Tata, Robert J.

This thesis examines structural changes in Puerto Rico's economic
structure throughout its 30-year program of economic development. Descriptive
and analytical statistical techniques are used to examine the
economy. Chapter I uses verbal and simple graph descriptions of changes
in key variables that have occurred since 1947. Chapter II presents an
Econometric model of the economy and interprets the results of two estimations
of the model. Because structural change is suggested by the
analysis in Chapter II, Chapter III examines the nature and significance
of structural shifts using the ChovJ Test, Dummy Variable Test, and
Switching Regression. General Impact Multiplier analysis is used in
Chapter IV to elicit results from the model when it is treated holistically
and dynamically. The final chapter analyzes the economic changes
that were indicated in previous chapters. The importance of these changes
for Puerto Rico's further economic advance and the lessons that other
developing nations can learn from Puerto Rico's experience conclude
the thesis.

The imminent availability of high resolution satellite imagery is causing a paradigm shift in remote sensing. Detente brought about new policy directives in the U.S. and abroad, which opened up for civilian use former Earth observation spy technology down to one meter resolution, previously considered classified and strictly used by the intelligence communities for national security. This study describes a number of new ventures in the private sector which have been formed to launch commercial high resolution systems. The satellites' technical capabilities are analyzed, and application development options for the new imagery are discussed in detail. This new remote sensing data source is also seen within the framework of the larger GeoTechnology Industry to which it belongs, and the author proposes appropriate business strategies for successful commercialization.

This thesis analyzes the characteristics of squatter
settlements in Latin America and their potential for
improvement. Some of the extensive literature on this
subject is reviewed with the purpose of achieving insights
into the special case of the Caracas barrios (Venezuelan
low-income settlements, in their majority populated by
squatters). An empirical analysis is carried out of
several variables relating to physical development characteristics
of the barrios. A Principal Components technique
with Varimax rotation combined with regression
analysis shows the diversity of the barrios and the importance
of government approval in the upgrading of housing
in these urban areas. These findings are important to
planners for the prioritization and allocation of
resources.

This paper analyzes a high density housing project in terms of
its defensible space. The behavior of residents of Citrus Park
Homes was seen as indicative of tenant attitudes toward their
home project, its sense of community, of safety and security,
and pride of ownership. Analysis of this privately-owned project
includes a description of the physical structure, spatial
characteristics, tenant characteristics and tenant attitudes,
as evidenced in interviews with 83 adult residents. Where poor
spatial design and physical structure are evidenced by poor behavior
and attitude (lack of recognition or acceptance of territory)
changes in the spatial or architectural design were
suggested.