Advanced Journal of Management, Humanity and Social Science

Abstract This expanded article examines whether cognitive flexibility and emotional regulation predict post-traumatic growth (PTG) among adult survivors of natural disasters. Drawing on post-traumatic growth theory, the organismic valuing perspective, and the regulatory-flexibility framework, the manuscript argues that growth after disaster depends not only on the severity of exposure but also on survivors’ capacity to revise assumptions, tolerate emotional distress, and select regulation strategies that fit changing demands. A cross-sectional design is proposed with 328 adult survivors recruited 6 to 36 months after an earthquake, flood, landslide, storm, wildfire, or related natural hazard. The study uses the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form, the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory, the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, together with demographic, loss-severity, displacement, and social-support variables. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, hierarchical regression, and assumption checks are specified in detail. The editable results show that cognitive flexibility and cognitive reappraisal are significant positive predictors of PTG, whereas expressive suppression and broader emotion-regulation difficulties are significant negative predictors after controlling for age, gender, education, injury, property loss, displacement, time since disaster, and perceived social support. The model explains a meaningful proportion of variance in PTG and highlights the need for integrated disaster mental-health interventions that combine cognitive flexibility training, reappraisal skills, emotional awareness, culturally sensitive expression, and community-based support. The manuscript is prepared in the AJMHSS style and includes APA in-text citations and an APA-formatted reference list. Statistical values, affiliation details, ORCID, and ethics information finalized with the author’s actual dataset before submission.

Abstract Effective communication is increasingly recognized as the critical determinant of success in complex project environments. Yet, despite decades of empirical research, communication, documentation, and knowledge management remain fragmented constructs within project management theory. This study proposes the Communicative Infrastructure Model CIM, a conceptual and mathematical framework that reconceptualizes project communication as a dynamic control system. The CIM integrates documentation usability D, knowledge integration K, risk communication efficiency R, and communication network quality CQ into a unified model based on systems theory, information entropy, and control stability analysis. Using a mathematical foundation derived from Shannon’s information theory and Lyapunov stability criteria, the model defines a Communicative Infrastructure Function CIF that quantifies how communication reduces uncertainty, mitigates risk, and stabilizes decision-making processes. The proposed framework positions communication not as a soft skill but as a measurable, strategic infrastructure that governs project equilibrium. By demonstrating that project systems achieve stability when communication efficiency exceeds a calculable threshold, this study establishes formal criteria linking communicative quality to project performance outcomes. A comparative analysis of recent studies (2020–2025) illustrates how existing empirical models of Agile collaboration, cross-functional coordination, and documentation practices can be mathematically integrated within the CIM. This theoretical advancement offers both researchers and practitioners a quantitative foundation for assessing and optimizing communicative effectiveness in project environments. It opens pathways for future empirical calibration through data-driven simulations, AI-enabled communication analytics, and real-time performance monitoring. The CIM thus redefines project communication as a cybernetic infrastructure of project management, capable of transforming risk, uncertainty, and knowledge flow into measurable system stability.

Abstract In 2026, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Urban Security Management in Iran has emerged as a strategic and transformative technology, playing a pivotal role in enhancing cyber surveillance, threat prediction, critical infrastructure protection, and urban resilience. This trend, embedded within the National Artificial Intelligence Document of the Islamic Republic of Iran (approved by the Islamic Consultative Assembly in 2025/1404) and the agendas of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, is observable in major municipalities such as Tehran (through intelligent systems for detecting violations of hijab regulations and traffic monitoring) and smaller cities like Nushabad (focusing on safeguarding cultural heritage and the underground city of Ouyi against cyber and physical threats). However, this integration has engendered profound legal and jurisprudential challenges, primarily stemming from tensions between the security efficacy of AI and fundamental principles of civil rights and Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah. Recent jurisprudential scholarship (e.g., 2025-2026 analyses of AI ethics in Imami jurisprudence) emphasizes that AI must not become an instrument for violating individual rights; rather, it should be subject to oversight by religious scholars and jurisprudential-legal committees to ensure conformity with Islamic values (such as the principles of lā ḍarar wa lā ḍirār). In this context, proposed models, such as integrating Maqāṣid into the NIST RMF or adopting Islamic ethical frameworks (as implemented in Islamic countries like the UAE and Malaysia), may offer viable pathways. The paper concludes by recommending that Iranian municipalities adopt a hybrid governance approach integrating global technical standards with jurisprudential principles to mitigate AI risks and progress toward sustainable and ethical development. This research is valuable for policymakers, urban security managers, jurists, and legal scholars, and may serve as a foundation for future articles in ISI/Scopus journals on AI Ethics, Islamic Jurisprudence, and Urban Governance.

Abstract The indigenous music of Gilan, as part of the musical heritage of northern Iran, possesses extensive structural, modal, and functional diversity. This research, adopting a descriptive-analytical approach, examines the typology of Gilan's indigenous music and conducts a structural analysis of several selected pieces from various regions of this province. In this study, alongside a brief introduction to the cultural and ritual context of Gilani music, several vocal and instrumental pieces from mountainous and lowland areas are selected and analyzed in terms of modal structure, rhythm, meter, tempo, and form. Furthermore, a graphical model is proposed for representing modal relationships and the role of central pitches within the melodic structure, which, through the use of color, melodic space, and motion density, enables comparative study of the pieces. The results indicate that the biological and cultural differences between the mountainous and lowland regions of Gilan are reflected in the melodic structure, internal tempo, and rhythmic behavior of the pieces. Pieces from mountainous regions generally exhibit greater melodic motion, higher internal tempo, and greater temporal density, whereas pieces from lowland regions display longer durations, relative stasis, and slower tempos.

Abstract Housing, as both a consumable good and an investment asset, is a fundamental social necessity that has become increasingly scarce in many societies. Consequently, the provision of affordable housing and the accessibility of low-income groups to adequate housing remain critical components of national economic development strategies, with governments worldwide striving to achieve this objective. However, the supply of affordable housing has consistently faced financial and planning challenges, leading to limited success in many countries.

In the United States, the diversity of actionable policies and programs, often leveraging social capital, has resulted in relatively successful outcomes, enabling the housing market to accommodate a portion of low-income demand. Affordable housing support mechanisms have been implemented across almost all U.S. states, ensuring economic accessibility for lower-income groups through various strategies.

A review of U.S. housing policies highlights that increasing both the quality and quantity of affordable housing, alongside fostering income and residential diversity within neighborhoods, constitutes a core housing policy framework. Programs such as inclusive zoning, regulatory code simplification, housing choice vouchers, and land banks collectively aim to reduce construction costs while directing housing subsidies through private-sector developers to low-income households. This targeted approach ensures that housing supply aligns with the needs of economically disadvantaged communities.

A key takeaway from the U.S. experience is the emphasis on multi-stakeholder planning and diversified financial mechanisms in affordable housing provision. This multi-faceted approach facilitates the mobilization of community resources and investment, fostering sustainable and scalable housing solutions.

Abstract Project-Based Learning (PBL) has emerged as one of the most influential student-centered instructional approaches in contemporary education. The present study investigated the effect of Project-Based Learning on creativity and problem-solving skills among elementary school students. A quasi-experimental research design with pre-test and post-test control groups employed. Sixty elementary school students selected and randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving Project-Based Learning instruction or a control group receiving traditional teacher-centered instruction. The intervention lasted for twelve weeks and involved interdisciplinary projects requiring collaboration, inquiry, and real-world problem-solving. Creativity assessed using the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, while problem-solving skills measured through a standardized Problem-Solving Skills Inventory. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Results indicated significant improvements in both creativity and problem-solving skills among students exposed to Project-Based Learning compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, moderate-to-large effect sizes suggested that the instructional approach had meaningful educational benefits. Findings support constructivist theories emphasizing active engagement, collaboration, and authentic learning experiences. The study highlights the potential of Project-Based learning to foster higher-order thinking skills essential for success in the twenty-first century. Educational implications suggest that teachers and curriculum developers should integrate project-based strategies into elementary education to enhance creativity and critical thinking capacities. Future studies are encouraged to examine long-term effects, different age groups, and variations in project design. Overall, Project-Based Learning represents an effective pedagogical framework for promoting cognitive and creative development among young learners and preparing them for complex real-world challenges.

Abstract Romantic epics in world literature often serve as arenas for the representation of conflicts between love, duty, and morality. Beyond their narrative dimensions, these conflicts are also amenable to analysis from the perspective of moral philosophy. One of the most significant theoretical frameworks for examining such tensions is the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant, which emphasizes the primacy of practical reason and the principle of duty. The present study, employing a descriptive-analytical method with a comparative approach and relying on library-based research, draws upon Kant's theory of ethics and aesthetics to investigate moral conflicts in two prominent examples of romantic epics in world literature: the story of Khosrow and Shirin in Persian literature and the narrative of Paris and Helen in the Iliad. The central question is how the conflict between moral imperatives and the aesthetic allure of love can be explained in these two narratives. The findings indicate that in both narratives, love as an aesthetic and emotional force stands in opposition to moral and social obligations; however, the manner in which characters confront this conflict differs. In the epic of Khosrow and Shirin, the characters ultimately approach a kind of equilibrium between love and morality, whereas in the narrative of Paris and Helen, the predominance of personal desire over moral duty leads to tragic consequences. This difference reflects the cultural and moral distinctions between the two literary traditions, which can be elucidated from the perspective of comparative literature.

Abstract Municipalities face growing demands for improved financial efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the face of limited resources and complex urban challenges. Modern financial and accounting technologies—such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Business Intelligence (BI), and block chain-based solutions—offer transformative potential for optimizing budgeting and cost control processes. This study investigates the impact of such technologies in selected Iranian municipalities through a mixed-methods approach, combining five-year financial data analysis with in-depth interviews of financial managers. The results show that the implementation of modern financial systems led to a significant reduction in average budget deviations (by 23%) and shortened the time required for closing annual accounts (by 37%). Furthermore, qualitative insights reveal that these tools enhance transparency, improve monitoring efficiency, support timely decision-making, and reduce opportunities for fraud. However, the study also identifies barriers such as inadequate technical training and infrastructure limitations in smaller cities. The findings underscore the strategic importance of digital transformation in local government finance. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for municipal leaders aiming to improve fiscal governance through technology adoption. Emphasizing scalability, training, and integration, these recommendations aim to support more data-driven and accountable municipal budgeting systems in the digital era.

Abstract The present study, entitled "A Sociological Investigation of Social Anxiety in the Risk Age: In recent decades, human society has increasingly confronted two fundamental forms of insecurity: first, environmental crises such as climate change, drought, air pollution, and the depletion of natural resources, which pose a serious threat to human life; and second, digital insecurities including cyberattacks, privacy violations, and the expansion of technological surveillance, which undermine the psychological and social security of individuals. These two domains appear distinct on the surface, yet at a deeper level they converge on a common point: the production of social anxiety and the reproduction of fear of an uncertain future. Employing a documentary analysis approach within the theoretical framework of Ulrich Beck's "Risk Society" and the sociology of emotions, this research investigates the representation of environmental and digital insecurities in scientific, media, and policy documents. The findings indicate that social anxiety is not merely an individual reaction but a social and structural phenomenon reproduced through the salience of threats in public discourse and deficiencies in institutional management. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that factors such as policy transparency, enhancement of environmental and digital literacy, institutional trust, social capital, and resilience education can play a fundamental role in reducing social anxiety. Based on the findings, it can be asserted that social anxiety in the risk age reflects the manner in which societies confront modern threats, and its management requires a combination of sustainable environmental policies, efficient digital security, and the strengthening of cultural and social capacities. This study, by revealing the sociological dimensions of social anxiety, can contribute to the design of effective social and cultural policies aimed at mitigating the psychological and social consequences of contemporary threats.

Abstract Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) can support explanation and feedback, but unrestricted answers may encourage cognitive offloading, weak source evaluation, and diminished learner authorship. This study developed and content-validated NEXUS, which restricts GenAI to Socratic coaching, and examined preliminary effectiveness for learning agency, intrinsic motivation, and critical-thinking disposition among male upper-secondary students in Qazvin, Iran. Methods: Phase I combined needs mapping in 463 students, co-design, cognitive interviews, and two-round Delphi validation by 15 experts. Phase II randomized 12 classes (106 students; six clusters per arm) to ten weekly NEXUS sessions or a dose- and technology-matched active control. Three-month follow-up was primary. Mixed-model estimates were paired with CR2 inference, CR3 sensitivity analysis, restricted wild-cluster bootstrap-t intervals, and exact within-pair randomization tests. Model-based Hedges g used total class-plus-student variance. Results: The 55-element manual achieved S-CVI/Ave = 0.91; universal agreement was 0.31, and Fleiss kappa was 0.66 for relevance and 0.61 for necessity. Follow-up completion was 89.6%. Adjusted follow-up differences were 0.44 for agentic engagement (95% CI 0.10 to 0.78; Holm-adjusted p = 0.042; g = 0.43), 0.31 for intrinsic motivation (95% CI -0.04 to 0.66; adjusted p = 0.086; g = 0.30), and 6.1 for critical-thinking disposition (95% CI 0.6 to 11.6; adjusted p = 0.078; g = 0.38). The exact global multivariate randomization test was p = 0.031. Fidelity averaged 86.8%; minor AI-output and participant-burden events occurred, but no serious related event was observed. Conclusion: NEXUS showed credible content validity and a promising joint signal, strongest for agentic engagement. With only 12 clusters, incomplete blinding, and no prospective registration, independent replication is required.

Abstract Throughout its history, Islamic art, as a powerful visual language, has been able to express deep spiritual and philosophical concepts in the form of beautiful forms and patterns. The connection between sacred geometry and divine light in this art has not only led to the creation of amazing beauty, but has also influenced the philosophy and aesthetics of Europe in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. In this article, we will examine this connection of meaning and form in Islamic art and analyze its impact on Western art and thought. By looking at geometric patterns, light and color, we will explain the specific aesthetics of Islamic art. We will also discuss how these concepts were transmitted to Europe and their impact on artists and thinkers of that time. In this way, this article will help readers gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Islamic art on the history of Western art and philosophy.

Abstract Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into sports science, offering novel tools for injury surveillance, performance optimization, and psychological well-being monitoring in athletes. Despite growing adoption of machine learning (ML), computer vision, and wearable-sensor technologies, evidence regarding their clinical effectiveness and translational value remains fragmented across disciplines.

Objective: This article reviews and synthesizes current scientific evidence on the application of AI-based systems for reducing musculoskeletal injury risk and enhancing physical and psychological performance in athletic populations, with emphasis on methodological rigor and practical implementation.

Methods: A narrative synthesis was conducted drawing on systematic reviews, scoping reviews, and primary studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, and SPORTDiscus, focusing on peer-reviewed literature published between 2015 and 2026. Studies employing machine learning, deep learning, computer vision, wearable sensors, and AI-driven psychological monitoring in sport contexts were prioritized.

Results: Evidence indicates that AI-integrated wearable technologies and predictive analytics (e.g., random forests, convolutional neural networks, force-plate–derived biomechanical models) can identify injury risk factors, particularly in lower-limb musculoskeletal injuries, and support individualized rehabilitation protocols. Concurrently, AI-based facial expression analysis, physiological signal processing, and machine learning classifiers show emerging capacity to detect early markers of psychological stress and mental fatigue in elite athletes, complementing established sports-psychiatry frameworks. However, heterogeneity in study design, limited external validation, and "black-box" model interpretability remain significant barriers to clinical translation.

Conclusion: AI holds substantial promise for a proactive, individualized approach to athlete health management spanning biomechanical injury prevention and mental health surveillance. Future research should prioritize prospective validation, algorithmic transparency, and ethical frameworks for real-world deployment in athletic populations.

Abstract This paper explores the intersection of civil law and commercial law in regulating international trade relations. In today’s globalized economy, legal systems must reconcile the foundational principles of civil law—such as contract freedom and private rights—with the dynamic and often complex requirements of international commerce. The article examines how legal frameworks rooted in civil law principles adapt to the demands of international business, including cross-border transactions, international arbitration, and multinational commercial agreements. It also analyzes the role of national legislations, treaties such as the CISG (United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods), and supranational institutions like the ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) in harmonizing civil and commercial legal norms. Special attention is given to challenges such as legal uncertainty, jurisdictional conflicts, and enforcement mechanisms. The study concludes that effective integration of civil and commercial law principles is essential for fostering legal predictability and economic efficiency in international trade relations.

Abstract Each This paper examines the Yalta Conference (4–11 February 1945) as a pivotal episode of post-war order-building and asks what mattered more in shaping its outcomes: material capabilities or institutions. Combining a historical reconstruction of key negotiations—Germany’s occupation and reparations, Poland’s political future, Soviet entry into the war against Japan, and the design of the United Nations—with an explicit International Relations framework, the study evaluates whether Yalta’s model of great-power management stabilized the emerging system or intensified a security dilemma between the Western and Soviet blocs. Methodologically, the paper employs a qualitative case-study design and process tracing, using primary diplomatic records alongside major secondary scholarship to identify bargaining sequences, causal mechanisms, and “close-call” turning points. The analysis argues that power realities set the limits of agreement, particularly where military facts on the ground created asymmetric leverage, while institutional arrangements helped formalize, legitimate, and extend those bargains over time. Yalta therefore reduced the risk of immediate great-power war by coordinating expectations and procedures, yet simultaneously accelerated ideological and strategic competition by embedding contested norms—especially over self-determination—within an unequal settlement. The paper concludes that Yalta’s legacy is best understood as an institutionalized power bargain: stabilizing at the apex, but structurally prone to legitimacy crises at the periphery, shaping both the early Cold War and the architecture of post-1945 global governance.

Abstract In the contemporary digital landscape, libraries stand at a critical crossroads between tradition and innovation. Once perceived as physical repositories of books and manuscripts, libraries today are undergoing a profound transformation in their structure, services, and purpose. In the digital transformation era, libraries are increasingly adopting emerging technologies to enhance their information management processes. This paper explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), and mobile technologies in modern library environments. These technologies have significantly improved the efficiency of cataloging, information retrieval, resource sharing, and user interaction. By implementing AI-driven search tools, cloud-based platforms for digital preservation, blockchain for secure transactions, and IoT for inventory management, libraries have evolved into intelligent information centers. The study is based on a review of recent literature and practical applications from global library systems. It also highlights key challenges such as implementation costs, data privacy concerns, and the digital divide among users. Overall, the paper emphasizes that strategic and ethical adoption of emerging technologies can transform libraries into inclusive and efficient hubs for knowledge dissemination and community engagement in the 21st century.

Abstract Legal predictability is one of the essential indicators of an efficient private law system because it enables contracting parties to estimate legal consequences before disputes arise. In the Iranian legal system, contractual damages are governed by statutory provisions, judicial interpretation, and evolving judicial practice. Nevertheless, differences in judicial reasoning and the absence of unified interpretative standards have generated considerable uncertainty regarding the determination and enforcement of contractual damages. This study investigates the level of legal predictability of contractual damages in Iranian private law through an empirical evaluation of published judicial decisions together with statutory principles governing contractual liability. A doctrinal-empirical research design was employed by integrating qualitative legal analysis with systematic examination of judicial decisions issued by Iranian civil courts and the Supreme Court. Legislative provisions of the Iranian Civil Code were analyzed alongside judicial reasoning and interpreted within comparative contract law frameworks. The findings indicate that statutory provisions provide a relatively coherent legal foundation, whereas judicial predictability is primarily influenced by variations in judicial interpretation concerning causation, foreseeability, contractual intent, and proof of damages. Comparative legal principles demonstrate that greater interpretative consistency could significantly improve legal certainty without requiring extensive legislative reform. The study contributes practical recommendations for strengthening judicial consistency, enhancing contractual certainty, and improving the overall predictability of contractual remedies in Iranian private law while providing a structured analytical framework applicable to future empirical legal studies.

Abstract Social trust is recognized as one of the most fundamental instruments for strengthening security. It refers to the reciprocal relationships and levels of cooperation among individuals and groups within a society. Security, understood as freedom from fear and danger and the sense of being free from any threat, has been one of the primary and essential human needs since the dawn of human life. Security in this sense has a profound connection with the economic, social, and cultural structures of society. Therefore, the feeling of security is shaped by various factors, one of which is social capital. Social capital consists of multiple components, among which social trust is recognized as one of the most influential in enhancing the level of social security in society. In other words, social trust functions as a key factor in strengthening social bonds, and these bonds play an important role in establishing security in society. These bonds include family, friendship, neighborhood, and even organizational relationships, which, by creating a sense of shared ownership and responsibility toward others, reinforce security. Furthermore, social security, as a guarantor of individual and social rights and interests and a source of peace and comfort for members of society, is contingent upon social trust. Ultimately, awareness of the state of security perception among residents of a community plays an effective role in identifying challenges and development strategies and in strengthening the infrastructure of that community.

Abstract In the digital age, social media platforms have emerged as powerful spaces where youth not only interact but also experiment with and construct their identities. This article critically examines the influence of platforms such as Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and X (formerly Twitter) on youth identity development and explores how these evolving identity practices impact broader social cohesion. Youth today navigate complex networks of digital performance, where identity is shaped by peer feedback, algorithmically curated content, and global cultural flows. While these platforms offer avenues for self-expression, empowerment, and group belonging, they also foster echo chambers, comparison anxiety, identity polarization, and performative behaviors. Furthermore, the role of influencers, viral trends, and platform-specific aesthetics reinforce norms that often privilege superficiality over authenticity. It also investigates the political implications of identity radicalization and ideological polarization that emerge from algorithmic filtering and targeted content delivery. Through case studies from the United States, Iran, Germany, and Nigeria, the article provides empirical grounding to illustrate both the risks and potentials of youth digital engagement. A comparative lens between Global North and Global South contexts highlights the nuances of digital identity formation across sociocultural environments. Finally, the article calls for a multidimensional policy response involving education, media literacy, platform design, and civic engagement initiatives to ensure that social media becomes a tool for inclusive identity development and enhanced social cohesion. The findings underscore the urgent need to understand and address the sociopsychological and political ramifications of digital identity in the lives of young people today.

Abstract The legal analysis of the attack on the vessel Dena transcends the mere description of a naval military incident; rather, it constitutes a test for assessing the relationship between hard law and soft law in the regulation of armed maritime conflicts. The central question is whether the qualification of a vessel as a "military objective" alone can serve as a basis for the lawfulness of an attack and preclude the international responsibility of the attacking State. Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology and relying on the distinction between the law governing the resort to force and the law governing conduct in armed conflict, this article demonstrates that the military character of a vessel is merely one element of assessment within the purview of international humanitarian law. It cannot substitute for the examination of the lawfulness of the resort to force per se, military necessity, proportionality, precautions in attack, respect for the rights of third States, and post-attack obligations towards the wounded and shipwrecked. The article concludes that in maritime armed conflicts, hard law and soft law do not stand in a relationship of opposition; rather, soft law particularly the San Remo Manual plays an interpretative, supplementary, and norm-generating role in the implementation of binding rules. From this perspective, even if the Dena were to be classified among military objectives, the lawfulness of the attack remains contingent upon the simultaneous satisfaction of multiple layers of legal requirements: the legality of the resort to force, compliance with the rules governing the conduct of military operations, respect for the rights of third States, and the fulfilment of humanitarian obligations following the attack.

Abstract The expansion of electronic commerce and the increasing growth of sales contracts in the digital space have exposed consumers to new vulnerabilities rooted in the inherent nature of the virtual environment, including information asymmetry, inability to physically inspect goods, ambiguity regarding the identity of the counterparty, and difficulty in enforcing rights in the digital sphere. These realities reveal the necessity of an efficient legal framework for the protection of the electronic consumer. The main issue of the present research is to determine to what extent the Iranian legal system, in comparison with the European Union, protects the consumer in electronic sales contracts, where the existing gaps are, and what solutions can be offered to address these deficiencies. This research has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon library resources, legal documents, and judicial practice. The research findings indicate that although both systems recognize the principle of consumer protection and have provided similar instruments such as pre-contractual information obligations, the right of withdrawal, and the control of unfair terms, the depth, scope, and effectiveness of these instruments differ significantly. The Iranian legal system has performed relatively acceptably at the level of declaring rights, but suffers from serious weakness at the level of ensuring the enforcement of these rights. Three fundamental gaps the absence of a comprehensive personal data protection law, the lack of regulations governing the liability of intermediary platforms, and the absence of an efficient online dispute resolution mechanism constitute the most important weaknesses of the Iranian legal system in comparison with EU standards. Addressing these gaps through the enactment of a personal data protection law, updating the Electronic Commerce Law with a focus on strengthening enforcement guarantees, and establishing an online dispute resolution mechanism are proposed as legislative reform priorities.

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI), as one of the most advanced technologies of the 21st century, has increasingly entered the world's judicial systems and has transformed judicial decision-making processes. With its ability to analyze large volumes of data, identify complex patterns, and predict outcomes, this technology enables the acceleration and increase of accuracy in the process of handling cases. In this regard, AI can help judges and lawyers make more accurate and objective decisions based on evidence and information, thereby promoting judicial justice. In addition, the use of intelligent systems in predicting the risk of committing a crime or returning to the criminal justice system greatly contributes to decisions related to conditional release or setting bail. Also, text analysis and behavioral pattern recognition tools in criminal and legal cases can reduce the possibility of human errors and unintentional biases. However, the use of AI in decriminalization also comes with significant challenges and concerns. The most important of these challenges is the issue of transparency and understandability of algorithms; because AI decisions may be ambiguous and uninterpretable for human users and even judges due to technical complexities. Also, the risk of algorithmic discrimination resulting from inappropriate training data or biases in the data can jeopardize judicial justice. Concerns related to privacy, data security, and liability in the event of errors are also important concerns. Ultimately, the impact of AI on judicial decision-making processes depends largely on how it is designed, monitored, and the legal and ethical frameworks governing its use.

Abstract The Strait of Hormuz, as one of the most strategically significant international straits, has consistently served as a focal point where the rules of the international law of the sea intersect with the national security imperatives of coastal States. With the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), a novel concept "transit passage" was introduced, conferring extensive freedoms upon military and merchant vessels while concomitantly restricting the regulatory authority of the coastal State. In contrast, the traditional regime of "innocent passage" provides for a more expansive supervisory authority for the coastal State (Iran). Employing a descriptive-analytical methodology and scrutinising Articles 19, 38, and 44 of the aforementioned Convention, this study examines the legal challenges at hand. The findings indicate that Iran, by invoking the doctrine of the "persistent objector" and emphasising the contractual character of the transit passage regime, underscores the implementation of innocent passage rules in order to safeguard its national security and protect the marine environment against non-member States.

Abstract The expansion of blockchain technology and the evolution of digital platforms have led to the emergence of new concepts in contractual relations, of which "smart contracts" are among the most significant. These contracts are designed as blockchain-based computer programs that execute the terms of the parties' agreement in the form of digital codes and enable the automatic performance of obligations without the need for traditional intermediaries. Such features have increased the speed, transparency, and efficiency of transactions. However, the introduction of this technology into the field of contract law has raised fundamental questions regarding the legal nature, validity, and enforcement of such contracts in various legal systems, particularly those based on classical traditions. The aim of this research is to elucidate the legal nature of smart contracts and analyze the challenges of their enforcement in the Iranian legal system. The research method is descriptive-analytical, and data have been collected through library studies and the examination of domestic and international legal sources. The findings indicate that, despite technical differences, smart contracts can be analyzed within the framework of general contract rules. The principle of party autonomy and Article 10 of the Civil Code provide the capacity to accept this type of contract, and the Electronic Commerce Law, by recognizing data messages and electronic signatures, has established a basis for the validity of digital transactions. However, challenges such as ascertaining the true intent of the parties, determining liability for technical errors, and the conflict between the immutability feature of blockchain and institutions such as rescission and mutual rescission persist. Accordingly, the formulation of supplementary regulations, the development of legal infrastructure, and the enhancement of specialized knowledge appear essential for the safe and effective utilization of this technology.

Abstract Semiotics and semantics play an important role in media analysis in today's world, and movie posters, as one of the key elements in movie advertising, can somehow convey the story and message of the film to the audience. Analyzing the semiotics of movie posters as a communication tool allows us to examine how meanings and emotions are conveyed to the audience. Yuri Lotman, a prominent Russian theorist, believes that each sign has its own meaning in a cultural and social context. The use of signs in posters, in addition to attracting attention, can create certain emotions and expectations in the viewer. Yuri Lotman, a prominent Russian theorist, has studied the structure and cultural signs and can help us to have a deeper understanding of these media. This article analyzes the semiotics of movie posters and its impact on the audience from Lotman's perspective and analyzes the key elements of signs, colors, images and texts in these posters.

Abstract The municipality is a non-governmental public institution which, due to the powers and duties entrusted to it by law, is also accountable before the law. Therefore, the legal obligations that municipalities bear in line with their prescribed duties are subject to legal enforcement or judicial proceedings. The civil liability of municipalities is governed by the rules defined for other persons, but the omission of municipalities is specifically related to the organized nature of this non-governmental institution's activities. This research is theoretical in nature and was conducted using a descriptive-analytical method. The data collection method was library-based, involving the review of documents, books, and articles. The results of the research indicate that the liability of municipalities is subject to article 11 of the civil liability law; however, the determination of the type and assessment of the amount of damages, as well as the role of each organizational level within this institution in relation to omission, has not been properly defined and does not follow an established precedent. This issue becomes more complex when numerous contractors collaborating with municipalities are also brought within the scope of municipal civil liability. Ultimately, it appears that municipalities enjoy immunity against damages arising from their sovereign acts and are exempt from paying compensation. Another group of legal scholars believes that, in addition to the aspect of sovereign acts, the necessity of the omission must be proven to the judge; otherwise, they will not be absolved from the application of the law and compensation merely on the grounds of exercising sovereignty.