Computational Experiments for Complex Social Systems:Experiment Design and Generative Explanation

Powered by advanced information technology,more and more complex systems are exhibiting characteristics of the cyber-physical-social systems(CPSS).In this context,computational experiments method has emerged as a novel approach for the design,analysis,management,control,and integration of CPSS,which can realize the causal analysis of complex systems by means of“algorithmization”of“counterfactuals”.However,because CPSS involve human and social factors(e.g.,autonomy,initiative,and sociality),it is difficult for traditional design of experiment(DOE)methods to achieve the generative explanation of system emergence.To address this challenge,this paper proposes an integrated approach to the design of computational experiments,incorporating three key modules:1)Descriptive module:Determining the influencing factors and response variables of the system by means of the modeling of an artificial society;2)Interpretative module:Selecting factorial experimental design solution to identify the relationship between influencing factors and macro phenomena;3)Predictive module:Building a meta-model that is equivalent to artificial society to explore its operating laws.Finally,a case study of crowd-sourcing platforms is presented to illustrate the application process and effectiveness of the proposed approach,which can reveal the social impact of algorithmic behavior on“rider race”.

Design and analysis of an advanced thermal management system for the solar close observations and proximity experiments spacecraft

In this paper,the mission and the thermal environment of the Solar Close Observations and Proximity Experiments(SCOPE)spacecraft are analyzed,and an advanced thermal management system(ATMS)is designed for it.The relationship and functions of the integrated database,the intelligent thermal control system and the efficient liquid cooling system in the ATMS are elaborated upon.For the complex thermal field regulation system and extreme space thermal environment,a modular simulation and thermal field planning method are proposed,and the feasibility of the planning algorithm is verified by numerical simulation.A solar array liquid cooling system is developed,and the system simulation results indicate that the temperatures of the solar arrays meet the requirements as the spacecraft flies by perihelion and aphelion.The advanced thermal management study supports the development of the SCOPE program and provides a reference for the thermal management in other deep-space exploration programs.

Flume experiments to study fine-grain migration and its impact on slope stability

Fine grains migration is a primary cause of landslides and debris flows.This study investigates the effect of fine-grain migration on slope failure through flume experiments,focusing on the spatiotemporal characteristics and mechanisms of slope stability.A series of artificial rainfall flume experiments with varying rainfall intensities and slopes were conducted using soil samples collected from Wei Jia Gully.The experiments monitored pore-water pressure,grain migration,and failure sequences.Grain-size distribution parameters(μand Dc)were analyzed to understand the migration path and accumulation of fine grains.The experiments reveal that fine-grain migration significantly alters soil structure,leading to random blockage and interconnection of internal pore channels.These changes result in fluctuating pore-water pressure distributions and uneven fine-grain accumulation,critical factors in slope stability.Slope failures occur randomly and intermittently,influenced by fine-grain content in runoff and resulting pore-water pressure variations.This study highlights that fine-grain migration plays a vital role in slope stability,with significant implications for predicting and mitigating slope failures.The stochastic nature of fine-grain migration and its impact on soil properties should be incorporated into predictive models to enhance their accuracy and reliability.

Study on the effect and mechanism of Swertia mussotii Franch. in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis based on bioinformatics and in vitro experiments

Background:Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a chronic biliary autoimmune liver disease characterized by intrahepatic cholestasis.Swertia mussotii Franch.(SMF)is a Tibetan medicine with hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory activities.In this study,the therapeutic effect and potential mechanisms of SMF on PBC were investigated by bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experimental validation,with the aim of promoting the progress of SMF and PBC research.Methods:We first explored the therapeutic effects and key targets of SMF on PBC using a network pharmacology approach,further screened the core targets using the GSE79850 dataset,and finally validated the results using molecular docking techniques and in vitro experiments.Results:By bioinformatics analysis,we identified core targets of SMF for PBC treatment(STAT3,JAK2,TNF-α,and IL-1β)and important signaling pathways:JAK-STAT,TNF,and PI3K-AKT.The molecular docking results showed that the significant components of SMF had good binding properties to the core targets.In vitro experiments showed that SMF extracts improved the extent of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells and had a significant reversal effect on epithelial-mesenchymal transition process markers and potential targets in PBC.Conclusion:SMF may exert its therapeutic effects on PBC by acting on important targets such as STAT3,JAK2,TNF-α,IL-1β,Vimentin,and E-cadherin and the pathways in which they are involved.

Mechanical heterogeneity characterization of coal materials based on nano-indentation experiments

To investigate the complex macro-mechanical properties of coal from a micro-mechanical perspective,we have conducted a series of micro-mechanical experiments on coal using a nano-indentation instrument.These experiments were conducted under both dynamic and static loading conditions,allowing us to gather the micro-mechanical parameters of coal for further analysis of its micro-mechanical heterogeneity using the box counting statistical method and the Weibull model.The research findings indicate that the load–displacement curves of the coal mass under the two different loading modes exhibit noticeable discreteness.This can be attributed to the stress concentration phenomenon caused by variations in the mechanical properties of the micro-units during the loading process of the coal mass.Consequently,there are significant fluctuations in the micro-mechanical parameters of the coal mass.Moreover,the mechanical heterogeneity of the coal at the nanoscale was confirmed based on the calculation results of the standard deviation coefficient and Weibull modulus of the coal body’s micromechanical parameters.These results reveal the influence of microstructural defects and minerals on the uniformity of the stress field distribution within the loaded coal body,as well as on the ductility characteristics of the micro-defect structure.Furthermore,there is a pronounced heterogeneity in the micromechanical parameters.Furthermore,we have established a relationship between the macro and micro elastic modulus of coal by applying the Mori-Tanaka homogenization method.This relationship holds great significance for revealing the micro-mechanical failure mechanism of coal.

Ballistic limit velocity of small caliber projectiles against SS400 steel plates:Live fire experiments and empirical models

This study presents the ballistic limit velocity of small caliber projectiles against SS400 steel plate derived from live-fire ballistic experiments. Four different small caliber projectiles were tested against SS400 steel plates of 9 mm, 10 mm, and 12 mm thicknesses. The ballistic limit velocity was calculated using two standard methods, MIL-STD-662F and NIJ-STD-0101.06, and additionally using a support vector machine algorithm. The results show a linear relationship between the plate thickness and ballistic limit velocity. Further, the relative penetration performance among five different small caliber projectiles was analyzed using the Penetration Performance Ratio(PPR) introduced in this study, which suggests the potential of PPR to predict the ballistic limit velocity of other untested materials and/or different projectiles.

Rotating tank experiments for the study of geophysical fluid dynamics

Geophysical fluid dynamics(GFD)is an interdisciplinary field that studies the large-scale motion of fluids in the natural world.With a wide range of applications such as weather forecasts and climate prediction,GFD employs various research approaches including in-situ observations,satellite measurements,numerical simulations,theoretical analysis,artificial intelligence,and physical model experiments in laboratory.Among these approaches,rotating tank experiments provide a valuable tool for simulating naturally-occurring fluid motions in laboratories.With proportional scaling and proper techniques,scientists can reproduce multi-scale physical processes of stratified fluids in the rotation system,which allows for the simulation of essential characteristics of fluid motions in the atmosphere and oceans.In this review,rotating tanks of various scales in the world are introduced,as these tanks have been actively used to explore fundamental scientific questions in ocean and atmosphere dynamics.To illustrate the GFD experiments,three representative cases are presented to demonstrate the frontier achievements in the the GFD study by using rotating tank experiments:mesoscale eddies in the ocean,convection processes,and plume dynamics.Detailed references for the experimental procedures are provided.Future studies are encouraged to further explore the utilization of rotating tanks with improvements in experimental design and integration of other research methods.This is a promising direction of GFD to help enhance our understanding of the complex nature of fluid motions in the natural world and to address the challenges posed by global environmental changes.

Teaching Status and Teaching Reform Ideas of Physical Chemistry Experiments for Food Quality and Safety Major

Physical chemistry experiments are an important branch of chemical experiments.In view of problems and shortcomings in physical chemistry experiment teaching of food quality and safety major in Chengdu University,the teaching methods of physical chemistry experiment course of food quality and safety major were explored and practiced,aiming to arouse students enthusiasm for experiments and cultivate their ability of independent learning,comprehensive thinking and independent problem solving.

Laboratory Experiments Do Not Support the Greenhouse Effect as Applicable to CO2

The analysis of Greenhouse Effect experiments in the public domain indicated that the lab tests were primarily centered around illustrating the mechanics of conventional greenhouses. They used high-energy visible light (such as sunlight), rather than addressing the Greenhouse Effect, which involves low-energy infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface. Studies with argon, a non-greenhouse gas with similar density to CO2, showed thermal heat transfer as the dominant factor in the temperature profiles, with radiation absorption being undetected. The same conclusion was drawn by another study, which measured infrared back radiation. Experiments using exaggerated CO2 concentrations inadvertently illustrated the principle of the Popper Falsification Test by disproving the Greenhouse Effect applicable to CO2 within the troposphere. A straightforward kitchen test showed that a microwave oven cannot be used as a model for the Greenhouse Effect.

Exploration of playa surface crusts in Qehan Lake, China through field investigation and wind tunnel experiments

Globally,many lakes are drying up,leaving exposed lakebeds where wind erosion releases dust and sand rich in salt and harmful heavy metals into the atmosphere.Therefore,understanding the characteristics and spatial distribution of playa surface crusts is important to recognize the manifestation of salt dust storms.The objective of this study was to explore the playa surface crust types as well as their spatial distribution and evolution of Qehan Lake in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China to understand the salt dust release potential of different types of playa surface crusts.Various crust characteristics were investigated by field sampling in Qehan Lake,and playa surface crusts were further divided into five types:vegetated areas,salt crusts,clay flats,curly crusts,and margins.It should be noted that curly crusts were distributed in clay flats and covered only a small area in Qehan Lake.The spatial distribution characteristics of playa surface crust types were obtained by supervised classification of remote sensing images,and the salt dust release potential of crusts was explored by the wind tunnel experiments.The field investigation of Qehan Lake revealed that playa surface crust types had a circum-lake band distribution from the inside to the outside of this lake,which were successively vegetated areas,clay flats,salt crusts,and margins.The spatial distribution patterns of playa surface crust types were mainly controlled by the hydrodynamics of the playa,soil texture,and groundwater.There was a significant negative correlation between crust thickness and electrical conductivity.The results of the wind tunnel experiments showed that the initial threshold of friction wind velocity for the salt dust release was higher in clay flats(0.7–0.8 m/s)than in salt crusts(0.5–0.6 m/s).Moreover,the particle leap impact processes occurring under natural conditions may reduce this threshold value.Salinity was the main factor controlling the difference in the initial threshold of friction wind velocity for the salt dust release of clay flats and salt crusts.This study provides a scientific reference for understanding how salt dust is released from a lakebed,which may be used for ecological restoration of dry salt lakes.

Process Characterization of the Transesterification of Rapeseed Oil to Biodiesel Using Design of Experiments and Infrared Spectroscopy

For optimization of production processes and product quality,often knowledge of the factors influencing the process outcome is compulsory.Thus,process analytical technology(PAT)that allows deeper insight into the process and results in a mathematical description of the process behavior as a simple function based on the most important process factors can help to achieve higher production efficiency and quality.The present study aims at characterizing a well-known industrial process,the transesterification reaction of rapeseed oil with methanol to produce fatty acid methyl esters(FAME)for usage as biodiesel in a continuous micro reactor set-up.To this end,a design of experiment approach is applied,where the effects of two process factors,the molar ratio and the total flow rate of the reactants,are investigated.The optimized process target response is the FAME mass fraction in the purified nonpolar phase of the product as a measure of reaction yield.The quantification is performed using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares regression.The data retrieved during the conduction of the DoE experimental plan were used for statistical analysis.A non-linear model indicating a synergistic interaction between the studied factors describes the reactor behavior with a high coefficient of determination(R^(2))of 0.9608.Thus,we applied a PAT approach to generate further insight into this established industrial process.

A framework for equipment systems-of-systems effectiveness evaluation using parallel experiments approach

Equipment systems-of-systems （SOS） effectiveness evaluation can provide important reference for construction and optimization of the equipment SoS. After discussing the basic theory and methods of parallel experiments, we depict an SoS effectiveness analysis and evaluation method using parallel expe- riments theory in detail. A case study is carried out which takes the missile defense system as an example. An artificial system of the missile defense system is constructed with the multi-agent modeling method. Then, single factor, multiple factors and defense position deployment computational experiments are carried out and evaluated with the statistical analysis method. Experiment re- sults show that the altitude of the secondary interception missile is not the key factor which affects SoS effectiveness and putting the defense position ahead will increase defense effectiveness. The case study demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.

Review on cyclic plasticity of magnesium alloys:Experiments and constitutive models

Fatigue analysis has always been a concern in the design and assessment of Mg alloy structure components subjected to cyclic loading,and research on the cyclic plasticity is fundamental to investigate the corresponding fatigue failure.Thus,this work reviews the progress in the cyclic plasticity of Mg alloys.First,the existing macroscopic and microscopic experimental results of Mg alloys are summarized.Then,corresponding macroscopic phenomenological constitutive models and crystal plasticity-based models are reviewed.Finally,some conclusions and recommended topics on the cyclic plasticity of Mg alloys are provided to boost the further development and application of Mg alloys.

Structure and kinematic analysis of the deepwater area of the Qiongdongnan Basin through a seismic interpretation and analogue modeling experiments

Located at the northwest continental slope of the South China Sea, the Qiongdongnan Basin bears valley-shaped bathymetry deepening toward east. It is separated from the Yinggehai Basin through NW-trending Indo-China-Red River shear zone, and connected with NW subsea basin through the Xisha Trough. Along with the rapid progress of the deepwater exploration, large amounts of high resolution geophysical and geological data were accumulated. Scientific researches about deepwater basins kept revealing brand new tectonic and sedimentary discoveries. In order to summarize the structural features and main controlling factors of the deepwater Qiongdongnan Basin, a series of researches on basin architecture, fault activities, tectonic deformation and evolution were carried out. In reference to analogue modeling experiments, a tectonic situation and a basin formation mechanism were discussed. The researches indicate that：the northern boundary of the Qiongdongnan Basin is strongly controlled by No. 2 fault. The overlapping control of two stress fields from the east and the west made the central depression zone extremely thinned. Combined with the changed stress field, the segmentation of a preexisting weakness zone made the sags in the east experiencing different rifting histories from the west ones. The NE-trending west segment of the Qiongdongnan Basin experienced strong rifting during Eocene, while the roughly EW-trending sags in the east segment show strong rifting during late Eocene and early Oligocene. Local structures such as NW-trending basal fault and inherited uplifts controlled the lateral segmentation. So first order factors such as regional stress field and preexisting weakness zone controlled the basin zonation, while the second order factors determined the segmentation from east to west.

Application of Hydrothermal Diamond Anvil Cell to Homogenization Experiments of Silicate Melt Inclusions

The homogenization of silicate melt inclusions （SMIs）,small droplets of silicate melt trapped in magmatic minerals,is an important component of petrogenetic and magmatic research.Conventional homogenization experiments on SMIs use microscope-mounted heating stages capable of producing high temperatures at 1 atm and cold-seal high-pressure vessels.Heating stages are generally used for SMIs with low internal pressures and allow in situ observations of the homogenization processes.In contrast,cold-seal high-pressure vessels are generally used to heat SMIs that have high internal pressures,although the homogenized SMIs can only be observed after quenching in this approach.Here we outline an alternative approach that uses a hydrothermal diamond anvil cell （HDAC） apparatus to homogenize SMIs.This is the only current method wherein phase changes in high-internal-pressure SMIs can be observed in situ during homogenization experiments,which represents an advantage over other conventional methods.Using an HDAC apparatus prevents high-internal-pressure SMIs from decrepitating during heating by elevating their external pressure,in addition to allowing in situ observations of SMIs.The type-V HDAC that is currently being used has a shorter distance between the sample chamber and the observation window than earlier types,potentially enabling continuous observation of the processes involved in heating and SMI homogenization through an objective lens with a long working distance.Homogenization experiments using HDAC require that a number of steps,including HDAC preparation,sample preparation,sample loading,preheating,and formal heating,be carefully followed.Homogenization experiments on SMIs within granite samples from the Jiajika pegmatite deposit （Sichuan,China） are best performed using an HDAC-based approach,because the elevated proper external pressure of these SMIs,combined with a short heating duration,helps to suppress material leakage and any reactions within the SMIs,in addition to allowing in situ observations during homogenization experiments.Furthermore,using the HDAC approach has other benefits：heating rates can be precisely controlled,wafer oxidization can be prevented,and samples can be subjected to in situ microbeam analysis.In summary,homogenization using HDAC provides more reliable results than those obtained using conventional heating equipment.Future developments will include improvements to the quenching method and temperature controls for the HDAC apparatus,thereby improving the utility of this approach for SMI homogenization experiments.

Walnut Tree Grafting Experiments in Different Areas in Yunnan Province

Yunnan has an area of 2.88 million hm2 walnut trees. Due to freezing in- jury and rapid growth, however, there are a lot of iron walnuts or inferior-quality walnuts ready for grafting. In five years, we conducted experiments in Kunming （Yunnan Academy of Forestry）, Gongshan County, Gucheng City, Luliang County, and Ludian County by cleft grafting, veneer grafting, bark grafting and whip grafting. The grafting approaches should be selected according to grafting requirements, characteristics, and survival rate. For example, with a low survival rate, cleft grafting can be abandoned, and the rest approaches might be chosen as per practical demands.

Efficiency of white lupin in the removal of mercury from contaminated soils: Soil and hydroponic experiments

This study examined the ability of the white lupin to remove mercury （Hg） from a hydroponic system （Hg concentrations 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5 and 10 μmol/L） and from soil in pots and lysimeters （total Hg concentration （19.2 ± 1.9） mg/kg availability 0.07%, and （28.9 ± 0.4） mg/kg availability 0.09%, respectively）, and investigated the accumulation and distribution of Hg in different parts of the plant. White lupin roots efficiently took up Hg, but its translocation to the harvestable parts of the plant was low. The Hg concentration in the seeds posed no risk to human health according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, but the shoots should not be used as fodder for livestock, at least when unmixed with other fodder crops. The accumulation of Hg in the hydroponically-grown plants was linear over the concentration range tested. The amount of Hg retained in the roots, relative to the shoots, was almost constant irrespective of Hg dose （90%）. In the soil experiments, Hg accumulation increased with exposure time and was the greater in the lysimeter than in the pot experiments. Although Hg removal was the greater in the hydroponic system, revealing the potential of the white lupin to extract Hg, bioaccumulation was the greatest in the lysimeter-grown plants; the latter system more likely reflects the true behaviour of white lupin in the field when Hg availability is a factor that limits Hg removal. The present results suggest that the white lupin could be used in long-term soil reclamation strategies that include the goal of profitable land use in Hg-polluted areas.

ENCLOSURE EXPERIMENTS ON AND LACUSTRINE PRACTICE FOR ELIMINATING MICROCYSTIS BLOOM

Microcystis bloom, one of the most objectionable characteristics of eutrophication in tropical and subtropical waters, occurred in Donghu Lake (East Lake) of Wuhan every summer from the 1970s up to 1984, but from 1985 up to now failed to occur there. The cause of its disappearance remained in obscurity until recently. In situ enclosure experiments in the lake for three years showed that the stocking of the filter-feeding silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and big-head carp (Aristichthys nobilis) played a decisive role in eliminating Microcystis bloom from the lake; but that recurrence of the bloom is possible under certain conditions. This paper presents the details and the results of enclosure experiments. The authors’ analysis of fish biomass data obtained by echo-sounding and the fishery production of the lake over the years, revealed that the recurrence of Microcystis bloom can be prevented so long as the combined biomass of silver carp and big-head carp remains at or exceeds 50 g per cubic meter of lakewater, as was the case in the lake’s 1985 fish yield of 1015 t.

Main outcomes from in situ thermo-hydro-mechanical experiments programme to demonstrate feasibility of radioactive high-level waste disposal in the Callovo-Oxfordian claystone

In the context of radioactive waste disposal,an underground research laboratory(URL)is a facility in which experiments are conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of constructing and operating a radioactive waste disposal facility within a geological formation.The Meuse/Haute-Marne URL is a sitespecific facility planned to study the feasibility of a radioactive waste disposal in the Callovo-Oxfordian(COx)claystone.The thermo-hydro-mechanical(THM)behaviour of the host rock is significant for the design of the underground nuclear waste disposal facility and for its long-term safety.The French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency(Andra)has begun a research programme aiming to demonstrate the relevancy of the French high-level waste(HLW)concept.This paper presents the programme implemented from small-scale(small diameter)boreholes to full-scale demonstration experiments to study the THM effects of the thermal transient on the COx claystone and the strategy implemented in this new programme to demonstrate and optimise current disposal facility components for HLW.It shows that the French high-level waste concept is feasible and working in the COx claystone.It also exhibits that,as for other plastic clay or claystone,heating-induced pore pressure increases and that the THM behaviour is anisotropic.

Non-equilibrium between ions and electrons inside hot spots from National Ignition Facility experiments

The non-equilibrium between ions and electrons in the hot spot can relax the ignition conditions in inertial confinement fusion[Fan et al.,Phys.Plasmas 23,010703(2016)],and obvious ion-electron non-equilibrium could be observed by our simulations of high-foot implosions when the ion-electron relaxation is enlarged by a factor of 2.On the other hand,in many shots of high-foot implosions on the National Ignition Facility,the observed X-ray enhancement factors due to ablator mixing into the hot spot are less than unity assuming electrons and ions have the same temperature[Meezan et al.,Phys.Plasmas 22,062703(2015)],which is not self-consistent because it can lead to negative ablator mixing into the hot spot.Actually,this non-consistency implies ion-electron non-equilibrium within the hot spot.From our study,we can infer that ion-electron non-equilibrium exists in high-foot implosions and the ion temperature could be~9%larger than the equilibrium temperature in some NIF shots.