This study investigates the potential to develop an analytical framework for the measurement of city brands. The research objectives are: (1) to identify any city brand attribute dimensions; (2) to develop a research framework to investigate the city branding related attributes that impact on city branding; (3) to develop a research process to identify additional attributes or variables that have not been recognised as components of city branding in related literature; (4) to develop a city brand measurement tool; and (5) to refine a city brand measurement tool using a case study approach. The research process took a standard format of literature review, method development, data collection and analysis, work critique and further work discussion. The purpose of the literature review was to identify a gap in the city branding academic literature in relation to the existence of a concise city branding measurement framework. A judgement was made that the literature search should also incorporate three brand related subject areas: corporate branding (including corporate reputation); city branding and country branding. The primary research instrument phase 1 was then developed. It took the form of a combined semi-structured interview guideline and a questionnaire. The semi-structured interview was devised to detect potential attributes not identified in the literature review. The questionnaire was devised to test the veracity of the finalised potential city branding attributes derived from the literature review. The target audience consisted of city branding experts from four cities: Dubai; Dublin; Manchester; and Moscow. This enabled views from different cultures and aspects to be explored. They were interviewed and asked to complete the questionnaire. The results of the primary research phase 1 were analysed. New potential attributes were identified from the semi-structured interviews; and added to the listings. Furthermore, most potential city branding attributes were retained from the questionnaire analysis. However, some of the attributes were deemed to be not applicable and deleted from the research instrument. The primary research instrument phase 2, a questionnaire, was derived from the remaining potential city brand attributes from the phase 1 questionnaire analysis and the addition of the potential new attributes. A sample of one hundred and fifty people took part in the research focused on the cities of London and Paris. The sample population consisted of an international population who are UK and Irish residents. It was established that participants had awareness and some knowledge of the two target cities. The results from the primary research instrument phase 2 were initially analysed using exploratory factor analysis. The results provided a refined list of potential city brand attributes. The attribute list was loosely grouped into three dimensions: city brand personality; city business and infrastructure attributes and city cultural/educational and history related attributes. These results were then analysed using confirmatory factor analysis. Subsequently 46 city brand attributes were identified: 16 within a city personality dimension, 16 within a business related and infrastructure dimension and 14 within a history and culture dimension. The finalised city brand measurement framework is then described. An ensuing critique of this study and suggestions or further related work is provided.

This study provides a measurable model of the concept of place vulnerability for HIV/AIDS that incorporates both community and structural level effects using data provided at the ZIP code level from the Texas Department of State Health Services. Sociological literature on the effects of place on health has been growing but falls short of providing an operational definition of the effects of place on health. This dissertation looks to the literature in medical/health geography to supplement sociology’s understanding of the effects of place on health, to the end of providing a measurable model. Prior research that has recognized the complexity of the effects of place still have forced data into one scale and emphasized individual-level outcomes. A multilevel model allows for keeping the associated spatial unit data, without aggregating or parsing it out for convenience of model fit. The place vulnerability model proposed examines how exposure, capacity and potentiality variables all influence an area’s HIV/AIDS count. To capture the effects of place vulnerability at multiple levels, this dissertation research uses a multilevel zero-inflated poisson (MLZIP) model to examine how factors measured at the ZIP code and county both affect HIV/AIDS counts per ZIP code as an outcome. Furthermore, empirical Bayes estimates are mapped to display how well the model fits across the state of Texas. Limitations of this research include the need to incorporate time, more specific predictors, and individual level factors. The methodology developed permits a more thorough understanding of place effects on the spatial variation of HIV/AIDS.

The market tradition is perhaps as old as communication itself, the process of sharing and exchanging information. The thesis follows the development of the marketplace, the market space in the city of Nitra with the aim of finding its potential for space and space, which it understands as a permanent space of communication with an unstable character. The work uses this property and turns it to flourish to revitalize the marketplace, place, city outside its walls.

This diploma thesis deals with modern discipline called place branding or brand of territory. The aim of this work is to create a comprehensive information base for the creation of territorial brands, according to modern trends. For this object was made the theoretical part of the thesis, which is about basic elements that should contain all functioning brands. After the municipal concept of place branding, the work is more focused on the Czech Republic promotion and on the internet which is the main instrument of branding. For this purpose, the website of the Czech regions was examined in detail by the developed system of evaluation. Additional promotional websites found by a specified key have been included to the descriptions of regions. This comprehensive research reveals strengthts and weeknesses of the web pages.

Over the past ten years, the ramp, a traditional Appalachian food, has invaded elite culinary circles outside its native culinary region of Appalachia. Ramps (Allium tricoccum) are wild leeks traditionally foraged for in the spring, and are known for their pungent smell. This unique vegetable is traditionally celebrated in Appalachia through dinners and festivals that have been widely attended by members of the community and recently, outsiders. Similarly, outside the region, the ramp has been featured on fine dining menus and has been sold in farmer's markets and grocery stores for the first time across the country. This study aims to understand not only this recent popularity, but why the ramp has emerged as representative of traditional Appalachian culture. Qualitative interviews with experts in the ramp industry, patrons of ramp festivals, and those outside of Appalachia yet involved with ramps were conducted. Participant observation at ramp festivals and analysis of questions posted on a ramp-based Facebook page corroborate our interview data set. Analysis of these data has uncovered the impact sense of place and rootedness in the Appalachian mountains has on identity creation through festival performance. / Master of Science

Cold in-place recycling (CIR) is a pavement rehabilitation technique which has gained momentum in recent years. This momentum is due partly to its economic and sustainability characteristics, which has led to CIR market expansion. When pavement network deterioration is considered alongside increasing material costs, it is not beyond reason to expect demands on CIR to continue to increase. Historically, single component binder (SCB) systems, those with one stabilization binder (or two if the secondary binder dosage is 1% or less), have dominated the CIR market and could be considered the general state of practice. Common stabilization binders are either bituminous or cementitious. Two example SCB systems would be: 1) 3% portland cement, or 2) 3% asphalt emulsion with 1% hydrated lime. While traditional SCB systems have demonstrated positive economic and sustainability impacts, this dissertation focuses on multiple component binder (MCB) systems (bituminous and cementitious combined) which exhibit the potential to provide better overall economics and performance. Use of MCBs has the potential to alleviate SCB issues to some extent (e.g. cracking with cementitious SCBs, rutting with bituminous SCBs). Furthermore, to fairly represent both binders in an MCB system a universal design method which can accommodate multiple binder types is needed. The main objectives of this dissertation are to develop a universal CIR design framework and, using this framework, characterize multiple SCB and MCB systems. Approximately 1500 CIR specimens were tested herein along with approximately 300 asphalt concrete specimens which serve as a reference data set for CIR characterization. A case study of a high-traffic Mississippi CIR project which included cement SCB and emulsion SCB sections is also presented to support laboratory efforts. Individual components needed to comprise a universal design framework, such as curing protocols, were developed. SCB and MCB characterization indicated that cement SCBs yielded low cracking resistance, high rutting resistance, and lower costs. Emulsion SCBs yielded the opposite. MCBs demonstrated the ability to balance rutting, cracking, and economics. Overall, the universal framework presented appears promising as it could offer agencies flexibility and, in some cases, improved overall performance beyond that of current SCB design methods.

The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore a local food movement from the perspectives of small-scale, sustainable farmers in rural Jackson and Union Counties in Southern Illinois. This research applies three tenets of bioregionalism: (1) bioregional place identity, (2) foodshed ecology, and (3) community resilience as a thematic framework to examine the dimensions of a local food movement. Nine self-identified sustainable local food producers were individually interviewed and guided by four primary research questions derived from the bioregional thematic framework. The researcher seeks to understand the farmers’ perceptions of the (1) drivers, barriers, and limitations of the southern Illinois local food movement, (2) bioregional place identity and characteristics of the southern Illinois foodshed, (3) ecological integrity of the local food movement, and (4) local food access and community resiliency within the farmers’ bioregion. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative data methodologies. Key findings emerge from the data that respond to the four primary research questions: (1a) Farmers are driven by ecological and social values, as well as personal fulfillment to provide an alternative food system; (1b) Farmers face a barrage of economic, political, social, and ecological barriers that challenge the local food movement; (1c) The market-based, profit-driven economic system is the cause of most barriers and limitations in the southern Illinois food movement; (2) The farmers’ sense of place and the bioregion’s terrier indicate a strong and cohesive bioregional place identity for the farmers within the southern Illinois local food movement; (3) Farmers do not conflate scale with sustainability and are critical of the ecological impact of their work; (4) Farmers acknowledge bioregional food to be largely inaccessible in their bioregion, however, this consideration extends beyond most farmers’ capabilities. The significance of these findings indicate that the where of food matters beyond the conflation that scale determines the ecological and social integrity of food production. This further suggests that bioregionalism is a useful paradigm to analyze the dimensions of local food movements, to deepen the understanding of the place of local food.

Employing an expanded meaning of the concept of sense of place within Health Geography, this thesis explores the relationship between sense of place and mental wellbeing of immigrants. The concept of sense of place demonstrates the importance of specific places for socioeconomic and health impacts on individuals and groups in their societies. While research has explored immigrants’ sense of place, few studies have attempted to explore visible minority’s perceptions of place and its influence on wellbeing. Using qualitative and quantitative techniques, this thesis explores the perceptions and experiences of place amongst Ghanaian and Somali immigrants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. First, we explore key informants’ revelations on immigrants’ sense of place and mental wellness in Hamilton, Ontario. Findings provide insight into the role of policies that affect determinants of health amongst immigrants. Second, we examine the effects of self-perceived mental wellness, socioeconomic and demographic variables on sense of place amongst Ghanaian and Somali immigrants living in Hamilton, based on an analysis of a survey questionnaire (n=236). Findings highlight a positive relationship between sense of place and mental wellness. Third, using descriptive and multivariate regression methods, we focus on factors that predict African immigrants’ life satisfaction in Canada. We examine sociodemographic, economic and health-related factors that predict life satisfaction amongst African immigrants, specifically Ghanaian and Somali immigrants. We find that immigrant settlement workers and agencies would be better able to meet the needs of immigrants if they are conscious of the factors that would empower immigrants to cope with life stresses. We suggest a reduction of stress by helping individuals and families identify sources of support, providing jobs, affordable housing, language interpretation and training. Lastly, we explore specific places, religious sites and their relationship to health and wellbeing for immigrants. Specifically, we explore churches and mosques where Ghanaian and Somali immigrants worship. We find that places of worship are significant for physical health, social, emotional, spiritual, mental, and general quality of life amongst immigrants. The thesis is highly relevant in the current Canadian policy context, which includes contribution to the understanding of the determinants of health and integration of immigrants, providing insights into the concepts of sense of place and mental wellbeing, and broadening our understanding of African immigrants’ integration. Overall, this thesis develops a better understanding of immigrants’ settlement and integration, and further contributes to the broader immigration literature. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Employing an expanded meaning of the concept of sense of place within Health Geography, this thesis explores the relationship between sense of place and mental wellbeing of immigrants. The concept of sense of place demonstrates the importance of specific places for socioeconomic and health impacts on individuals and groups in their societies. While research has explored immigrants’ sense of place, few studies have attempted to explore visible minority’s perceptions of place and its influence on wellbeing. Using qualitative and quantitative techniques, this thesis explores the perceptions and experiences of place amongst Ghanaian and Somali immigrants in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. First, we explore key informants’ revelations on immigrants’ sense of place and mental wellness in Hamilton, Ontario. Findings provide insight into the role of policies that affect determinants of health amongst immigrants. Second, we examine the effects of self-perceived mental wellness, socioeconomic and demographic variables on sense of place amongst Ghanaian and Somali immigrants living in Hamilton, based on an analysis of a survey questionnaire (n=236). Findings highlight a positive relationship between sense of place and mental wellness. Third, using descriptive and multivariate regression methods, we focus on factors that predict African immigrants’ life satisfaction in Canada. We examine sociodemographic, economic and health-related factors that predict life satisfaction amongst African immigrants, specifically Ghanaian and Somali immigrants. We find that immigrant settlement workers and agencies would be better able to meet the needs of immigrants if they are conscious of the factors that would empower immigrants to cope with life stresses. We suggest a reduction of stress by helping individuals and families identify sources of support, providing jobs, affordable housing, language interpretation and training. Lastly, we explore specific places, religious sites and their relationship to health and wellbeing for immigrants. Specifically, we explore churches and mosques where Ghanaian and Somali immigrants worship. We find that places of worship are significant for physical health, social, emotional, spiritual, mental, and general quality of life amongst immigrants. The thesis is highly relevant in the current Canadian policy context, which includes contribution to the understanding of the determinants of health and integration of immigrants, providing insights into the concepts of sense of place and mental wellbeing, and broadening our understanding of African immigrants’ integration. Overall, this thesis develops a better understanding of immigrants’ settlement and integration, and further contributes to the broader immigration literature.

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