Abstract Miami has long been held out as an ideal city and as a microcosm of cultural diversity. The growing problems in the real Miami are considered by many to be a harbinger of things to come in American cities across the country. The paper examines the problems which Miami faces today, including poverty, crime, corruption, racism and drugs. It looks at the racial element in Miami's poverty problem and the tension between the African-Americans and the Latinos. The paper also discusses the solutions offered to the city of Miami by the State of Florida.
From the Paper "Some 300 city or Dade County officials have been indicted, and entire city departments have come under scrutiny. The building department has been given particular attention. The Miami-Dade building department has been cited by a grand jury for failing to enforce the building codes, taking kickbacks for permits and ignoring serious flaws in a large construction project. A team from the Miami Herald investigating county road projects found that more than $1 million had been paid for "phantom road work" which was never performed. The team also found "staggering overcharges" for other work, including one six-figure bill that had been paid twice. In addition, Herald reporters found that no inspections had been performed on some work and that some records had been falsified. It should be no surprise that the city has the lowest credit rating in the country after Washington, D.C. In 1996, Standard & Poor's responded to the city's $69 million deficit by giving its debt the equivalent of junk-bond status, and the governor placed Miami's finances under the control of a state oversight board (Sugarman 16)."
This paper is an ethnography of the emirate of Qatar. Discussed are the basic historical, economic, demographic and political background of the country, as well as cultural issues.
Abstract This paper begins by discussing the background of the culture of Qatar. It then examines the country's demographics, religion and language. The economy and governmental systems are also analyzed as well as the defense system. The paper continues with a detailed look at the Qatar's history and its present foreign relations. The paper concludes with an analysis of the cultural makeup of the country.
From the Paper "Qatar is an independent state occupying the Qatar Peninsula, jutting into the Persian Gulf from the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. On its southern side, the country of about 4427 square miles ? about the combined area of Connecticut and Rhode Island ? is bordered by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates but these boundaries are undemarcated, although a movement toward creating a more formal border is underway. (Parker, 1999, p. 7). The land is stony and largely barren and extremely hot, arid climate prevails. Humidity is high during the summer (May to October), but the average annual rainfall is less than 5 inches. The major natural resources are petroleum and natural gas."
Abstract This study explores the presence of psychosocial stress and post-traumatic stress disorder among Salvadoran immigrants and its effects on physical child abuse. Psychosocial stress is measured using the Hispanic Stress Inventory, which is comprised of five subscales: occupational/economic stress, parental stress, marital stress, immigration stress, and family/culture stress. Post-traumatic stress disorder is measured using The Civilian Mississippi Scale of PTSD. The results on Post-traumatic stress disorder and child abuse indicates no significant differences between abusive and non-abusive parents.
Further personal testimonial accounts on the effects of immigration are also explored.
Table of Contents:
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE RESEARCH
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Contributing Factors for Child Abuse
Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM AND HYPOTHESES
METHODS
Participants
Instruments
Definition of Variables
Procedure
RESULTS
Demographic Profile
Hispanic Stress Inventory
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Participant Memories
DISCUSSION
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
REFERENCES
APPENDIX 1
Demographic Questionnaire (English)
Demographic Questionnaire (Spanish)
APPENDIX 2
The Hispanic Stress Inventory (English)
The Hispanic Stress Inventory (Spanish)
APPENDIX 3
The Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD (English)
The Civilian Mississippi Scale for PTSD (Spanish)
APPENDIX 4
Qualitative Interview Protocol (English)
Qualitative Interview Protocol (Spanish)
From the Paper "Recent upheavals in war-torn El Salvador and Guatemala and the depressed economy in Mexico have driven thousands of refugees from their home countries. A vast number of these families have immigrated to the United States, bearing the scars of war and economic hardships. Consequently, many of these present-day immigrants are currently suffering from emotional and psychological problems. Often these problems are the primary root of daily stresses and social problems, which have lead to difficulties in social adjustments."
Abstract This research considers the economic and financial environment in Tunisia at the end of the twentieth century and whether the country represents an attractive investment opportunity for companies considering expansion into international markets. As an increasing number of companies throughout the world are marketing on an international basis, this paper looks specifically at taking business into Tunisia. The paper explores the issue in terms of internal structure, the role of the government, foreign policy, and the local political situation.
From the Paper "Better communications mean that companies and countries no longer must operate facilities in all locations where business is conducted (although there may be other advantages to doing so). Telephones, FAXes and computers mean that companies and employers around the world have access to information and employees in far-off locations. This has long-term ramifications for multinational and global companies."
Abstract This paper provides a brief overview of the United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven independent states lying along the east-central coast of the Arabian Peninsula, formerly called the Trucial States (from the Perpetual Maritime Truce signed with Great Britain in 1853), focusing on the demographics and economy of this country.
From the Paper "The states that compose the U.A.E. occupy a rather vaguely defined area formerly known as the Pirate Coast, as well as 50 miles of coast on the Gulf of Oman and are bounded on the north by Qatar and the Persian Gulf, on the east by the Gulf of Oman, and on the south and west by Saudi Arabia. The total area of the country is about 30,000 square miles (<Britannica.com>).
The population grew rapidly in the 1970s and 1980s, largely because of alien workers, and was estimated (1999) at 2,344,400. Of these, 19 percent are Emiri, 23 percent are other Arabs and Iranians, 50 percent are South Asians (primarily Pakistanis), and 8 percent are Westerners and East Asians (U.S. Department of State website)."
Abstract This paper examines the American experience as a whole, wading through the flow of information, in order to gain an understanding of the entire American experience as one direct theme. The writer believes that the long, difficult push across the American continent, destroying and creating, but always expanding, capitulates the American experience. The paper explores the heedless, headlong advance in geographical terms that was coupled with a limitless faith in the general notion of unending technological and economic progress - that is America today.
From the Paper "But while Cr?vecoeur, one of the first prophets of the melting pot, praised the European immigrants and "that strange mixture of blood which you will find in no other country" as the vital force driving the new nation, he wrote long in advance of the arrival of immigrants other than the "English, Scotch, Irish, French, Dutch, Germans, and Swedes" whose ability to blend into a single nation impressed him so much (40). And he wrote prior to any reasoned consideration of the presence of millions of African slaves and Native Americans in the mix. Nor did those who thought about this frontier spirit in retrospect give much thought to the fact that masses of anonymous, hard-pressed immigrants from Eastern Europe and Asia fed the insatiable maw of the Industrial Revolution."
Tags: usa, independence, nation, government, society, technology, geography, development, settlement
Abstract This paper decribes how and why the global human population has become unevenly distributed essentially due to the constraints of the physical geography of the world. It includes reasons such as climatic conditions, local relief, availability of resources and fertility of the land. The paper includes many statistical examples and referenced diagrams.
From the Paper "With the population of the world now standing at 6,214,891,000 people, the distribution of them around the globe is increasingly becoming an issue. In some countries population densities are becoming almost unsustainable. For example, Bangladesh now has 2,043 people per square mile, and with the global population growing 79 million people per year, it is likely that this overcrowding is likely to continue, with severe strain resulting on the natural environment. However, the total land area of the world is 148,940,000 square kilometres, which means that if the population of the world were to be entirely evenly distributed then the population density on average would stand at 42 people per square kilometre. Therefore, even from these simple calculations, when compared to the population density of Bangladesh, it is clear that it is the uneven population distribution that has caused this large range in the population densities around the world."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the two nations of Egypt and Bahrain. The paper looks at both countries in terms of history, politics in general and political developments since World War Two, religion, geography and international relations. While there are some similarities between the two, such as their close proximity to each other, their connection to Islam, the paper points out the differences as well.
Contents:
History and Politics
Political Development and Modernization
Bahrain and Egypt in the Latter 20th Century
Foreign Policy for Bahrain and Egypt
References
From the Paper "Geographical position played a critical role in the political development of both nations. In ancient times, Bahrain lay across the main ocean trading routes between the Romans and Greeks to the West, the Indian subcontinent, and sea trade among nations along the Persian or Arabic Gulf. Nakhleh said that for centuries Bahrain has prided itself "on the urbanity and middle-class pragmatism of its people," the result of its long history as a trading entrepot (96). Like Egypt, Bahrain encountered many alien rulers, but most of them came before the 15th century A.D. from the Middle East, Babylonians, Persians, and in 940 A.D."
Abstract The Middle East usually comes across as a conglomerate of several countries, all-behaving similarly. However there are extreme differences even among neighboring countries with same religion and language. This paper discusses sharp differences between the two Middle East countries, namely Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
From the Paper "Saudi Arabia is a kingdom with one of the largest oil deposits which, to date remain the focus of the Saudian economy, taking away a major percentage of the Gross Domestic Product. Saudi Arabia's economy is thus dependent on oil and oil derivatives, which account for 90-95% of Saudi export earnings, 75% of the budget, and about 35-40% of GDP. To reduce this dependency, the Saudi Arabian government is studying non-oil revenue generating sources. Saudi per capita GDP which was highest in 1981, when both the U.S. and Saudi Arabia had a per capita GDP, in current dollars, of about US $28,600, is approximately $7000.
Public sector debt (almost all central government domestic debt) has been hovering between 90 to 100% of the GDP for the past few years. The accumulating interest payments due on this debt form a major portion of the capital expenditures in the budget. Though, it is interesting to note that overseas Saudi private capital amounts to $600-700 billion, or four to five times the Saudi GDP. Moreover, foreign worker remittances, about US $16 billion annually, continue to be a burden on the current account. Thus the Saudi economy, as a result of oil dependency and state-controlled enterprises is heavily burdened (Saudi Arabia Country Analysis Brief, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses how Romans sets out to describe the land to the reader and shows that this is his sole purpose. It analyzes Roman's thesis, which is that the region can be so described best by moving from east to west, and this is the approach he takes. The book describes the region of Florida, its flora and fauna and its geographical strong points.
From the Paper "Romans opens his book with the statement that someone writing about a region should approach the mater the way an engineer would, by setting out the plans he will follow and by "directing my readers to the charts or plans accompanying it" (1). He first divides the peninsula up according to the weather prevailing in each section, finally concluding that West Florida and East Florida are virtually indistinguishable in terms of the weather. This is a "natural" history, and so Romans begins to detail the kind of flora and fauna found in the region, listing the trees that are found in different areas and the sort of terrain with which they are associated. Included among the animal life are the various Indian tribes, described according to their location and some of their habits of warfare, including taking slaves and scalps."
Abstract This paper discusses the Dominican Republic located in the Caribbean, on the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Haiti. It provides basic facts and figures about the country and looks at the factors that effect day to day society and living as well as the effects of globalization.
Outline
Demographic Profile
Unique Cultural Features of Society in the Dominican Republic
Major Economic and Political Developments
A Major Change in the DR's Society
From the Paper "The Dominican Republic was once ruled by Spain. However, in 1697, Spain recognized French dominion over the western third of the island, which subsequently became Haiti. The remainder of the island, which is known as Santo Domingo, tried to gain independence in 1821, but was conquered and ruled by the Haitians for two decades. In 1844, this potion of the land acquired independence as the Dominican Republic in 1844. For more than a century, the Dominican Republic was largely unsettled and unrepresentative. However, in 1966, when Joaquin Balaguer became president, the rule of the country changed. Balaguer was in power for three decades until international reaction to flawed elections ended his reign. Since then, regular competitive elections have been held to elect the president. As a result of this improved political structure, the DR economy has had one of the fastest growth rates in the area."
Abstract This research paper sheds light on the destruction caused by super typhoon Pongnosa in Guam on December 11, 2002 and its aftermath. Furthermore, the paper highlights the efforts of the contemporary as well as the previous governments and the necessary remedial measures taken by other authorities. The paper also includes a discussion on the impact of this shattering mishap on the tourism industry, which is the mainstay of Guam's economy.
From the Paper "According to the special reports regarding the hazardous typhoon, ?with winds upward of 180 miles per hour, Pongsona descended furiously on Guam December 8 with the intensity of a Category 5 hurricane,? razing homes of the majority of Guam's residents, setting oil and other combustible tanks on fire (American Red Cross helping thousands: 2002). The ravage evaluation reports by Red Cross assessed that seven thousand and nine hundred homes were obliterated with more than three thousand homesteads experiencing complete destruction at the hands of Pongsona."
Abstract This paper examines how California is a state rich in diversity and contrasts and how it has people of all races from all parts of the world. It looks at how its geography encompasses deserts, mountains and oceans, how small, rural towns exist within a short distance of bustling cities and how the climate could range from snow to rain to arid heat within the same day. It examines these contrasts, focusing on the natural geography, the cities and the people. By examining these features, it illustrates how these factors combine to create the lively and unique culture that characterizes the state of California.
Outline
Natural Features
Major Cities
Government
People
From the Paper "The California legislature is located in Sacramento, making the northern California city the state's seat of government. Sacramento also houses the Office of the Governor as well as the State Judiciary (Wilson and Ebert 19). Because of its sheer size, there are several cities, which serve as important urban economic centers throughout the state. Based on population, the largest city by far is Los Angeles, in Southern California. Los Angeles is home to movie and television entertainment industry, which is a significant source of the state's income. In addition to the city, the outlying suburban areas make up Los Angeles County, the largest county in the state."
Abstract A brief paper on the impact of the war in Iraq on the city of Basra. The paper begins with some basic information about the city of Basra, including its geographical location and history. The paper then continues with a current account of the effects of the war on the town and its people. The writer makes use of the media and reports from Iraq and includes a number of personal comments and opinions on the situation in Iraq.
From the Paper "The war will be devastating to the people of Iraq which will force mass migrations to cities like Baghdad and Basra. The mass migrations into the cities will only increase the food and water shortages. Famine is an extreme and protracted shortage of food that causes emaciation of the affected population and a substantial increase in the number of people who will die in Basra. ?Basra is in a shortage of everything, even food...they have equipment that works with generators, but the generators work only with fuel."
Abstract This paper discusses how the Las Vegas Valley, including the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas, is the fastest growing region in the United States. New tourist attractions and large casino resort hotels are also being built and opened on a regular basis. This paper looks at the three major factors which may have an effect on construction in the Las Vegas Valley. The first is summer heat, the second is wind, and the third is flash floods.
From the Paper "Construction in the area is constant. New subdivisions are being built at a tremendous rate to keep up with those who are moving into the area. New tourist attractions and large casino resort hotels are also being built and opened on a regular basis. The city is growing at an exponential rate. The tourist Mecca of Las Vegas is located in a broad desert valley in extreme southern Nevada. Mountains surrounding the valley extend 2,000 to 10,000 feet above the valley floor. The Las Vegas Valley comprises about six hundred square miles and runs from the north to the southeast. These mountains and the metropolitan area's location at the bottom of the valley have extreme effects on the weather."
