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A Profile Wald Test In M-Estimation
No full textDespite the growing popularity of machine learning-based inference, classical statistical inference remains highly relevant in modern data science due to its interpretability and theoretical rigor. Among its core tools, the likelihood ratio test, Wald test, and score test are foundational methods for hypothesis testing within the maximum likelihood framework. Although these tests are asymptotically equivalent under regularity conditions, each offers distinct advantages depending on the context, computational demands, and the availability of parameter estimates. In this dissertation, we introduce a fourth method, the Profile Wald Test (PWT), within the broader M-estimation framework. The PWT is based on profile estimators of the parameters under test, and occupies an intermediate position between the score test and the Wald test in terms of estimation requirements and computational efficiency. We establish the asymptotic properties of the PWT and assess its performance through extensive numerical studies. Our results show that the PWT not only maintains nominal type I error rates but also achieves statistical power comparable to the Ordinary Wald Test (OWT) when a convexity condition is satisfied. Additionally, its strong empirical performance and robustness make it a practical alternative to classical methods with broad applications in modern statistical inference
Cellular and Noncellular Influences on Lipid Nanoparticle Tropism In the Liver
No full textHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently ranked as the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, causing more than 700,000 deaths a year. The liver is important in blood filtration and metabolism, and for this reason is a prime target for drug delivery, with lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) showing promise as carriers due to their natural hepatic tropism. However, LNP efficacy is decreased in HCC due to the limited understanding of liver physiology in cancerous environments. This project proposes to address this gap by using a tissue-clearing technique known as CLARITY along with a chemically tagged LNP for comprehensive visualization of LNPs in the liver using 3D optical microscopy. CLARITY allows whole-organ 3D fluorescent imaging, offering a better perspective into LNPs\u27 interaction with cellular and non-cellular components. First, we aim to optimize the chemical tags on the LNPs to make them compatible with the CLARITY tissue-clearing technique. Next, we apply our chemically tagged LNPs to quantify LNP accumulation in altered physiological states, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. This project successfully quantified collagen content across different lobes of fibrotic and healthy livers, demonstrating fibrosis development through segmentation analysis. It also validated the effective tracking of LNP accumulation in the liver at 1, 24, and 72 hours post-injection, while preserving ECM proteins, fluorescent signals, blood network, and the intact LNP chemical tag. These findings offer insight into physiological changes in fibrotic liver tissue and present a platform for studying LNP localization and therapeutic efficacy in other organs
Study On Self-Interaction Errors In Molecular Properties And Magnetic Behaviour Of 2d Materials Under External Stimuli Using Density Functional Theory
No full textDensity Functional Theory (DFT) has established itself as a practical and versatile method for efficiently studying the properties of materials of solids and molecules. Despite being exact in principle, in practice, DFT calculations rely on an approximation for the exchange-correlation energy functional of the electron density. This results in an erroneous interaction of the electron with itself, known as the self-interaction error (SIE). It arises from the fact that the exchange self-interaction does not exactly cancel out the Coulomb self-interaction. Due to this error, the approximate one-electron potential decays exponentially in the asymptotic region rather than exhibiting the correct ?1 r decay.This results in excessive delocalization of electrondensity, resulting in the delocalization error, which affects electronic, magnetic, and other properties. In this regard, we applied two -one-electron self-interaction correction (SIC) schemes to understand the effects of SIE on chemical barrier heights, exchange coupling constants, and polarizability in molecular systems. Our results showed that removal of self-interaction error improves the description of barrier heights, exchange coupling constants, and polarizability of conjugated molecular chains, and in all cases the recently developed local-scaling SIC method of Zope et al performs significantly better than the better-known Perdew-Zunger SIC method. The latter part of the thesis is dedicated to the exploration of 2D materials, which possess unique electrical, optical, and magnetic proper-ties that have captured significant interest in materials science and condensed matter physics. We focus on a few layered 2D materials that have the potential to drive new advances in spintronics and data storage devices. One of the most intriguing aspects is that the unique properties of such 2D materials can be manipulated using external agents, such as light, electric fields, pressure, doping, and vacancies. This approach opens up new avenues for advancement in the development of next-generation spintronics devices and high-capacity data storage technologies. In this thesis, we present our studies on the magnetic, electronic, and vibrational properties of 2D magnetic layered materials under the influence of external pressure and radiation
Computing Optimal Progressive Hybrid Censoring Schmes Using An Mcmc Type Probabilistic Approach
No full textProgressive hybrid censoring schemes play a crucial role in optimizing life-testing experiments by balancing test duration and statistical efficiency. This study presents a Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)-based probabilistic approach for determining optimal progressive hybrid censoring schemes, incorporating a time-dependent component that enhances traditional progressive censoring methods.We implement our approach using three distinct probability distributions the multinomial, hypergeometric, and uniform distributions to simulate censoring schemes. The optimal censoring schemes are then identified based on three optimality criteria: A-optimality, D-optimality, and T-optimality, ensuring robust selection by minimizing estimator variance, maximizing Fisher information, and optimizing test duration, respectively..To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we compare the results to existing solutions proposed in the literature . Our findings indicate that incorporating the time parameter enhances censoring scheme selection specifically for the T-optimality criterion, while its impact on D-optimality and A-optimality remains limited. This research provides a computationally efficient and statistically rigorous framework for optimizing censoring schemes in life-testing experiments, offering valuable insights for applications in engineering, manufacturing, and quality control, particularly in scenarios where test duration is a key consideration
Judicial and Techno-Securitization of Immigration: Narratives de Filosofia de Inmigracion y Justicia
No full textIn the thesis, I develop a philosophical account which is centered on immigration enforcement discrimination, surveillance and procedural justice. The thesis propounds two arguments. The first argument contends that the immigration enforcement of the United States (U.S.), including the use of surveillance technology, contributes to the structural injustice. The second argument is that the U.S. immigration surveillance and immigration enforcement should be qualified by procedural justice and constitutional democracy.
The thesis prioritizes the practice of the U.S. immigration policy, enforcement and how these promote structural injustice against non-citizens and citizens, specifically those who are Latinos living in the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. The research focus of prospective thesis would help us to comprehend how oppression and injustice have grappled immigration enforcement of the United States in contemporary time.
The thesis endeavors to provide philosophical accounts structural injustice in the context of tech-surveillance in the U.S.-Mexico border. The thesis also aims to philosophically brainstorm how procedural justice and constitutional democracy dovetail rights of \u27would-be\u27 immigrants, non-citizens, undocumented migrants, permanent residents and citizens residing in the U.S.-Mexico border-adjacent region
Pilot Study To Compare A Therapeutic Exercise Protocol And Neuromuscular Taping On Improving Plantar Foot Pressure Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients
No full textBackground: Diabetes has become one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a common complication of diabetes as it causes peripheral neuropathy. It is estimated that up to 50% of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes may be asymptomatic. Justification: The purpose of this study was to determine if the therapeutic exercise protocol and/or Neuromuscular taping can delay changes in the plantar pressure of the foot in patients with Diabetes. Methods: A two-group quasi-experimental design was used in this study; data was collected at two different points in time; pre- and post-intervention. Baropodometric was used to assess peak plantar pressure. Results: After the 8-week intervention, there were no significant differences in plantar pressure between Group 1 and Group 2 on the static and dynamic assessment of plantar pressure. Both groups showed increased static and dynamic peak pressure on M2-3 and hindfoot. There was no significant decrease in peak plantar barefoot pressure distribution after the 8-week intervention. Conclusions: This pilot study explored possible off-loading mechanism for plantar pressure. While findings lacked statistical significance, the research highlights that both static and dynamic peak plantar pressure are greater at M2-3 indicating a drop in the transverse arch of the foot on patients with diabetes. Recommendations: Periodical peak plantar pressure analysis on patients with diabetes can uncover early structural changes of the biomechanics of the foot allowing the recommendation of early off-loading treatments for the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers
Level Of Fidelity Adaptation Of Structural Models To Support In-Space Servicing, Assembly, And Manufacturing (isam)
No full textIn-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) operations increasingly rely on digital twin technology to perform predictive structural analysis in resource-constrained environments. A key challenge in deploying structural finite element analysis (FEA) within a digital twin lies in determining mesh fidelity settings that balance simulation accuracy with computational efficiency. This thesis presents the development of a MATLAB-based adaptive mesh refinement framework designed to identify optimal FEA mesh parameters prior to integration into a digital twin system.
The tool iteratively refines mesh resolution across faces, edges, and vertices based on von Mises stress distribution and convergence behavior. Termination criteria are governed by stress stabilization thresholds and a normalized stress variation metric. The simulation automatically adjusts mesh densities to concentrate refinement in high-stress zones while minimizing complexity in low-stress regions. The framework was validated against high-resolution Fusion 360 simulations, demonstrating convergence within 2% of reference stress values while using fewer elements and nodes.
By characterizing the fidelity-performance trade-offs in advance, this method enables scalable deployment of structural simulations within digital twins for ISAM applications. The tool\u27s modular architecture supports future extension to dynamic loading, thermal effects, and embedded real-time operation in onboard environments
Los Caminos Tierra Adentro: Territorialidades, Movilidades, y Agentes Históricos en el Septentrión Novohispano
No full textEsta disertación examina el proceso de creación del Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, un concepto que en el mismo nombre lleva implícita la condición realenga como algo que viene de arriba y se disemina hacia abajo. Este trabajo demuestra que, si bien el Camino Real buscaba ser un eje articulador de territorios y personas como parte del cuerpo imperial, quienes hacen, usan y se adhieren al imperio son los de abajo. Centrándose en la movilidad y los actores históricos que la hicieron posible, el trabajo explica que tierra adentro no es una idea a priori, sino algo que surge sobre la marcha de tratar de llegar al Septentrión novohispano por la mejor ruta; que como camino real esta ruta no fue siempre la más utilizada ni la mejor opción, y que quienes la usan y refieren son principalmente gente del común, no de la élite imperial; que como la vía para el poblamiento del norte del imperio, el Camino Real fue hecho para y por los animales no-humanos, cuya agencia para ocupar y transformar los paisajes fue enorme y poco reconocida. Finalmente, como eje territorializante, el uso de este y cualquier otro camino dependió de las buenas y malas voluntades de los usuarios, expuestas a través de los estudios de caso de los hombres de religión, los y las indígenas
Reclaiming Control: A Self-Management Education Program for Cancer Survivors
No full textCancer survivors face physical, emotional, and cognitive side effects after cancer treatment which negatively affects their quality of life (QOL).
A remote 6-week self-management program was implemented to educate survivors on how to manage these challenges. Comparison of pre- and post-program surveys demonstrated increased confidence in managing side effects after participation in the program, indicating that self-management interventions can effectively enhance survivors’ symptom management skills. The Self-Management Program is effective in empowering cancer survivors, improving self-efficacy, and enhancing QOL.https://scholarworks.utep.edu/otcapstones/1009/thumbnail.jp
Supporting the Parents of Transition Aged Students with Autism
No full textThe present capstone project sought to develop and implement an 8-week parent support program for the parents of transition aged youths diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder residing within the Socorro Independent School District. The parent support group included the topics of preparing for the transition process, state and local resources, and identifying caregiver strain for the first half of the program. The latter half of the program consisted of self-care and leisure activities for the parents to address levels of caregiver strain. The goal of the program was to identify potential changes in three areas: caregiver strain, perceived levels of preparedness, and quality of life. Wilcoxon signed-ranks and paired sampled t-test indicated no significant changes across all quantitative measures. Despite the quantitative results indicating no significant changes the school district and its parents indicated verbal satisfaction and willingness to continue the parent support program.https://scholarworks.utep.edu/otcapstones/1008/thumbnail.jp