Environment and Interdisciplinary Development

Abstract Introduction: It is very important for officials and planners to identify the landfill or waste depot. Different areas have different potentials for the creation of landfill sites or waste depot under the influence of hydroeconomic status, geology and geomorphology. One of the areas that face many restrictions is Kamyaran city in Kurdistan province. The city of Kamyaran has developed carpet and hydrophilic resources and is highly sensitive to contamination, so the location of landfill sites or waste depot in this city should be highly sensitive. Due to the high sensitivity of the city of Kamyaran to pollution and also given that this study has not been conducted in this study, the study based on natural and human parameters, identifies the talented landfill or waste depot in the city of Kamyaran.
Materials and Methods: In this study based on library studies, expert opinions and region status, 12 parameters of precipitation status, cover-of-the-gauge density, fault distance, lithology, distance from urban areas, distance from rural, river distance, distance from river The main road, altitude, slope, distance from geocytes and distance from cultural sites are selected to identify talented landfill or waste depot in Kamyaran city. Secondly, the parameters have been given weight to the parameters using the weighting method. In the third step, the information layers into the IDRISI software and ultimately using the weight of the weight -based linear composition (WLC) are combined and the final map of the landfill or waste depot is prepared in the city of Kamyaran. Fourth, the layer of forbidden areas is applied to the zone map. The layer of forbidden areas is based on library studies, expert opinions and the status of the area. After preparing a layer of forbidden areas, the forbidden area layer was applied to the final map of the WLC model, and finally, the final map of the landfill or waste depot was prepared in the city of Kamyaran.
Results: In this study, 12 natural and human parameters were used to identify the landfill areas in Kamyaran. According to the results, only small parts of the middle areas of Kamyaran are prone to landfill or waste depot. In fact, due to the density of gests and cultural sites, fault line density, lithology type, as well as hydrology status, only a few parts of Kamyaran city are suitable for landfill or waste depot. Due to the high sensitivity of landfill or waste depot, this sector has been identified on the basis of library studies, expert opinions as well as the status of the area, forbidden landfills in Kamyaran city.
Discussion: According to the results, about 633 kilometers of Kamyaran city, which is part of urban areas, rivers and dams, due to their high vulnerability potential, part of the forbidden areas of Kamyaran city to create a landfill site. Are. The sum of the results of the parameters evaluation, the implementation of the WLC model, and the implementation of the banned areas have shown that only 148 km 2 of Kamyaran city (7.2 % of the total area of ​​the county), mainly in the middle of Kamyaran city due to being away from Forbidden areas, being away from geographies and cultural sites, and being away from fault lines, are prone to landfill. Based on the results of this study, it can be said that Kamyaran is highly environmentally sensitive, so in various environmental planning, including landfill planning, it should be paid to environmental parameters, and especially parameters. Naturally this city will pay special attention.

Abstract Introduction: A comprehensive understanding of human behavioral drivers is pivotal for the effective conservation of habitats and protected areas. Environmental crimes encompass a wide spectrum of activities, including habitat destruction, vegetation clearance, deforestation, livestock grazing, hunting and wildlife trafficking, fishing, indiscriminate waste disposal, mining, and more. By discerning patterns in these violations, managers can allocate resources strategically to those groups exhibiting the least compliance with conservation regulations and implement more effective protection strategies. Golestan National Park, given its significant conservation value at both national and regional levels, is subject to a myriad of human-induced violations that inflict substantial physical, ecological, and economic damages. Consequently, precisely identifying areas susceptible to such violations can be a pivotal step in elucidating and enhancing the public's comprehension of the imperative to protect this region. Moreover, it can inform environmental policymakers and political and judicial officials. Owing to the complexity inherent in identifying and locating instances of illegal livestock grazing and the influence of diverse environmental and anthropogenic factors, a logistic regression model was employed to delineate crime zones within the study area. This quantitative approach provides a means to measure the prevalence of offenses and to identify practical solutions for mitigating crime within the designated region.
Materials and Methods: Golestan National Park, Iran's first national park, has been under protection since 1957. To zone and identify the factors influencing illegal livestock grazing in Golestan National Park, a logistic regression model was applied, using the TerrSet IDRISI software. Logistic regression is a suitable model for zoning, providing an equation to predict and explain the changes in a dependent variable based on independent variables using existing data. This method uses maximum likelihood estimation to find the best factors that fit the model. The regression equation predicting the probability of illegal livestock grazing on the border of Golestan National Park was obtained from logistic regression modeling using independent physiographic, vegetation, and human variables.
Results: Results from the model and the regression equation predicting the probability of illegal livestock grazing within Golestan National Park showed that the most influential factor was the distance from the road, with a coefficient of -5.679. Altitude with a coefficient of 4.192, ruggedness with a coefficient of 4.051, and distance from springs with a coefficient of -2.34 were the next most important factors. The Aspect factor with a coefficient of 0.0015 was determined to be the least influential independent variable. The coefficients of the slope, distance from the road, distance from Ranger’s stations, and distance from water sources (rivers and springs) were negative, indicating a decrease in the probability of violations with increasing distance from these variables. The Pseudo R2 index was 0.2402, the ROC index was 0.8916, and the Chi-Square index was 8493.8447, confirming the acceptable fit of the model and indicating a very good and high accuracy of the model execution and a strong relationship with the probability values obtained from the logistic regression model. The removal of each independent variable individually and the comparison of sensitivity analysis using statistical indices confirmed the independent variable of distance from the road as the most important factor affecting the occurrence of illegal grazing.
Discussion: The results of the logistic regression model provided the best fitting function to describe the relationship between the factors influencing illegal livestock grazing and to predict its occurrence. Accordingly, almost all areas around Golestan National Park with access roads are susceptible to the presence of illegal herders. Important factors such as a lack of enough rangers, and a lack of ranger stations, have also been very influential in exacerbating the occurrence of illegal grazing. Moreover, the lack of a defined boundary for the protected areas has caused illegal herders to identify suitable habitats on the margins of the roads around Golestan National Park and enter the park for illegal grazing. Therefore, by identifying the centers of violations and increasing the efficiency of patrolling in these areas, it is possible to significantly prevent the occurrence of illegal grazing and help improve the quality of the ecosystem by restoring damaged areas.

Abstract Introduction: The degree of overlap in ecological niches can indicate the extent of resource sharing and potential interspecific competition. The intensity or effects of resource sharing and competition may also be partially related to species abundance, especially in resource-limited conditions. In this context, adaptive morphological changes can create differences in species performance, ultimately leading to variations in resource utilization. Morphological characteristics such as body shape, fin placement, and mouth orientation in fish have evolved to be compatible with their specific habitats. The namak chub (Squalius) is a recently recognized genus within the Cyprinidae family, and consequently, limited studies have been conducted on it. Therefore, the information obtained from this research can contribute to understanding ecological processes and how the namak chub (Squalius namak) responds to environmental challenges by comparing various patterns in morphological and ecological traits.
Materials and Methods: A total of 103 namak chub (S. namak) were sampled from the Jajrood river. To determine ecological niches, nine environmental variables were used. For morphometric studies, photographs of the samples were taken. Using the 2TpsDig software, 13 landmarks were defined on the two-dimensional images. In traditional morphometric analysis, 17 morphometric characters were assessed from the images using ImageJ. Initially, using data from traditional morphometry (total length, fork length, etc.) and k-means clustering, the fish were grouped based on size. The method used for ecological niche overlap was habitat suitability curves. A non-parametric method known as kernel smoothing was used to plot the relationship between each environmental variable and the number of fish at each site. Using PCA, data from geometric and traditional morphometry were combined into a single score. Finally, linear regression was used to examine the relationship between station scores and the average differences in ecological niche overlaps.
Results: The river stone diameter showed the highest significant positive correlation with dorsal fin length and pectoral fin length, and the highest significant negative correlation with post-dorsal fin length, caudal peduncle length, and postorbital length. EC and TDS exhibited the highest significant positive correlations with fork length, eye diameter, and snout length, respectively. Based on landmark displacement patterns, the greatest differences were related to landmarks located in the posterior half of the body, although the tip of the snout also demonstrated high variability. The ecological niche overlap curves indicated that the highest overlap occurred for water flow velocity. TDS and EC showed the lowest levels of overlap. Based on the results, it can be argued smaller individuals of this species are more generalized and prefer non-specialized habitats; however, as size increases, specialization occurs, leading to increased overlap in preferred ecological niches and potentially competition among these fish.
Discussion: The two studied groups of this species in the Jajrood river have reduced intraspecific competition through habitat preference and resource exploitation. Although high overlap was observed in some parameters, in general, the ecological niche overlap between different groups of these fish was moderate, and this ecosystem has greatly reduced competition by providing the species with preferred habitat. For future studies, it is suggested that the level of food availability and the effect of water physicochemical parameters on the presence of suitable food for sized groups of this species and the impact of environmental parameters on fish in different seasons should be discussed.

Abstract Introduction: Environmental quality and its determinants are among the most important issues in environmental economics. The dependence of Iran's economy on natural resource rent and the recognition that the country is on the path of development and commercial liberalization makes it crucial to examine the impact of natural resource rent, economic globalization, and economic growth on environmental quality in Iran. On the other hand, the classical Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC (believes that the relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation follows an inverted U-shaped curve. In more recent studies, considering the criticisms of the classical EKC, the factors affecting environmental degradation have been examined using a cubic equation and within the framework of the N-shaped EKC. As such, the primary aim of this research is to investigate the impact of natural resource dependency and economic globalization on environmental degradation in Iran within the framework of the N-shaped EKC.
Materials and Methods: The current descriptive-analytical and applied study model is designed using time series data from 1990 to 2021 and includes the variables of GDP per capita (as an economic growth index), square and cube of GDP per capita, share of natural resource rent from GDP (as an indicator of natural resource dependency), the economic dimension of the KOF globalization index and two indicators of environmental degradation (CO₂ emissions and ecological footprint). The data used were collected from the databases of World Development Indicators belonging to the World Bank, KOF Economic Institute, and Global Footprint Network. In this study using Johansen-Juselius's cointegration test, the long-term relationship between the variables is evaluated. Finally, by the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM), the long-term and short-term coefficients of the variables have been estimated. Data analysis was also done with the help of Eviews12.0 software.
Results: The estimation of the model using the VECM method shows that, in the long term, the impact of economic growth, its square, and cube on both environmental degradation indicators is significant and positive, negative and positive, respectively, confirming the hypothesis of an N-shaped EKC. According to other results, the long-term impact of natural resource dependency and economic globalization on both environmental degradation indicators is significant and positive and negative, respectively. With a one percent increase in the share of natural resources from GDP, CO₂ emissions and ecological footprints increase by about 0.18 and 0.16 percent, respectively, and with a one percent increase in the KOF globalization index, CO₂ emissions and ecological footprints decrease by about 0.49 and 0.54 percent, respectively. Also, the error correction coefficient is estimated to be around -0.22 to -0.25, and in the short term, only economic globalization had a significant effect on the environmental degradation indicators.
Discussion: Achieving higher economic growth rates in the near future could lead to environmental degradation by crossing the second turning point of the N-shaped EKC. Therefore, efforts should be made to attain higher economic growth, which requires the use of more energy as one of the most important factors of production, by creating and strengthening clean energies. Also, the government should adopt the necessary control measures and policies to preserve and prevent excessive exploitation of natural resources and allocate a portion of the revenues from the sale of natural resources to investment in appropriate and environmentally friendly technologies by creating green funds. Furthermore, by confirming the global environmental management hypothesis that suggests economic globalization reduces environmental demand, moving towards an open economy can help improve environmental quality in Iran.

Abstract Introduction: Climate change is recognized as one of the most critical environmental challenges of the 21st century, significantly impacting ecosystems, natural resources, and human livelihoods. The increasing concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, has resulted in profound alterations in temperature, precipitation patterns, water availability, and the frequency of extreme weather events. Iran, characterized by its predominantly arid and semi-arid climate, is highly susceptible to these changes. A comprehensive analysis of the intensity and extent of climate change and its effects on natural resources, particularly vegetation, is essential for sustainable resource management. This study aims to assess climate change impacts in Iran from 1958 to 2021 and evaluate its relationship with changes in natural vegetation cover.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in two main phases. In the first phase, TerraClimate data were used to analyze climatic changes across Iran. Parameters such as minimum and maximum temperatures, cumulative precipitation, runoff, actual evapotranspiration, reference evapotranspiration, climatic water deficit, and the Palmer Drought Severity Index were analyzed annually. Statistically significant trends were identified using correlation and linear regression analyses, and climatic change maps were generated. A comprehensive map depicting the intensity of climate change was developed using the Weighted Linear Combination (WLC) method based on fuzzy logic, focusing on three key parameters: minimum temperature, maximum temperature, and precipitation. In the second phase, changes in natural vegetation cover were analyzed using the NDVI index and MODIS satellite imagery. Natural vegetation areas were identified, and the annual trends in vegetation cover changes were evaluated for statistical significance. The relationship between climatic changes and vegetation degradation was assessed through Pearson correlation analysis, and relevant maps were created.
Results: The findings indicated that climate change impacts are evident across Iran but are not uniformly distributed. The northwest, west, the Zagros region, and the northeast experienced the most intense changes. In these areas, annual minimum and maximum temperatures increased by more than 2 to 3°C, while cumulative precipitation decreased by over 100 mm in some regions. Central and eastern Iran faced significant increases in climatic water deficits, leading to substantial vegetation degradation. Northern provinces such as Gilan, Ardabil, and Golestan are severely threatened, with permanent wetlands at significant risk. Vegetation analysis revealed that declining precipitation and rising temperatures, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, have played a crucial role in vegetation decline, most notably in barren lands and shrublands.
Discussion: This study confirms that Iran has faced significant climate change impacts in recent decades, with detrimental effects on its natural resources and ecosystems. Rising temperatures, declining precipitation, and intensifying water deficits pose substantial challenges to resource sustainability. The results underscore the urgency of formulating comprehensive policies and implementing national strategies to mitigate climate change effects, manage water resources, and protect vulnerable ecosystems. Continuous monitoring of climate change and its effects on natural resources is imperative for informed decision-making and effective planning.

Abstract Introduction: Economic sanctions, as political and economic tools, extend beyond their intended scope, often causing significant environmental consequences. These sanctions, by limiting access to advanced technologies and modern industrial equipment, exacerbate environmental issues in countries with vulnerable ecological infrastructures, such as Iran. The resulting impacts include natural resource degradation, increased air and water pollution, and reduced energy efficiency. A scientific and legal investigation into these effects within the framework of international environmental law is essential, particularly concerning the obligations of sanctioning states regarding transboundary and environmental impacts. This study explores the scientific and legal dimensions of sanctions’ effects on Iran’s environment.
Materials and Methods: This research employs content analysis to examine the environmental impacts of economic sanctions. The data utilized includes official domestic and international reports, scientific articles, and an analysis of international environmental law. The study specifically evaluates key principles of international law, including the "no harm" principle, "common but differentiated responsibilities," and "sustainable development." Field data were collected through an assessment of energy, transportation, and natural resource sectors during the sanctions period. Additionally, a comparative analysis was conducted between Iran’s environmental indicators and those of economically and geographically similar countries.
Results: The findings reveal that economic sanctions have had far-reaching effects on Iran’s environment. In the energy sector, restricted access to advanced technologies and modern equipment has resulted in the production of low-quality fuels, leading to increased pollutant emissions. This situation has caused severe air pollution in major cities like Tehran, decreased quality of life, and increased respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, the aging public transportation fleet and the inability to replace outdated vehicles have intensified pollution and reduced energy efficiency. In the agricultural sector, sanctions have restricted access to high-quality fertilizers and pesticides, leading to the use of substandard chemicals that have degraded soil, reduced land fertility, and polluted water resources. The destruction of wetlands, particularly Hamoun and Miankaleh wetlands, due to the suspension of ecological restoration projects, has exacerbated dust storms and reduced biodiversity in the region. Additionally, budget cuts for environmental initiatives and prioritization of economic concerns over ecological projects have led to the suspension of many ecosystem restoration plans. Sanctions have also posed a significant barrier to international cooperation in green technology transfer and technical knowledge. These limitations have not only weakened Iran’s ability to reduce pollution and manage natural resources sustainably but have also restricted scientific and research collaborations with international institutions. Moreover, the economic pressures stemming from sanctions have reduced Iran’s capacity to fulfill its international environmental commitments.
Discussion: Economic sanctions, beyond their economic and political impacts, have caused substantial environmental consequences that warrant a reevaluation of sanctions policies. These sanctions have violated fundamental principles of international environmental law and have had transboundary effects, such as increased air pollution and the destruction of shared habitats with neighboring countries. Sanctioning states, under international obligations, must address environmental damages caused by their actions. They should actively participate in mitigating these impacts through green technology transfers and support for environmental projects. Establishing international mechanisms to monitor the environmental impacts of sanctions and strengthening environmental cooperation are essential steps toward achieving sustainable development and reducing the negative consequences of sanctions.

Abstract Introduction: Given the increase in the world's population and the subsequent increase in demand for wood and wood products, the high cost of wood, limited forest resources, damage to forests, the environment, and human health, today it is very important to create solutions to meet the needs of human societies with the aim of creating sustainable development, reducing the consumption of forest resources, and preserving the environment for human health. Therefore, this research investigated the possibility replacement and using environmentally friendly cross-linked polyethylene foam, free of harmful gases and recyclable, in the manufacture of wooden sandwich panels (A composite wood product widely used in various industries such as wood and furniture, construction, etc.).
Materials and Methods: This study was experimental and performed on a lab scale. The test sandwich panels were made from three types of medium-density fiberboards and 3 mm thickness (with natural beech veneer, synthetic melamine veneer, and no veneer) as skin and from cross-linked polyethylene foam with 30 mm thickness and 30 kg/m³ density as core (with the use of polyvinyl acetate glue). Then, were measured properties of bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, impact strength, and also water absorption of 2 and 24 hours. The results were analyzed with an ANOVA test.
Results: The results of ANOVA showed the effect of the skin veneer type on the mechanical properties (bending strength, modulus of elasticity, compressive strength perpendicular to the surface) and the physical properties (water absorption 2 and 24 hours after immersion in water) of the sandwich panels made at a 5% probability level was significant, but the effect of skin veneer type on impact strength is not significant. Results showed that the use of fiberboard with natural veneer on the skin of the sandwich panel has created the highest mechanical strength. The results also showed that the use of fiberboard with synthetic melamine veneer reduces the water absorption percentage of 2 and 24 hours of the made sandwich panel.
Discussion: The results showed that it is possible to make sandwich panel with cross-linked polyethylene foam. The cross-linked polyethylene foam is environmentally friendly and free of harmful gases, thus providing the manufacture of sandwich panel with an environmentally friendly characteristic. The manufacture of sandwich panels with non-wooden cores such as cross-linked polyethylene foam, by reducing the need for wood or forest resources that are low in Iran and the world, has led to sustainable development, preservation of forest resources, preserving the environment and human health, as well as reducing the problems of providing raw materials for the wood and furniture industries and composite wood products. It is also economically viable. On the other hand, due to the very high physical and mechanical properties of cross-linked polyethylene foam, its use in the core of a wood sandwich panel creates a wide variety of functionalities for the made sandwich panels. The various properties of cross-linked polyethylene foam, such as thermal strength (against heat and cold), chemical strength, strength to the growth of fungi and insects, non-toxicity, proper dimensional stability, moisture and sound insulation, compatibility with the environment and being free from harmful gases, quick and easy installation, and ease of transportation, have led to its many applications in various industries. These applications include: construction industries (insulation of floors, walls, shed roofs, window sealing, etc.), automotive, home appliances, packaging, furniture (sofas and bedroom service), etc. In addition to the aforementioned applications, cross-linked polyethylene foam can be used in the manufacture of sandwich panels used as interior space partitions, Interior doors of the building, wall cupboard doors, covering interior common walls, etc.

Abstract Introduction: In recent decades, concern for the natural environment has become a critical global issue. The industrial sector, as a key and significant component of the country's economic cycle, has not been immune to the growing social and institutional pressures related to environmental issues. Therefore, environmentally conscious organizations are actively seeking innovative methods and techniques to minimize their ecological footprint while simultaneously addressing economic demands and challenges. The primary goal of most eco-friendly companies is to eliminate waste and polluting by products, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. This research aims to explore the impact of green organizational culture and green human resource management on employees' environmental performance with the mediating role of green innovation.
Materials and Methods: This research is a quantitative and applied study based on its purpose and nature, classified as descriptive correlational research in terms of data collection method, and is cross-sectional in terms of research time horizon. The statistical population of this study consists of all employees of the Khuzestan Steel Company, from this population, a sample of 368 individuals was selected using simple random sampling method and considered for the study. Data collection was conducted through field research using standardized questionnaires. The face and content validity of the data were confirmed by professors and experts, and their reliability were also verified using Cronbach's alpha. For data analysis, structural equation modeling using the partial least squares method was employed in Smart PLS software version 3.3.3.
Results: The research findings indicated that green human resource management practices and green organizational culture have a positive and significant impact on green innovation and the environmental performance of employees. Additionally, the positive impact of green human resource management practices on green organizational culture, as well as the effect of green innovation on environmental performance, was significantly confirmed. The results also showed that green innovation plays a key mediating role in the relationship between human resource management practices and green organizational culture with the environmental performance of employees.
Discussion: Given the importance and necessity of sustainable development, understanding the factors affecting the environment can lead to the improvement and enhancement of environmental performance and sustainability. Managers' attention to green human resource management practices, organizational culture, and green innovation is helpful in this regard. Through training and human resource actions, green management processes can be facilitated, and fundamental capabilities can be developed by expanding, deepening, and sharing green knowledge, as well as creating the necessary beliefs and guidelines within human resources. By implementing environmental programs through the recruitment of environmentally supportive employees, a green reward management system, and empowering employees through green training programs managers can create and develop conditions for establishing and developing a green organizational culture, enabling continuous improvement of environmental performance. Promoting a green culture also ensures that raw materials for the production of goods and services are chosen with minimal environmental pollution. By fostering a culture of sustainability and integrating eco-friendly practices into human resource strategies, organizations can achieve better environmental outcomes while maintaining economic viability.