Zugl.: Leipzig, Univ., Diss., 2008

Zugl.: Leipzig, Univ., Diss., 2008.

Diss.--Paderborn--Universität, 2000. / Bibliogr. p. 323-343.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Statistics / Wei-Wen Hsu / Evaluating heterogeneity in the class of zero-inflated models has attracted considerable attention in the literature, where the heterogeneity refers to the instances of zero counts generated from two different sources. The mixture probability or the so-called mixing weight in the zero-inflated model is used to measure the extent of such heterogeneity in the population. Typically, the homogeneity tests are employed to examine the mixing weight at zero. Various testing procedures for homogeneity in zero-inflated models, such as score test and Wald test, have been well discussed and established in the literature. However, it is well known that these classical tests require the correct model specification in order to provide valid statistical inferences. In practice, the testing procedure could be performed under model misspecification, which could result in biased and invalid inferences. There are two common misspecifications in zero-inflated models, which are the incorrect specification of the baseline distribution and the misspecified mean function of the baseline distribution. As an empirical evidence, intensive simulation studies revealed that the empirical sizes of the homogeneity tests for zero-inflated models might behave extremely liberal and unstable under these misspecifications for both cross-sectional and correlated count data. We propose a robust score statistic to evaluate heterogeneity in cross-sectional zero-inflated data. Technically, the test is developed based on the Poisson-Gamma mixture model which provides a more general framework to incorporate various baseline distributions without specifying their associated mean function. The testing procedure is further extended to correlated count data. We develop a robust Wald test statistic for correlated count data with the use of working independence model assumption coupled with a sandwich estimator to adjust for any misspecification of the covariance structure in the data. The empirical performances of the proposed robust score test and Wald test are evaluated in simulation studies. It is worth to mention that the proposed Wald test can be implemented easily with minimal programming efforts in a routine statistical software such as SAS. Dental caries data from the Detroit Dental Health Project (DDHP) and Girl Scout data from Scouting Nutrition and Activity Program (SNAP) are used to illustrate the proposed methodologies.

The growing complexity and data in modern engineering and physical systems require robust frameworks for real-time decision-making. Data-driven models trained on observational data enable faster predictions but face key challenges—data corruption, bias, limited interpretability, and uncertainty misrepresentation—which can compromise their reliability. Propagating uncertainties from sources like model parameters and input features is crucial in data-driven models to ensure trustworthy predictions and informed decisions. Uncertainty quantification (UQ) methods are broadly categorized into surrogate-based models, which approximate simulators for speed and efficiency, and probabilistic approaches, such as Bayesian models and Gaussian processes, that inherently capture uncertainty into predictions. For real-time UQ, leveraging recent data instead of historical records enables more accurate and efficient uncertainty characterization, making it inherently data-driven. In dynamical analysis, the Koopman operator represents nonlinear system dynamics as linear systems by lifting state functions, enabling data-driven estimation through its applied form. By analyzing its spectral properties—eigenvalues, eigenfunctions, and modes—the Koopman operator reveals key insights into system dynamics and simplifies control design. However, inherent measurement uncertainty poses challenges for efficient estimation with dynamic mode and extended dynamic mode decomposition algorithms. This dissertation develops a statistical framework to propagate measurement uncertainties in the elements of the Koopman operator. This dissertation also develops robust estimation of model parameters, considering observational data, which is often corrupted, in Gaussian process settings. The proposed approaches adapt to evolving data and process agnostic— in which reliance on predefined source distributions is avoided. / Doctor of Philosophy / Modern engineering and scientific systems are increasingly complex and interconnected— operating in environments with significant uncertainties and dynamic changes. Traditional mathematical models and simulations often fall short in capturing the complexity of largescale real-world, ever-evolving systems—struggling to adapt to dynamic changes and fully utilize today's data-rich environments. This is especially critical in fields like renewable integrated power systems, robotics, etc., where real-time decisions must account for uncertainties in the environment, measurements, and operations. The growing availability of observational data—enabled by advanced sensors and computational tools—has driven a shift toward data-driven approaches. Unlike traditional simulators, these models are faster and learn directly from data. However, their reliability depends on robust methods to quantify and manage uncertainties, as corrupted data, biases, and measurement noise challenge their accuracy. This dissertation focuses on characterizing uncertainties at the source using recent data, instead of relying on assumed distributions or historical data, as is common in the literature. Given that observational data is often corrupted by outliers, this dissertation also develops robust parameter estimation within the Gaussian process setting. A central focus is the Koopman operator theory—a transformative framework that converts complex, nonlinear systems into simpler, linear representations. This research integrates measurement uncertainty quantification into Koopman-based models, providing a metric to assess the reliability of the Koopman operator under measurement noise.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (DTh (Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This study is a critical evaluation of the concept „communicative freedom‟ in the work of the theologian Wolfgang Huber. It is argued that his rearticulation of the Reformation‟s understanding of freedom is a critical engagement of modernity. Communicative freedom is therefore developed as a critical Christian concept of freedom. It is shown how Huber‟s concept of communicative freedom is to be understood as a contemporary expression of classic Protestant views of freedom. In terms of the concept‟s content it is shown to stay true to some of the Reformation‟s basic theological convictions. Huber understands the concept to consist of three dimensions. It is inalienable as it is constituted by God and is therefore not the result of human achievements or abilities. The freedom that is constituted by God‟s initiative can be realised only in interpersonal relationships and therefore its inalienable dimension forms the basis of its personal dimension. Communicative freedom does not separate human individuality and sociality from one another but emphasises their shared origin. Lastly the reality of sin is incorporated into the concept by recognising the provisional nature of freedom‟s realisation. It is shown that this self-critical character of communicative freedom does not imply resignation but that Huber develops it as a call to action. It is argued that Huber does not articulate this Christian understanding of freedom as a goal in itself, but as a means by which to engage modernity. The implications of these theological dimensions of communicative freedom are then developed as both Huber‟s critical affirmation of the modernist project as well as his contribution to modernity‟s renewal. Communicative freedom serves as critical affirmation of modernity by the way in which it engages the role of the individual and the role society plays in enabling different individuals to co-exist. This concept is shown to enable the responsible realisation of freedom in the context of secularisation, democracy and pluralism. Communicative freedom also contributes to the renewal of modernity, namely by means of its reinterpretation of progress, the way it contributes to the restoration of a comprehensive form of justice and its focus on the importance of dialogue. The dissertation concludes with some comments concerning the engagement of modernity by communicative freedom from a South African perspective.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological, growing and biochemical parameters of young plants of (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke) when submitted in diferente dosages of cadmium. The experimente was developed in greenhouse of Instituto de Ciências Agrárias (ICA), belonging to Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), located in Belém-Pará, in a period of december 2017 to june 2018. Initially seedlings were produced from paricá seeds from Associação das Indústrias Exportadoras de Madeira do Estado do Pará in Benevides-Pará. The seeds were seeded in a Leonard type pot with a capacity of 4.6 L adapted with pet bottles containing washed and sterilized sand. After 15 days after sowing, they received nutritive solution of Sarruge (1/4 and 1/2 strength). After 60 days after sowing the application of increasing concentrations of cadmium in the form of cadmium chloride (CdCl2.H2O). Was utiized a randomized experimental design (RED), with 5 treatments being constituted of control plants (without cadmium dosages) and with cádmium dosages(CdCl2 178μM, CdCl2 356 μM, CdCl2 534μM, CdCl2 712 μM) with 7 repetitions each (one plant per pot) totalizing 35 experimental units. The obtained data were submitted to variance analysis by F test (p < 0,05) and the means were compared by the least significant difference of the Tukey's test (p<0,05) and were adjusted by polynomial regression equations P <0.01 or 0.05 using the Sisvar program. The mainly physiological variables (photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration) destabilized in their functions with the increase of the cadmium doses, influencing in the energy process of the same ones. The growth, diameter, leaf number and leaflet variables, cadmium provided a reduction as the doses were increased, interfering in the production of foliar biomass. Changes in physiological effects have consequently led to changes in plant metabolism and nitrogen, evidencing the low concentrations of nitrogen-containing molecules in their structures such as amino acids, proline, and glycine. The cadmium accumulated in the roots, but there was a translation for the aerial part. Given this, it can be corresponded as a phytoextractor. / O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros fisiológicos, de crescimento e bioquímicos de plantas jovens da espécie (Schizolobium amazonicum Huber ex Ducke) quando submetidas em diferentes concentrações de cádmio. O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetação do Instituto de Ciências Agrárias (ICA), pertencente a Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), localizado em Belém-Pará, no período de dezembro de 2017 a junho de 2018. Inicialmente foram produzidas mudas a partir de sementes de paricá oriundas da Associação das Indústrias Exportadoras de Madeira do Estado do Pará em Benevides-Pará. As sementes foram semeadas em vaso tipo Leoanard com capacidade de 4,6 L adaptados com garrafas pet contendo areia lavada e esterilizada (120 ºC por 40 min.) Decorridos 15 dias após o semeio as mesmas receberam solução nutritiva de Sarruge. Transcorridos 60 dias após o semeio foi iniciada a aplicação das concentrações de cádmio na forma de cloreto de cádmio hidratado (CdCl2.H2O). Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com 5 tratamentos sendo constituídos de plantas controle (sem cádmio) e com doses de Cádmio (CdCl2 178μM, CdCl2 356 μM, CdCl2 534μM, CdCl2 712 μM) Os dados foram submetidos análise de variância pelo teste F (p < 0,05) e as diferenças entre os tratamentos analisadas pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05) e foram ajustadas por equações de regressão polinomial P<0,01 ou 0,05 usando-se o programa Sisvar. As principais variáveis fisiológicas (fotossíntese, condutância estomática e transpiração) desestabilizaram-se em suas funções com o aumento das doses de cádmio, influenciando no processo energético das mesmas. Para as variáveis de crescimento (altura, diâmetro, número de folhas e folíolos), o cádmio proporcionou uma diminuição à medida que as doses eram aumentadas, interferindo em menor produção de biomassa foliar. As alterações dos parâmetros fisiológicos, consequentemente levaram a mudanças no metabolismo do carbono e nitrogênio dessas plantas, evidenciando baixas concentrações das variáveis que contem nitrogênio em suas estruturas como aminoácidos, prolina, glicina. O cádmio acumulou-se principalmente nas raízes, mas porém houve translocação para parte aérea. Diante disso, pode-se caracteriza-lá como fitoextratora.

The management of endangered species should be used as a conservation strategy, and it is essential to know the behavior of these species in relation to the logging and the recovery rate of their stock within the cutting cycle established for the forest. Thus, we evaluated the dynamics of the populations of Hymenaea parvifolia Huber, Hymenolobium excelsum Ducke and Vouacapoua americana Aubl., classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The research was divided in three parts that contemplate its specific objectives. In the first part populations dynamics of H. parvifolia, H. excelsum and V. americana were evaluated the considering the horizontal structure, the rates of ingrowth and mortality and the spatial distribution of individuals. The second part evaluated the basal area, volume and diameter distribution of the species H. parvifolia and H. excelsum; and in the third part the dynamics of the natural regeneration of the populations of H. parvifolia, H. excelsum and V. americana was evaluated considering the abundance of their populations. The research was carried out in three experimental areas administered by Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, two of which were located in the Tapajós National Forest (Km 114 and Km 67 of BR 163) and one at the Embrapa Experimental Field in the municipality of Moju. Changes caused by reduced impact logging on the structure, ingrowth, and mortality of Individuals of the H. parvifolia, H. excelsum and V. americana were not significant during the monitoring period. The period of 30 years after logging was not sufficient for H. parvifolia to recover the number of trees, basal area and volume existing before harvest, considering individuals with DBH ≥ 45 cm. The high harvest intensity did not allow H. excelsum to recover the number of trees with DBH ≥ 45 cm that existed before the logging in the period of 30 years, but the species has growing stock that can guarantee its conservation and future logging. The absence of individuals in the natural regeneration of H. parvifolia and H. excelsum in the unlogged forest and the low number of individuals in the managed forest indicated how difficult is to these species to regenerate and get established in the forest, and this would lead to their extinction in the area. Natural regeneration of V. americana is abundant, guaranteeing its constant presence in the area, with no risk of extinction. It is recommended the application of silvicultural treatments directed to stimulate the natural regeneration in the areas of Km 67 and Km 114. The planting and the conduction of the natural regeneration are recommended to guarantee the permanence of the population of the species in the area of management. / O manejo das espécies ameaçadas deve ser utilizado como uma estratégia de conservação, sendo fundamental conhecer o comportamento dessas espécies em relação à exploração florestal e à taxa de recuperação do seu estoque dentro do ciclo de corte estabelecido para a floresta. Assim, avaliou-se a dinâmica das populações de Hymenaea parvifolia Huber, Hymenolobium excelsum Ducke e Vouacapoua americana Aubl., classificadas como ameaçadas de extinção pela União Internacional de Conservação da Natureza (IUCN). A pesquisa foi dividida em três partes que contemplam seus objetivos específicos. Na primeira parte avaliou-se a dinâmica das populações de H. parvifolia, H. excelsum e V. americana considerando a estrutura horizontal, as taxas de ingresso e mortalidade e a distribuição espacial de indivíduos. Na segunda parte avaliou-se a área basal, o volume e a distribuição diamétrica das espécies H. parvifolia e H. excelsum e na terceira parte avaliou-se a dinâmica da regeneração natural das populações de H. parvifolia, H. excelsum e V. americana, considerando a abundância de suas populações. A pesquisa foi realizada em três áreas experimentais administradas pela Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, sendo duas localizadas na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (Km 114 e Km 67 da BR 163) e uma no Campo Experimental da Embrapa no município de Moju. As alterações causadas pela exploração florestal de impacto reduzido sobre a estrutura e distribuição espacial dos indivíduos das populações de H. parvifolia, H. excelsum e V. americana não foram significativas no período de monitoramento. O período de 30 anos após a exploração florestal não foi suficiente para H. parvifolia recuperar o número de árvores, a área basal e o volume existente antes da exploração, considerando os indivíduos com DAP ≥ 45 cm. A alta intensidade de colheita não permitiu que H. excelsum recuperasse o número de árvores com DAP ≥ 45 cm existente antes da exploração, no período de 30 anos, porém a espécie possui estoque em crescimento que poderá garantir a sua conservação e futura exploração. A ausência de indivíduos em regeneração natural de H. parvifolia e H. excelsum na floresta não explorada e a baixa densidade na floresta manejada indicam a dificuldade que essas espécies têm para regenerar e se estabelecer na floresta, o que pode levá-las à extinção na área. A regeneração de V. americana é abundante na área, garantindo a sua permanência constante, sem correr o risco de extinção. Recomenda-se a aplicação de tratamentos silviculturais direcionados para estimular a regeneração natural nas áreas do Km 67 e Km 114. O plantio e a condução da regeneração natural são recomendados para garantir a permanência da população das espécies na área de manejo.