نشریه جغرافیا و توسعه ناحیه ای
سال یازدهم شماره 2 (پیاپی 21، پاییز و زمستان 1392)

1-Introduction Throughout the last decades, ethnicity in Iran has been led towards anti-Iranian and eccentric thoughts. In particular, since the Islamic revolution, the emergence of different levels of separatist movements in ethnic and frontier provinces has been a challenge for the government. The separatist ethnic forces use different tools for showing their claims; one of which is geographical maps. Since geographical maps affect people’s mental map of their sorroundings, i.e. people’s perception of the world and the creation and maintenance of specific discourses about it, and since those maps do not always represent reality, the present study intends to critically investigate the maps drawn by four ethnic groups of Kurd, Arab, Turk, and Balouch. 2-Theoretical framework There is a descriptive and an ontological definition for every map. Maps also differ from each other based on their types, i.e. whether they are scientific or educational, persuasive or advertising. From a descriptive point of view, a map is the orthogonal image of the earth on a flat surface whose size has been decreased to a certain proportion i.e. the scale. There is no discripancy among scholars concerning this definition. This viewpoint can be referred to as the positivist view in which it is believed that a map is a neutral phenomenon which, like a mirror, reflects the reality of the earth. However, from an ontological point of view, a map is an abstract reflection of concrete reality whose layout or motive comes from realistic political or military interests. In this view, a map is viewed from a critical-philosophical standpoint. The critical view considers a map as a medium which conveys messages according to the goals and intentions of its developers or clients and is not a neutral phenomenon. According to this view, today’s maps have lost their innocence, and through the use of color, change of size, limitation of space, and other common methods of surveying, create a picture of the world, countries, and land which are not always true. From the perspective of post-modern scholars, maps construct reality. 3-Methodology The present study has a critical approach and uses a descriptive-analytical method. The required data were collected through library research from valid hard and soft references, and then were analyzed qualitatively. The research question is: “what are the persuasive features of maps drawn by the four ethnic groups of Kurd, Arab, Turk, and Balouch?”4-Discussion Apart from the general maps of the status of Iranian ethnic groups developed both within and outside Iran, the ethnic-oriented elites of the country have also drawn some maps. They seek to reach their goals of enhancing decentralized forces and promote issues such as autonomy, etc. by using surveying techniques like selection, color, size, title and name of the maps. The common point about maps drawn from Kurdish, Arab, Turkish, and Balouchi areas of Iran is that these maps follow special goals by centralizing the given ethnic group, manipulating the location of the group and expanding it to important and specific areas. The maps drawn from Kurdish areas of Iran try to distort reality and enhance the nationalistic feelings of Kurds by stretching those areas to Persian Gulf and Mediterranean areas which have geo-strategic, geopolitical, and geo-economic importance by using colors, lines and specific symbols. The maps drawn from Arab areas of Iran consider the southern parts of Iran as belonging to spurious Arabia. This important and strategic place, besides having situated within itself the strategic Hormoz strait as the economic route and path of world energy, has many strategic islands, great sources of energy, etc. In fact, developers of these maps and those who order them intend to decompose Iran and separate the vital and strategic northern coasts of Persian Gulf and Oman Sea and weaken the country economically. The maps drawn from Turkish areas of Iran have persuasive nature by using dark colors and manipulating and expanding those areas in an exaggerated way. The maps of Balouch areas consider a large part of Iranian coasts from Hormoz strait to Guater Gulf and a large part of Pakistan coasts as part of large Balouchistan and deny the right of access to free seas from these two countries. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions Throughout past decades, various factors have led to different levels of separatist movements. One of the major tools showing the claims of ethnic separatist forces or their trans-regional supporters is geographical maps. The investigation of some of these maps in the present study revealed that each somehow tries to distort the reality. These maps are persuasive in nature by centralizing the territory of the given ethnic group, manipulating their position, expanding their area, stretching them to politically and economically strategic areas, and using specific names, colors, and symbols and try to distort the reality for their own intentions and purposes.

1- Introduction Evapotranspiration (ETo) is one of the main factors determining water balance in every area in which spatial and temporal distribution plays an important role in water resource management, estimation of water requirement and agricultural planning. Commonly, evapotranspiration is calculated locally at each station; however, it can now be estimated throughout a broad area using interpolation methods. The objective of the present study is to determine the most adequate interpolation method for spatial estimation and mapping of ETo in Khuzestan province. 2- Theoretical framework 2-1-Ordinary Kriging Kriging is a estimation based on moving average weighted. The ordinary kriging estimator consists of two steps. In the first step, understanding and modeling the spatial structure of variable is considered using of the semi-variogram analysis. The second step; being dependent on the first, is the estimation of intended variable. As a condition for being used in Kriging methods, the variable that is detectable by semi-variogram should be static (Hasani Pak, 1998: 181) 2-2-Cokriging In cases where there are few samples of the primary variable, yet a greater number of auxiliary variables, Cokriging is a useful method. This method can be used where there is a strong and significant correlation between primary and auxiliary variables (Majani,B.S, 2007:33). 2-3- Regression-Kriging Regression-kriging is an interpolation method that is a synthesis of the regression of the variable being dependent on auxiliary variables (such as longitude, latitude and altitude) and the kriging of the residuals (Boer & et al., 2001:150). 2-4- Kriging with an External Drift This method is an extension of kriging with trend. If the auxiliary variables are available at all predictor grid-nodes as well as the position of target variable, kriging with external drift can be used. The auxiliary variables should also be highly correlated with the target variable (Hengel. & et al., 2003:3). 2-5- Inverse distance weighting (IDW) method This method is based on an observed value closer to the prediction location, which has more influence on the predicted value than other observed values located farther apart. In IDW method, the weight is represent based on the inverse distance of power (p) and the power that has the least error (root mean square error) is selected as the most optimal (Ha. & et al., 2011: 2797). 2-6- Spline Splines are Non-parametric functions with high elasticity. Spline interpolation methods can be called piecewise polynomial functions, i.e. complex functions that include fragments of a polynomial function with different degrees of smooth connections between two points in space (Mahdizadeh, 2002:22). 2-7- 3D linear gradient In this method, it is assumed that a multiple linear relationship can be fitted into the predicted variables or independent variables (typically topological variables such as longitude, latitude and altitude) and a known depend variable (reference evapotranspiration). This method can be used to estimate the dependent primary variable in places where it has not been estimated. (Majani, B.S, 2007:33). 3- Methodology For estimating ETo values, the meteorological data derived from 42 meteorology stations over a 28-year study period (1982-2009) were used and FAO Penman-Monteith method was applied. Seven interpolation Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW), Spline, 3D linear gradient, Ordinary Kriging, Cokriging, Kriging with External Drift and Kriging-Regression were assessed for estimating spatial ETo. For variographic analysis in Kriging, five variogram models i.e. Spherical, Exponential, linear, linear to sill and Gaussian were fitted into ETo data. Based on the lower Residual Sums of Squares errors and higher correlation coefficiencies, the best model was selected. The most adequate interpolation method was determined based on the calculation of Root Mean Square Error, Mean Bias Error and Mean Absolute Error indices from different methods. 4- Discussion The Anderson-Darling test results obtained from different months indicated that evapotranspiration data was not significantly different from normal distribution at 95% confidence level during most months. Only March, April, May, June and December did not follow the normal distribution. Probability distributions for these months were transformed by alogarithmic transformation. Variographic analysis results of ordinary Kriging method indicated that the role of structured to unstructured component is much more effective in more than 95% of the months. Therefore, the analysis represents an appropriate spatial structure of ETo data in the region. Furthermore, it is concluded that the optimal theoretical variogram model in all case is the spherical model. The results of elevation structured analysis in CoKriging revealed that the proportion of [C/(C+C0)] is 1, which indicates a lack of a nugget effect and represents a strong spatial structure of elevation data in the region. In addition, the optimal theoretical cross-variogram model for refence evapotranspiration-eleveation data in monthly and annual scales is assumed to be the spherical model. In inverse distance weighting method, power 3 was selected as the optimal power. The data also indicated that in this method (IDW), value of 6 was considered to be the least points for error. The results of three-dimensional linear gradient method showed that in all months, the coefficiency of the independent variables Longitude, latitude and elevation were negative. In other words, reference evapotranspiration decreased in the region from west to east and from south to north. The results of Root Mean Square Error in all months showed Ordinary Kriging, Cokriging and Inverse Distance Weighted methods to have the least amount of error for estimating ETo than any other method. The outcome of Mean Absolute Error represent revealed that Cokriging method had the least amount of error in most months. The investigation of Mean Bias Error indicates Ordinary Kriging, Cokriging and 3D linear gradient to have the lowest Bias Error. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions Error investigation of indices showed Cokriging method with Gaussian semivariogram model to have the lowest error and to be introduced as the best method for analysing monthly and annual ETo data in the province. In the Gaussian semivariogram model of Cokriging, the ratio of structured to unstructured component is 1 in most months, which indicates a strong spatial structure in the simultaneous changes of ETo variables and altitude. However, it should be considered that Cokriging method has an underestimated property in most months.

1- Introduction Climatic conditions are considered as one of the key factors in the production of agricultural crops specially dry farming crops (Mohammadi, 2010). Temperature and precipitation are quantitative parameters. In addition, temporal and regional changes are the essential variables which determine a wide variety of thermal and humidity needs for a particular region. Almost all agro-climatic classifications include the above mentioned variables. The main purpose of this study is to recognize favorable and unfavorable zones for dry land wheat in Khorasan-e Razavi Province. 2- Methodolody The region for this study is Khorasan-e Razavi Province with an area of 116493/39 square kilometers located between 33° and 52ˊ to 37° and 42ˊ latitude and 56° and 19ˊ to 61° and 16ˊ longitude in the northern hemosphere(Statistical Yearbook of Khorasan-e Razavi, 2009). The research method is based upon a documentary – descriptive approach. The basis for selecting meteorological stations was the common statistical period of 20 years (1990 – 2010). In order to form a data bank, the available data was entered into Excel for 40 meteorological stations. To ensure the quality of the data as well as its homogeneity, a set of homogeneity tests and quality control of non-graphical data (run test) were performed. Furthermore, for reconstructing the data and creating auxuliary points for discovering isotherm and isoprecipitation area, the proportions and differences method (Alizadeh, 2011: 786) was used in addition to interpolation method using Krijing method. Then a computer program was designed in Microsoft Visual Studio in c#.Net 2005 which performed homogeneity test. In the next stage, dry land wheat farming was dated considering the fact that wheat needs 5 millimeters precipitation in 5 centimeters cultivation depth in order to sprout. (Ehteramian, 2009: 39) In order to set the dates of cultivation related to the selected stations, September 23rd was chosen as the base per annum and a ratio was assigned for each day. Then, the weighed values were arranged based on descending dates and the most appropriate datewass measured using Vibul formula with 75 percent of probability (Alizadeh, 2001). The Vibul Formula is as follows: Where P = Cultivation Date with 75 Percent Probability m = Row Number n = Number of Data Furthermore, in order to set the date of different stages of growth, accumulative temperatures threshold was used. Annual precipitation is the most important climatic variable in dry land wheat farming. Wheat needs at least 250 to 300 millimeters precipitation during growth. Considering the above-mentioned cases about annual rainfall and how they are distributed, the precipitation measured by the meteorological stations based on 250 millimeters rainfall and more with 75 percent probability, seasonal rainfall level and rainfall level in May with 75 percent probability, and also rainfall amount during sprouting, flowering and seed filling in the area were classified in GIS Environment. 3- Discussion Regarding the mentioned indexes in setting date for wheat cultivation and also according to the initial precipitation date for 5 millimeters or more during 1 or 2 successive days with 75 percent probability, the date of initial rainfall and consequently that of cultivation were determined for the meteorological stations. Since temperature is one of the vital factors in geo-botany and especially agricultural crops and there is a specified temperature threshold for each type of plant and owing to the fact that agricultural crops are deeply affected by tensions of low and high temperatures, this factor was analyzed during sensitive stages of the growth. 4- Conclusion and Suggestions After providing the mentioned maps and compiling them in GIS Environment and also locating the regions which were not cultivable such as urban areas, salt marshes, pastures and regions with an elevation of more than 2500 meters, the final map for agro climatic zoning of Khorasan-e Razavi Province was prepared for dry land wheat farming. In this map, 4 agro climatic zones are clearly visible, the details of which are as follows: (1) Appropriate Regions: which have a relatively good potential for wheat production since the regions have appropriate climatic conditions. The area for this region is about 26 percent of the province. (2) Medium Regions: these regions have a lower quality in climatic condition in comparison with the previous regions. The area for this region is about 21 percent of the province. (3) Weak Regions: in these regions, dry land wheat farming potential is faced with several problems, the area of which is bout 24 percent of the province. (4) Very Weak regions: n these regions, dry land wheat farming is not economical due to a lack of adequate rainfall and a rise in temperature. The area of this region is about 24 percent of the province. The area of this region is about 29 percent of the province. Due to the climatic changes appeared in recent years, it is suggested that the models for cultivation be reassessed and the potentials and favorable agricultural lands for the crops which have never been taken into consideration found. Should Internal Meteorological Stations cover the province in the form of a regular network within the framework offered by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the research projects can show better results.

1- Introduction Informal settlement is among the most important and serious challenges of city development in developing countries. It seems that there are different and to some extent anomalous ideas about it. Some consider the informal settlement as a temporary event and believe that life quality in such places would improve time passes. On the other hand, cities, being one of the place in which human beings live, need to have some standards, which are called quality standards of civic living. The main aim of this study is to identify the effective factors on quality improvement of citizens and its hypothetical improvement through time, in the rural area of Panjtan Ale Aba neighborhood in Mashhad. 2- Theoretical Framework The relationship between marginalization and quality of life indicates that these neighborhoods are very deprived in terms of having basic facilities for the overall life satisfaction and the important issue is that Panjtan Ale Aba neighborhood has a very bad condition and the quality of life indicators are very poor in this neighborhood. Therefore,, in addition to investigating and measuring all quality of life indicators, we intend to suggest and introduce the best indicator for improvement of quality of life in this neighborhood in this paper. According to theoretical perspectives of liberalism, informal settlement is a contemporary urban reality and quality of life in these neighborhoods will be promoted with the passage of time. 3- Methodology The used method is descriptive-analytical and the data are gathered through documentary and field studies. To study the hypothesis, factor analysis, variance analysis, Spearman rank correlation coefficient test and Mann _Whitney test are used. The statistical population for this research is 17857 families that live in Panjtan Ale Aba neighborhood. About 375 families were chosen as the sample group and were studied. The perpetuity scale of the main questionnaire was approved through 88% Cronbach’s- Alpha, and narrative mode of questionnaire was supported by related professors and experts. 4- Discussion In examining the relationship between history of residence and quality of life in Panjtan Ale Aba neighborhood, the results indicated that there was no significant relationship between them. Therefore, the view of those who believe in the improvement of marginalized lives with an increase in the history of residence is not confirmed. On the other hand, in examining the level of life satisfaction, the results showed that there was a significant difference between the old generation (the early immigrants) and the new generation (children of the early immigrants) considering life satisfaction in that the average satisfaction of early immigrants was more than the average satisfaction of their children. This indicates that despite the improvement of living conditions of marginalized over time, life satisfaction of new generation is very low. This is because with time passing, the absolute poverty has decreased due to the improvements in overall living; however, relative poverty has increased due to a comparison of each person with other citizens. This kind of poverty is alarming and can provide the social context of delinquency so that among the common problems of this neighborhood, addiction and street fighting are often observed. Paying attention to this case which can improve social indicators of urban quality of life is very effective. Based on theoretical foundations, scholars like Rosen, “Nordhaus and Tobin” and Delfim respectively believe that being paid (economic aspects of quality of life), the differences in rent payment and economic status area one of the most important aspects of urban quality of life and includes the level of income and consumption, housing market, labor market and economic dynamics. In other words, they consider economic indicators as an effective factor on the promotion of urban quality of life. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions Investigation of economic, social and physical indicators of urban quality of life in Panjtan Ale Aba neighborhood showed that in order to improve the situation of this neighborhood in terms of promotion of urban quality of life more attention should be paid to the physical indicators. Due to the high load of physical indicator, it can be concluded that there is more correlation between physical indicators and urban quality of life. On the other hand, measures of physical indicators examine more housing quality which suggests that promotion of urban quality of life in this marginalized neighborhood needs the improvement of housing quality. Alternatively, given that the relationship between social indicators and urban quality of life as well as economic indicators and urban quality of life are positive and significant and very close to each other, it cannot be said that which indicator has a more important role in urban quality of life in the study of social and economic indicators, thus, both variables have almost identical role in the improvement of urban quality of life. All the aforementioned cases and many other similar cases suggest the need for greater attention to the marginalized urban neighborhoods because the improvement of their conditions and using the element of people participation to empower the residents are very important for increasing urban quality of life in these urban neighborhoods.

1- Introduction From the time human settlements has been formed as concentrated and fixed communities, air pollution on human life has become perceptible. Air pollution is one of the most important environmental crisis of Iran metropolises which has made life in these cities costly and even dangerous during recent four decades. An increase in urbanization and high consumption of fossil fuels on the one hand, and use changes and industrial development on the other hand, have led to an increase of the concentration of pollutants in the air of cities. Understanding Climate and Pollution is a prerequisite for any sustainable urban planning. Increased air pollution causes changes and disruption in the climatic patterns of the planet and the environment. 2- Theoretical framework The Association of Engineers of air pollution and its control have provided the following definition for air pollution: air pollution means the existence of one or more contaminants such as dust, fumes, gas, mist, smoke or vapor in the air backsets, features and time of remains which is dangerous for human, plant or animal life i.e. the unbearable ease of use of life and property. In general, any change in the physical and chemical components of air is called air pollution.3- Methodology In this study daily data of air pollution in Mashhad (Vahdat station) for a 4 year period (2007-2010), which was provided by the Environmental Protection Agency of Khorasan Razavi province is used. Standard contaminent threshold were determined using Air Quality Index (AQI). Afterwards, the days that were polluted by two pollutants of carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols (PM10) were determined. According to the first data processing and high frequency of days with CO and PM10 pollutants in the cold half of the year; the analyses were limited to fall and winter. The data includes 29 polluted days in autumn and 23 polluted days in winter for carbon monoxide during a period of four years. The data for polluted days by aerosols includes 74 polluted days in autumn and 63 polluted days in winter. To identify the atmospheric patterns of the days with air pollution in the cold half of the year, 500 hPa height and surface pressure data were collected from Environmental Prediction National Center and Atmospheric Research National Center website. Then, to identify atmospheric patterns, principle component analysis method and clustering statistics method were employed. First, data was prepared in the S mode of principal component analysis, the array in which the nodes were the columns and rows represented observations (days). In this method, points of high correlation and spatial homogenous limits were determined using a linear relationship for the nodes during the study procedure. In the next phase, primary factors were determined considering the correlations in the data for each array. In this array, the value for each node in the new factors is specified and if they change to a map, they show the spatial centers of pressures in the study scope. Then the value for each of those days in the new factors which are known as factor scores (pc score)was determined by the principal component analysis method. This array also shows temporal-series of factors, which represent the relation of each day with the new factor. During this phase, those factors whose eigenvalues were higher than 1 and justified more than 4 percent of diffraction in data were selected. These factors were used to determine the pressure patterns. The ultimate result of principal component analysis method was the factor scores which are the primary data input for clustering method. Clustering method with Ward array was used for the classification of pressure patterns, and polluted days for two pollutants of carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols (PM10) were determined for autumn and winter. Ultimately, in order to identify pressure patterns, compound maps of days for each group were prepared. These maps, which are prepared for the ground level and 500 hPa level, indicate that synoptic patterns are the resonators of the discussed pollutants in autumn and winter in Mashhad. 4- Discussion Atmospheric pollution synoptic results in autumn and winter for both carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols (PM10) pollutants in Mashhad indicate that the high level atmospheric patterns and earth surface play significant roles in air pollution in Mashhad. As a result, autumn and winter patterns for main atmospheric pollutants of carbon monoxide, trough of westerly winds of North and East of Caspian Sea in high atmospheric levels, East of Aral Lake Siberian high pressure and immigrant anticyclones from Eastern Europe and North West of Iran on high pressure patterns of earth surface, are the main synoptic factors. With the arrival of cold waves, these patterns which are linked together lead to a decrease in temperature, a decrease of the atmospheric mixed layer (atmospheric boundary layer), and an increase and high concentration of carbon monoxide over the earth's surface. Consequently, much of the flows from the North, North East and North West in these two seasons have air pollution concentration for the city. In addition, central Mediterranean trough, low pressures of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, the cut-off in Caspian Sea and the entry of dust from the deserts of Touran plateau, including Qara Qum, Serakhs and central deserts of Iran, bring contaminants of aerosols for Autumn and Winter in Mashhad. Furthermore, in some patterns, Mediterranean cyclones become weak and carry aerosols approaching Mashhad. Furthermore, the other synoptic studies in Iran indicate that the Siberian high-pressure and input air masses from north are associated with severe reduction in temperature in the cold half of the year, which in most high levels are observed as major centers in East of Lake Aral and the North of Caspian Sea. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions Atmospheric pollution synoptic results in autumn and winter for both carbon monoxide (CO) and aerosols (PM10) pollutants in Mashhad indicate As a result, autumn and winter patterns for main atmospheric pollutants of carbon monoxide, trough of westerly winds of North and East of Caspian Sea in high atmospheric levels, East of Aral Lake Siberian high pressure and immigrant anticyclones from Eastern Europe and North West of Iran on high pressure patterns of earth surface, are the main synoptic factors. Furthermore, in some patterns, Mediterranean cyclones become weak and carry aerosols approaching Mashhad. It is recommended that the relevant agencies gather accurate statistics which are essential for a healthy society. Polluted days can be identified and appropriate measures be conducted based on these statistics and the study of synoptic maps

1- Introduction The existence of regional inequalities in various geographical scopes and its different aspects are considered as one of the most important issues in regional planning. Spatial inequality in various aspects such as economic, social, cultural and infrastructural is disputable. Thus, understanding the situation of regions in different dimensions is a prerequisit for future development. This research intends to estimate the level of development and spatial inequalities between different counties of Khorasan-e-Shomali and analyze the trends of their inequality evolution in 1986, 1996 and 2006. 2- Theoretical framework One of the most important indications of underdevelopment is the existing of inequality and its various aspects. In fact, a country is considered as developed when; besides having a high position in economic and social indicees, citizens also have a relatively fairly distributed income and facilities. Nowadays, there are some concerns with regard to inequality and its spatial aspects that require additional attention from scientists and policy makers. A lack of proper distribution in economical, social and cultural activities causes a gap and intensifies regional inequalities which are impediments in the developmental process. With respect to this point, the purpose of this research is to examine the concept of development in Khorasan-e-Shomali Province and to determine the amount of inequality and differences between its counties and to ultimately provide some solutions for the improvement of this trend. 3- Methodology The research method usd in this paper is descriptive-analytic and the scope of research is all the counties of Khorasan-e-Shomali during 1986, 1996 and 2006. Since an equal and balanced development of geographical areas require accurate and comprehensive study in all its different dimensions61 sub-indices in 8 classes including population, heath, cultural, educational, infrastructural installations, urban services, and employment are considered in this research. To examine the assumptions of the research, fuzzy logic techniques and Williamson’s differential coefficiency have been used. The fuzzy model has been designed in three phases to estimate the level of the development of counties. In the next stage, the trends of spatial inequalities for counties have been specified by Williamson’s inequality indice model using the outputs of the fuzzy model. 4- Discussion The level of development in the counties of Khorasan-e-Shomali Province over a 20-year-period (1986-2006) indicates that there has been a considerable difference in development between the first and the last county. For instance, there is considerable difference between the level of development in Bojnurd County in 1986 with a developmental indice of 0.63 and that of Shirvan County which was 0.38. However, this difference decreased to 0.06 in 1996. In 2006, after the establishment of Khorasan-e-Shomali Province and the formation of its new counties (Garme, Jajram, Faruj, Maneh-o-Samalghan) that were not previously among its counties, the difference in development increased more than before and reached 0.45 between Bojnurd (first county:70 percent) and Maneh-o-Samalghan (last county: 25 percent). Analyzing inequality coefficiency in the province’s counties indicates that in a period of 20 years, the inequality factor have decreased from 27% to 15.5% between 1986 to 1996 and increased from 15.5% to 33.7% between 1996 to 2006. These results imply the fact that differences of inequalities in the counties of the province have been reduced during the first period and the counties have gained a relative convergence in development indicees. However, after dividing the province into 6 counties, the relative convergence has decreased and considerable differences between development values have led to an increase in standard deviation and consequently to inequality. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions The results show that the level of development in the counties of Khorasan-e-Shomali Province has increased during the years between1986 to 2006. However, a relative convergence between the counties has not been achieved. This revealed that the dominant theory in the distribution of development and infrastructural services in the province was based on Core-Periphery Model so that in all the three studied periods, Bojnurd County was recognized to be the most utilized county in terms of infrastructural developmental indices. Thus, it can be stated that the main reasons for the existence of spatial inequality in Khorasan-e-Shomali Province are the formation of a Core-Periphery system with Bojnurd as its center, a lack of optimal distribution of facilities based on the population of each county, and an improper adminstrative division in 2006. In order to eliminate and improve inequaliteis, budgets should be allocated based on development level and facilities in every county. According to what mentioned above, a number of suggestions are presented: - making the patterns of dispersion of facilities and current services more balanced; - decentralizing Counties such as Bojnurd to add to the chance of all other Counties in using facilities and services; - improving the condition of undeveloped Counties such as Farooj, Maneh and Solmaghan to reduce the rate of migrations; - Revising land zonning according to currrent condition of Counties. - Allocating credit based on Countie's achievment to the level of development. - New division of labour in each region for specialisation and creation of regional balance.

1- Introduction Length of Growing period (LGP) is a time in which sufficient moisture and a lack of thermal restrictions enables the production of crops. Among the climatic elements, temperature is an important factor and consequently, the study the effect of temperature on the growth of organisms, especially plants, is necessary. Many of the products planted traditionally are not benefited from favorable climatic factor. Accordingly, on one hand, reduce crop yield and on the other hand, They led to the improper use of climate capability production. The role of temperature on the growth of plants and animals are clearly known. Temperature range for each areas are the plant species and crops index according to that farmers could grow crops. Identifying and selection crops adapted to temperature of the region can be expanded various agricultural system until Risk of damage production due to natural changes temperature reduce. If temperature reaches below the critical level of growth, plants’ growing stages will stop. This may hurt plants. It appears that the process of global warming that causes LGP in Iran has changed 2- Theoretical framework Determining the growing season in each region has a huge role in crop selection, the variety and timing of crop planting and other decisions. The purposes of this research are to analysis and classify the LGP by base temperatures 5 and 10 with the minimum daily temperatures between 1987-1988 and 2007-2008. 3- Methodology In this research, the data from minimum daily temperature from 31 Iranian synoptic stations during 20 years have been analyzed from 1987-1988 till 2006-2007. LGP for two thresholds of 5 and 10 ° C were determined and the beginning and the end of the threshold for the aforementioned temperatures with Julius coding (January 21, with first code and January 20 in next year is last cod) were calculated. In this research, the beginning of LGP is the first 6 day period with Tmin≥ 5 and Tmin ≥ 10. The end of LGP is the last 6 day period with the Tmin 350 days. For temperature 10 C° the same number of groups were seen including 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250 -365 days. 5- Conclusion and suggestions The Zoning of LGP based on temperature 5 and 10 C thresholds in Iran showed that the beginning of 5 and 10 ° C is earlier in south areas of the country and is late in the northern and western areas. In Northern areas, the beginning of LGP is earlier than the western areas due to temperature and humidity. The zoning end of LGP reveals that in western areas, the end of LGP is earlier than other regions due to lower temperatures and in southern and northern areas, the end of growing season period is longer. The results showed that LGP decreases from south to west and west-north so that based on the base temperature threshold, Bandara Abas station has the longest LGP and Shahrekord has the lowest compared to other stations. Growing season length of 5 were divided into five categories The first group consists of stations located in mountainous regions of the country, including 150-200 days. And the second group of stations located in the North East, Central and West cities of Country includes 200-250 days. The third group consists of Tehran, Zahedan, Shiraz, Gorgan, Yazd with 250-300 days. The fourth group consists of the northern cities and the Bam are 300 to 350 days. Finally, the fifth group consists of the southern cities with more than 350 days during the growing season. Growing season lengths of 10 were divided into five categories. First group consists of Hamadan and Shahrekord with 50-100 days. The second group consists of cold towns with 100-150 days. The third groups of growing season length are between 150-200 days, including the cities of Isfahan, Birjand, Tabriz, Tehran and Zahedan, Sabzevar, Shiraz, Qom, Mashhad and Yasooj. The fourth group consists of the northern cities, Tehran and Yazd with 200-250 days. The fifth group includes southern tropical cities with growing season lengths, 250-365 days. In general, accurate knowledge of length, the beginning and the end of the growing season period for plants in 5 & 10 C base temperature will be useful for agricultural planning, planting and harvesting crops, Selecting species are compatible with the threshold temperature and in addition to the condition of the areas..

1- Introduction Although in recent years paying attention to sustainable development has increased in Iranian developmental documents, yet a defined and specific framework for assessing and ranking methods and models, especially systematic ordering has not been presented in the country. Social Sustainability means improvement in quality of life and development of human resources, sufficiency of local communities to overcome challenges and internal issues, and respond external changes and management of preservation values. In this sense, social goals of sustainable development such as equal opportunities (inside and intergenerational), empowerment, quality of life improvement, dignity and human rights, poverty alleviation, cultural diversity, social cohesion, social communion, institutional capacity building, social security, responsibility, social welfare and fixation on location have been approved. This study is based on a new attitude towards sustainable development and attempts to explain and rate the indexes of qualitative and quantitative social sphere dimensions. In this regard, the indexes that explain sustainable development using items that represent those indexes have been identified and then evaluated in Mashhad districts. Afterwards, using experts’ view and network analysis model, weight of indexes were explained in sustainable development in the mentioned districts areas. Finally, mentioned districts were evaluated for having sustainable development indexes. 2- Theoretical Framework This study assumes a non-uniform social stability; social stability will increase in the city of Mashhad or around it and it has been done With the aim of understanding and assessing the social sustainability indicators there. To achieve this objective after the identification of indicators and indices that indicate social stability, by the use of the statements that represent each of these indices we tried to measure them in the local areas of Mashhad and discussed them and then by the expert’s ideas and using network analysis model the weight of each index was determined at the explanation of social stability in those areas. Finally desired neighborhoods in terms of social sustainability indicators have been evaluated and to provide solutions to achieve sustainability principles in the studied area are discussed.3- Methodology Cochran`s formula was used to determine the number of the target population. Assuming a confidence level of 95% (Z=1.96), (d=0.05), (N=3658), (P=0.5), a sample of 348 households was achieved. Assuming the possibility of some questionnaires being unusable, 360 questionnaires were appropriately allocated between three districts (Daryadel, Goharshad and Shahed). To determine the validity of the questionnaires, the critical comments and suggestions of masters and experts were applied. To achieve this goal, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) and the Delphi method was used to determine the weight of each social sustainability indicator. The research method in this investigation is descriptive – analytic due to its practical approach and aim. The method of data collection was based on library research and documents and interviews with some experts. 4- Discussion Since the beginning of the 21st century, paying attention to sustainable development does not only mean considering the environmental and economic dimensions but also social issues. Social stability has received special attention from politicians and planners as an essential component of sustainable development. Since social issues are inevitable in the process of urban planning and urban design as an integral part, affective ways of social issues can be explored and identified by determining the dimensions of social sustainability. In other words, the dimensions of social sustainability can be seen as one of the most important and key tools used in urban planning and policy. Moreover when the extend, complexity and diversity of social sustainability indicators and their role in society in terms of these indicators and performance implications is considered, each has obviously a different value from other indicators. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions According to the evaluation criteria used for network analysis, we concluded that Equal opportunities (EO =0.136), objective security (OS = 0.129) and social interaction (SI =0.107) respectively have the most weight and are the the most effective in achieving social stability. In the three studied areas, Gohar Shad has the highest level of social sustainability. Because social issues are inevitable in the process of urban planning and urban design as an integral part, the affective ways of social issues can be explored and identified by determining the dimensions of social sustainability. According to Brandt Land Report, if social sustainability cannot meet the demands so as not to harm the potentials of future generations, to know, it maybe not be imaginable without social variables. For example, if a sense of responsibility, social justice, trust and … is weak in a society, one cannot expect the community to use the resources considering the interests of future generations. It can be said that sustainable development is derived from social sustainability and attention to social issues is a condition which encompasses the different aspects of social sustainability. This means that if social sustainability indicators are acceptable in a society, it is expected that sustainable development in environmental and economical dimensions also exist.

1- Introduction To investigate climate change impact on different sources in the future periods, at first climatic parameters should be simulated under climate change effect. Various methods simulate the parameters, but the most valid method is application of AOGCM (Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Model). A general circulation model is a three-dimension mathematical model of the general circulation of a planetary atmosphere or ocean and based on the Navier–Stokes equations on a rotating sphere with thermodynamic terms for various energy sources (radiation, latent heat). These equations are the basis for complex computer programs commonly used for simulating the atmosphere or ocean of the Earth. Atmospheric and oceanic GCMs (AGCM and OGCM) are key components of global climate models along with sea ice and land-surface components. AOGCMs are widely applied for weather forecasting, understanding the climate, and projecting climate change. Estimates of global warming are generally based on the application of general circulation models, which attempt to predict the impact of increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations on the weather variables. In this study, it is tried to investigate the effect of climate change on five climatic parameters including maximum, minimum, and average temperatures, rainfall and the relative humidity in Tehran-Karaj sub-basin using HadCM3 model under A2 emission scenario for three future periods containing 2010-2039, 2040-2069 and 2070-2099 as near, middle and far future periods, respectively. The years 1976-2005 is considered as the base period. 2- Theoretical framework Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have been recorded continual increases since the 1950s, a phenomenon that may significantly alter the global and local climate characteristics, such as temperature and available water resources. IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) predicted that the world mean temperature will be increased up to 1°C by the year 2050 and up to 3°C by the end of the next century. AOGCMs are the most suitable tools for studying the climate change phenomenon,; however, regarding large-scale spatial resolution of these models, regional scale is not possible. In other words, the models simulate climatic parameters in large scale. Whereas comparing the output for historical periods with observed data shows differences. Therefore, various methods of downscaling are created. 3- Methodology In this paper, IDW method is presented with eight grids and climate change scenarios are achieved using change factor method. Making time series of climate scenario for the future periods, the change range and its averages in different periods were calculated. In the first step, the monthly mentioned climatic parameters for the base and future periods for main box and the surrounding eight boxes were extracted from IPCC website. Then spatial and time downscaling processes were carried out using IDW and change factor methods, respectively. 4- Discussion It is predicted that the minimum temperature will increase up to 0.17-1.65, 1.38-3.61 and 2.28-6.4 degrees Celsius for the three periods, respectively. These values for maximum temperature are 0.43-2.23, 1.79-4.16 and 3.23-7.59 and they are 0.63-2, 1.74-3.92 and 2.93-7.02 for average temperature. Taking rainfall into consideration, all months except November and January have decreasing rainfall percentage which is more significant in warm months. Relative humidity has also decreased in all periods and months however, it is more severe in warm months than cold months. Most changes are related to 2070-2099 period. Rainfall moving average has a decreasing trend when approaching the future period indicating increasing dry spells compared to the base period. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions In all periods, the three parameters relating to temperature will increase with the far future period showing maximum differences. The reverse of this situation will happen for relative humidity parameter; especially it will have high severity in warm months. The changes for rainfall are not significant but a decreasing trend is predictable. Finally, the impact of climate change on dry and wet spells is assessed using a 5-year moving average manner. The results verify more effects approaching the far future period. The results also indicate increasing temperature parameters and decreasing relative humidity in the future periods in comparison to the base. For example it is predicted that the average temperature parameter will have increased between 2.9 to 7 degrees Celsius up to the end of future period. Moreover, a gradual decrease in rainfall approaching the far future period increases dry spells. The estimation of long period changes in climatic and hydrological variables requires a more careful management of water resources, taking into consideration the consequences of climate change, especially for the regions having arid and semi-arid climate like the studied region.

1- Introduction Estimating aquifer hydrogeological parameters (T, K, Sy, etc.) is essential for the assessment of groundwater resources and groundwater studies/management. There are several different methods such as pumping test, simulation or modeling of groundwater, geophisical modeling, etc. to estimate these parameters. Although analysis and evaluation of pumping test data is the best way to achieve this purpose, it is costly, time consuming and the gained results are from limited points. As a result, applying geoelectrical methods to estimate aquifer parameters in combination with pumping test method is very effective and economical. 2- Theoretical framework Since well-drilling for the hydraulic parameters calculation is often prohibitively expensive, the integration of aquifer parameters calculated from the existed boreholes locations and surface resistivity parameters extracted from surface electrical measurements can be highly effective for aquifer hydraulic parameters estimation. Geoelectrical exploration methods are based on the assumption that rocks are porous, the rock matrix is generally insulator, and electrical currents pass through because of water/moisture present in the pores. This shows that electrical measurements are mainly influenced by porosity and fluid resistivity in the pores. geoelectrical data recorded on the surface contain a lot of useful information about the aquifer which can be deciphered by experienced geophysicists. application of geoelectrical method has lead the workers to develop surface resistivity techniques for Estimation of aquifer hydraulic parameters from geophysical resistivity data. 3- Methodology In this paper, using the resistivity data obtained from 86 vertical electrical soundings (VES) with the schlumberger arry and considering the similarity of the groundwater flow (Darcy's law) and the electrical flow (Ohm's law) characteristics in porous media, the hydrogeological parameters of Gachsaran’s Emamzadeh Jaafar aquifer, located in south of Kohgiloyeh and Boyrahmad province, were estimated 4- Discussion Besed on the results of this research, the average aquifer porosity and specific yield (Sy) were estimated to be about 26% and 0.044, respectively. The average alluvial and aquifer thicknesses were estimated to be about 132 and 79 meters, respectively. The total volume of Emamzadeh Jaafar aquifer and the approximate volume of water within the aquifer were respectively calculated to be about 5.7 and 1.5 billion cubic meters and the volume of extractable water from the aquifer was estimated about 66.5 million cubic meters. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions The comparison of data from geoelectrical and pumping test methods indicate that the electrical resistivity method is able to provide a reasonable estimate of hydrogeological parameters of the aquifer. Therefore, with the combination of data from geoelectrical method and pumping test, desired results can be obtained while reducing the costs.

1- Introduction Rural Guidance Plan has changed the physical landscape of Iranian rural settlements in the last two decades. However, without public participation in the preparation, implementation and maintenance this change will not reach the desired results. This study attempts to explore individual factors such as age, sex, education, occupation, assets, etc. affecting rural settler's participation in the implementation of Guidance Plan in rural settlements. In addition, the spatial distribution of the correlation between these two variables in the study area will be assessed. The results of this study can be used as a basis for further studies, planning and policy making in rural areas, especially in Khaf County. 2- Methodology In terms of the aim of the study, this study is an applied research and follows a descriptive- analytical methodology. Some parts of the data were collected through field studies and questionnaires and the other parts such as the theoretical-conceptual framework, documentations and the census were collected through library research method. According to the findings of census conducted in 2012, Khaf County includes 68 rural areas with a population of 65494 people. 63 of these villages had approved Guidance plan in 21 of which the plan has been carried out. The data population included the villages in which Guidance plan was carried out less than 10 years. From these villages, 10 with 4348 household were selected as sample villages for this study. To estimate the sample size, Cochran sampling method was applied with a confidence level of 95% and the error probability of 6.3%. A total of 233 people were questioned. In this study, simple random sampling method was applied. After data collection, they were processed by ArcGIS and SP. The main question in this study is “how effective are individual factors affecting rural settlers’ participation successful process of Guidance Plans performance in rural areas?” The study’s Hypothesis designed to answer the question is "individual factors affecting rural settler’ participation in the implementation process of Rural Guidance Plans have been considerably effective." 3- Discussion Among individual factors affecting rural settlers’ participation and implementation process of Rural Guidance Plans, there was a direct yet weak correlation with a value of 0.116 at a significance level of 95%. The findings revealed that there was a significant positive correlation for the spatial distribution of effective factors on the participation and the implementation of Guidance plans only in Chamanabad-Valiabad, Mehrabad, & Razdab. In addition, among individual factors affecting rural settlers’ participation and their participation rate in the procurement process and the implementation of Rural Guidance Plans there is a direct correlation with a value of 0.123 at 95% significance level. On the other hand, there is a direct and weak correlation between rural settlers’participation and implementation process of Rural Guidance Plans, with co-efficiency of 0.16 is at a significance level of 90%. The findings of the multivariate regression model reveals that only for marital status and number of children the P-Value is less than 0.05. The effect of these two variables is significant in the model. Other individual factors affecting rural settler’ participation in the success rate of Implement of Rural Guidance Plan projects do not have any direct impact. 4- Conclusion and Suggestions To examine the relationship between demographic factors (age, education, marital status and number of children, jobs and assets) affecting the rural settler's participation and success of rural projects on data obtained from the survey, Pearson correlation coefficient was used. Overall, the results showed that the process of implementing guidance projects in rural areas, the relationship between individual factors influencing participation of the rural settlers is weak. The results showed individual factors influencing rural settlers’' participation has a positive impact on the success rate of the Rural Plan. Recommended actions to increase of villager's participation in the implementation process of Rural Guidance Plans and achieve more success in this area include: Workshops in order to familiarize rural settlers with the process of preparation, implementation and maintenance of Rural Guidance Plan and how they can participate Legal and institutional capacity building in order to facilitate and enhance rural settlers’ public participation in the procurement process and implementation of Guidance Plan in rural areas which can increase the capacity of the rural population persistence. Taking advantage of local institutions and relying on their knowledge about the people and study area which can provide grounds for a better implementation of the project and facilitate the process of development in the region.

1- Introduction Twentieth century began with a billion people with 10 percent urban dwellers. It has ended with 6 billion people and 50 percent urban dwellers. Therefore, urban planning is more important than ever before. As a result, attention to the optimal distribution of applications and service centers is needed and thus most programmers are working with this issue. Accordingly, one of the most preliminary needs of disaster victims in the initial hours proceeding man-made disasters is health utilities. Supplying and equipping health care systems and their proper distribution among urban regions is one of biggest challenges for crisis managers. Extracted maps by network analyst model shows that hospital centers distribution in Tehran 3rd district do not comply with the principle of equitable distribution and adequate access for all citizens. A Lack of equitable distribution and lack of proper servicing in case of man-made crises in the region under study is one of the main reasons of this study. In this paper the allocation of hospital centers in Tehran 3rd district is done by colonial competitive algorithm. 2- Methodology The research method in this paper is based on a combination of descriptive and analytical procedures. The case study area included Tehran 3rd District in northern Tehran, with six regional and 11 neighborhoods and a population of 290,726 people in 2006, with an area of 29.38 hectares. Required information for this research has been collected from housing and population census data, 1:2000 maps and comprehensive and master plans of Tehran in addition to magazines and books related to the research topic. The results were analyzed using Arc/GIS, Super Decisions and Matlab software with network analysis was used for the evaluation of hospital service span and ANP model and ICA algorithm were used for hospital centers allocation. 3-Discussion The internal flexibility of urban systems, the potential utilization of internal rules and regulations conforming to the expectations of external passive defense system are important factors that help planners and urban designers while creating a healthy and safe urban demand. According to analysis, it is revealed that the pattern of hospitals centers distribution is inappropriate in the study area and has many deficiencies. Accordingly, allocating the correct and optimal hospitals centers were based on the principles of passive defense. The allocation of hospital in this research was based on three principals: safety, consistency and efficiency. Moreover, population factors, population density, passage confinement, pathway access, suitability, and neighborhood service area were defined as sub criteria in this case study. The results are been shown in fig 1. After converting the layers to measurable criteria, the final Weights were calculated by Network Analysis Model (ANP). Then the relative weight of each factor relative to the weight of each item obtained were incorporated in the Weighted Overlay function. The resulting number indicates the region which has the highest priority is to establish hospitals.Finally, after optimizing the algorithm based on colonial competitiveness, hospitals center has been allocated in the case study area. Accordingly, each of the proposed sites is listed for the applications of weighted priorities in Table 3, and the final results are shown in Figure 2. Table 3: Preference weights for the Tehran 3 district hospitals Centers Numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 weights 6.3 5.79 5.54 5.83 5.36 5.79 Map 2: Optimal sites for medical centers in Tehran 3 District 4- Conclusion and Suggestions In this study, medical centers have been allocated with an emphasis on the principles of passive defense. This new approach to site selection for urban applications uses a heuristic algorithm colonial competition. Furthermore, network analysis model were used to examine the distribution of and access to hospital facilities. The results of network analysis showed that these centers cannot provide appropriate services in man-made crises in the region and do not follow the same distribution in the region. In order to optimize site selection and basic principles of passive defense, network analysis models, ANP model and algorithm of ICA were used for selecting of the best sites for medical centers. The results of this study showed that colonial competitive algorithm can be used as a suitable model for urban land use site selection and help urban planners to understand and prioritize and find best solutions for urban issues.

1- Introduction Nowadays theorists consider social capital in addition to financial, physical and human capital for the development of any society, and describe it as the main factor and an important variable for the explanation of economic and social differences between different spatial levels. They discuss the lack of social capital as the major reason of inefficiency in planning policies and proposals. This consideration on the concept of social capital literature justifies its needs to be attached to planning and urban planning. The challenge of the central region of cities is one of the toughest issues in our country’s urban planning and there is always a trial and error process to develop and improve which always faces a barrier of residents negative response to participation derived from social capital. This article aims to assess and prioritize the factors that influence social capital in central region of cities and central region of Mashhad which is chosen as the case study. 2- Theoretical Framework Theoretical framework of this study shows that there is a structural relationship between the three categories of social capital, social trust and participation. One of the main components of social capital and the major domain of participation is trust in such a way that Putnam regards it as a solution for the problem of collective cooperation. In other words, social capital is realized as a strong bilateral relationship between levels of civic participation and interpersonal trust so that the greater citizen participation in the community, the more they learn to trust one another. When trust between them is more, they are more likely to participate the in their communities. Moreover, people who trust each other tend to have more trust in government agencies. With this theoretical basis, the present study tries to analyze the factors affecting social capital in the central regions of metropolises (Case study: Mashhad central region). Centers that today need to participation to solve problems more than anything else. 3- Methodology The research method is Descriptive-Analytic. The required data were gathered through questionnaires obtained from 378 residents from the central region of Mashhad using Cochran formula. In order to analysis the questionnaire items, a likert scale with responses ranging from 1 to 5 (very low, low, medium, high, and very high) was used. To validate the survey instrument (questionnaire) formal method credit was used. Selecting indices for estimating and measuring social capital was performed through three main components: trust (public institution), participation (formal, informal) and awareness (of civil rights). The calculations in this paper are based on the factor analysis technique. Therefore, 42 indicators in different dimensions of social capital were selected; which were then reduced to 5 main factors and included 89 percent of the variance. 3- Discussion The study results indicated that in central region of Mashhad, subjective factors such as a public trust and public participation have a greater impact the concept of social capital central region Mashhad residents than objective factors such as official trust and official participation on. These findings reveal that to strengthen and enhance the social capital of central region of Mashhad subjective factors (public participation awareness of civil rights, public trust) are more important since the other factors (official trust and official participation) are under their influence. 4- Conclusion And Suggestion According to the study results, the affective factors on Mashhad central region social capital was indicated a public participation with 24.2 percent, awareness of civil rights, official participation with 2.9 percent. In addition, the first three factors (official participation, awareness of civil rights, official trust) cover almost 70% of the variance. This shows that these three factors have the greatest impact on social capital in the central region of Mashhad. With regard to the three mentioned factors, we realized that they are rooted in the structures and cultural beliefs of residents and are abstract and subjective. The next two factors (official trust and official participation) somehow are related to the previous three factors. According to the findings, we can say that in Mashhad central region, subjective factors such as public participation, awareness of civil rights and public trust, have the greatest impact on social capital. Objective factors such as official trust and official participation are under the influence of them. This means that with the improvement of subjective factors, objective factors will also improve.

1- Introduction The spatial demographic system in Iran has had relative homogeniety and a galaxy form up to 1335. There was an organic relationship among large and small cities in each area and among their urban centers. (Ziari, 2009: 94-95). However, since 1335, and due to the application of centralist development theories, an imbalance and an inequity in this system arose (Farhudi et al, 2009: 60). As a consequence of economic, social, and political changes in the country such as increase in oil production and income, investment in cities and land reform, there was an increase in centralization in the first top cities of the country that caused the concentration of resources and the stablishment of infrastructure in them, little investment in agricultural sections and villages and vast migration of rural settlers to cities (Kamrava, 2000: 75-82). To reduce the problem of metropolises, control urban migration, decentralization from socio- economic structures and a balanced regional development with regard to a regional development approach, development programmers have considered a collection of measures in the last four decades, such as spatial decentralization through regional Land Use Planning (management), and the development of medium cities, small towns, villages, etc. (Zebardast, 2007: 33) In Iran, the development of rurbans was carried out with the policy of changing big villages to cities (Taherkhani, 1999: 18). Altogether, the number of cities in the 1335 which was 200, changed to 1012 by1385 (www,sci.org.ir). According to official statistics during 1375 to 1385, Khorasan province and Neyshabour had been among regions that had undergone greatest number of changes from rural to urban areas in comparison to other parts of the country. Consequently, despite the division of the province into three parts, the number of cities changed from 47 in 1365 to 66 in 1385 (in addition to 16 cities in Northern Khorasan and 21 in Southern Khorasan). Furthermore, the number of towns in Neyshabour increased from 4 in 1375 to 7 in 1385. (www.sci.org.ir).Therefore; according to the quantitative development of rurbans in the country, the province and the areas of interest, and their various functions, the main questions of the study are as follows: 1. Have the creation and development of rurbans, led to a balanced distribution of population at regional level and resulted in any change in the priority of rural immigrants in the area? 2. What effects has the promotion of political, official and service role in rurbans had on the social satisfaction of rural settlers and their view point towards the development of the region? 2- Theoretical Framework The study of small cities and their relationship with rural development was first initiated by Johnson’s study in 1970 and the discussion about rural development centers began by Funnel (1976) (Fanni, 1996: 10). Yet, Friedmann’s study in 1967 and that of Barry in 1967, (Roknaldineftekhari et al, 2001: 37) and Friedmann’s theory of rurban areas in 1975 in Japan, played an important part on the accomplishment of this approach (Friedmann and Daouglas, 1984: 7) Inspired by Johnson’s views, Rondinelli (1976) proposed the approach of urban application in rural development (Ziari 2004: 162) by which he reemphasized the significance of the development of these cities. In 1980s, Rondinelli and Roddle, as the American consultant engineers of U.S.A.I.D. Institute, carried out UFord pattern in the Phillippines. Later on, the same approach was exercised on and reviewed in P.U.T.C. section in Bolivia, whose main aim was to reduce rural poverty and increase rural production and income (KharratZebardast, 1998: 27). Daouglass (1979) shed more light on the whole framework in an article entitled “Rurban Development, an Option to Regional Development in Asia”. In his next researches, Freidman (1981, 1996) referred back to this idea in a suitable model to rural development of Asian Countries. Furthermore, he introduced this development as a balancing factor for urbanization, the promotion of rural living standards, increasing occupational opportunities and reducing rural settlers’ migration to cities (IzadiKharameh, 2001: 236-237). 3- Methodology This study is an applied study using descriptive-analytical methods. The required data were collected through documentary research and field work. Observation, questionnaires and interviews were also used. Based on the Cochran formula, a sample size including 20 villages and 342 rural people (Householder), was selected. The study population included 2 districts of Neyshabur: Zebakhan (Ghadamgah and Kharv towns) and Mianjolgeh (Eshghabad town) and all the villages located within them. Data was analyzed using SPSS software package. 4- Discussion Well- known rural development theoretician believe the socio- economic gaps between villages and cities are vast and think the distance could be reduced with the invent of rurban communities, being socially closer to villages and economically closer to cities (Misra: 1366, 35). They believe that any kind of movement and activity in these centers would affect rural zones in the first place (Fanni, 1996: 53- 54). Urbanization rate in Neyshabour, with a rate of 19 in 1345, has trippled to 60.6 in 1390 and its urban areas, 4 in 1375, has increased to 7 in 1390, finally resulting in the creation of a new county, Firoozeh, and two towns called Hemmatabad and Garmab. Therefore, as much twice an increase in urban areas to 10, has had various effects on the types of the surrounding villages and newly created urban centers. The results of the study show that Ghadamgah with an index population elasticity of 2.08 has been relatively successful in keeping its population. But this index has been 0.55 for Kharv, and 0.76 for Eshghabad, which have had a relative correlation due to their economical problems and unstablishment of infrastructures. According to an entropy index comparison during / after the previous two periods, the development of rurbans has led to the movement of spatial populational system towards a balance which will continue in the future. T- Test results showed that there is a meaningful correlation between the promotion of official services in rubans, social satisfaction and the reduction of rural settler's gap from service performance. Field investigation also revealed that more than 80% of rural settlers believe that the improvement of administrative roles has prevented 60% of official-service commutes to city centers. Furthermore, parallel with an increase in the distance between cities, the probability of having economical and commercial services has decreased. The promotion of market role of rurbans and a reduction of agricultural products due to an increase in profitability of activities pertaining to this section have been some of the most important effects from an agricultural development perspective in the areas of interst. With the development of Ghadamgah's social services and tourist activities in Zebarkhan, an important portion of garden products which is less than 2 tons, is sold to retailers at a higher price. After the development of Kharv, the number of shopping and trade centers has increased from 14 to 31. Parallel with this evolution, transportation vehicles have also increased in number which in turn has caused a significant rise in agricultural trades, leading to a reduction in transportation expenses. In Mianjolgeh, more than 90 percent of rural settlers shave stated that, after the promotion of Eshghabad, 80 percent of merchants along with cotton, wheat and barely trade centers moved from Neyshabour to this city. Furthermore, delivering garden fruit to the local merchants has led to a reduction in transportation expenses up to 50 or 60 percents. Two other important services with which the rural settlers were satisfied were the distribution of agricultural seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc, and private veterinarian, and pharmacies. This furthermore, has significantly reduced the rural settlers’ referring to city and in turn has prevented higher expenses up to 30 –50 percents. According to Wilcoxson's Marked Ranking Test about the rural settlers view about the promotion of rurbans and the development of the area, it was observed that because the amount of P values in Zevarkhan (0.001) and in Mianjolgeh (0.022) was less than Alpha level (a= 0.05), the survey emphasizes on the rural settlers’ positive view towards the future development of the area due to the promotion of rurbans in these two districts. 5- Conclusion and Suggestions Deficiencies and rurban weakness mainly included a lack of sanitary, medical treatment, education, sports and well-fare services at high level, decision- making official and responsible services fulfilling rural settler's needs (official centralization for some services). The most important weakness was found to be their little financial capabilities to attract extra labor in villages. As a result, the following recommendations have been offered to solve the afformentioned problems: 1. Investment in economical infrastructures and the development of non-agricultural businesses such as: processing industries for agricultural products, building warehouses, fridges and packaging industries. 2. Establishing governmental offices and subgroup firms which are not active in rurbans, setting up governmental organizations with sufficient authorities)through new computerized facilities, the internet and internal communicative networks), the development of service- commercial centers (whole-sale centers and distributing cooperative centers), welfare, hostelry sanitary- health centers in order to fulfill rural settler's needs without referring to urban and provincial centers. 3. Improvement and promotion of communication paths, networks and public transportation. 4. Increase mutual, social communication in rurbans and surrounding villages such as creating parks, recreational and sports centers in order to attract more rural community participation in regional development