Synopses & Reviews
There is a need to understand the relationship between, the traditional 16-week versus an 8-week, and college-level mathematics success rates. This study applied chi-square (chi2) and analysis of variance to compare and contrast which course length of time, 8-weeks or 16-weeks, for college algebra resulted in a higher proportion of students successfully completing the course. In addition, success rates among ethnicities, gender, and age groups were also examined. The population sample for this study was 231 students enrolled in college algebra from fall 2004 through fall 2007. Data was analyzed on four sections of the traditional 16-week courses and four sections of 8-week courses. Success was defined as earning a grade of A, B, or C in the course. The study found that overall there was no significant difference in success rates for the 8-week and 16-week college algebra courses. However, significant differences were found in success rates among Asian, Pacific Islander students enrolled in the 8-week and 16-week courses. No significant differences in success rates were found for White, Non-Hispanic; African-American, and Hispanic, Mexican American students. There was a significant difference in the number of A's, B's, C's, D's and F's among White, Non-Hispanic students, but there was no difference in A's, B's, C's, D's or F's for African-American; Hispanic, Mexican American and Asian, Pacific Islander. When considering success rates among genders, no difference was found in success rates for males or females who were enrolled in the 8-week and 16-week college algebra courses. There were a significant greater number of students in the age group (23-30) who were successful in the 16-week college algebra course than in the 8-week college algebra course. However, no differences in success rates were found in the age groups (18-22) and (31-40).
Synopsis
Indonesia is a tectonically complex region located where the Eurasia, Australia, Pacific, and Philippine Sea plates converge. This dissertation presents the analysis of geodetic GPS data collected in Indonesia from 1989 to 1994 and historical triangulation data collected in Sumatra in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The GPS data yield a horizontal velocity field, precise to within 1-2 cm/yr, referenced to a global frame. The velocity field in Indonesia shows that the regional tectonics can be described as several rigid blocks interacting in a convergent setting. Rotation parameters for these blocks are estimated from the horizontal velocities, and block interactions are discussed in connection with tectonic features and recent seismicity. An important result of this analysis, the Sunda Shelf block appears to be stationary relative to the Eurasia plate. The Sumatra velocity field shows NW-SE segmentation of strain accumulation on the forearc, suggesting that south of the equator the Sumatra subduction zone is fully locked, while to the north it is less than 50% coupled. The abrupt change in plate coupling coincides with the boundary separating rupture zones of the 1833 and 1861 (M greater than 8) subduction earthquakes, suggesting that seismic segmentation is controlled by properties of the plate interface that persist through more than one earthquake cycle. Analysis combining the Sumatra GPS data with triangulation measurements reveals a detailed slip history along the Surnatran Fault. The long-term (1883-1993) strains show right-lateral shear, with rates similar to 1989-1993, GPS measured, strain rates. The arc-parallel components of the combined velocity field are consistent with slip rates inferred from GPS data, ranging from 23 to 24 mm/yr between 1.0 S and 1.3 N. Here the Sumatran Fault is characterized by deep locking depths (approximately 20 km), and the occurrence of large (M (sub w) approximately 7) earthquakes. Coseismic deformation due to the 1892 and 19