مطالب

The urban environment quality approach, as one of the most modern paradigms for revitalizing urban areas, has a significant impact on the quality of life and Citizens' welfare, and its combination with creative approaches such as urban branding can lead to the growth and excellence of urban areas and increase the competitiveness of the city. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to analyze the spatial relationship between creative tourism indicators and urban environment quality in the neighborhoods of Arak. The required data and information were collected using library and survey methods. After analysis in EXCEL software, they were entered into GIS software and spatially analyzed using multivariate regression in the form of the GWR model. The statistical sample of the study was 384 citizens of Arak. The results of the study showed that the status of creative tourism indicators is in an unfavorable condition and the peripheral neighborhoods of the city are in a weaker condition. Also, the environmental quality indicators in Arak are not in a favorable condition and most neighborhoods have an average score lower than 3. Also, the results of the spatial analysis of the GWR model showed the relationship between creative tourism and the quality of the urban environment, and creative tourism indicators can have a high impact on the quality of the environment of the neighborhoods of Arak, especially in the eastern, southern and southwestern regions of the city. Also, findings revealed that the impact of creative tourism indicators on economic and Physical-functional, the quality of the environment is in an almost average position.

Acquiring a new language necessitates adeptness in mastering its lexicon. Language learners must possess a broad lexicon to effectively decipher texts in their target language. Among the array of skills imperative for foreign language learners, reading comprehension reigns supreme, influenced by myriad factors, including vocabulary breadth. This study endeavors to scrutinize the impact of vocabulary breadth on the reading comprehension of Iranian male and female learners of English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Engaging 80 EFL learners at the intermediate level, the study employed two assessments: the Vocabulary Levels Test (Nation, 1990) to gauge learners' lexical proficiency and the Reading Comprehension Test (TOEFL version, 2004) to assess their reading acumen. Utilizing a Two-way ANOVA for data analysis, the findings underscored the substantial positive influence of expansive lexicon on reading comprehension. Notably, gender differentials in reading comprehension were not discerned among the participants. These findings carry implications for language pedagogy, assessment practices, educator preparation, and curriculum development.

The relationship between increased budget allocations to the judiciary and improvements in judicial behavior and performance has gained prominence in recent years. However, given the limited nature of resources, extensive funding for the justice system often comes at the expense of other societal needs. Thus, optimizing resource allocation within the judiciary is essential. This optimization requires identifying challenges specific to the judicial system of the Islamic Republic of Iran and examining the experiences of other nations. This article argues that effective governance demands budget transparency, and arbitrary resource allocation—without considering medium- and long-term planning—presents significant challenges. Despite the implementation of six medium-term plans since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, a coherent link between these plans and the budgetary process remains elusive in Iran. This disconnect can be partly attributed to the influence of bargaining dynamics on budget allocation. Additional challenges include a lack of fiscal discipline, an excessive reliance on incremental budgeting, inadequate use of an efficient accounting system, and ineffective oversight by other branches of government regarding the financial performance of the judiciary. Experiences from various countries indicate that when budgeting systems resist reform, a viable solution involves identifying and strengthening components within the existing institutional framework that enhance efficiency. Given that implementing Performance Budgeting within the judiciary may be impractical, a more effective approach may involve adhering to traditional budgeting methods. Ultimately, enhancing budget transparency and facilitating public access to budgetary information can empower citizens, promote government accountability, and yield mutual benefits.