International Studies Essays Global City Process

International Studies Essays Global City Process The global city is not a place but a process (Castells, 1996). Discuss. Castells, 1996, P. 377, deals with the complexity of the interaction between technology, society, and space. It presents the new spatial logic of the information age which Castells famously terms the space of flows. This new space is, according to Castells, the material organisation of time-sharing practices that work through flows (p. 412). It has three layers: 1. The electronic impulses in networks 2. The places which constitute the nodes and hubs of networks, and 3. The spatial organisation of cosmopolitan elites in terms of work, play and movement. Here we focus upon the second layer. Castells identifies global cities as the most direct illustration of hubs and nodes (p. 415). Cities as nodes of these networks are directly linked. Cities are increasingly important in terms of networking on a global scale. The spatial organisation of the information age is characterised neither by focal point of activities nor scattering of settlements and activities. Its both centralisation and decentralisation using the influence of new technologies. The space of the information age is made of architecture of nodes and networks. Territories are united across distance in their function and meaning in the spatial flows, but places continue to exist as privileged locales of experience. The global city is not limited to special cities. Its the global functions of each city in the world connected through electronic and telecommunication links. The financial district of every city, and of every major city in the world, is part of the global network functions. Cities are sources of innovation. Innovation is the source of value addition in our kind of economy and society. Silicon Valley is a node in a major network. One cannot understand Silicon Valley without Mumbai or Bangalore or Munich or other places. Saskia Sassen showed that advanced services are made of global networks anchored in global cities. Networks of innovation are in spatially different dimensions. Network innovation in science is different than in finance, is different than in high-tech or multimedia. But access to these networks, and belonging to these networks, need specific sets of features which are directly related to major metropolitan regions. Metro regions have 1. The connectivity links to fast transportation and telecom systems. 2. They have the largest concentration in quality and quantity of human resources for innovation. 3. They are the spaces of freedom and free communication. Culture and institutions of tolerance are essential to innovation. The ability to attract capital and labour also depends on the visibility of the milieu of innovation and this visibilitys link to media exposure which is centred in major metropolitan areas. The internet is the tool for free communication. Global cities amass immense concentration of economic power while cities that were once major manufacturing centres suffer excessive declines. The business centres in metropolitan areas receive massive investments in real estate and telecommunications while low income urban and metropolitan areas are starved for resources. Highly educated workers in the corporate sector see their incomes rise to unusually high levels while low or medium skilled workers see theirs sink. Financial services produce super profits while industrial services barely survive. Global elements are localized. Immigration has a set a process in international labour markets. Cities are the terrain where people from many different countries are most likely to meet and a multiplicity of cultures comes together. The international character of major cities lies not only in their telecommunication infrastructure and international firms: it lies also in the many different cultural environments in which these workers exist. One can no longer think of centres for international business and finance simply in terms of the corporate towers and corporate culture at its centre. Todays global cities are in part the spaces of post-colonialism and indeed contain conditions for the formation of a post colonialist discourse (see Hall 1991; King 1990). The least spatial patterns of white collar work which are harmonious with its existence, is beginning to emerge in some rural and peripheral areas of major cities of the world. The more highly skilled home-based workers are predominantly immigrants, exploiting skills and market contacts developed. These workers may be of particular significance for the wider development of such regions through the particular competencies and contacts that they bring, as well as the effective demand for locally produced goods and services. The use of electronic data interchange technology is used primarily for the transfer of commercial documents can be extended for use in the home environment. These electronic data interchanges have created the electronic cottage. Extensions to this technology have provided the users and suppliers with new message structures to perform their tasks. This has lead to the increased use of the system for the exchange of information without the necessity for there to be a transaction involved. The use of structures has aided the provider and the user of the information in giving an appropriate vehicle for the exchange of data. An early proponent of this utopia was futurist Alvin Toffler (1980), explained, The electronic cottage rises once more on a mass scale the possibility of husbands and wives, and perhaps even children, working together as a unit. Toffler predicted a decline in the need to commute to work, an increase in the ability to change jobs without having to move ones home to a new location. He foresaw greater community stability and a renaissance among voluntary organizations like churches, womens groups, lodges, clubs, athletic and youth organizations. So in a world of international networks, Castells idealization of flow of information without borders has began to transcend cultural barriers and the impact on employment, work, business, society and culture is profound. Castells suggests that local governments might mobilize local civil societies to support a collective strategy toward the reconstruction of the meaning of the locality in a conflictive dynamics with the placeless powers. (Castells, 1989, p.352) He uses the term placeless powers because of the less evident and more subtle nature of control exercised by the classes, corporations and governments who own and operate the means of production in the new techno-economic paradigm. But the counter-strategy he suggests is organic and slow to take root. The nature of Castells call indicates the difficulty of getting a solid grasp on a global phenomenon composed of such intangible fundamental elements as data, information and knowledge. The flow of information made possible by g lobal networks of communications technology and flexible manufacturing facilities is the key component redefining space in the information age. References: Alvin Toffler (1980) TheThird Wave Castells, Manuel (1996) The rise of the network society. The information age Vol. I Sassen, S (1991) The Global City. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press Sassen S (1994) Cities in a World Economy. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press King, A.D. 1990. Urbanism, Colonialism, and the World Economy: Culture and Spatial Foundations of the World Urban System. The International Library of Sociology. London and New York: Routledge.

Having a Healthy Life

Health is the optimal aim that every person is looking for. However, having a healthy life is not easy. Researchers believe that more than half of disease is linked to individual's behaviors (Ryan ; Sawin, 2009). People can reduce the probability of being sick or living with chronic symptoms by engaging in health behavior and controlling their desires and habits (Ryan ; Sawin, 2009). From this perspective and by reviewing a ten years peer-reviewed published papers, Ryan, a post-doctoral student, was thinking of developing a theory that assists individuals to reach a sustainable change in their unhealthy behaviors.Integrated Theory of Health Behavior Change (ITHBC) is an example of descriptive midrange theories that concentrate on practice. In contrast, grand theories are more generalized and not focused on practical section (Ryan ; Sawin, 2009). ITHBC is compiled from multi concepts from deferent theories. For instance, the theory of reason Action which focus on intention, health belief model, and social cognitive theory that consider environmental factors to impact behavior change (Ryan ; Sawin, 2009). ITHBC is a patient-centered intervention that is more effective than standardized interventions in facilitating health behavior change.ITHBC assumed that behavior change is a repeated, changeable theory. Also, it is mandatory to have a desire and to be motivated by behavioral change. In addition, self-evaluation maintains progress and social support influences individual's desire. The theory has a short-term outcome which is engagement in healthy behavior, and it has a long-term outcome which is health improvement (Ryan & Sawin, 2009)The Primary constructs of ITHBC are knowledge and beliefs, self-regulation skills and abilities, and social facilitation. All the three components assist to emerge in a behavior of self-management which is the proximal outcome in order to reach the distal outcome which is good health status. Knowledge and beliefs construct is composed of behavior-specific knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy and goal congruence. The construct of self-regulation skills and abilities comprises the processes of decision-making, planning for and engaging in specific behaviors, self-monitoring and reflective thinking, self-evaluation, goal setting, and the management of physical, emotional, and cognitive responses associated with health behavioral change. Social facilitation contains the concepts of social support, social influence and active collaboration related to health outcomes among individuals, relatives and health practitioners (Ryan & Sawin, 2009). The study of testing the Integrated Theory of Health Behavioral Change for postpartum weight management aimed to investigate the relationship between the constructs of the ITHBC and how they influence weight self-management of women after giving a birth. (Ryan et al., 2011). The sample size was 250 postpartum women. Only 179 women completed the follow-up questionnaire and they were, African American, Latina, and White women, and they were classified based on their weight into normal weight, overweight, and obese.The strength of this paper is by giving a view of weight self-management after having a baby requiring active engagement and management. Further, The THBC is a good tool in framing weight self-management in the context of health behavior self-management, and it supports the impact of race on weight self-management. In contrast, the weak points are the study constructs need a tool to measure the components of the theory for postpartum weight management. In addition, it did not test the whole theory constructs like the distal outcome.

Using First Person Essay Topics

Using First Person Essay Topics In the college admission procedure, it can be simple to get caught up in attempting to come off as the ideal candidate. Admissions officers certainly aren't likely to penalize you if, for example, you haven't had the opportunity to travel the Earth, or you couldn't afford to share in some specific activities. You're attempting to show colleges your very best self, therefore it might appear counterintuitive to willingly acknowledge a time you struggled. A great deal of students make the error of attempting to second-guess what the admissions folks wish to hear in an essay, then write about somethingn't actually central to their interests and passions. In case the matter is personal, that's simple to do. Unique things to various folks, since the situation demanded. On the flip side, the thought of citing seem not so challenging when do not have any ideas about what to write. On the flip side, in the event you made a fantastic choice, focus on what influenced you to make that decision and the way it has changed you. How to Choose First Person Essay Topics It's possible to just write about your extracurricular pursuits. Topics like death and divorce are cautionary since they can be exceedingly hard to write about. Or perhaps you strive to write like a specific author one day. Our papers act as a great instance of how professional paper should look like. If you're looking for a writing assistance and a fantastic essay topic idea, our company is the ideal option for you. So without further ado, below are some effective writing tips to generate your common app essay stick out! Just because a narrative essay is among the essay types which are more favored by students doesn't mean that there aren't any issues that students could potentially run into. You're not alone if you have difficulty selecting college essay topics! Not all genres are appropriate for a first-person story. It is crucial to try to remember that much concerning the personal essay format is all about prosperous storytelling. Although it is obvious for a narrative essay, it might be unclear why one ought to offer enough details for a persuasive or maybe a process essay, alongside with the rest of the types. So, be judicious regarding the information which you opt to have in your narrative essay. A proposal essay is quite easy to comprehend. It's therefore important to thoroughly consider different college essay topics. Stephen's essay is rather effective. Writing a college essay can be a challenging task initially, but understanding how different topics of college essays work may help you later on. Successful essay and productive topic for college essay is generally a specific one. The Advantages of First Person Essay Topics Many college applicants make the error of attempting to incorporate all their accomplishments and activities in their application essays. Write about why it's going to be important to you and why you should get a college education. Explain your commitments, and you are going to be the sort of student colleges find immensely attractive. They are not looking for perfect people. Colleges want to find a feeling of maturity and introspectionpinpoint the transformation and demonstrate your private growth. They are more likely to admit students who can articulate specific reasons why the school is a good fit for them beyond its reputation or ranking on any list. The ways students ought to be taught about their wellbeing. As a consequence, many students ask us for writing help and figure out how to boost their grades in a certain subject, together with overall performance. It's possible for you to write a very simple essay on the suitable age to vote or suitable age to be in a position to purchase alcohol. An admissions officer is a lot more likely to bear in mind an applicant who has quite a specific essay written in a distinctive and quirky way. As an example, for admission essays, it is strongly recommended to concentrate on some particular features rather than giving general and known details. Well, grading papers can be very dull.

Effects Of Urbanization On Water Pollution - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1713 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/04/15 Category Ecology Essay Level High school Tags: Water Pollutions Essay Did you like this example? Urbanization has become a growing issue across the United States; most people prefer to live in larger cities where there are more opportunities and arguably better ways of life. This increase in population in urban areas demands serious expansion outwards, most notably to the suburbs or rural areas, due to the lack of space. Thus, development is inevitable. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Effects Of Urbanization On Water Pollution" essay for you Create order Development may be beneficial for accommodating extra bodies, yet still has drastic consequences, especially on the environment, and on quality of life and the strain of infrastructure as well (Fox, 2010). Urban sprawl has also been shown to have an impact on human health, whether due to more vehicular accidents, increased obesity rates, higher emissions of carbon, or prolonged wait time for emergency medical assistance (Lambert et al., 2012). The increase in urban development in big cities, otherwise known as urban sprawl, has caused a drastic rise in pollution, especially in the United States. The pollution, both air and water, that results from this growth can destroy the environment and be detrimental to human health as well. Drinking water and groundwater can be polluted and the atmosphere can see an influx of gases and particles that contribute to global warming. More traffic occurs during urban development due to the closing of roads or changes in traffic patterns. This backup of cars causes more pollutants to be released into the atmosphere, resulting in a slight increase in global warming. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are the main greenhouse gases given off from combustion of gasoline by cars. Vehicles associated with the construction itself, such as dump trucks, cranes, bulldozers, or excavators, also give off these greenhouse gases, adding more harmful particles to the atmosphere. The deterioration of water quality following increased urban sprawl is due to the combination of population and land-use changes (Tu et al., 2007). Water pollution can often occur following bouts of rain that wash the chemicals from the sites to bodies of water. In addition to runoff, the pollutants in the air can fall to bodies of water, thus affecting both the atmosphere and the water sources. To determine the amount of pollution associated with urban sprawl, Bereitschaft and Debbage used linear regression models with the (1) O3 precursors, NOx and volatile organic compounds, and PM2.5 (in 2000) from polluted runoff from land, (2) CO2 emissions, and (3) O3 and PM2.5 averaged ambient concentrations as the dependent variables and different measurements of urban sprawl as the independent variables (2013). The linear regression models also included some controls including temperature, moisture, wind speed, metropolitan population, and regional population to justify certain variations in concentration of pollutants or to distinguish between pollutants/emissions that were not associated with urban sprawl (Bereitschaft and Debbage, 2013). These models helped determine the relationships between the dependent and independent variables and the correlation between the two. To measure this relationship, data of air pollution (nonpoint source emissions and on-road emissions) was compil ed from a database from 86 different cities in the United States with a 500,000 person population or greater. The data from the other half of this relationship, regarding urban sprawl, was acquired from five different indexes and the experimenters also took into account urban continuity and shape complexity from satellites to better determine the relationship between pollution and urban sprawl. Land cover data was also used from the National Landcover Dataset (NLCD) to measure the boundary of the metropolitan area and to calculate landscape metrics. To better approximate the boundaries of the metropolitan area, they also used satellites to evaluate anthropogenic lighting intensity as shown by Figure 1C (Bereitschaft and Debbage, 2013). Another experiment, by Tu et al., demonstrated this same correlation between urban sprawl and pollution, but focusing on the water quality aspect, specifically in Massachusetts (2007). They used the Massachusetts Geographic Information System to procure data on land-use and population and many aerial photographs were obtained from the University of Massachuset ts, Amherst Research Mapping Project to determine the developed land use areas. Data from the USGS National Water Information System Web was obtained to measure the water quality in 37 areas and many parameters were created to indicate certain water quality (dissolved nutrients, dissolved ions, dissolved solid, suspended sediment, specific conductance). In the first phase of this experiment, the effects of urban sprawl on specific conductance (SC) of water was measured using ArcGIS software by creating water quality layers over different periods of time. They used this layering to overlap with the indicators of urban sprawl during those same time periods to see the correlation between the two variables (water quality and urban sprawl). For the second phase of this experiment, correlation analysis was used to measure spatial as well as temporal relationships between the two variables. For each of the 37 sites, watersheds were delineated using ArcGIS and this watershed layer, land-use layers, and population layers were all overlapped using this same software to determine certain indicators for urban sprawl. The implementation of Spearman rank correlation analysis was advantageous in determining the relationship of water quality and urban sprawl over time (Tu et al., 2007). The experiment by Bereitschaft and Debbage, which looked at the relationship between urban sprawl and pollution, found that all of the linear regression models performed had statistically significant correlations (p0.001) (2013), thus providing evidence that urban sprawl does in fact negatively impact the amount of pollution. In regards to urban continuity and urban shape complexity, the experiment results showed that decreasing urban continuity led to an increase in CO2, PM2.5, VOCs, and NOx emissions and increasing shape complexity led to an increase in NOx and PM2.5 emissions (Bereitschaft and Debbage, 2013). To reduce pollutants, it is better to have a more contiguous area, rather than more fragmentation, because more area between different developments can cause more emissions from vehicles due to greater travel. The urban area should also have less complexity to its shape or less irregularity to the boundary for this same automotive reason. Therefore, the urban sprawl associate d with these areas should follow these continuity and shape complexity recommendations for less emissions. According to Bereitschaft and Debbage, continuity and shape complexity of urban areas affect ambient concentrations as well, including ozone; however, the urban sprawl indexes had a more compelling correlation with ambient concentrations than the other two urban formations as shown by Figure 2. Every index demonstrated that when there is an increase in urban sprawl, the concentrations and emissions of air pollutants significantly increased or remained consistent. However, the Sutton index was the most accurate index due to it being the only one to have a significant correlation with ozone concentration and PM2.5 emissions. It was also shown that there was an increase in ozone concentration when there was a rise in temperature (Bereitschaft and Debbage, 2013). This demonstrates the positive feedback loop associated with global warming and how these pollutants, especially O3, that potentially result from urban sprawl can contribute to the detrimental warming of the Earth. The experiment by Tu et al., showed similar findings. Areas with higher population density (PD) were shown to have higher specific conductance (SC) concentrations in the water (Tu et al., 2007). The suburban and rural areas surrounding the metropolitan center of a city were increasing in population density and percentage of developed land use. The specific conductance is a great indicator of water pollution because more compounds in the water leads to more ions in the water wh ich leads to a higher conductivity. Therefore, a high SC is indicative of pollutants in the water. According to Tu et al., growth in a population around a metropolitan area (i.e., suburbs), results in a rise in SC concentrations within the metropolitan area (2007), which could be due to urban sprawl. Areas with increased percentage of developed land use (PDLU) around the metropolitan site were also associated with higher concentrations of specific conductance and areas with lower per capita developed land use (PCDLU) had an increase in SC concentrations (very urbanized area). The suburbs around Boston, as reported by Tu et al., showed a drastic rise in PD and PDLU, and, therefore, had higher SC concentrations, while the Boston area had a lower increase in PD, PDLU, and SC. As a result, it can be assumed that both population growth and development of land have a severe impact on the quality of water due to urban sprawl. For every season, it was found that there were significantly positive correlations between PD and SC, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, and dissolved solid (DS) concentrations and be tween PDLU and and SC, Ca, Mg, Na, Cl, and DS concentrations (except for SC and Ca in winter). Dissolved nitrogen also had positive correlations with PDLU and PD, yet not all values were significant. The suspended sediment (SS) values were also positively correlated with PD and PDLU (Tu et al., 2007). Therefore, according to these values, it is shown that the higher concentrations of many of the indicators for water quality were found in areas with higher PD and PDLU. On the other hand, higher PCDLU areas had more indicators associated with urbanization (significant negative correlations) rather than PD or PDLU, including dissolved nitrogen, potassium, and sulfate concentrations. From these results, it was presumed that as the development of land increased, the water quality deteriorated more quickly, according to the PDLU (Tu et al., 2007). Urban sprawl is a continuous problem in the United States that needs to be addressed. It is significantly adding to our global warming issue by supplementing the pollutants in the atmosphere and it is also drastically impacting our waterways and human health. In order to reduce these negative consequences, the problem at hand needs to be dealt with. Therefore, if we were to diminish the amount of urban development that is occurring, especially throughout developed nations, the overall pollution would decrease as well; this would dramatically improve our air and water quality. Some US cities, such as Seattle, have followed Vancouvers lead and have executed Smart Growth policies to reduce the amount of sprawl that is occurring within these large cities (Fox, 2010). These policies, according to Fox, are beneficial to the environment and human health while also balancing economic development by focusing on the transportation issues in very urbanized areas (2010). Canada has managed to use this approach much more effectively than in the United States; these principles could be extremely beneficial in the U.S. if more cities were to implement them.