درخت حوزه‌های تخصصی

In recent years, off-road (4×4) tourism has become one of the most popular forms of nature-based recreation in the forests of Gilan. The combination of forest trails, pristine landscapes, and the thrill of driving through rugged terrain has attracted many visitors to the region. However, the unbalanced development of this tourism activity has led to significant environmental and social challenges. This study aims to examine the environmental and social impacts of off-road tourism in Gilan’s Forest ecosystems and to propose practical strategies for the sustainable management of such activities. A descriptive-analytical approach was adopted, and data were collected through field observations, interviews with local communities, and a review of environmental reports. The findings reveal that off-road driving causes soil erosion, vegetation destruction, noise pollution, and a decline in wildlife population within the forests. From a social perspective, the growing influx of off-road tourists has altered local lifestyles, created cultural conflicts, and reduced community satisfaction with tourism activities. To mitigate these challenges, it is recommended that designated routes be established for off-road vehicles, environmental monitoring systems be strengthened, and educational programs be provided to raise awareness among visitors and local residents. Furthermore, the development of alternative forms of tourism—such as ecotourism and nature-based cycling—can help preserve the environment while fostering positive engagement between tourists and local communities.

Associated petroleum gas (APG) management presents a major environmental, economic, and legal challenge for oil-producing nations. As a byproduct of crude oil extraction, APG is frequently flared or vented, causing extensive greenhouse gas emissions, energy waste, and regional air pollution. Iran, despite its vast hydrocarbon reserves, flares around 17 billion m³ of APG annually—equivalent to 70 million tons of CO₂ emissions—constituting roughly 40 percent of national methane output. The Amak project, launched to curb this practice through technological modernization and institutional coordination, targets a 30 percent reduction in flaring by 2030. Employing a comparative‑analytical legal methodology, this study examines Iran’s APG regulatory framework, assesses the Amak project’s progress, and benchmarks it against exemplary experiences in Norway and Canada. The analysis identifies four interrelated deficiencies: (1) legal conflicts and gaps, notably between the Petroleum Law’s production‑maximization mandate (Article 22) and weakly integrated environmental statutes; (2) weak enforcement, with nominal penalties and limited regulatory access to real‑time flaring data; (3) institutional fragmentation among the Ministry of Petroleum, Department of Environment, and judiciary; and (4) technological and financial constraints under international sanctions. While the Amak initiative has cut flaring by 18 percent regionally, progress remains hindered by these systemic barriers. Comparative insights highlight Norway’s 95 percent flaring reduction achieved through carbon taxation (~ US$85 per ton CO₂), emission quotas, and stringent oversight, and Canada’s IoT‑based “FlareNet” monitoring network ensuring transparency and accountability. To achieve similar outcomes, Iran requires a holistic reform package: integrating environmental objectives within petroleum law, instituting carbon pricing mechanisms, expanding digital monitoring capabilities, strengthening inter‑agency governance, and incentivizing gas‑capture investment. Aligning legal, economic, and technological strategies can transform APG from a waste stream into a sustainable energy asset, advancing Iran’s compliance with the Paris Agreement and its broader sustainable‑development and public‑health ambitions.

Objective : This study aims to develop and apply two advanced social welfare functions that enhance sensitivity to income inequality and risk aversion, focusing on improving the welfare of lower-income groups in the context of income tax policy design. Methods : The study critiques classical social welfare models—such as utilitarian and aggregative approaches—for their limited responsiveness to inequality and social behaviors. It introduces two alternative frameworks: i) A function based on the Atkinson inequality index, capturing societal aversion to income disparities. ii) A function utilizing constant relative risk aversion (CRRA) utility, modeling individual welfare under income volatility. These models evaluate the effects of varying income tax rates on overall social welfare, accounting for average income and its distribution across societal strata. Results : The analysis shows that increasing income tax rates across all income groups reduces social welfare due to lower post-tax incomes, even when redistribution is intended. Individuals with higher levels of risk aversion experience greater welfare losses, emphasizing the importance of incorporating inequality sensitivity and risk aversion into policy design. Conclusion : The proposed social welfare functions offer more robust analytical tools for optimizing income tax policies. They promote equitable income distribution and improved social welfare by integrating distributive justice and risk-averse behavior. These models provide practical guidance for policymakers balancing economic efficiency with social justice.

Objective : This study addresses the fabless manufacturing business model's increasing relevance and complexity of decision-making. The primary aim is to develop and evaluate a simulation model for analyzing competitive strategies and optimizing managerial decisions in fabless supply chains.  Methodology: An agent-based simulation approach was employed to model interactions between fabless companies and manufacturing factories. The decision-making process for manufacturing partners was based on three key criteria: quality, cost, and availability. The simulation was implemented using AnyLogic software and analyzed under competitive and non-competitive market scenarios. Validation was conducted using real-world data to ensure model accuracy and applicability. Results : The study reveals that the weighting of criteria—quality, cost, and availability—significantly affects company performance in fabless manufacturing supply chains. Companies prioritizing quality tend to gain long-term advantages, while those focusing on cost may achieve short-term profits but struggle with sustainability. Competition complicates the balance of these criteria, leading to increased system-wide costs. These findings emphasize the need for nuanced strategies in dynamic markets. Conclusion : The developed simulation model offers a robust quantitative framework for analyzing and optimizing decision-making in fabless manufacturing supply chains. It is a valuable decision-support tool for managers, enabling them to adopt optimal strategies that reduce costs, enhance product quality, and improve customer satisfaction in dynamic and competitive market conditions.