of ports with the territorial imagination of the "string of pearls", which is dangerous to change the Western-oriented world order. With a counter-representation of its port geopolitical code, China places it within its so-called peaceful doctrine to counteract the negative geopolitical imagery of the United States and present a peaceful image of its port strategies.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /> <br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /> <br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /> <br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /> We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong><br />Ports, as mainly urban strategic spaces, constitute geographical sources of power, which are extremely important among states with their geostrategic position as a gateway between land and sea powers. Since they have the pulse of the coastal country's economy, ports are considered their geo-economic heartland in connection with the global economy and the network of port cities. This article aims to conceptualize the geopolitics of ports with an emphasis on the geopolitical codes of emerging powers and create a suitable framework for studying the geopolitical role of these political-spatial components in geopolitical literature. The innovation of the current research is the conceptualization of the geopolitics of the port according to the three components of "power, regional/global actors, and the geographical space of the port" and placing it in the framework of geopolitical codes. The methodological novelty of the research is an attempt to overcome the dichotomy of realistic/idealistic methods and, in line with it, to create a bridge between critical geopolitics and classical geopolitics, which examines the port space in both material and discursive levels. The results show that placing ports as geopolitical codes in the foreign policy agenda of countries can change the geographical distribution of power between countries on the world map in favor of port power.<br /><strong>Extended Abstract</strong><br /><strong>Introduction</strong><br />Ports, as mainly urban strategic spaces, constitute geographical sources of power, which are extremely important among states with their geostrategic position as a gateway between land and sea powers. Since they have the pulse of the coastal country's economy, these components are considered their geo-economic heartland in connection with the global economy and the network of port cities. In addition, ports are the scene of the power game in this century, and a new great game centered on the geopolitical role of access to ports and hegemony over them has been formed. In such a way, the geopolitical codes included in India's foreign policy agenda is access to the heartland through ports. China's geopolitical code is the construction and development of a string of pearls of ports in the coastal geopolitical lines of the world, including the Indian Ocean region. This article aims to conceptualize the geopolitics of ports with emphasis on the geopolitical codes of emerging powers and create a suitable framework for studying the geopolitical role of these political-spatial components in geopolitical literature. <br />The innovation of the current research is the conceptualization of the geopolitics of the port according to the three components of “power, regional/global actors, and the geographical space of the port” and placing it in the framework of geopolitical codes. On the other hand, the methodological novelty of the research is an attempt to overcome the dichotomy of realistic/idealistic methods and to create a bridge between critical geopolitics and classical geopolitics, which examines the port space in both material and discursive levels. Because the geopolitical codes of the foreign policy of emerging powers such as China and India rely on ports, the empirical example of the current research is focused on the more complex port competitions within the geopolitical codes of these two countries.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Methodology</strong><br />In response to Hardy and Thomas's call (2014), in the geopolitical analysis of power and war relations, we cross the duality of realistic and idealistic methods in classic and critical schools and see geopolitics as a process that is both material and discursive. This combination can serve as a bridge between classical and critical geopolitics, providing a geopolitical understanding of space as subjective and objective categories. We, therefore, show that port governance practices, while physically changing space, generate symbolic messages. Geo-governance is understood here as simultaneously material and representational processes that consider the importance of materiality alongside discourse in geopolitical understandings of the world in both practice and language. In this way, the language games of the rulers shape the geographical imaginations of society and the world, producing a vertical layer that justifies the physical actions on the land.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Results and discussion</strong><br />Port geopolitics is a new thematic trend in geopolitics that emerges from the mutual relations between three components of power, regional/global actors and port spaces. Therefore, placing ports as geopolitical codes in the foreign policy agenda of countries can change the geographical distribution of power among countries on the world map in favor of port power.<br />Ports can be considered geopolitical assets of a maritime country according to the following components as:<br />1) Their potential to stimulate industrial development;<br />2) Geographical sources of entry of countries into the scene of sea and global power competition;<br />3) Strengthening the maritime geopolitical capabilities of the coastal country;<br />4) The country's gateway to the global economy;<br />5) The desire of regional and global powers for long-term investments in them;<br /> 6) Ensuring business security and geo-energy needs.<br />Today, with the shift of power, the role of ports as highways for international trade has been developed in the chess game of powers. Therefore, the acquisition and control of ports for independent political units on the map of the political geography of the world has become one of the basic components of power, especially economic power in the new global geopolitical system. With a combined vision in the field of power distribution in the world, we will come to the fact that the geopolitical importance of ports can transform the power cycle of the world at all scales in favor of the port hegemon country. On the other hand, geopolitical representations and territorial depictions of ports as threatening sources for changing the world order by competing powers in a discursive space can challenge this hegemony. With the change of geopolitical power structures in the 21<sup>st</sup> century, the Central Asian scene is still centered on the global geopolitical chessboard, and China, Russia, the United States, and India are the leading players in the geopolitical competition over this region. These powers are competing in an area that is vital to global balance. It is no coincidence that geopolitical analysts call it the new big game. Among these 4 powers, 3 countries, America, China and India, do not have direct access to this region, and ports are the most desirable way for these powers to access the heartland.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The research results show that the "hegemonic power of ports" can play a decisive role in the field of power confrontation, that is, sea and land. Therefore, ports should be considered increasingly in the new topics of "geopolitics" and foreign policy of countries. Therefore, since these geopolitical components connect the two geographic areas of "land" and "sea" and are considered national-strategic assets of the coastal country, today the attention of strategists, theorists, and governments of emerging powers, including China and India, has attracted. In such a way that ports appear in the political-economic doctrines and geopolitical codes of these countries. The geopolitical importance of these geographical components becomes apparent when the geopolitical representations of the United States and its Asian democratic allies mention China's strategy in building and developing a network of ports with the territorial imagination of the "string of pearls", which is dangerous to change the Western-oriented world order. With a counter-representation of its port geopolitical code, China places it within its so-called peaceful doctrine to counteract the negative geopolitical imagery of the United States and present a peaceful image of its port strategies.<br /><strong> </strong><br /><strong>Funding</strong><br />There is no funding support.<br /> <br /><strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong><br />Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.<br /> <br /><strong>Conflict of Interest</strong><br />Authors declared no conflict of interest.<br /> <br /><strong>Acknowledgments</strong><br /> We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_100724_e70060f4c9d3a34bebc3ff12234fd46e.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250806Determining Factors Affecting Environmental Education in the Context of Sustainable Development and University Rankings:
A case study of Public Universities in TehranDetermining Factors Affecting Environmental Education in the Context of Sustainable Development and University Rankings:
A case study of Public Universities in Tehran13915410338410.22059/jhgr.2023.356922.1008588FARezaOmidifarDepartment of Education Governance, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranYonesRomianiDepartment of Education Governance, Faculty of Governance, University of Tehran, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250331<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
The aim of the study is to explain the impact of contextual and process factors on students' environmental education in order to achieve sustainable development and also to evaluate universities using the TOPSIS model in these factors. This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical and survey research in terms of data collection. The study population of students in Tehran universities consists of 165,981 people. In this study, 383 students were selected as a sample using the proportional stratification method and the Cochran formula. A questionnaire was also used to measure the components. The validity of the indicators was confirmed using the opinions of relevant professors and experts, and the reliability of its components was examined using the Cronbach's alpha method, which was calculated to be more than 0.8. Data analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient and analysis of variance indicated a significant relationship between the indicators of academic achievement motivation, social factors, cultural factors, and the quality of higher education with environmental education. The findings showed that about 84.5 percent of the changes in environmental education are explained by independent variables, among which cultural factors were the most important influential factor with a significance level of less than 0.004. Also, the ranking of universities in terms of research indicators by the TOPSIS model indicated the difference between universities in Tehran in terms of having the environmental education index.
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong><br />Environmental problems have intensified alarmingly in recent decades, emerging as one of humanity's most critical and existential challenges. Key drivers accelerating this crisis include unsustainable industrial and agricultural practices, excessive exploitation of natural resources (like deforestation and overfishing), and widespread greenhouse gas emissions primarily from fossil fuel dependence. These activities trigger devastating consequences such as climate change, biodiversity collapse, and pervasive pollution. Addressing this requires fundamental shifts, where environmental education represents an essential long-term strategy for mitigating these crises and advancing global sustainability goals. It functions by deepening understanding of intricate human-nature interdependencies and fostering a profound sense of collective responsibility. Furthermore, it empowers present and future generations to make informed, eco-conscious decisions in their personal and professional lives, supports the development of green economic infrastructure, and crucially translates complex scientific knowledge into tangible action. Consequently, environmental education is indispensable for achieving meaningful sustainable development and securing a healthy, equitable future for all. This applied research specifically aimed to investigate these dynamics within higher education. Its primary objectives were: 1) to rigorously examine the impact of contextual factors (encompassing cultural norms and social influences) and process factors (including perceived higher education quality and students' academic achievement motivation) on university students' environmental education levels, and 2) to systematically evaluate and rank universities based on key environmental education indicators using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model. The central research question guiding this inquiry was: "To what extent do cultural factors, social factors, higher education quality, and academic achievement motivation impact the environmental education of university students?" A secondary purpose was to determine universities' comparative standings on a broader environmental attitude index, also utilizing the analytical power of the TOPSIS model.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational survey methodology. The statistical population comprised 165,981 students from comprehensive and technical-engineering universities in Tehran during the 2021-2022 academic year. A representative sample of 383 students was selected using proportional stratified sampling (with university, degree level, and field of study as strata) and the Cochran formula for large populations. The primary data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire, designed after an extensive literature review and examination of research background. The content and face validity of the questionnaire's indicators and items were confirmed by experts in environmental science and higher education. Its reliability was verified by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with satisfactory results exceeding 0.7 for all constructs. The dependent variable was "Environmental Education," and the independent variables included "Social Capital," "Cultural Factors," "Higher Education Quality," and "Academic Achievement Motivation." Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression) in SPSS software. University ranking was performed using the TOPSIS model.
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
Results from Pearson correlation and ANOVA analyses revealed significant relationships between all independent variables (Academic Achievement Motivation, Social Factors, Cultural Factors, and Higher Education Quality) and Environmental Education. Regression analysis further showed that these variables explained 84.5% of the variance in Environmental Education. Among them, "Cultural Factors" (p < 0.004) emerged as the strongest predictor. University ranking using the TOPSIS model also indicated a significant difference in the status of the environmental education index among Tehran universities.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings of this study strongly indicate that effective environmental education in Tehran universities is a multidimensional, complex phenomenon dependent on the dynamic interaction of individual, social, and institutional factors. The statistical results confirm a positive and significant relationship between all studied variables (cultural factors, social factors, higher education quality, and achievement motivation) and environmental education. They particularly highlight the pivotal role of cultural factors—such as collective pro-environmental values, socially responsible attitudes, and sustainability-promoting norms—as the strongest predictor. This underscores that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but must also engage with the societal cultural context and reinforce sustainability-aligned values. Furthermore, the significant gap identified among the studied universities in the composite index of environmental education reveals the necessity for tailored, targeted, and flexible policy-making for each university. It also necessitates allocating financial, human, and educational resources commensurate with each institution's specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. A uniform approach will likely lack efficacy. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that designing and implementing integrated, context-based, and multifaceted educational programs is essential and urgent for achieving deep and sustainable effectiveness of environmental education in Iran's higher education system. These programs must be aligned with and sensitive to societal culture while systematically enhancing institutional quality (through curriculum improvement, faculty empowerment, and provision of facilities) and student motivation (via active teaching methods, meaningful practical projects, and connection to real-world challenges).
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
The aim of the study is to explain the impact of contextual and process factors on students' environmental education in order to achieve sustainable development and also to evaluate universities using the TOPSIS model in these factors. This study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical and survey research in terms of data collection. The study population of students in Tehran universities consists of 165,981 people. In this study, 383 students were selected as a sample using the proportional stratification method and the Cochran formula. A questionnaire was also used to measure the components. The validity of the indicators was confirmed using the opinions of relevant professors and experts, and the reliability of its components was examined using the Cronbach's alpha method, which was calculated to be more than 0.8. Data analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient and analysis of variance indicated a significant relationship between the indicators of academic achievement motivation, social factors, cultural factors, and the quality of higher education with environmental education. The findings showed that about 84.5 percent of the changes in environmental education are explained by independent variables, among which cultural factors were the most important influential factor with a significance level of less than 0.004. Also, the ranking of universities in terms of research indicators by the TOPSIS model indicated the difference between universities in Tehran in terms of having the environmental education index.
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong><br />Environmental problems have intensified alarmingly in recent decades, emerging as one of humanity's most critical and existential challenges. Key drivers accelerating this crisis include unsustainable industrial and agricultural practices, excessive exploitation of natural resources (like deforestation and overfishing), and widespread greenhouse gas emissions primarily from fossil fuel dependence. These activities trigger devastating consequences such as climate change, biodiversity collapse, and pervasive pollution. Addressing this requires fundamental shifts, where environmental education represents an essential long-term strategy for mitigating these crises and advancing global sustainability goals. It functions by deepening understanding of intricate human-nature interdependencies and fostering a profound sense of collective responsibility. Furthermore, it empowers present and future generations to make informed, eco-conscious decisions in their personal and professional lives, supports the development of green economic infrastructure, and crucially translates complex scientific knowledge into tangible action. Consequently, environmental education is indispensable for achieving meaningful sustainable development and securing a healthy, equitable future for all. This applied research specifically aimed to investigate these dynamics within higher education. Its primary objectives were: 1) to rigorously examine the impact of contextual factors (encompassing cultural norms and social influences) and process factors (including perceived higher education quality and students' academic achievement motivation) on university students' environmental education levels, and 2) to systematically evaluate and rank universities based on key environmental education indicators using the TOPSIS multi-criteria decision-making model. The central research question guiding this inquiry was: "To what extent do cultural factors, social factors, higher education quality, and academic achievement motivation impact the environmental education of university students?" A secondary purpose was to determine universities' comparative standings on a broader environmental attitude index, also utilizing the analytical power of the TOPSIS model.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
This applied study employed a descriptive-correlational survey methodology. The statistical population comprised 165,981 students from comprehensive and technical-engineering universities in Tehran during the 2021-2022 academic year. A representative sample of 383 students was selected using proportional stratified sampling (with university, degree level, and field of study as strata) and the Cochran formula for large populations. The primary data collection instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire, designed after an extensive literature review and examination of research background. The content and face validity of the questionnaire's indicators and items were confirmed by experts in environmental science and higher education. Its reliability was verified by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient, with satisfactory results exceeding 0.7 for all constructs. The dependent variable was "Environmental Education," and the independent variables included "Social Capital," "Cultural Factors," "Higher Education Quality," and "Academic Achievement Motivation." Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression) in SPSS software. University ranking was performed using the TOPSIS model.
<strong>Results and Discussion</strong>
Results from Pearson correlation and ANOVA analyses revealed significant relationships between all independent variables (Academic Achievement Motivation, Social Factors, Cultural Factors, and Higher Education Quality) and Environmental Education. Regression analysis further showed that these variables explained 84.5% of the variance in Environmental Education. Among them, "Cultural Factors" (p < 0.004) emerged as the strongest predictor. University ranking using the TOPSIS model also indicated a significant difference in the status of the environmental education index among Tehran universities.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong><br />The findings of this study strongly indicate that effective environmental education in Tehran universities is a multidimensional, complex phenomenon dependent on the dynamic interaction of individual, social, and institutional factors. The statistical results confirm a positive and significant relationship between all studied variables (cultural factors, social factors, higher education quality, and achievement motivation) and environmental education. They particularly highlight the pivotal role of cultural factors—such as collective pro-environmental values, socially responsible attitudes, and sustainability-promoting norms—as the strongest predictor. This underscores that education is not merely the transfer of knowledge but must also engage with the societal cultural context and reinforce sustainability-aligned values. Furthermore, the significant gap identified among the studied universities in the composite index of environmental education reveals the necessity for tailored, targeted, and flexible policy-making for each university. It also necessitates allocating financial, human, and educational resources commensurate with each institution's specific needs, strengths, and weaknesses. A uniform approach will likely lack efficacy. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that designing and implementing integrated, context-based, and multifaceted educational programs is essential and urgent for achieving deep and sustainable effectiveness of environmental education in Iran's higher education system. These programs must be aligned with and sensitive to societal culture while systematically enhancing institutional quality (through curriculum improvement, faculty empowerment, and provision of facilities) and student motivation (via active teaching methods, meaningful practical projects, and connection to real-world challenges).
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_103384_d545d3ec5b29d41ae00b563bbec618dc.pdfInstitute of Geography, University of TehranHuman Geography Research2008-629657220250806A Survey on Measuring the Potential of Traffic Congestion in the New and Old Neighborhoods of UrmiaA Survey on Measuring the Potential of Traffic Congestion in the New and Old Neighborhoods of Urmia15517010338310.22059/jhgr.2024.371260.1008665FARezaKarimiDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranAkbarAsghari ZamaniDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranMohammad RezaPourmohammadiDepartment of Urban Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University Tabriz, Tabriz, IranJournal Article20250331<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
Measuring traffic congestion potential in real-time has been one of the challenges of traffic engineers in managing the problem of traffic congestion. Considering that the basis of the urban planning system is based on capacity measurement and traffic as a sub-branch of this system is not an independent phenomenon. However, it is the result of various demographic, physical, traffic, economic, cultural, and social effects. Based on this, the current research was conducted to analyze the traffic congestion potential in new and old neighborhoods of Urmia, emphasizing physical, traffic, and socio-economic criteria. The type of research based on the goal is applied, and the method of doing the work is descriptive-analytical. The collection of information is done by combining library and field studies. To calculate the coefficient of importance of indicators, the FUCOM method was used, and its results were obtained in the form of coding in Excel and Lingo software. The obtained results indicate that the highest coefficient of importance extracted is related to distance from sports land uses with 0.071, and the lowest is related to the indicator of distance from urban cores with 0.005. To visualize the traffic congestion potential in 16 neighborhoods of the new structure and 13 neighborhoods of the old structure of Urmia city, the CoCoSo model has been used. The obtained results indicate that the traffic potential is higher in the new and old neighborhoods, with a very small difference.
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
Transportation and traffic systems as part of urban activities express the dynamism and life of an urban complex. Undoubtedly, a city cannot be imagined alive and dynamic without movement. Measuring traffic congestion potential in real-time has been a great challenge for traffic engineers to manage the problem of traffic congestion, especially during peak periods. The residential and non-residential land use patterns and the spatial framework resulting from the behavioral mechanism between them form the basis of urban travel. A distinguishing feature of land use is its ability or potential to "generate" traffic. Therefore, it is quite natural to relate the land use potential of a piece of land with specific activities to generate a certain amount of traffic flow per day. Because the basis of the urban planning system is based on capacity measurement and traffic as a sub-branch of this system is not an independent phenomenon but is the result of various demographic, physical, traffic, economic, cultural, and social effects, this research uses various physical indicators. The non-physical effects on urban traffic are aimed at solving the gap in Urmia city's traffic planning system and comparing the areas with traffic congestion potential in the new (Region 1) and old (Region 4) textures of Urmia city. The innovation of the current research can be seen in the application of a variety of 25 indicators in the form of 3 physical, traffic, and socio-economic variables, the implementation of the new FUCOM and CoCoSo methods, the use of the Google Maps application to obtain the average volume of traffic, and also the comparative comparison of traffic congestion potential on the scale of old-style neighborhoods. The new one mentioned that the output from it can be used as a way to prioritize the implementation of thematic and local plans to solve the traffic problems of the neighborhoods, compare the traffic efficiency of the types of textures, remove the passing traffic that disturbs peace from the residential areas, rearrange the uses based on the travel rate, etc.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
According to its purpose, this research is of applied research type, and according to the work method, it has a descriptive-analytical nature. Information was collected through library studies, field studies (including referring to offices to obtain data for comprehensive and detailed plans and comprehensive studies of transport and traffic in Urmia city), and census data from the Iran Statistics Center in 2016. We used the full compatibility method (FUCOM) to weight the indicators. First, we ranked the indicators using a questionnaire and then compiled pairwise comparisons based on the obtained rank. In the next step, the questionnaires with a sample number of 50 were randomly distributed among the elites, and the data were entered into Excel and Lingo software and were calculated and analyzed. After analyzing the questionnaires and calculating the weight of the indicators based on the FUCOM method based on the acceptable error level (DFC) to analyze the traffic congestion potential in the new and old neighborhoods of Urmia city based on 25 indicators, the information layers of the indicators were prepared in the GIS software. Then, the operation was converted into Raster format, and standardization was done based on the purpose of the research. In the next step, using the Zonal tool, traffic potential values have been extracted by separating 29 localities. In the next step, the CoCoSo multi-criteria decision-making method has been used to analyze and evaluate the traffic congestion potential in the new and old neighborhoods textures.
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
The results obtained based on the FUCOM multi-criteria decision-making method indicated that the highest coefficient of importance extracted was related to distance from sports uses with 0.071, and the lowest was related to the index of distance from urban cores with 0.005. Also, the analysis of the indicators shows that in the neighborhoods of the new structure (Region 1), out of 16 neighborhoods, 3 neighborhoods are in the area of very low traffic potential, 3 neighborhoods are in the area of low traffic potential, 4 neighborhoods are in the area of medium traffic potential, and 4 neighborhoods are in the area of potential. There is much traffic and 2 neighborhoods are located in the area with a lot of traffic potential. In the neighborhoods of old texture (Region 4), out of 13 neighborhoods, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of very low traffic potential, 3 neighborhoods are in the zone of low traffic potential, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of medium traffic potential, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of high traffic potential, and 4 neighborhoods are in the zone of high traffic potential.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The analysis of the traffic congestion potential in the new neighborhoods (Region 1) and the old neighborhood (Region 4) of Urmia city shows that the traffic potential is higher in the new neighborhoods than in the old neighborhoods, with a very small difference. Also, based on the analysis of 25 indicators, the highest traffic potential among the neighborhoods based on the indicators of distance from green, sports, administrative, commercial, and educational uses, road width, building density, average land price, student and working population, the area covered by public transportation, The number of cars, the service level of roads and the number of households are related to the new texture (Region 1) and are based on the indicators of distance from cultural, recreational, medical and religious uses, distance from urban cores, traffic volume, travel rate of uses, access to multi-story parking, density population and residential and per capita car ownership has the highest traffic potential belonging to old texture neighborhoods (Region 4).
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.<strong>ABSTRACT</strong>
Measuring traffic congestion potential in real-time has been one of the challenges of traffic engineers in managing the problem of traffic congestion. Considering that the basis of the urban planning system is based on capacity measurement and traffic as a sub-branch of this system is not an independent phenomenon. However, it is the result of various demographic, physical, traffic, economic, cultural, and social effects. Based on this, the current research was conducted to analyze the traffic congestion potential in new and old neighborhoods of Urmia, emphasizing physical, traffic, and socio-economic criteria. The type of research based on the goal is applied, and the method of doing the work is descriptive-analytical. The collection of information is done by combining library and field studies. To calculate the coefficient of importance of indicators, the FUCOM method was used, and its results were obtained in the form of coding in Excel and Lingo software. The obtained results indicate that the highest coefficient of importance extracted is related to distance from sports land uses with 0.071, and the lowest is related to the indicator of distance from urban cores with 0.005. To visualize the traffic congestion potential in 16 neighborhoods of the new structure and 13 neighborhoods of the old structure of Urmia city, the CoCoSo model has been used. The obtained results indicate that the traffic potential is higher in the new and old neighborhoods, with a very small difference.
<strong>Extended Abstract</strong>
<strong>Introduction</strong>
Transportation and traffic systems as part of urban activities express the dynamism and life of an urban complex. Undoubtedly, a city cannot be imagined alive and dynamic without movement. Measuring traffic congestion potential in real-time has been a great challenge for traffic engineers to manage the problem of traffic congestion, especially during peak periods. The residential and non-residential land use patterns and the spatial framework resulting from the behavioral mechanism between them form the basis of urban travel. A distinguishing feature of land use is its ability or potential to "generate" traffic. Therefore, it is quite natural to relate the land use potential of a piece of land with specific activities to generate a certain amount of traffic flow per day. Because the basis of the urban planning system is based on capacity measurement and traffic as a sub-branch of this system is not an independent phenomenon but is the result of various demographic, physical, traffic, economic, cultural, and social effects, this research uses various physical indicators. The non-physical effects on urban traffic are aimed at solving the gap in Urmia city's traffic planning system and comparing the areas with traffic congestion potential in the new (Region 1) and old (Region 4) textures of Urmia city. The innovation of the current research can be seen in the application of a variety of 25 indicators in the form of 3 physical, traffic, and socio-economic variables, the implementation of the new FUCOM and CoCoSo methods, the use of the Google Maps application to obtain the average volume of traffic, and also the comparative comparison of traffic congestion potential on the scale of old-style neighborhoods. The new one mentioned that the output from it can be used as a way to prioritize the implementation of thematic and local plans to solve the traffic problems of the neighborhoods, compare the traffic efficiency of the types of textures, remove the passing traffic that disturbs peace from the residential areas, rearrange the uses based on the travel rate, etc.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Methodology</strong>
According to its purpose, this research is of applied research type, and according to the work method, it has a descriptive-analytical nature. Information was collected through library studies, field studies (including referring to offices to obtain data for comprehensive and detailed plans and comprehensive studies of transport and traffic in Urmia city), and census data from the Iran Statistics Center in 2016. We used the full compatibility method (FUCOM) to weight the indicators. First, we ranked the indicators using a questionnaire and then compiled pairwise comparisons based on the obtained rank. In the next step, the questionnaires with a sample number of 50 were randomly distributed among the elites, and the data were entered into Excel and Lingo software and were calculated and analyzed. After analyzing the questionnaires and calculating the weight of the indicators based on the FUCOM method based on the acceptable error level (DFC) to analyze the traffic congestion potential in the new and old neighborhoods of Urmia city based on 25 indicators, the information layers of the indicators were prepared in the GIS software. Then, the operation was converted into Raster format, and standardization was done based on the purpose of the research. In the next step, using the Zonal tool, traffic potential values have been extracted by separating 29 localities. In the next step, the CoCoSo multi-criteria decision-making method has been used to analyze and evaluate the traffic congestion potential in the new and old neighborhoods textures.
<strong>Results and discussion</strong>
The results obtained based on the FUCOM multi-criteria decision-making method indicated that the highest coefficient of importance extracted was related to distance from sports uses with 0.071, and the lowest was related to the index of distance from urban cores with 0.005. Also, the analysis of the indicators shows that in the neighborhoods of the new structure (Region 1), out of 16 neighborhoods, 3 neighborhoods are in the area of very low traffic potential, 3 neighborhoods are in the area of low traffic potential, 4 neighborhoods are in the area of medium traffic potential, and 4 neighborhoods are in the area of potential. There is much traffic and 2 neighborhoods are located in the area with a lot of traffic potential. In the neighborhoods of old texture (Region 4), out of 13 neighborhoods, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of very low traffic potential, 3 neighborhoods are in the zone of low traffic potential, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of medium traffic potential, 2 neighborhoods are in the zone of high traffic potential, and 4 neighborhoods are in the zone of high traffic potential.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conclusion</strong>
The analysis of the traffic congestion potential in the new neighborhoods (Region 1) and the old neighborhood (Region 4) of Urmia city shows that the traffic potential is higher in the new neighborhoods than in the old neighborhoods, with a very small difference. Also, based on the analysis of 25 indicators, the highest traffic potential among the neighborhoods based on the indicators of distance from green, sports, administrative, commercial, and educational uses, road width, building density, average land price, student and working population, the area covered by public transportation, The number of cars, the service level of roads and the number of households are related to the new texture (Region 1) and are based on the indicators of distance from cultural, recreational, medical and religious uses, distance from urban cores, traffic volume, travel rate of uses, access to multi-story parking, density population and residential and per capita car ownership has the highest traffic potential belonging to old texture neighborhoods (Region 4).
<strong>Funding</strong>
There is no funding support.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Authors’ Contribution</strong>
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Conflict of Interest</strong>
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
<strong> </strong>
<strong>Acknowledgments</strong>
<strong> </strong>We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.https://jhgr.ut.ac.ir/article_103383_5516b36c458d0251df0bf86be0ad7637.pdf