https://www.jpusd.ir/ Preipheral Urban Spaces Development en daily 1 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.jpusd.ir/article_214836.html Urban resilience, particularly in the context of crisis and natural hazard management, refers to various concepts. Some define it as the capacity of a system, network, or economic enterprise to maintain and restore its functions after a crisis, while others define the resilience of infrastructure as the ability of various systems to reduce the likelihood and impact of shocks and recover quickly after an event.Introduction Urban resilience has become a critical concept in crisis management and is gaining increasing importance in urban planning and development. This concept refers to a city's ability to withstand and recover from crises and disruptions, including earthquakes, floods, water scarcity, and fires. Given the current global challenges, it has become a significant topic in urban research worldwide. Today, the urban resilience approach is one of the most important and key approaches that guarantees the survival of human settlements. This approach provides guidance for officials and stakeholders to make flexible decisions and develop new policies for urban management. An examination of urban resilience in Varamin is particularly important for several reasons. As a strategic city in the peri-urban area of Tehran and with a significant economic role at the provincial level, Varamin has been exposed to numerous crises, including water scarcity, subsidence, and a population influx in recent years. Due to its specific geographic location and proximity to the provinces of Semnan and Qom, it has significant strategic importance and is considered an economic and population hub in the region. One of the main challenges facing the city of Varamin is its limited water resources, which has created serious problems, especially in the face of water crises and climate change. On the other hand, the city's strong history of urbanization and rapid development has put additional pressure on its infrastructure and natural resources.Methodology This study is an applied, descriptive-analytical research aimed at assessing urban resilience in Varamin. To achieve this, a comprehensive review of the theoretical foundations identified 21 key components of urban resilience in Varamin. These components were incorporated into a COCOSO questionnaire and distributed to 30 urban planning experts. Using the Shannon entropy method, weights were assigned to each component. These weighted values were then input into the COCOSO technique in Excel to rank different regions of Varamin based on their resilience and associated criteria. Finally, ArcGIS Pro was employed to create maps visualizing these results.Results and discussion Based on the results obtained from the COCOSO model analysis for evaluating the three zones of Varamin city, Zone 1 ranked first with a score of 169.3 and has the highest level of resilience. This score indicates the higher ability of this zone to face and manage crises compared to other zones. Zone 2, with a score of 642.2, ranked second and has less resilience compared to Zone 1. Zone 3, with a score of 452.1, ranked third and is considered the weakest zone in terms of resilience. This ranking shows that the superiority of the zones in facing crises has been calculated using three different strategies of the COCOSO model. In this model, the final score K is calculated from the geometric mean and arithmetic mean of the three strategies, and the higher this score, the better the resilience of the zone is evaluated.Conclusion Urban resilience plays a vital role in reducing urban vulnerability and increasing their capacity to cope with natural and human-made crises, in line with sustainable development. Creating resilient cities, especially in peri-urban areas, not only improves the quality of life for residents and strengthens environmental sustainability but also reduces crisis management costs and increases the efficiency of urban infrastructure. This concept, through the development of flexible social, economic, and physical systems, makes cities more prepared and resilient to future challenges. Based on the findings of this research, the three zones of Varamin were examined in terms of resilience, showing that the performance of each zone differs in this regard. Zone 1, with the highest score (3.169), has been able to take steps towards resilience and sustainable development by benefiting from strong social networks, institutional support, and sustainable infrastructure. This zone has suitable capacities in resilience and can be introduced as a model for other zones. Zone 2, with a score of 2.642, has a moderate status, indicating the need for economic and institutional strengthening. Although this zone performs well in some indicators, a greater focus on targeted planning and strengthening local participation can improve its resilience. In contrast, Zone 3, with the lowest score (1.452), shows the weakest resilience among the zones. This zone is more vulnerable to crises due to a lack of physical infrastructure, weaknesses in management institutions, and low social participation. To improve the situation in this zone, upgrading infrastructure, strengthening institutional coordination, and increasing social participation are among the necessary actions. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_219902.html Introduction Today, climate change is accepted as a climate reality all over the world, and all the scenarios predicting climate change, indicate its continuation in the future. Climate change refers to specific changes in patterns expected for the average climate situation that occurs in the long run in a particular region or for the global climate as a whole. According to the latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the average world temperature will increase between 0.6 and 2.5 degree Celsius by 2060. Various climate change scenarios indicate that water stress will increase in the future, and as the agricultural sector is considered as the largest consumer of water, it is likely that the area of agricultural land will be drastically reduced, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Climate change is the most important threat to sustainable development, which harms natural resources, environment, human health, food security, economic activities, etc. Threats of climate change in the agricultural sector are increasing the potential of soil erosion, reducing soil quality and, consequently agricultural production. Climate is the most essential and fundamental determining factor in the cultivation of crops, which can determine the type of cultivated plant and the extent of agriculture. Climate change has increased natural disasters and environmental issues that affect the agricultural sector, which is responsible for production and food security. Adaptation is an activity that reduce the vulnerability and also to withstand natural hazards. Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted with the general purpose of investigating the effects of adaptation strategies on the food security of rural-farmer households. A sample size of 350 people was selected for the study by stratified sampling method with proportional assignment using Karjesi and Morgan table. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was done in two sections of descriptive and inferential statistics by SPSS software. Results and DiscussionThis research was conducted with the general purpose of the effect of adaptation strategies on the food security of rural households in Dezful city. The results of the research showed that the two strategies of using meteorological information and using local knowledge were used more than all the strategies. In the analysis of this finding, it can be said that the literature review shows that weather information services are considered as a farm decision-making tool that can reduce weather risks in agricultural systems. be used (Ouédraogo et al., 2018; Vaughan et al., 2017). Climate services facilitate farmers' adaptation decisions to climate conditions and increase their preparedness against shocks (IPCC, 2022a; IPCC, 2022b; United Nations, 2022). Therefore, the use of climate information has become an important discussion in policy-making in many decision-making texts on production risk management and resilient agriculture (UNFCCC, 2020; Kiem and Verdon-Kidd, 2011). In addition, the results showed that the adaptation classes, namely farm and product management, financial management, social activities, animal husbandry management, water and irrigation management, and physical infrastructure management had positive and significant effects on improving the food security of rural households. The results of this section are in line with studies (Rashidi et al., 2024; Gebre et al., 2023; Tora et al., 2021).ConclusionsThe results showed that the two strategies "use of meteorological information" and "use of local knowledge" are used by farmers more than all strategies during drought. In addition, the results of the grouping of adaptation strategies showed that the studied farmers do not make much use of adaptation strategies to deal with drought because 71.4% of them use low and moderate strategies. Also, the results showed that rural households do not have adequate food security because more than 60% of them have food insecurity. In addition, the results of the ordinal regression showed that the compatibility classes, namely farm and crop management, financial management, livestock management, social activities, water and irrigation management, and physical infrastructure management have a positive and significant effect on food security.The results showed that the two strategies "use of meteorological information" and "use of local knowledge" are used by farmers more than all strategies during drought. In addition, the results of the grouping of adaptation strategies showed that the studied farmers do not make much use of adaptation strategies to deal with drought because 71.4% of them use low and moderate strategies. Also, the results showed that rural households do not have adequate food security because more than 60% of them have food insecurity. In addition, the results of the ordinal regression showed that the compatibility classes, namely farm and crop management, financial management, livestock management, social activities, water and irrigation management, and physical infrastructure management have a positive and significant effect on food security. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_224773.html IntroductionThe issue of population aging and its consequences is one of the most important population issues and has attracted a lot of attention during the 21st century. In such a way that the population structure of many developed countries has been aging for several decades and also some developing countries are also seeking to reduce the mortality and fertility rates on the verge of entering the aging stage of the population. Changes and developments in the age structure The population of the world countries as well as the increase in the elderly population have caused various challenges in most countries. Iran is not an exception to this rule, so that according to the estimate made in 1400, the population over 65 years old in Iran reaches 6.7%, which indicates an increase in the elderly population in the coming years. It will have a profound impact on the economic, social, political, health and medical conditions, the intensity of this influence depends on the speed of the phenomenon (population aging). When the proportion of the elderly in the population increases dramatically in a short period of time, economic and social institutions can hardly adapt to the new structure. The increase in the proportion of elderly people will inevitably affect the relative importance of other sectors and thus necessitate the formulation and implementation of new policies. According to the surveys, it was found that the rural areas of Eshtehard city have an older age structure than other rural areas of Alborz province due to various reasons, including the migration of young people to the city. However, the city of Eshtehard is also moving towards old age, following the whole country, and the need to identify the condition of the elderly is considered essential. The phenomenon of aging in the rural areas of Eshtehard city is important because the rural population is considered as producers of agricultural products and a lever for food security and independence of the country. Currently, these rural areas are facing many problems and issues, including rural poverty, hidden unemployment, increasing the average age of farmers and the phenomenon of aging in them, unmanaged migrations to cities due to the lack of economic and social attractiveness of villages. And after that, he pointed out the emptying of the villages and the decrease in the production of agricultural products.Research MethodologyThe current research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive and analytical in terms of method. All steps of calculations in this research are based on Excel and Spss software. 2 indicators of aging factor and old age factor have been used to investigate the aging status of 10 selected villages, and to determine the trend of the mentioned indicators, the radar chart has been used in a 15-year period. To rank the villages in terms of age, descriptive and quantitative evaluation was used based on the coefficients of each of the indicators, and finally the rank of each village was determined.Discussion and findingsIn order to measure the aging process of the population in the studied area, two indices of aging coefficient and old age have been used, the results of which are as follows, in relation to the old age index; First: the trend of the aging index in four time periods has been positive in all villages, without exception, such that the village of Sehat Abad, which has a young and middle-aged structure, its aging factor has reached 17% from 10%, second: the negative growth of the population in This period of time has caused the decrease of the population under 15 years of age and as a result the increase of the old age factor of the villages. Third: the increase in the life expectancy of the elderly in this period of time has gradually caused the increase of the population over 65 years of age in the studied area, and finally, due to the upward trend With these statistics, the necessary measures should be taken to deal with the affairs of the elderly in the medium and long term by institutions related to the elderly. In relation to the aging index, just like the aging factor, there has been an increasing trend in such a way that in 1400, all the surveyed villages either had a middle-aged structure or an elderly age structure, in other words, they had an aging factor above 4%, which is the highest rate. In 1400, it is allocated to Jaro and Ipek villages with 2.9% and 8.9%, respectively, and the reasons for its increase in recent years can be attributed to the decrease in the number of births and the fertility rate, the increase in the life expectancy of the elderly, and more importantly Above all, he pointed out the increase in migration in rural areas.ConclusionIn this research, two indicators of the aging factor and aging of the population were used to investigate the aging situation, the results of which are as follows, first: the trend of population aging indicators in the studied area has been upward, second: the highest aging factor related to the village of Jaro with 36.61 percent and the lowest is related to Sehat Abad village with an old age rate of 17.36 percent. Third: In relation to the population aging index, the villages of Jaro and Ipek have the highest old age rate with 9.2 and 8.9 percent, respectively. Fourth: Decrease in birth rate, increase in life expectancy in the elderly and finally migrations in the studied area are considered to be the main and effective factors in the increase of the elderly population in recent years.Key words: rural population, aging, social and economic effects, Pirashhari villages, Eshthard city. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_228128.html Introduction At the level of peri-urban villages of Zanjan city, maintaining social health in rural areas can contribute to the sustainable growth and development of these areas. Given that villages have rich natural resources and abundant economic potential, maintaining social health can help create job opportunities, attract investment, and develop the economy. Maintaining social health in rural areas can lead to improving the quality of life of the residents of those areas. Social health includes factors such as access to health and medical services, safe drinking water, public health, health education, and environmental health. Creating these conditions will improve the lives of villagers in various fields, including health, productivity, and well-being. In this regard, the purpose of the present study is to identify the social health status of peri-urban villages of Zanjan city and then identify the effective factors so that planning can be carried out to improve the social health of the residents of these areas in a more favorable manner. In this regard, the present study is designed to answer the following questions: 1. What is the level of social health of households in the studied villages? 2. Which indicator is the most effective factor in the social health of households in the studied villages? Research Method The present study is applied in terms of type and descriptive-analytical in nature. Data collection was carried out using library and field methods (questionnaire). The statistical population of the present study is peri-urban villages located within a radius of 20 km from Zanjan city, which includes 16 villages. 8 villages were selected using the probability sampling method (lottery method). The studied villages have 3047 households, and using the Cochran formula with an error rate of (0.05), the number of sample required to complete the questionnaire (384) households was calculated. Also, a systematic method was used to complete the questionnaire. The data collection method was library and field (questionnaire), and descriptive and inferential statistics (Wilcoxon test and Amos structural equations) were used to analyze the data. Discussion and FindingsA one-sample t-test was used to analyze the desirability of social health dimensions. As shown in (Table 4), considering the range of the spectrum that fluctuates between 1 and 5 based on the Likert scale, this level was assessed as desirable for three dimensions (social prosperity, social cohesion, and social participation) with t-scores of 32.54, 27.23, and 24.29, and two dimensions (social acceptance and social solidarity) with t-scores of 0.24 and -4.34, respectively. In order to determine the variables affecting the social health of the villages around Zanjan, four input factors were used in the fuzzy neural structure, and the aim was to determine the two inputs affecting social health. Based on the data presented, the economic factor with an optimal input of 12.14 and an output of 14.29 has the greatest impact on the social health of the villages around Zanjan, indicating the high importance of economic conditions in improving the quality of life. The social factor with an input of 10.77 and an output of 12.32 ranks second and has a significant positive impact on social health. This indicates that improving social conditions can significantly contribute to health promotion. The individual factor with an input of 8.16 and an output of 8.61 ranks third and has a lower impact than the first two factors. Finally, the physical and environmental factor with an input of 7.9 and an output of 8.14 has the lowest impact. Overall, the results show that to improve social health in these villages, it is necessary to focus on improving economic and social conditions, while strengthening individual and physical factors can also be considered as a complement to increasing social health. ConclusionIn this study, the social health status of households in the villages surrounding Zanjan city and the factors affecting it were examined. The results indicate that social health, as a key component in the quality of life of residents of these areas, is affected by economic, social, individual and physical factors. Based on the data obtained, the economic factor was identified as the most influential factor with an input of 12.14 and an output of 14.29, which is consistent with the results of previous research in this field. Various studies, including the works of Gramit et al. (2023) and Connolly (2023), show that economic conditions directly affect the social and mental health of individuals. In addition, social factors were ranked second with an input of 10.77 and an output of 12.32. This finding is consistent with the theories of Keyes (2004) and Swarbrick and Yudoff (2015), which emphasize the importance of social relationships and strong bonds between individuals in society. The existence of strong social relationships can help strengthen social capital and increase the sense of belonging to society, which ultimately leads to improved social health.Key words: Human development, social welfare, rural development, Zanjan province. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_228868.html Land use and vegetation changes are one of the most important topics in environmental studies and sustainable development, which plays a significant role in natural resource management and spatial planning. This study aimed to analyze the trends in land cover and land use changes in the study area during the period 2000 to 2020, and to investigate the effects of human and natural factors on spatial changes in local ecosystems. The results of the analysis of remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS) showed that the area in question has undergone severe and unstable changes in land use over the past two decades. In the meantime, a significant decrease in lands with natural cover such as shrublands, pastures, and orchards was observed, while rainfed agricultural lands, grasslands, and barren areas were accompanied by significant fluctuations. The largest net negative changes were related to orchards and tree plantations, and the largest net positive change was related to shrublands, which itself indicates the structural destruction and instability of the exploitation systems in the region. Also, the successive conversion of lands between different land uses, including the conversion of shrublands to dryland, dryland to grassland and then to barren, is a sign of the lack of sustainable planning and weakness in conservation policies. The role of human factors, including road development, the expansion of scattered settlements and excessive exploitation of resources, has been very prominent in these changes. Overall, the research findings emphasize the need to review land use policies, implement effective management measures and develop sustainable development models to preserve natural resources.Land use and vegetation changes are one of the most important topics in environmental studies and sustainable development, which plays a significant role in natural resource management and spatial planning. This study aimed to analyze the trends in land cover and land use changes in the study area during the period 2000 to 2020, and to investigate the effects of human and natural factors on spatial changes in local ecosystems. The results of the analysis of remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS) showed that the area in question has undergone severe and unstable changes in land use over the past two decades. In the meantime, a significant decrease in lands with natural cover such as shrublands, pastures, and orchards was observed, while rainfed agricultural lands, grasslands, and barren areas were accompanied by significant fluctuations. The largest net negative changes were related to orchards and tree plantations, and the largest net positive change was related to shrublands, which itself indicates the structural destruction and instability of the exploitation systems in the region. Also, the successive conversion of lands between different land uses, including the conversion of shrublands to dryland, dryland to grassland and then to barren, is a sign of the lack of sustainable planning and weakness in conservation policies. The role of human factors, including road development, the expansion of scattered settlements and excessive exploitation of resources, has been very prominent in these changes. Overall, the research findings emphasize the need to review land use policies, implement effective management measures and develop sustainable development models to preserve natural resources.Land use and vegetation changes are one of the most important topics in environmental studies and sustainable development, which plays a significant role in natural resource management and spatial planning. This study aimed to analyze the trends in land cover and land use changes in the study area during the period 2000 to 2020, and to investigate the effects of human and natural factors on spatial changes in local ecosystems. The results of the analysis of remote sensing data and geographic information system (GIS) showed that the area in question has undergone severe and unstable changes in land use over the past two decades. In the meantime, a significant decrease in lands with natural cover such as shrublands, pastures, and orchards was observed, while rainfed agricultural lands, grasslands, and barren areas were accompanied by significant fluctuations. The largest net negative changes were related to orchards and tree plantations, and the largest net positive change was related to shrublands, which itself indicates the structural destruction and instability of the exploitation systems in the region. Also, the successive conversion of lands between different land uses, including the conversion of shrublands to dryland, dryland to grassland and then to barren, is a sign of the lack of sustainable planning and weakness in conservation policies. The role of human factors, including road development, the expansion of scattered settlements and excessive exploitation of resources, has been very prominent in these changes. Overall, the research findings emphasize the need to review land use policies, implement effective management measures and develop sustainable development models to preserve natural resources. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_228871.html Introduction : Peri-urban settlements in Iran often occupy liminal spaces between urban cores and rural peripheries, characterized by infrastructural deprivation, fragmented governance, and limited citizen participation. As the challenges of spatial injustice and informal urbanization persist, digital innovations such as the Metaverse and Digital Twins offer transformative possibilities. These technologies can potentially enable participatory spatial planning, socio-spatial representation, and localized empowerment. However, in the Iranian context, theoretical and applied studies addressing this nexus remain scarce. This research aims to formulate a conceptual framework that illustrates how Metaverse-based platforms can empower peri-urban communities in Iran.Methodology : This study employed a qualitative, theory-driven research design grounded in inductive content analysis. A sample of 20 academic sources (2015–2025) was systematically reviewed using open and axial coding. Key conceptual codes were categorized, and a five-dimensional analytical framework was derived. The theoretical underpinnings included Sen’s capabilities approach, Srnicek’s platform capitalism, digital governance, and fluid urban peripherality. In addition, comparative secondary case studies from Seoul, Barcelona, and Singapore were analyzed to demonstrate real-world applications of Metaverse platforms in participatory planning.Results and discussion :The qualitative synthesis yielded five central thematic axes:1- Participatory Empowerment and Spatial Justice: The Metaverse facilitates inclusive engagement, promotes digital equity, and strengthens local social capital.2- Spatial Regeneration via Digital Twins: Immersive 3D modeling enables participatory redesign and spatial visualization of marginalized areas.3- Platform Governance and Data-Driven Policy: Smart platforms enable decentralized urban decision-making, real-time data analytics, and citizen co-production of services.4- Smart Infrastructure for Digital Resilience: Integration of IoT, AI, and Big Data technologies enhances the resilience and efficiency of urban systems.5- Localized Technology and Institutional Capacity: Implementing Metaverse tools requires attention to legal frameworks, cultural adaptation, and multi-level institutional coordination.The analysis of global case studies showed how cities like Seoul and Barcelona have used Metaverse interfaces to democratize planning processes and reduce spatial exclusion through participatory tools.Conclusion : The study concludes that the Metaverse should not be viewed merely as a technological novelty, but rather as a socio-spatial infrastructure capable of reconfiguring participation, justice, and empowerment in urban development. In the Iranian context, realizing this potential requires overcoming infrastructural limitations, economic inequalities, and fragmented institutional systems. The proposed conceptual model offers an integrated vision for enabling digitally driven, participatory empowerment in peri-urban settlements.Introduction : Peri-urban settlements in Iran often occupy liminal spaces between urban cores and rural peripheries, characterized by infrastructural deprivation, fragmented governance, and limited citizen participation. As the challenges of spatial injustice and informal urbanization persist, digital innovations such as the Metaverse and Digital Twins offer transformative possibilities. These technologies can potentially enable participatory spatial planning, socio-spatial representation, and localized empowerment. However, in the Iranian context, theoretical and applied studies addressing this nexus remain scarce. This research aims to formulate a conceptual framework that illustrates how Metaverse-based platforms can empower peri-urban communities in Iran.Methodology : This study employed a qualitative, theory-driven research design grounded in inductive content analysis. A sample of 20 academic sources (2015–2025) was systematically reviewed using open and axial coding. Key conceptual codes were categorized, and a five-dimensional analytical framework was derived. The theoretical underpinnings included Sen’s capabilities approach, Srnicek’s platform capitalism, digital governance, and fluid urban peripherality. In addition, comparative secondary case studies from Seoul, Barcelona, and Singapore were analyzed to demonstrate real-world applications of Metaverse platforms in participatory planning.Results and discussion :The qualitative synthesis yielded five central thematic axes:1- Participatory Empowerment and Spatial Justice: The Metaverse facilitates inclusive engagement, promotes digital equity, and strengthens local social capital.2- Spatial Regeneration via Digital Twins: Immersive 3D modeling enables participatory redesign and spatial visualization of marginalized areas.3- Platform Governance and Data-Driven Policy: Smart platforms enable decentralized urban decision-making, real-time data analytics, and citizen co-production of services.4- Smart Infrastructure for Digital Resilience: Integration of IoT, AI, and Big Data technologies enhances the resilience and efficiency of urban systems.5- Localized Technology and Institutional Capacity: Implementing Metaverse tools requires attention to legal frameworks, cultural adaptation, and multi-level institutional coordination.The analysis of global case studies showed how cities like Seoul and Barcelona have used Metaverse interfaces to democratize planning processes and reduce spatial exclusion through participatory tools.Conclusion : The study concludes that the Metaverse should not be viewed merely as a technological novelty, but rather as a socio-spatial infrastructure capable of reconfiguring participation, justice, and empowerment in urban development. In the Iranian context, realizing this potential requires overcoming infrastructural limitations, economic inequalities, and fragmented institutional systems. The proposed conceptual model offers an integrated vision for enabling digitally driven, participatory empowerment in peri-urban settlements. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_230194.html Introduction The core issue of this study is to examine and analyze the extent to which biophilic architectural principles have been realized in ecotourism accommodations located in the peri-urban areas of Garmsar County. This investigation aims to propose strategies for improving spatial quality and enhancing environmental and psychological sustainability in the design of these spaces. Relying on survey-based analysis and grounded in a well-established theoretical framework of biophilic architecture, the study seeks to answer the following key questions: To what extent have Garmsar’s ecotourism lodges integrated biophilic indicators in their design? And what are the main factors contributing to the enhancement of their current condition? Addressing these questions can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of biophilic architecture in Iran’s ecotourism accommodations and promote sustainable tourism development in peripheral areas.Methodology The research adopts a descriptive-analytical and in-depth approach, based on the analysis of survey data. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire. The data analysis followed a quantitative methodology, employing appropriate statistical tests. The statistical population consisted of tourists who had stayed in tourist accommodations located in the rural outskirts of Garmsar city. Since the total population size was unknown, the sampling method was based on accessible (convenience) sampling. Over a two-month period, a total of 150 available tourists were surveyed. The content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by experts, and its reliability was verified through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, which exceeded 0.70. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests, including the one-sample t-test and factor analysis.Results and discussion The analysis of biophilic architecture indicators in peri-urban ecotourism accommodations in Garmsar (using the binomial test) shows that among the 18 examined indicators, only one—climate-responsive design (p = 0.165)—does not have a statistically significant difference compared to the test value. This means that most indicators, from the respondents' viewpoint, are different from the average (50%) and are mostly statistically significant. Indicators with a mean score above 3 and a significance level below 0.05 are considered relative strengths in the biophilic design of accommodations, whereas indicators with a mean score below 3 indicate weaknesses or lack of attention in those architectural aspects.Accordingly, indicators such as nature-inspired colors (mean = 4.02), transitional spaces like verandas and courtyards (3.66), areas for interacting with nature like small gardens (3.85), the use of natural materials such as wood and stone (3.30), and natural lighting (3.29) have performed well and have been approved by the majority of respondents. These elements effectively strengthen the sense of connection with nature and enhance the biophilic accommodation experience.In contrast, indicators such as visual access to natural landscapes (2.20), natural sounds like water or birds (2.14), rainwater harvesting systems (2.40), the use of renewable energy (2.08), simulated natural lighting (2.88), diversity and complexity in forms (2.56), and natural patterns in design (2.27) all had mean scores below the average level (3) and were statistically significant (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that these elements are less observed in the design of peri-urban accommodations in Garmsar or are not noticeable in practice. Therefore, they can be considered as opportunities for improving design and enhancing environmental quality.Another noteworthy point is that the overall mean of biophilic architecture indicators was 2.911, which, although slightly below the numeric average level of 3, is statistically significant (p = 0.027). This means that overall, the biophilic design status of the studied accommodations is relatively moderate, but with the implementation of optimization policies, it can be improved.Moreover, the factor analysis showed that managerial and policy factors (48.97%), cultural and social factors (29.81%), and design and environmental factors (10.53%) are effective in promoting biophilic architecture in ecotourism accommodations. These factors collectively account for 73.5% of the impact, with cultural and social factors having the highest effect (Beta = 0.734) in enhancing biophilic architecture in tourism accommodations.ConclusionThe findings indicate that in the design of peri-urban ecotourism accommodations, certain biophilic architectural indicators have been appropriately considered. The use of natural elements such as nature-inspired colors, semi-open spaces like verandas and courtyards, the presence of vegetation, natural lighting, and local materials reflect a conscious effort to strengthen the human-nature connection in these spaces. These features have not only enhanced the environmental appeal but also contributed to improved sensory perception and guest satisfaction.However, some deficiencies are evident in the less tangible dimensions of design. Elements such as views toward natural landscapes, incorporation of natural sounds, use of renewable energy, and designs inspired by natural patterns have been either underutilized or designed in ways that are not easily perceived by users. This suggests that designers have primarily focused on the visible and tangible aspects of nature, with insufficient attention given to environmental infrastructure, sense of place, and deeper emotional and psychological connections with nature.It is therefore recommended that a context-specific biophilic design framework tailored to Garmsar’s climate and the nature of ecotourism accommodations be developed and prioritized. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_230198.html Introduction Rapid population growth, urbanization, and increased construction in recent decades have changed the spatial and economic structure of many rural settlements. One of the most important consequences of this trend is the change in the use of agricultural and horticultural lands. The increase in land prices in villages, although it may be profitable for landowners, has significant consequences for the livelihoods of non-landowner villagers, tenant farmers, and seasonal workers. Many farmers, under pressure from land prices and the lack of appropriate government support, are forced to abandon production activities and move to unstable jobs or migrate to cities. This trend has led to a decrease in the human resource active in the agricultural sector, the abandonment of land, and an increase in the import of agricultural products. In such circumstances, land has become not only a source of agricultural production, but also a capital good and a tool for speculation, which is in conflict with the concepts of food security, rural livelihood sustainability, and sustainable rural development. Similar conditions are observed in Iran, which doubles the need for a scientific study of the effects of rising land prices on the livelihood structure of rural communities.Methodology The geographical area of study of the present study is the Sorkhroud district of Mahmoudabad city in Mazandaran province. This district is located on the southern coastal strip of the Caspian Sea and has a special geographical and climatic location that has made it one of the regions with high potential for agriculture, tourism, and investment in real estate. The present study is applied in terms of its purpose and descriptive-analytical in terms of its nature and method. The aim of this study is to investigate the multidimensional consequences of increasing agricultural land prices on the decline in the livelihoods of villagers in the Sorkhroud district of Mahmoudabad city. This study was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) to measure the causal relationships between latent and observable variables with greater accuracy. The statistical population of the study included all heads of households living in the villages of Sorkhroud district of Mahmoudabad city, which have faced the phenomenon of increasing land prices and extensive changes in land use in recent years. The Cochran formula was used to determine the sample size, and considering time and resource constraints, about 200 valid questionnaires were finally collected and analyzed. The main data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire that was designed based on theoretical studies, the conceptual model of the study, and the analysis of previous findings. The questionnaire of this study included two parts: demographic questions (age, education, type of land ownership, residence history, and type of livelihood activity) and measuring latent variables of the conceptual model (social, economic, physical, environmental consequences, and the livelihood level of villagers). To assess content validity, the questionnaire was provided to professors in the fields of rural development and agricultural extension and education, and necessary amendments were made. The reliability of the questionnaire was examined using Cronbach's alpha, which was reported to be higher than 0.7 for all constructs, indicating appropriate reliability of the instrument. In this study, the collected data were first subjected to descriptive analysis (mean, standard deviation, percentages, and frequencies) using SPSSV29 software. Then, to test the hypotheses and examine the structure of the relationships between variables, equation modeling was used with the help of PLS3.5 software.Results and discussionThe findings of this study showed that the increase in agricultural land prices had the greatest impact on the decline in the livelihoods of villagers in the Sorkhroud region through economic consequences. The impact coefficient of 0.437 for this dimension indicates that the growth in the value of land as a capital good has transformed the agricultural production structure and has weakened the economic foundations of rural households by creating economic inequalities, reducing investment in production, and increasing living costs. In the social dimension, the findings of this study indicated a significant impact of social consequences (β=0.261) on the decline in livelihoods. Factors such as the migration of indigenous forces, weakening social relations, increasing the gap between landowners and landless people, and changing traditional lifestyles are examples of the social consequences of land price changes. Regarding physical consequences, although its impact was lower compared to other dimensions (β=0.195), it is still considered significant and important. The spread of unprincipled construction, changes in the physical appearance of the village, and the destruction of agricultural infrastructure are some of these consequences. One of the noteworthy points in this study was the lack of significance of environmental consequences in the statistical model (β=0.013, p=0.855). Although it was expected that the reduction of water resources, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss would also directly affect livelihoods, the respondents' perception of these issues was not very strong.ConclusionAccording to the results, the increase in the price of agricultural land has become, beyond a purely economic phenomenon, a multidimensional and structurally disruptive factor in rural life. It was determined that the strongest impact of the increase in land prices on the decline in rural livelihoods is exerted through its economic consequences; including reduced investment in the production sector, increased living costs, a decline in agricultural profitability, and an exacerbation of the gap between different rural strata. In addition, social and physical consequences were also among the factors affecting the weakening of the livelihood structure. The lack of direct impact of environmental consequences in this study should not be considered as its lack of importance, but can be explained more by the time delay in the emergence of environmental effects and the dim environmental perception among respondents. These results are in line with national and international studies, and all emphasize that the increase in land prices without intelligent and controlled policies will become a threat to the sustainability of rural settlements, food security, and social balance in rural areas. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_230710.html IntroductionThe urban peripheral areas of Bojnord face increasing challenges in seismic resilience due to urban growth and development. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the factors influencing this resilience, with a focus on various dimensions of urban expansion. The primary objective is to develop a deeper understanding of existing complexities and identify pathways for improving conditions in these areas. Bojnord, the capital of North Khorasan Province, has experienced significant urban development in recent years. However, this rapid and often unplanned expansion marked by scattered construction that disregards engineering safety standards has increased the seismic vulnerability of areas near active faults. The city’s aging infrastructure, largely composed of traditional, non-reinforced materials that fail to meet modern seismic codes, is particularly at risk, especially in fault-adjacent zones where earthquakes could cause severe human and economic losses. Compounding the problem, uncontrolled urban sprawl and illegal construction on the city’s outskirts have left entire neighborhoods without resilient infrastructure or safety-compliant buildings, amplifying potential disaster impacts. Another critical issue is the lack of open spaces and safe gathering points, which are vital for emergency shelter and protection during crises a shortfall with potentially catastrophic consequences in high-risk areas. Further concerns arise from vulnerable critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, water systems, and telecommunications), which lack adequate reinforcement and could fail post-disaster. Public awareness and training on earthquake preparedness are also insufficient, with the absence of systematic educational programs exacerbating the city’s fragility. Addressing these challenges requires smart urban planning, seismic retrofitting of buildings, infrastructure upgrades, and community training. Key solutions include renovating dilapidated structures, enforcing construction standards for new builds (particularly near fault lines), and strategically developing open spaces and emergency hubs to mitigate risks. Ultimately, Bojnord’s urban growth must align with comprehensive resilience strategies to safeguard its residents. This study seeks to identify the key factors undermining seismic resilience in Bojnord’s Peripheral Areas, emphasizing urban development dimensions. The findings could inform policymaking, infrastructure improvements, and public awareness campaigns—paving the way for a safer, more disaster-resistant city.MethodologyThis research is an applied qualitative study conducted through a descriptive-analytical survey approach. Data was collected via documentary and library research, as well as field interviews with 35 managers and experts in Bojnord County (using purposive sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved). Data analysis was performed using grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin’s approach), involving open, axial, and selective coding stages. The 60 to 90-minute interviews were recorded, transcribed, and categorized using a paradigmatic model (causal, contextual, and intervening factors) to derive a data-driven theory.Results and discussionThe results revealed that the decline in seismic resilience in Bojnord suburbs is influenced by three key factors: causal factors (such as migration, fear of property devaluation, and local tensions), contextual factors (including non-resistant traditional architecture, active faults, and lack of infrastructure investment), and intervening factors (such as managerial and executive weaknesses, as well as shortcomings in crisis management). These factors interact simultaneously in a networked manner, collectively undermining the seismic stability of these areas. Therefore, enhancing Bojnord seismic resilience requires comprehensive and coordinated planning across social, cultural, economic, managerial, and infrastructural dimensions.ConclusionThis study comprehensively and meticulously uncovers the root causes behind the decline in seismic resilience in Bojnord urban peripheral areas. The results clearly demonstrate that this complex issue stems from deep-seated social, psychological, managerial, economic, and even cultural factors transcending any single dimension.Causal factors reveal that the problems originate from within Bojnord societal fabric. Rural-urban migration has fragmented the social structure and deepened generational divides. Psychological barriers, such as the normalization of earthquake risks and fears of property devaluation, deter residents from retrofitting buildings. Declining public participation and the absence of active civil organizations have eroded social capital, nearly eliminating community oversight. Even local political tensions over budget allocations exacerbate the situation. Together, these elements have created a perilous foundation for seismic vulnerability.Contextual factors highlight historical and geographical predispositions to this fragility. Traditional architecture and a fatalistic attitude toward natural disasters, combined with Bojnord location in a border region atop active faults, double the threat. Inadequate investment in resilient infrastructure and reliance on limited industries further undermine material and economic resilience. Cultural and psychological issues like risk denial and the spread of misinformation—fuel public apathy and unpreparedness.Intervening factors expose systemic failures: even with problem awareness, managerial weaknesses, bureaucratic hurdles, and political challenges obstruct effective solutions. Institutional fragmentation, lax oversight, inefficient crisis management, and a shortage of skilled personnel pose critical barriers to progress. Elite turnover and misguided political priorities further derail long-term resilience programs.This multilayered crisis demands integrated action bridging social cohesion, infrastructure modernization, policy reform, and public education to transform Bojnord into a seismically resilient city. Only by addressing these intertwined dimensions can meaningful, sustainable progress be achieved.FundingAccording to the responsible author, this article has no financial supportAuthors’ 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.AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_230924.html IntroductionUnbalanced population growth and limited urban space are considered a major challenge for today's societies. This imbalance not only reduces the quality of life but also puts additional pressure on natural resources and the environment. The creative village approach as a new concept can be considered in the post-modern space to meet rural needs and combat rural isolation of peri-urban spaces. In the meantime, the idea of a creative village as a complement to a creative city can be an effective step towards creating a demographic balance and sustainable development. The concept of a creative village has a cultural dimension and a set of possibilities and opportunities. A creative village is an intercultural place that focuses on different experiences, combining cultures, and exchanging programs and ideas with each other. A creative village is a sustainable and viable space that creates a platform for attracting and developing the creative class in low-tech industries, mainly in the fields of culture and art. The village relies on ecological processes including local lifestyle, clean environment and necessary equipment. The village provides equal benefits to the rural community, its creative class and the consumer of rural creative products.MethodologyThe research method is descriptive-analytical and applied from the perspective of the purpose. The statistical population of rural households in Belsbaneh rural district is the Kouch-e-Safhan district of Rasht city. The total number of villages in Belsbaneh rural district is 24 villages, so each of the 24 villages was surveyed. From this number, 384 samples were taken according to the share of each household. The total number of households is 5819, and 384 samples were taken according to the Cochran model. The collection of data is documentary and survey. The questionnaire indicators were obtained by studying the theoretical foundations. The validity of the questionnaire was examined with the opinions of professors and its reliability was obtained with Cronbach's alpha of 0.839. SPSS software was used to analyze the questionnaire data and it was analyzed with binomial tests, Friedman, Yeoman-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis. To examine the normal distribution of the data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests were used.Result and discussionThe situation of the villages studied in terms of accepting new values, innovation in agriculture, people's desire for past cultural values, and preserving indigenous beliefs is at a desirable level. By providing suitable conditions for entrepreneurial activities, creating diverse and workshop jobs, and providing suitable facilities and conditions for handicraft producers, the areas for creativity and perseverance of individuals to launch new activities in the village will increase. The findings showed that the highest average is related to the flexibility index (3.41) and the lowest average is related to the promotion and education index (2.41). Most villages are in a good situation in terms of the flexibility and innovation component in agriculture and accepting new ideas and values by the village people. The low level of the promotion and education index indicates that sufficient training has not been provided in the field of facilitating educational and cultural activities in the village and entrepreneurial plans to attract creative ideas.Based on the results of the Friedman test, it can be said that among the six indicators of the creative village (flexibility, innovation, promotion and education, risk-taking, leadership and participation), the flexibility index has a higher average rank (5.52) and the promotion and education index has the lowest average rank with a value of (2.05). The high average rank of the flexibility component indicates that the people of the village have had sufficient flexibility and adaptability to changes in their living environment and the acceptance of new technology and values. Also, the low average rank of the promotion and education component indicates that the necessary training in the field of creative activities and rural entrepreneurship plans has not been carried out, and also in the field of creative ideas related to the village (honey beekeeping, and the production of fruit products, etc.) there has not been sufficient advertising through cyberspace and the media.ConclusionThe villages under study have a favorable situation in terms of the flexibility index. The leadership index has the lowest average rank with a value of (35/80). Therefore, local managers should perform better in providing services and supporting the formation of a creative village and increase people's awareness of carrying out creative activities. Also, appropriate measures should be taken by managers in the field of communication infrastructures available at the village level. Therefore, it can be concluded that according to the Kruskal-Wallis test, there is a significant difference between the research indicators. The leadership index has had the least effect on rural creativity, and the indicators of initiative, promotion and education, risk-taking, and participation have a mediating role in the effect. The results of this study are consistent with the results of the study by Jahan Tigh et al. (2021). The efforts of local managers to hold training courses to create entrepreneurship and job diversity have not been carried out properly. Legal obstacles to carrying out artistic activities have not been removed. Therefore, the inability of managers to guide the village for the creativity of residents has caused the way of providing services to the people to be inappropriate and there are still obstacles to carrying out creative activities. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_231282.html Extended AbstractIntroductionThe rapid growth of urbanization in Iran and globally has led to the physical expansion of cities and the creation of unsuitable spaces on the outskirts, a phenomenon known as marginalization or informal settlement. This phenomenon involves individuals who live within city limits but have not been integrated into the urban system, facing deprivation in terms of employment, housing, health, and public services. The lack of facilities and poverty among residents leads to urban poverty, which is also evident in the marginalized areas of Sistan and Baluchestan.Among these, the marginalized settlements in Sistan and Baluchestan Province—particularly in cities such as Zahedan, Chabahar, Iranshahr, and Khash—are recognized as some of the most striking examples of urban inequality and structural deprivation in Iran. These areas face multidimensional economic, social, and environmental challenges that have not only severely degraded residents' quality of life but also turned them into hotspots for the spread of social harms. According to statistics, around 500,000 people live in informal settlements in this province, with Chabahar having the highest proportion of marginalized residents in the country at 60%. These areas suffer from extreme poverty, lack of access to basic services such as piped water, reliable electricity, and proper sewage systems, as well as severe overcrowding in substandard housing—conditions so dire that even the term "deprived" feels inadequate to describe them.One of the most significant drivers of the formation and expansion of these marginalized settlements in the province is prolonged drought and the destruction of rural livelihoods. Many residents are former farmers and herders who lost their agricultural land and livestock due to the drying up of qanats (traditional irrigation systems) and springs, forcing them to migrate to urban peripheries in search of better opportunities. However, their inability to afford housing in formal urban areas has pushed them into makeshift clay or concrete block dwellings in areas lacking basic infrastructure. This phenomenon has not only fueled the growth of slums but has also led to rampant social issues, including widespread drug addiction (even among women and children), social insecurity, and tribal conflicts. Reports, for instance, describe open-air drug markets near raw sewage canals, with children playing in these hazardous environments.Despite sporadic efforts—such as allocating a 1 trillion tomans budget to organize informal settlements in Sistan and Baluchestan—the absence of a comprehensive national plan and integrated management has prevented these measures from addressing the root causes of the problems. Key challenges include fragmented funding, lack of coordination among responsible institutions, and the exclusion of residents from genuine participation in rehabilitation processes. Moreover, current policies focus largely on short-term projects while neglecting the underlying economic and social drivers of rural-to-urban migration. Meanwhile, free trade zones like Chabahar have failed to improve conditions in adjacent marginalized areas, instead exacerbating class divides.The urgency for a qualitative policy model in government interventions stems from the fact that current approaches have not only failed to resolve the crisis but have, in some cases, further accelerated the expansion of marginalization. A holistic model must combine economic empowerment, infrastructure development, and community participation to simultaneously tackle poverty, enhance social security, and improve living standards. This requires an interdisciplinary approach, where regional planning, equitable resource distribution, and respect for the cultural and social characteristics of marginalized communities form the foundation of policy measures.MethodologyThis study is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of methodology, relying on qualitative data. For data analysis, thematic analysis and the Delphi method were employed. The research follows a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design (instrument development variant), wherein a qualitative study was first conducted to inform the development of the research instrument, followed by a quantitative phase.The statistical population of this study consists of 12 experts, selected through purposive sampling.Results and discussionThe results of semi-structured interviews were analyzed through coding, leading to the identification of 73 initial codes, 9 main themes, and 2 overarching categories. The first category addressed policies to prevent marginalization, such as improving economic, welfare, and cultural conditions in migration origins, regulating uncontrolled migration, managing macroeconomic indicators, and implementing housing and land policies. The second category examined policies to improve existing conditions, including expanding urban services, developing infrastructure, strengthening social support systems, constructing housing, establishing healthcare and educational centers, and enhancing social security. Additionally, the findings emphasized the need for social and economic participation of residents through cultural programs, local councils, and job development. Validation using the fuzzy Delphi technique confirmed expert consensus on the importance of the identified factors. Ultimately, the study concluded that effectively reducing the harms of marginalization requires integrated policymaking across economic, social, and physical dimensions, and the proposed model can serve as a framework for planning in similar regions.ConclusionThis research demonstrates that addressing marginalization requires two key approaches: prevention (by improving economic conditions and controlling migration) and improving existing conditions (through infrastructure development and urban services). The success of these solutions depends on active resident participation and integrated planning across economic, social, and physical dimensions. The proposed model can also serve as inspiration for other marginalized areas.FundingAccording to the responsible author, this article has no financial supportAuthors’ 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.AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_232887.html Introduction Informal settlements, as the main symbol of less developed urban areas, are the physical manifestation of socio-economic inequality in an urban area. Informal settlement is a global phenomenon and the reasons for its formation are diverse and numerous and vary from place to place. Studies on the context and causes of the emergence of informal settlements indicate inequality in economic, social, managerial and environmental variables. Marginalization exacerbates duality in urban society, increases class distance and many other problems, as the residents of these areas are mainly rural migrants and urban poor who do not have the necessary skills and expertise to be absorbed into the urban economic cycle. With this in mind, it can be said that the issue of informal settlements is not a temporary issue with limited dimensions, and there is no agreement on its survival, reproduction, and expansion, and addressing it is not only a necessity arising from religious and human values, but also consistent with social interests and the sustainability of settlements and national development, and we should not forget that poverty is a threat to the whole everywhere. Ardabil is one of the cities where informal settlements are one of the important issues of this city. Meanwhile, one of the important factors in the creation of these settlements can be considered the underdevelopment of villages and the factor of increasing migration and the creation of informal settlements.Methodology The required data and information were obtained from two methods: library and field. To examine the theoretical foundations, the desired dimensions and indicators in the field of informal settlements were collected. In the field method, the Delphi method and various questionnaires were used to complete the information. The Delphi panel members were selected as 25 qualified individuals. In order to extract important factors, a questionnaire was provided to the panel members in the first round, and in the second stage, they were selected based on the integration of existing variables and proposed variables. In the next stage, in order to analyze the data within the framework of the cross-effects matrix, the variables were scored, taking into account the influence of rows on columns. In the last stage, using the Mikmak software and entering the cross-matrix numbers into the software, they were evaluated and analyzed based on the calculations performed by the software, and the variables were identified.. Results and discussion The expansion of informal settlements is a phenomenon that is the result of a complex and multi-level interaction between a set of economic, social, managerial and spatial factors. In this way, this phenomenon has not arisen due to the activity or influence of a single factor. Marginalization is actually a result of poverty, and most of the people who live in these areas are economically and socially at a low level of standard, and the environment in which they live also depends on the living standards of these people and has a low social and even infrastructure standard. Based on the results of the present study, it was determined that the drivers of the expansion of settlements in the city of Ardabil are in the form of variables that can be examined from the macro level to the regional level. The inefficiency of government programs, lack of funding, and inflation are major issues that can be the main factors in the expansion of informal settlements not only in Ardabil but also in all cities of Iran. In addition to these issues, variables such as land speculation and immigration are also regional issues that have had an effect on informal settlements even at the provincial level. Considering the current conditions for the expansion of informal settlements in Ardabil, it seems that there are no favorable conditions on the outskirts of the city and there are numerous neighborhoods with unfavorable and critical conditions, which can cause numerous socio-economic damages in the long term.Conclusion The results of this study, which uses a futures research approach to identify and analyze the drivers affecting the expansion of informal settlements in Ardabil, show that out of the 37 variables examined in this study, 10 variables play a prominent role as key drivers in the expansion of informal settlements in Ardabil, based on the output of the MiqMaq software. The weakness of the urban management structure as a key driver, with its inefficiency in effectively supervising land use, controlling construction, and directing investment towards balanced development, has paved the way for the expansion of unauthorized construction and the concentration of the population on the outskirts. This management weakness, in line with the inefficiency of government programs, lack of funds, and weak supportive laws, has caused official policies to be unable to control the process of formation and expansion of informal settlements. Meanwhile, migration to Ardabil city, especially after it became the provincial capital in the 1970s, especially from rural areas and small towns, which is mainly due to differences in job opportunities and urban services, has placed additional pressure on the city's existing capacities and, along with population growth, has greatly increased the demand for cheap housing. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_233007.html During the twentieth century, urbanization, which was a product of the industrial revolution, became a global process and increasingly spread to developing countries. In the past few decades, the horizontal expansion of cities has become a global problem, especially in metropolitan areas. With the physical expansion of cities (especially in the horizontal direction), villages around cities have distanced themselves from their traditional functions and changed to meet the needs of the population. Therefore, firstly, the functional spaces and secondly, the residential texture of the village changed their identity in favor of the urban texture. This factor led to the integration of rural nuclei into the urban texture and the consumption of vital space in the village and the loss of the agricultural landscape of the village, and the village was deprived of its inherent and vital function and was isolated. The phenomenon of villages integrated into the city, which in some countries is referred to as urban villages, is the result of rapid urbanization and the rapid expansion of cities. Since the spatial consequences of rural integration in the city are often unplanned, it has resulted in various consequences in environmental, physical, economic and social dimensions. The present study, analyzing the spatial consequences of rural integration in the city of Bojnourd, has considered the village of Malekesh within the framework of a systemic approach to the confrontation of two urban and rural settlement systems. In conducting the present study, statistical-spatial analyses have been used. In this regard, data related to the indicators used in the area of ​​rural texture and their surrounding modern urban texture were spatially integrated. The statistical-spatial analysis used also included the t-test, Pearson correlation and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, local Moran and hot and cold spots. Based on the results of the study, the physical-spatial consequences of the integration of Malekesh village into the city of Bojnourd have been revealed at two levels: the impact of the agricultural and garden morphology of that village on the invasive texture of the city and the confrontation of the physical texture of the village core and their surrounding urban texture. In addition to affecting the identification of the urban invasive texture, rural cores have become irregular and sometimes impenetrable due to the unplanned expansion of the city and the organic formation of the urban texture influenced by the divisions and spatial structure of garden and agricultural morphologies. The impenetrability of the texture of Bojnourd city in the areas of integration also, considering the relatively high population rate and building density of Bojnourd city, in addition to creating traffic problems, can pose many problems for relief in the textures in question in times of potential crisis. Also, the confrontation of urban and rural textures has led to the formation of heterogeneous centers and physical-spatial imbalance in the village and the city of Bojnourd. Based on the results of the cold and hot spots and Moran's spatial autocorrelation index, physical dimension factors have had the greatest impact on the integration of Malekesh village into Bojnourd city. In addition, due to its favorable environmental and ecological values, Malekesh village has also been of interest to the middle to upper and affluent classes. As a result, it can be said that the increase in population and construction and the continuation of the current trend in Bojnourd city, especially Malekesh village, irregular and organic textures, in addition to affecting current problems and increasing traffic volume, also causes the vulnerability of Malekesh village to be intensified due to the impenetrability of the village in times of possible natural disasters. The analysis of the spatial consequences of the integration of Malekesh village and the surrounding urban fabric was also carried out using the multivariate regression spot method and using ten indicators whose significance (based on the T test) was confirmed in the territory of the integrated rural nuclei and their surrounding urban fabric at the 95% level. Considering the calculated coefficients of multiple regression and Moran's spatial autocorrelation model, the impenetrability index played the greatest role in explaining the imbalance of the two studied textures. In the following ranks, the residential building occupancy level index, occupancy ratio, fine-grained ratio, ratio of low-quality and dilapidated buildings, and gross population density play the greatest role in expressing the imbalance, heterogeneity, and conflict between the rural core integrated into the urban fabric. Based on the results of the analysis of the spatial consequences of the integration of Malekesh village into the physical fabric of Bojnourd city, it is considered the center of physical-spatial heterogeneity in this city. The study showed that the most important spatial consequences that have caused the integration of Malekesh village into Bojnourd city are:1- Migration and rapid population growth 2- Increase in the area of ​​the approved master plan 3- Transfer of state lands 4- Differences in lands in different parts of the city 5- Mehr housing policy 6- Deterioration of the inner core of the city and the reduction of the population of the central part in favor of the surrounding fabrics https://www.jpusd.ir/article_233262.html IntroductionToday, urban areas have emerged as one of the most dynamic, challenging, and at the same time, opportunity-creating geographical spaces. Rapid urbanization, climate change, epidemics, and increasing pressure on natural and environmental assets have made attention to periurban spaces an inevitable necessity. However, the existing knowledge in this field is scattered and lacks an integrated and coherent framework. By mapping periurban knowledge, the present study will provide a comprehensive, objective, and dynamic picture of existing research, and pave the way for identifying emerging clusters and research gaps and defining interdisciplinary research. The innovation of the present study is that it is considered the first systematic attempt to visually represent and network analyze global periurban knowledge with a quantitative-network approach and by using specialized software VOSviewer, which provides a new framework for guiding future research.MethodologyThe present study is an applied research in terms of its purpose, qualitative in nature, and analytical bibliometrics in terms of its method with a network analysis approach. The research data were extracted using a structured search in the Scopus scientific database, and in this regard, keywords such as "peri-urban" OR "periurban" OR "peri urban" OR "urban fringe" OR "rural-urban fringe" OR "rural-urban interface" were searched. In fact, the monitoring of resources was carried out using a systematic method in the Scopus scientific database. The search was carried out based on keywords related to peri-urban, in fields including title, abstract, and keywords. The time period of the present study is from 1987 to 2025, and only English-language resources indexed in Scopus were included in the research process. Data normalization was performed at the level of standardization of keywords and integration of different forms of a concept such as synonyms, singular/plural forms, etc. This process was performed using the internal potential of Vosviewer software. In the search process, 488 sources including articles, books, book chapters, conference papers and other documents were retrieved. All retrieved sources were downloaded as CSV or RIS files from Scopus and imported into VOSviewer software. After that, the data were processed for bibliometric analyses (co-authorship, co-occurrence, vocabulary density and temporal analysis). Therefore, the present method ensures that the present research is based on transparent, reproducible data and is based on a valid international scientific database.Results and discussionAccording to the research results, the conceptual evolution of peri-urbanism has been in seven stages including 2010-1987; 2010-2012; 2012-2014; 2014-2016; 2016-2018; 2018-2020 and 2024-2020. Since 2020, the focus has been on concepts such as carbon, food supply, smart systems, biochemical oxygen demand, energy efficiency, urban forests, peri-urban agriculture, open data, smart city, Covid-19, land management, land tenure, management approach, rural, healthcare policymaking, urban design, perception, urban context, urban sprawl, awareness, ecosystem and self-efficacy. The main finding of the co-occurrence analysis of the vocabulary is the identification of 13 conceptual clusters and revealing the diversity and breadth of the peri-urban domain, as well as the strong emphasis on the concepts of urban planning, sustainable development and the importance of the urban area. The combination of co-occurrence analysis and vocabulary density mapping, while identifying frequent words, indicates that the peri-urban domain is evolving and evolving in interaction with concepts such as smart city, peri-urban agriculture, urban ecosystem, land management and urban health. The outcome of the present study is based on identifying emerging fields such as urban agriculture, urban smartization and response to crises such as COVID-19 and has highlighted knowledge gaps in this field, especially the integration of peri-urban with land, health and open data policies. These findings pave the way for the design of future research focusing on sustainable and resilient peri-urban areas.ConclusionBy comprehensively analyzing the co-occurrence maps, temporal evolution, and density of peri-urban vocabulary, the research findings revealed profound and fundamental transformations in this concept, rooted in the inherent dynamics of peri-urban areas as urban-rural transition spaces and responses to social, economic, environmental, and technological challenges. In the period 1987-2010, research focused mainly on technical and infrastructural dimensions such as water, waste, and sanitation management, but after 2010, a multidimensional, systemic, and human-centered approach replaced the unidimensional perspective. This new trend is in line with theoretical developments toward spatial justice, participatory governance, and people-centered planning, and is also confirmed by the recurrence of keywords such as “human,” “social justice,” and “land tenure.” In 2020-2024, peri-urban areas played an active and strategic role in the face of global crises—including COVID-19, climate change, and food insecurity—and emerged as the frontline in confronting these crises. This finding is consistent with theories of urban resilience. At the same time, the introduction of digital technologies, open data, and remote sensing has linked peri-urban areas to the era of smart and data-driven cities. This development is in line with the theories of sustainable smart city, green city, and smart governance. The analysis of 13 keyword clusters shows that peri-urban areas today are an integrated space between the city and the countryside, where ecological, socio-cultural, economic, and governance linkages are materialized. This development has been shaped by theoretical perspectives such as rural-urban and multifunctional perspectives. In summary, the present study, through quantitative and qualitative analysis, has clarified the conceptual developments of peri-urban areas and provided a theoretical-practical framework for future research. This framework is based on foundations such as human-centeredness, ecological-social-economic sustainability, smartization, and spatial justice, and will pave the way for transforming peri-urban areas into dynamic, strategic spaces and the beating heart of sustainable and smart development. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_233352.html In developing and less developed countries, unbalanced urbanization has led to numerous challenges in large cities, including unemployment, inflation, rising housing costs, traffic congestion, and the expansion of informal settlements. Rapid population growth, coupled with the absence of coherent socio-economic development plans and urban development strategies, has exacerbated internal migration and social inequality, resulting in the formation of peri-urban settlements. Migrants often, due to their inability to adapt to urban environments and economic pressures, gradually settle in marginalized areas, which differ significantly in terms of cultural and economic conditions from conventional urban neighborhoods. This phenomenon has created social, economic, and environmental challenges for urban planners, and previous policies, including neglect, forced eviction, or central planning, have largely failed to address these issues. In response to these challenges, the empowerment approach has emerged as an innovative strategy. Empowerment focuses on enhancing local community capacities and skills, promoting active citizen participation in planning, decision-making, and project implementation, while minimizing the direct role of formal planning institutions. Through this approach, residents of marginalized neighborhoods can identify their needs and actively participate in addressing them. However, two main challenges remain: first, the lack of managerial capacity and unfamiliarity with empowerment strategies; second, the lack of trust between residents and municipal authorities, which hampers effective participation. To address these challenges, Iran’s Social Affairs Organization established Facilitation and Local Development Offices in disadvantaged neighborhoods starting in 1976. These offices aim to improve quality of life, strengthen individual and collective capacities, and facilitate interaction between residents and authorities. They conduct neighborhood assessments, provide educational programs, and enable community empowerment. In Qom Province, two facilitation offices operate in Aminabad and Qaem neighborhoods. Their activities have included baseline studies, identification of trusted local representatives, and organization of educational workshops. The primary research question of this study is: "What role do facilitation offices play in empowering the Aminabad and Qaem neighborhoods, and to what extent have residents embraced their initiatives?"Methodology This research employed a descriptive-analytical approach with both library and survey methods. The theoretical framework and the questionnaire items were developed based on prior studies. The study population comprised residents of Qaem (27,000 individuals) and Aminabad (25,000 individuals) neighborhoods in Qom. Using random sampling, 200 participants were selected as the sample. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and the one-sample t-test to assess the effectiveness of facilitation office activities and residents’ satisfaction. The study applied a five-point Likert scale ranging from “very low” (1) to “very high” (5) to measure participants’ perceptions. This method allowed the researchers to prioritize various facilitation office activities and compare the performance of the offices across the two neighborhoods. Key indicators included residents’ familiarity with the offices, accessibility, participation in workshops, ability to address economic and social problems, trust-building, and overall impact on local developmentResults and discussion Survey results from Qaem indicated that residents were most satisfied with aspects such as office introduction, willingness to receive counseling, and the knowledge of office staff. The lowest satisfaction levels were associated with recreational spaces, improvements in the physical environment, and optimal use of incentives for increasing participation. The office’s successful performance in Qaem is attributed to engaging trusted local representatives and presence in public and religious spaces. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the presence of some foreign residents reduced trust among certain community members. The t-test showed that, for most variables, office performance exceeded the assumed mean, particularly regarding residents’ willingness to participate, indicating positive outcomes of the facilitation office in Qaem. In Aminabad, the highest satisfaction scores related to office introduction, ease of communication with staff, identification of trusted community members, awareness of workshop venues, and accessibility to office locations. Lowest satisfaction pertained to addressing environmental problems, economic and livelihood issues, and trust of young residents in the offices. The t-test revealed that, except for seven activity domains, the offices’ performance requires improvement. Comparing the two neighborhoods, indicators most strongly affecting office success included the ability to solve economic and livelihood problems, trust-building, and the presence and effectiveness of services. The least impactful factors were public access to meetings, suitability of office space, and use of modern remote communication methods. Overall, the Qaem office’s performance was more tangible to residents, yet public satisfaction in both neighborhoods indicates that citizens’ expectations have not been fully met.Conclusion Informal settlements represent one of the most significant urban challenges in developing countries, necessitating comprehensive planning to provide basic and advanced services and to support socio-economic development. The empowerment approach, implemented through facilitation offices in Iran, offers an effective mechanism for improving disadvantaged neighborhoods. These offices identify local needs, coordinate with service providers, provide training, strengthen local institutions, promote home-based and small-scale businesses, and address social issues. The study demonstrated that the Qaem office outperformed the Aminabad office in trust-building, identifying community leaders, and resolving economic challenges. Nevertheless, areas such as office space improvement, youth participation, and addressing environmental concerns require attention. The findings highlight that facilitation offices, by enhancing public trust, utilizing local capacities, and improving educational and advisory services, can have a substantial impact on sustainable neighborhood development. While these results align with prior studies, differences in participation rates between neighborhoods underscore the need to tailor empowerment strategies to the social and cultural characteristics of each community. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_233575.html IntroductionIn Rural areas where livelihoods are highly dependent on agriculture (Aghayari Heir & Valaei, 2021: 2), water is one of the most vital resources for achieving balanced and sustainable development (Wang et al., 2024b: 1). However, climate change, population growth, and inefficient water governance have placed multiple economic pressures on rural communities (IPCC, 2022). Shifts in climatic patterns and the declining efficiency of agriculture have reduced farmers’ income and food security, thereby threatening socio-economic stability (Trail & Ward, 2024: 1). Water management strategies such as modern irrigation technologies, optimized allocation, infrastructure improvement, and farmer training have been promoted as key responses to these crises (Molden et al., 2018; GWP, 2019). Yet, poor adaptation to local conditions, weak implementation, limited community participation, and financial barriers continue to undermine sustainable development (Meinzen-Dick, 2017; Shah, 2019). In Iran, with its fragile arid climate and limited share of global freshwater resources, the challenge is especially acute. Over 90% of surface water and 58% of groundwater are consumed by agriculture (Sepahvand et al., 2023: 177). In Chaharborj County, where agriculture remains the backbone of local livelihoods, recurrent droughts, groundwater depletion, and excessive withdrawals have led to serious challenges. Mismanagement of water releases, inappropriate scheduling, and overuse by upstream farmers have restricted downstream access, increased costs, triggered social conflicts, and discouraged agricultural activity. As a result, strategic crop yields have declined, out-migration has accelerated, and unemployment and economic stagnation have spread in peri-urban areas. Addressing these challenges requires the identification and implementation of effective, locally grounded water management policies.Methodology This study adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative techniques. It is applied in purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature. Data collection involved both library research and fieldwork. The study area covers peri-urban settlements of Chaharborj County. In the qualitative phase, 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted with local officials, water and agricultural experts, village heads, council members, and traditional water managers (mirabs) to identify key water management policies and their impacts. In the quantitative phase, 172 active farmers were randomly selected using Cochran’s formula to analyze household-level economic crises. Data were examined through grounded theory, one-sample t-test, and the SAW technique.Results and discussionIn Chaharborj County, qualitative analysis using grounded theory revealed that consecutive droughts, water scarcity, declining precipitation, and deterioration of traditional water transfer networks—particularly ditches and canals—exacerbate economic crises in peri-urban areas. Twelve key and actionable agricultural water management policies were identified: integrating traditional and smart irrigation methods, implementing a water pipeline project from the Zarrineh River, completing concrete canals, farmer training, adjusting cropping patterns toward resilient crops, strengthening the role of mirabs and local managers, enhancing the participation of councils and village leaders, periodic dredging of canals and ditches, allocating water based on land size and traditional rights, installing smart irrigation systems, replacing diesel pumps with electric ones, and providing governmental financial support. These policies target seven major economic crises and, if effectively implemented, are expected to reduce migration (mean = 4.25), increase household production and income (mean = 3.62), enhance employment and job security (mean = 3.21), alleviate household poverty (mean = 3.42), strengthen food security (mean = 3.35), and promote infrastructure investment (mean = 3.32). The village of Khazineh Anbar-e Ghadim recorded the highest overall impact score (0.212), indicating maximum benefit from policy implementation. These findings are consistent with prior research by Bolandi et al. (2024), Towlabinejad et al. (2022), Najaflou et al. (2019), Marques et al. (2022), Chen et al. (2025), Imani et al. (2025), Konstadinos et al. (2025), and others.ConclusionThe findings indicate that economic crises in the peri-urban areas of Chaharborj County stem from the interplay of multiple causal and contextual factors, including recurrent droughts, water scarcity, depletion of surface and groundwater resources—such as the drying of Lake Urmia and local rivers—deterioration of water transfer infrastructure, reliance on traditional canals, and weak local governance. Both qualitative and quantitative analyses identified twelve key water management policies: integrating traditional and modern irrigation methods, completing concrete canal projects, implementing the agricultural water pipeline project (highlighted as the most critical policy), adjusting cropping patterns toward salinity- and drought-resistant varieties, strengthening the role of local institutions including councils, village managers, and mirabs, and providing government financial support through subsidies and loans. Effective implementation of these policies is expected to improve resource efficiency, reduce rural-to-urban migration, increase household income and food security, alleviate poverty, and enhance the socio-economic resilience of peri-urban communities. Notably, the villages of Khazineh Anbar Ghadim and Qepchaq were identified as benefiting most from these water management policies in mitigating economic crises.Key words: Agricultural water management; rural economic crises; Chaharborj County. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_234833.html Extended Abstract Introduction The neighborhood, as the smallest spatial unit of a city, has always played a significant role in the social, cultural, and spatial structure of traditional cities. The development of traditional neighborhoods, inspired by the principles of New Urbanism, can contribute to the regeneration of spaces that are identity-driven, participatory, and sustainable. This approach emphasizes human-centered elements such as walkability, mixed land use, sense of belonging, and the reproduction of social capital. Studies have shown that applying the traditional neighborhood development (TND) model can enhance environmental quality and revive social life in historic neighborhoods. In contrast, purely physical renovations that overlook traditional identity and structure often lead to weakened social cohesion and spatial alienation. The Masjed Jameh neighborhood in Varamin, as one of the oldest areas in the city, exemplifies such a context. It possesses valuable historical, architectural, and social characteristics, yet in recent years it has faced challenges such as physical deterioration, declining community participation, and structural degradation. Despite the existence of urban development plans, the absence of a comprehensive and identity-focused perspective has rendered these efforts ineffective. In this context, the central question of this research is whether the traditional neighborhood development model can provide a sustainable and identity-oriented approach for the modernization of the Masjed Jameh neighborhood.Methodology This study employs a descriptive-analytical method. The statistical population includes 30 urban experts from Varamin city—comprising municipal staff, government officials, and university professors—selected using the snowball sampling technique. Data collection was carried out using a researcher-designed questionnaire, along with both field and library research methods. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, one-sample t-test, and regression analysis, conducted using SPSS software. Additionally, ArcGIS Pro was used to generate relevant spatial maps.Results and discussion The results indicate that in the modernization of traditional neighborhoods in Iran—particularly the Masjed Jameh neighborhood of Varamin—the environmental dimension plays the most significant role. A high beta coefficient (0.786) reveals that urban experts prioritize issues such as traffic, pollution, and environmental quality in upgrading the area. The traditional street network no longer meets current mobility needs, which justifies focusing on environmental interventions. These findings align with studies conducted in cities like Riyadh and Shenzhen.In contrast, the social dimension—despite a relatively high mean—was not statistically significant. Experts seem to perceive the social structure as relatively stable, requiring no major interventions. Likewise, the physical dimension, with a mean of 3.58, was not seen as a primary priority, although certain deficiencies were acknowledged.Another significant finding is the negative beta coefficient for the economic dimension (-0.127), indicating that experts view unchecked economic development—absent social and environmental considerations—as a threat to the neighborhood’s identity. The low mean of this dimension further reflects concerns about unsustainable development. The model’s explanatory power, with an adjusted R² of 66.6%, demonstrates acceptable validity but also suggests that other influencing factors should be explored. Overall, the study concludes that successful modernization of historical neighborhoods like Masjed Jameh depends on addressing environmental challenges first, through context-sensitive and identity-based planning.Conclusion This study aimed to assess the feasibility of modernizing the Masjed Jameh neighborhood of Varamin using the Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) approach, considering its peri-metropolitan context. The findings revealed that environmental issues—such as traffic congestion, pollution, and outdated infrastructure—pose the main challenges to modernization and must be addressed before progress can be made in other dimensions. Despite these challenges, the neighborhood possesses significant potential due to its historic identity, cohesive social structure, and traditional physical fabric. However, its central location and associated functional pressures complicate the transformation process. The results stress that the TND approach must be tailored to local conditions and implemented based on a clear prioritization of challenges rather than standard, one-size-fits-all models. The negative economic dimension further warns against development strategies that disregard social and environmental balance, as such approaches may undermine neighborhood identity. Therefore, planners should adopt gradual, integrated strategies that harmonize various aspects of development. Ultimately, the modernization of Masjed Jameh can serve as a localized model for the regeneration of other historic neighborhoods in Iran—one that values collaboration among urban managers, experts, and the local community while maintaining a balance between contemporary needs and traditional values.Keywords: Traditional neighborhoods, historic core, modernization, peri-metropolitan areas, Masjed Jameh neighborhood https://www.jpusd.ir/article_236572.html مقدمه در مباحث مربوط به کیفیت زندگی، فقط زیستن مهم نیست ، بلکه کیفیت آن نیز دارای اهمیت است و با توجه به نقش مناطق پیراشهری در تولید، رشد و توسعه ملی ، ضرورت جلب رضایت ساکنان این مناطق و افزایش کیفیت زندگی در سکونتگاه‌های پیراشهری بر کسی پوشیده نیست. روستاهای لواسانات نیزاز این قاعده مسثنی نیستند و این روستاهای پیراشهری با مشکلات زیادی روبرو هستندازجمله مشکلات این روستاها عبارتند از دسترسی نامناسب به خدمات آموزشی، بهداشتی، رفاهی و زیربنایی، سوداگری زمین و تغییرکاربری کشاورزی ، مشکلات اقتصادی همانند اشتغال، گسترش ناهنجاری‌های اجتماعی و فرهنگی به دلیلن فوذ شهر مرکزی و..روبرو بویژه است بر این اساس پژوهش حاضر درصدد پاسخگویی به سؤالات ذیل است: کیفیت زندگی در لواسانات کوچک ازنظر عینی در چه سطحی است؟ و اینکه آیا میان روستاهای موردمطالعه به لحاظ مؤلفه-های کیفیت زندگی تفاوت معناداری وجود دارد؟ روش تحقیقروش این پژوهش توصیفی- تحلیلی است. بر اساس چهار قلمرو کیفیت زندگی و پانزده مؤلفه شامل شاخص های عینی و ذهنی شناسایی و مبنای گردآوری اطلاعات مربوط به روستاهای موردمطالعه شد. به‌منظور انتخاب حجم نمونه در گام نخست روستاهای موردمطالعه به 4 گروه 10-100؛100-200؛200-300 و بالای 300 خانوار به طبقه بندی گردید. در گام دوم بر اساس نظر اساتید 15درصد از روستاها انتخاب شد. در گام سوم بر اساس فراوانی روستاها در هر طبقه جمعیتی تعداد روستاهای هر طبقه مشخص گردید که درمجموع تعداد 13 روستا به‌عنوان نمونه انتخاب گردید. با استفاده فرمول کوکران 190 خانوار به‌عنوان حجم نمونه پژوهش انتخاب گردید و برای توزیع پرسشنامه ها در سطح روستاهای مورد مطالعه به نسبت تعداد خانوار هر روستا تعداد نمونه ها انتخاب شد به‌وسیله آن‌ها پرسشنامه ها تکمیل گردید.بحث و یافته‌هاروش این پژوهش توصیفی- تحلیلی است. بر اساس چهار قلمرو کیفیت زندگی و پانزده مؤلفه شامل شاخص های عینی و ذهنی شناسایی و مبنای گردآوری اطلاعات مربوط به روستاهای موردمطالعه شد. به‌منظور انتخاب حجم نمونه در گام نخست روستاهای موردمطالعه به 4 گروه 10-100؛100-200؛200-300 و بالای 300 خانوار به طبقه بندی گردید. در گام دوم بر اساس نظر اساتید 15درصد از روستاها انتخاب شد. در گام سوم بر اساس فراوانی روستاها در هر طبقه جمعیتی تعداد روستاهای هر طبقه مشخص گردید که درمجموع تعداد 13 روستا به‌عنوان نمونه انتخاب گردید. با استفاده فرمول کوکران 190 خانوار به‌عنوان حجم نمونه پژوهش انتخاب گردید و برای توزیع پرسشنامه ها در سطح روستاهای مورد مطالعه به نسبت تعداد خانوار هر روستا تعداد نمونه ها انتخاب شد به‌وسیله آن‌ها پرسشنامه ها تکمیل گردید.نتایج و یافته‌ها برای سنجش بعد عینی مؤلفه مسکن از چهار گویه (امکانات مسکن، سن مسکن، مساحت مسکن، تعداد اتاق) استفاده شد. در امکانات مسکن برای مثال مساکنی که از همۀ امکانات برخوردار بودند امتیاز 5، مساکنی که از دو امکانات برخوردار هستند، امتیاز 3 و مساکنی که از 1 امکانات برخوردار هستند امتیاز 1 داده شد. بر اساس یافته‌های حاصل مشخص می‌شود که بیشترین برخورداری از شاخص‌های عینی کیفیت زندگی به ترتیب اختصاص به روستاهای مزرعه سادات، هنزک و افجه داشته است وکمترین، اختصاص به روستاهای کیور، کردیان و ناصرآباد داشته است. برای سنجش قلمرو نیازهای رفاهی کیفیت زندگی از سه (مؤلفه شامل اوقات فراغت،مشارکت ، آموزش) استفاده‌شده است. به‌منظور سنجش تفریح و فراغت سفر از دو گویه ( تعداد سفرها در سال و دسترسی به تسهیلات ورزشی) استفاده شد. خانوارهایی که در سال سه سفر داشته‌اند امتیاز(5)، دو سفر در سال امتیاز(4)، یک سفر امتیاز (2) و اگر سفری نداشته‌اند امتیاز (1) گرفته‌اند. بر اساس یافته‌های حاصل از پژوهش به‌طور میانگین ساکنین روستاهای (افجه، کندعلیا، راحت آباد، برگ جهان، مزرعه سادات، هنزک) دارای یک سفر در سال بوده‌اند و ساکنین سایر روستاها نیز اعلام کرده‌اند که به‌طور میانگین در طول سال هیچ سفری نداشته‌اند. به منظور بررسی قلمرو خدمات زیرساختی از چهار مؤلفه ( نوع جاده، دسترسی به حمل و نقل عمومی، تعداد وسایل نقلبه عمومی در روستا و دسترسی به اداره پُست) استفاده شد. به طور کلی، به لحاظ شاخص عینی روستاهای مورد مطالعه در وضعیت مناسبی قرار ندارد. بهترین وضعیت در این زمینه اختصاص به روستاهای افجه، کندعلیا وهنزک دارد وسایر روستاها با میانگین(2) وضعیت مناسبی ندارند..نتیجه‌گیریدر این تحقیق تلاش شده است با نگرش جغرافیایی ترکیبی از 4 قلمرو مورد توجه قرار گیرد و درنهایت با توجه به ادبیات اندیشه‌ای ترکیبی از شاخص‌های عینی و ذهنی موردتوجه قرارگرفته است. تحلیل و بررسی شاخص‌های عینی کیفیت زندگی نشان می‌دهد که به‌طورکلی وضعیت عینی مسکن در روستاهای موردمطالعه در وضعیت نسبتاً مناسبی است.تغذیه و میزان پروتئین مصرفی یکی از مؤلفه‌های عینی بود مورد سنجش قرار گرفت بررسی‌ها نشان می‌دهد که جامعه نمونه به دلیل بالا رفتن هزینه‌های زندگی تأکید داشتند که مقدار پروتئین مصرفی آن‌ها به‌شدت کاهش‌یافته است. به لحاظ وضعیت مسکن به‌طورکلی روستاهای موردمطالعه وضعیت مناسبی دارند به طوریکه اکثریت ساکنین روستاهای موردمطالعه از وضعیت استحکام روستاها، امکانات مسکن، مساحت مسکن رضایت داشته‌اند. به لحاظ بهداشت و سلامت روستاهای موردمطالعه وضعیت مناسبی ندارند. اما به لحاظ امنیت در وضعیت مناسبی قرار دارند. وضعیت درآمدی خانوارها نشان می‌دهد که میانگین کلی درآمد خانوارها نسبت به هزینه‌ها پایین است. همچنین به لحاظ مؤلفه‌های ( تفریح و فراغت سفر و مشارکت) نتایج نشان می‌دهد که وضعیت آن‌ها در وضعیت نامناسبی قرار ندارند اما وضعیت آن‌ها به لحاظ مؤلفه آموزش در وضعیت تقریباً مناسبی قرار دارند. اما به لحاظ بعد ذهنی قلمروهای کیفیت زندگی در روستاهای موردمطالعه وضعیتی کاملاً متفاوت نسبت به بعد عینی دارند. رضایتمندی ساکنین روستاهای موردمطالعه از قلمروهای کیفیت زندگی از بعد ذهنی پایین است. این بدان معنا است باوجود اینکه وضعیت قلمروهای عینی کیفیت زندگی در روستاهای موردمطالعه تا حدودی مناسب است اما میزان رضایتمندی آن‌ها به لحاظ ذهنی در سطح پایینی قرار دارد. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_237101.html IntroductionMetropolitan (urban) areas possess the inherent potential to become primary hubs for the attraction of labor, knowledge, and infrastructure, serving as the core centers of spatial linkages. However, the existing administrative-managerial structures, which are generally antiquated, have proven incapable of reflecting effective governance across the entire metropolitan domain. Consequently, they exhibit deficiencies in addressing the complex socio-economic and infrastructural issues prevalent in both the core urban area and its peripheral zones. This structural deficit in governance has critically exacerbated the mismatch (or dysfunctional synergy) between the socio-economic subsystems and the socio-ecological subsystems characterizing the rural areas surrounding Tehran Metropolis. Therefore, there is a critical necessity to adopt an integrated management and policymaking approach to resolve the problems of the Tehran Metropolitan Area, particularly the rural settlements within its boundaries, in order to align management practices with the ecological carrying capacity of the surrounding environments. In this context, the present study aims, while identifying the factors influencing the realization of integrated urban-rural management through the case study of Rey County, to analyze the extent of the impact of each of these factors on integrated urban-rural management. Accordingly, the research question is posed as follows: What are the prerequisites for achieving an integrated urban-rural management model in the Rey regionMethodologyThe present study aimed to identify the requirements for achieving an integrated urban-rural management model in the vicinity of Tehran metropolis, with a case study of rural settlements in the Rey Area. This research is applied in type and descriptive-analytical in nature. In this process, documentary and field methods were used, consistent with the required data. The data collection tools included interviews and a researcher-made questionnaire (88 items within 24 indicators). The studied populations in the present research comprised academic experts, executive managers (Governorate, District Office, Municipality, Rural Council, Environmental Protection, Agricultural Jihad, and Housing Foundation), and local/indigenous experts and managers at the Rey county level. The statistical population in this study consists of rural settlements located around the Tehran metropolis. Villages were purposefully selected from those situated within the city’s jurisdiction and having a close relationship with it. Therefore, 60 villages were chosen as the initial sample. For data analysis, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, factor analysis, Durbin-Watson test, and path analysis were utilized in SPSS software.Results and DiscussionBased on the research findings, urban-rural management in the areas surrounding Tehran metropolis necessitates a “paradigm shift” from traditional, fragmented, and disconnected approaches towards “integrated management.” Consequently, eight factors—policy-territorial integration (with two indicators), structural-managerial integration (with four indicators), sectoral-organizational integration (with four indicators), functional-executive integration (with two indicators), financial-credit integration (with two indicators), legal integration (with two indicators), vertical integration (with two indicators), and citizen-centricity (with four indicators)—effective in achieving an appropriate integrated urban-rural management model in the vicinity of Tehran metropolis, indicate a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of urban-rural management. This provides the capability for establishing a suitable structure for integrated urban-rural management around Tehran metropolis. Policy-territorial integration (with a coefficient of -4.824), vertical integration (coefficient 2.873), citizen-centricity (coefficient 2.132), legal integration (coefficient 2.008), sectoral-organizational integration (coefficient -1.514), structural-managerial integration (coefficient -0.919), and functional-executive integration (coefficient 0.747) have the greatest impact, respectively, on achieving the integrated urban-rural management model in the areas surrounding Tehran metropolis. Financial-credit integration, due to its error level exceeding (0.05), does not have a direct impact on achieving the integrated urban-rural management model.ConclusionThe analyses conducted on “integration” in urban-rural management reveal that, despite its theoretical potential to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, this concept is complex, multifaceted, and deeply context-dependent in practice. Empirical and analytical findings, particularly the concept of a “negative beta coefficient” in the four factors of sectoral-organizational integration, policy-territorial integration, structural-managerial integration, and functional-executive integration, strongly underscore that mere attempts at integration do not guarantee positive outcomes. Instead, the formation and ultimate effectiveness of integration are highly contingent upon the quality of implementing its fundamental requirements. Therefore, based on the findings, the key to success in achieving a suitable integrated urban-rural management model in the areas surrounding the Tehran metropolis lies in selecting an appropriate approach and paying attention to fundamental requirements. Imposed and centralized approaches should be avoided, moving towards participatory, flexible approaches that are tailored to local territorial realities. By doing so, integration can be utilized as a powerful tool to improve the urban-rural management of surrounding areas. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_238863.html Introduction Countries are made up of a set of settlements, and in this system, attention to the welfare and management of settlements is of strategic importance. Each ecosystem consists of interdependent subsystems that interact with each other to achieve a common goal. In an entrepreneurial ecosystem, the existence of different stakeholders and their mutual cooperation provide favorable conditions for entrepreneurial activities and the development of advanced businesses, which in turn leads to improved welfare and management of society. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is, in fact, a new way of thinking and acting in the direction of entrepreneurship development that considers all the systems necessary for business development and how they interact. Such an ecosystem encompasses hundreds of capacities that can be categorized into six main areas: "market", "politics", "financial capital", "culture", "supports" and "human capital". Islamabad-Koshtargah neighborhood, as one of the least developed urban and peri-urban areas of Urmia, is facing numerous challenges in the path of sustainable development. Weaknesses in economic, social and cultural infrastructure, along with limited access to resources and job opportunities, have placed this neighborhood among the areas that require targeted development interventions. In this regard, sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems, as a comprehensive framework for strengthening innovation and creating employment opportunities, can provide an operational solution to improve the conditions of this neighborhood. The present study aims to analyze and explain the role of these ecosystems in the local development of the aforementioned area, seeking to provide strategies to reduce inequality, strengthen endogenous capabilities and improve the quality of life of residents. The selection of this neighborhood is considered essential due to its unique socio-economic characteristics and its importance as a representative example of the underprivileged peri-urban neighborhoods of Urmia, and the findings of this study can be used as a model for similar areas. Methodology The present study is quantitative in terms of approach, which is of an applied type based on its purpose, and is classified as a descriptive-analytical study in terms of its nature. In terms of theoretical foundations, the library method was employed, and to collect information related to the studied community, a survey method was used. The statistical population consists of active entrepreneurs residing in the Koshtargah neighborhood of Urmia who have established distinctive businesses and exhibit key entrepreneurial characteristics such as risk-taking, innovation, job creation, and opportunity utilization. This population is located within the limits of Islamabad, located in the second district of Urmia municipality. The individuals in question were those who succeeded in starting a business with a differentiated approach and had entrepreneurial characteristics such as risk-taking, innovation, job creation, and optimal exploitation of opportunities. Due to the hidden nature of the statistical population and the difficulty in accessing it, the snowball sampling method was used to select the samples. Finally, the data collection process was completed by designing, distributing, and completing 95 questionnaires. In the inferential statistics section, correlation analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) methods were used to examine the relationships between variables. SPSS and Smart PLS software were used to perform these analyses. The PLS method was chosen because of its compatibility with conditions such as collinearity of independent variables, non-normality of data, and small sample sizes. Results and discussion In this study, the coefficient of determination (R²) was used as the main criterion for measuring the quality of the structural model. This index indicates the amount of variance explained by each endogenous latent variable by its related exogenous variables. The results show that the R² values for the institutional factor constructs are 0.703, the local economic development factor 0.653, the social development factor 0.62, and the environmental development factor 0.551. Accordingly, the explanatory power of the model for all constructs is assessed at an acceptable and appropriate level, because all values are above the strong threshold (0.67) or very close to it. Finally, according to the Chain criterion (1998), it can be concluded that the structural model of the research has a desirable explanatory power. In this study, the relationship between the "sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem" construct and economic, social, institutional, and environmental development variables in the study area (Islamabad - Koshtargah) has been investigated using structural equation modeling. Based on the model outputs, the “sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem” construct has a positive and significant impact on all dimensions of development, such that this amount is on institutional development with a path coefficient of 0.839 (the strongest impact), on economic development with a path coefficient of 0.808, on social development with a path coefficient of 0.787, and on environmental development with a path coefficient of 0.742 (the lowest impact). As the path coefficients show, although the intensity of the impact on different dimensions is different, all these relationships are statistically significant, and the relevant hypotheses are confirmed. Conclusion Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that although the institutional factor with the highest intensity is the main driver of local development, an effective strategy must address all dimensions in an integrated and balanced manner. Strengthening institutions without considering economic incentives, or supporting businesses without considering social ties and environmental considerations, cannot lead to sustainable development in the peri-urban neighborhoods of Urmia, especially Islamabad- Koshtargah. This study quantitatively proves that success depends on a systematic look at all components of this ecosystem. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_240007.html Introduction In recent decades, the roles of handicrafts and tourism as two main pillars of economic, cultural, and social development in urban and rural areas have received increasing attention. In the city of Sari and its peri-urban areas, these two sectors, relying on the region’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage, can provide a foundation for entrepreneurship, sustainable employment, and enhanced quality of life. Handicrafts symbolize cultural identity and indigenous creativity, while tourism, as a dynamic industry, can transfer economic vitality to peripheral regions by attracting investment and financial flows. The interaction between these two sectors offers significant potential for creating new job opportunities and sustainable growth. However, field studies in Sari reveal that despite abundant local talents, weaknesses in infrastructure, insufficient artisan training, and a lack of effective marketing have hindered the full utilization of these capacities. Therefore, this study aims to systematically analyze the role of handicrafts and tourism in entrepreneurship and employment generation in the peri-urban areas of Sari, and to identify the key factors influencing this process.Methodology This research is of a descriptive-correlational type with a quantitative approach. Data were collected through a researcher-made questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with 475 domestic and international tourists visiting handicraft markets and tourist attractions in the villages surrounding Sari. The samples were selected using cluster sampling across three weekly intervals to ensure temporal and spatial diversity. The questionnaire consisted of 45 items based on a Likert scale: 15 items measured the dependent variable (entrepreneurship and employment generation), and 30 items assessed the independent variable (development of handicrafts and tourism) across six main components: product diversity, production quality and innovation, market access and marketing, artisan training and empowerment, tourism infrastructure, and advertising and promotion of attractions. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.92. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software with Pearson correlation, multiple regression, and path analysis. The theoretical framework of the study was based on the dynamic process model by Moroz and Hindle (2012) to analyze the dynamic and multifaceted interactions among variables.Results and discussion The results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the development of handicrafts and tourism and entrepreneurship and employment generation in the peri-urban areas of Sari (r = 0.72, p < 0.01). In other words, any improvement in the conditions of handicrafts and tourism can directly enhance employment levels and entrepreneurial opportunities. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that five of the six main components explain 66% of the variance in entrepreneurship and employment generation. Among these, market access and marketing had the greatest direct effect (Beta = 0.47) on employment generation, while training and empowerment of artisans (Beta = 0.21) and advertising and promotion of attractions (Beta = 0.35) also played prominent roles. Quality and innovation in production had a positive and significant effect (Beta = 0.14), while product diversity had a weak but negative effect (Beta = -0.22) on the dependent variable, reflecting a relative dissatisfaction among tourists regarding the lack of variety or appeal of products. Considering indirect effects, the path analysis model showed that tourism infrastructure indirectly and significantly (0.20) influenced employment generation by enhancing other components. Overall, the greatest total effects were related to market access and marketing (0.58), training and empowerment of artisans (0.39), advertising and promotion of attractions (0.30), tourism infrastructure (0.20), quality and innovation in production (0.13), and finally product diversity (0.10).From a socio-economic perspective, the findings indicated that increased skill levels, marketing education, and improved advertising facilities directly led to expanded job opportunities and entrepreneurial activity development in the peri-urban areas of Sari. Additionally, a strong linkage between marketing and artisan training as a complementary chain has strengthened the sales of local products nationally and internationally, while weaknesses in advertising and limited product diversity remain constraints to sustainable employment growth in these peri-urban areas.Conclusion Overall, handicrafts and tourism are complementary pillars of economic and cultural development in the peri-urban areas of Sari. The study showed that effective policies in the three domains of marketing, education, and advertising can yield the highest returns in strengthening employment and entrepreneurship. The most important finding is that market access and marketing are key drivers of the regional economic growth since even high-quality productions cannot create sustainable employment without viable markets. Next, artisan training and professional empowerment improve product quality and diversity, which, together with effective advertising and attraction promotion, can complete the supply and demand cycle in handicraft and tourism markets. Moreover, developing tourism infrastructure such as accommodations, transportation, and information centers indirectly supports market vitality and employment growth. Therefore, to achieve sustainable development in Sari’s peri-urban areas, policymakers must adopt a multidimensional approach simultaneously focused on skill enhancement, product quality improvement, creation of specialized and digital markets, and tourism infrastructure development. Financial support for artisans, digital marketing training, local branding, and the use of geographical indicators to preserve product authenticity are among the other recommended strategies of the study. Ultimately, this research emphasizes that the linkage between handicrafts and tourism is not only a factor for economic growth but also a foundation for preserving cultural heritage, social identity, and environmental sustainability in the peri-urban areas of Sari. https://www.jpusd.ir/article_241964.html This study was conducted with the general aim of investigating the effect of rural tourists' attitudes towards local food on the image of the tourism destination with an emphasis on the development of the peri-urban space of Shushtar city. The statistical population of the study included all tourists in rural areas of Shushtar city. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, 385 rural tourists were selected for the study by random sampling method. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was performed in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The results showed that the variables of cultural experience, emotional or sentimental value, interpersonal relationships, and health-related concerns have a significant effect on tourists' attitudes towards local food and in total have been able to explain about 48.6% of the variance in the attitude towards local food. The results also showed that a positive attitude towards local food has a significant effect on tourists' mental image of the destination and has been able to explain 41.8% of the variance in the image of the destination. In general, the results of this study can help policymakers in this field, while reducing the gap in the theoretical literature, and can help promote healthy food and the economy of local communities.This study was conducted with the general aim of investigating the effect of rural tourists' attitudes towards local food on the image of the tourism destination with an emphasis on the development of the peri-urban space of Shushtar city. The statistical population of the study included all tourists in rural areas of Shushtar city. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, 385 rural tourists were selected for the study by random sampling method. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was performed in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The results showed that the variables of cultural experience, emotional or sentimental value, interpersonal relationships, and health-related concerns have a significant effect on tourists' attitudes towards local food and in total have been able to explain about 48.6% of the variance in the attitude towards local food. The results also showed that a positive attitude towards local food has a significant effect on tourists' mental image of the destination and has been able to explain 41.8% of the variance in the image of the destination. In general, the results of this study can help policymakers in this field, while reducing the gap in the theoretical literature, and can help promote healthy food and the economy of local communities.This study was conducted with the general aim of investigating the effect of rural tourists' attitudes towards local food on the image of the tourism destination with an emphasis on the development of the peri-urban space of Shushtar city. The statistical population of the study included all tourists in rural areas of Shushtar city. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, 385 rural tourists were selected for the study by random sampling method. The main research tool was a questionnaire whose validity was confirmed by a panel of experts and its reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was performed in two parts of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The results showed that the variables of cultural experience, emotional or sentimental value, interpersonal relationships, and health-related concerns have a significant effect on tourists' attitudes towards local food and in total have been able to explain about 48.6% of the variance in the attitude towards local food. The results also showed that a positive attitude towards local food has a significant effect on tourists' mental image of the destination and has been able to explain 41.8% of the variance in the image of the destination. In general, the results of this study can help policymakers in this field, while reducing the gap in the theoretical literature, and can help promote healthy food and the economy of local communities.