Identifying the best common factor model via exploratory eactor analysis

Currently,there is no solid criterion for judging the quality of the estimators in factor analysis.This paper presents a new evaluation method for exploratory factor analysis that pinpoints an appropriate number of factors along with the best method for factor extraction.The proposed technique consists of two steps:testing the normality of the residuals from the fitted model via the Shapiro-Wilk test and using an empirical quantified index to judge the quality of the factor model.Examples are presented to demonstrate how the method is implemented and to verify its effectiveness.

Modeling Analysis of Factors Influencing Wind-Borne Seed Dispersal: A Case Study on Dandelion

A weed is a plant that thrives in areas of human disturbance, such as gardens, fields, pastures, waysides, and waste places where it is not intentionally cultivated. Dispersal affects community dynamics and vegetation response to global change. The process of seed disposal is influenced by wind, which plays a crucial role in determining the distance and probability of seed dispersal. Existing models of seed dispersal consider wind direction but fail to incorporate wind intensity. In this paper, a novel seed disposal model was proposed in this paper, incorporating wind intensity based on relevant references. According to various climatic conditions, including temperate, arid, and tropical regions, three specific regions were selected to establish a wind dispersal model that accurately reflects the density function distribution of dispersal distance. Additionally, dandelions growth is influenced by a multitude of factors, encompassing temperature, humidity, climate, and various environmental variables that necessitate meticulous consideration. Based on Factor Analysis model, which completely considers temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, wind, and land carrying capacity, a conclusion is presented, indicating that the growth of seeds is primarily influenced by plant attributes and climate conditions, with the former exerting a relatively stronger impact. Subsequently, the remaining two plants were chosen based on seed weight, yielding consistent conclusion.

Comparative Analysis of the Factors Influencing Metro Passenger Arrival Volumes in Wuhan, China, and Lagos, Nigeria: An Application of Association Rule Mining and Neural Network Models

This study explores the factors influencing metro passengers’ arrival volume in Wuhan, China, and Lagos, Nigeria, by examining weather, time of day, waiting time, travel behavior, arrival patterns, and metro satisfaction. It addresses a significant research gap in understanding metro passengers’ dynamics across cultural and geographical contexts. It employs questionnaires, field observations, and advanced data analysis techniques like association rule mining and neural network modeling. Key findings include a correlation between rainy weather, shorter waiting times, and higher arrival volumes. Neural network models showed high predictive accuracy, with waiting time, metro satisfaction, and weather being significant factors in Lagos Light Rail Blue Line Metro. In contrast, arrival patterns, weather, and time of day were more influential in Wuhan Metro Line 5. Results suggest that improving metro satisfaction and reducing waiting times could increase arrival volumes in Lagos Metro while adjusting schedules for weather and peak times could optimize flow in Wuhan Metro. These insights are valuable for transportation planning, passenger arrival volume management, and enhancing user experiences, potentially benefiting urban transportation sustainability and development goals.

Analysis on Fuji Apple Tree Structures and Related Factors under Different Pruning Modes

To determine the correlations between the tree structuresof Fuji apple with different pruning modes and each factor, the data about 3 tree structures which were free spindle short shoot, free spindle long shoot and slenderspindle short shoot in Xingtang County of Hebai Province were investigated, then by SPSS anal- ysis, the correlations between the taperingness and each growth factor of inserted small branch were compared. The results showed that the taperingness of central trunk of free spindle dwarf-shoot Fuji apple treeshad negative correlations with each factor of inserted small branch, while the taperingness of central trunk of free spin- dle long-shoot Fuji apple treeshad positive correlations with each factor of inserted small branch, the taperingness of central trunk of slenderspindle short-shootFuji ap- ple treeshad negative correlation with total thickness of inserted small branch, but had positive correlations with other factors. This study can provide a scientifictheo- retical basis for the pruning technology of high-density planting trees grafting by dwarfing self-rooted rootstock.

Using factor analysis on the comprehensive evaluation of oil pollution in the Haihe river basin

Selecting six indexs of pH, DO, COD, BOD5, ammonia nitrogen and petroleum hydrocarbons in Haihe River Basin of four seasons in 2012 - 2013 for factor analysis, appling Water Quality Pollution Index （API） to evaluate DO, COD, BOD5 and ammonia nitrogen, aims for systematic evluation to water quality of Haihe River Basin The results showed that two stations of B J1 and HB2 were the 1V type of water, others were the V type; Water Quality Pollution Index （API） was 1.44, which illustrated Haihe River Basin in the state of contamination that the degree of pollution exceeded the standard of functional areas. Factor Analysis explained that between COD, DO and NH3-N were significant difference （P〈0.05）; principal component analysis showed that, in addition to pH and BOD5, the other indicators were above 0.70; the contribution rate of COD, DO, NH3-N and TPH were higher, petroleum hydrocarbons was 100%, it can be considered that the waters type of pollution was organic pollution, and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination was more prominent.

Factor Analysis Based on the Level of Urban Facilities in Different Regions

With the rapid growth of economy in China, people＇s living standard has been generally improved, and people＇s requirements on the quality and quantity of infrastructures like transportation convenience, city greening have become higher and higher, which requires the government to attach importance to these livelihood is- sues. Based on the China Statistical Yearbook, 6 target factors of 31 provinces and cities in China were conducted with factor analysis, and the conditions of the infras- tructures in the 31 provinces and cities were judged and evaluated through the ex- traction of common factors and the calculation of these common factors, and corre- sponding suggestions were proposed with the aim to improve the infrastructures in China.

Preoperative risk factor analysis in orthotopic liver transplantation with pretransplant artificial liver support therapy

AIM： To assess the value of pre-transplant artificial liver support in reducing the pre-operative risk factors relating to early mortality after orthotopic liver transplantation （OLT）. METHODS： Fifty adult patients with various stages and various etiologies undergoing OLT procedures were treated with molecular adsorbent recycling system （MARS） as preoperative liver support therapy. The study included two parts, the first one is to evaluate the medical effectiveness of single MARS treatment with some clinical and laboratory parameters, which were supposed to be the therapeutical pre-transplant risk factors, the second part is to study the patients undergoing OLT using the regression analysis on preoperative risk factors relating to early mortality （30 d） after OLT. RESULTS： In the 50 patients, the statistically significant improvement in the biochemical parameters was observed （pre-treatment and post-treatment）. Eight patients avoided the scheduled Ltx due to significant relief of clinical condition or recovery of failing liver function, 8 patients died, 34 patients were successfully bridged to Ltx, the immediate outcome of this 34 patients within 30d observation was： 28 kept alive and 6 patients died. CONCLUSION： Pre-operative SOFA, level of creatinine, INR, TNF-α, IL-10 are the main preoperative risk factors that cause early death after operation, MARS treatment before transplantion can relieve these factors significantly.

Factor analysis identifies subgroups of constipation

AIM:To determine whether distinct symptom groupings exist in a constipated population and whether such grouping might correlate with quantifiable pathophysiological measures of colonic dysfunction.METHODS:One hundred and ninety-one patients presenting to a Gastroenterology clinic with constipation and 32 constipated patients responding to a newspaper advertisement completed a 53-item,wide-ranging selfreport questionnaire.One hundred of these patients had colonic transit measured scintigraphically.Factor analysis determined whether constipation-related symptoms grouped into distinct aspects of symptomatology.Cluster analysis was used to determine whether indi-vidual patients naturally group into distinct subtypes.RESULTS:Cluster analysis yielded a 4 cluster solution with the presence or absence of pain and laxative unresponsiveness providing the main descriptors.Amongst all clusters there was a considerable proportion of patients with demonstrable delayed colon transit,irritable bowel syndrome positive criteria and regular stool frequency.The majority of patients with these characteristics also reported regular laxative use.CONCLUSION:Factor analysis identified four constipation subgroups,based on severity and laxative unresponsiveness,in a constipated population.However,clear stratification into clinically identifiable groups remains imprecise.

Rutting influencing factors and prediction model for asphalt pavements based on the factor analysis method

To clarify the importance of various influencing factors on asphalt pavement rutting deformation and determine a screening method of model indicators,the data of the RIOHTrack full-scale track were examined using the factor analysis method(FAM).Taking the standard test pavement structure of RIOHTrack as an example,four rutting influencing factors from different aspects were determined through statistical analysis.Furthermore,the common influencing factors among the rutting influencing factors were studied based on FAM.Results show that the common factor can well characterize accumulative ESALs,center-point deflection,and temperature,besides humidity,which indicates that these three influencing factors can have an important impact on rutting.Moreover,an empirical rutting prediction model was established based on the selected influencing factors,which proved to exhibit high prediction accuracy.These analysis results demonstrate that the FAM is an effective screening method for rutting prediction model indicators,which provides a reference for the selection of independent model indicators in other rutting prediction model research when used in other areas and is of great significance for the prediction and control of rutting distress.

Factor analysis of earthquake-induced geological disasters of the M7.0 Lushan earthquake in China

The seismic intensities, lithologic characteristics and terrain features from a 3000 km2-region near the epicenter of the Lushan earthquake are used to analyze earthquake-induced geological disaster. The preliminary results indicate that secondary effects of the earthquake will affect specific areas, including those with glutenite and carbonate bedrock, a seismic intensity of IX, slopes between 40° and 50°, elevations of less than 2500 m, slope change rates between 20° and 30°, slope curvatures from - 1 to -0.5 and 0. 5 to 1, and relief between 50 and 100 m. Regions with susceptibility indices greater than 0.71 are prone to landslides and collapses. The secondary features are mainly distributed on both sides of the ridges that extend from Baosheng to Shuangshi and from Baosheng to Longxing. Other features are scattered on both sides of the ridges that extend from Qishuping to Baosheng and from Masangping to Lingguan. The distribution of the earthquake-related features trends in the NE direction, and the area that was most affected by the Lushan earthquake covers approximately 52.4 km^2.

3D Modeling and Determination of Factors Responsible for Zinc-Lead Mineralization in the Mehdiabad Deposit,Central Iran,based on Statistical Analysis of Geochemical Data

Although the Mehdiabad zinc-lead deposit is one of the most well-known deposits in the central Iran structural zone,the genesis of the deposit remains controversial.The host rock of the ore is a dolomitic limestone of the Lower Cretaceous Taft Formation.In the two main orebodies of the deposit,which includes the Black Hill and East Ridge ore zones,the oxide and sulfide ores are observed at the surface and at depth,respectively.The elements Zn,Fe,Mn and Mg are more abundant in the East Ridge ore zone(in both sulfide and oxide ores),with Ba,Pb,Ag and Cu being more abundant in the Black Hill oxide ore.Based on the distribution of elements and their correlation with each other in these ore zones,the elements are divided into three general groups,that of terrigenous elements,chemically-deposited elements and oreforming(hydrothermally deposited)elements,a division that is supported by the results of factor analyses.The spatial distribution of elements is jointly affected by contact with host rocks,the boundary of oxide-sulfide ores and fault zones.The main factors governing the distribution of elements are the mechanical transfer of detrital sediments,chemical sedimentation,transfer by hydrothermal fluids,oxidation and surface dissolution,all of which affected the spatial distribution of elements.The ore-forming elements are mostly affected by hydrothermal fluids and oxidation.This study not only provides additional information about the genesis of the Mehdiabad deposit,but also could assist in the exploitation of ore and further exploration purposes.The results of this study can aid in the exploration and exploitation of the Mehdiabad deposit and similar deposits in the region.

Main Controlling Factors and Dominant Reservoir Series Analysis of Es_3 in the Qibei Area of Qikou Sag

Based on analysis of geophysical data such as core observation, rock slices identification, physical property, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, logging data etc., 16 factors of sedimentation, diagenesis, fluid pressure, and their relationships with reservoir physical property were analyzed, and the results indicate sedimentation is the internal factor controlling the reservoir property, diagenesis is the external and final decisive factor and abnormal fluid pressure is an important factor preserving the deep reservoir property. Quantitative characterization of diagenesis indicates that compaction and dissolution are more important than cementation and they respectively cause porosity change of-23.6% and 7.7% and -6.2%. Through optimizing 11 main controlling factors and constructing reservoir evaluation index （REI） according to the hierarchical cluster and principal component analysis, reservoir classification standard was established and reservoirs were divided into four classes. The studies show that Es~ SQ4 consists mainly of class I and II, while Es~ SQ6 is mainly of class III and II; the favorable zone is the north and south slope of Qibei sub-sag and the Liujianfang fault-nose. The successful application of the quantitative and comprehensive evaluation in the Qibei area verifies the advanced, practicable method of less artificial factor is suitable for the low porosity and permeability reservoir.

Transarterial Chemoembolization Combined with Apatinib for Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma:Analysis of Survival and Prognostic Factors

Objective Apatinib is a novel inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2.The goal of this study was to evaluate overall survival(OS)after a combination of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)and apatinib in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)and to identify the factors affecting patient survival.Methods Fifty-one patients with advanced HCC who received TACE in combination with apatinib in our hospital from June 2015 to May 2017 were enrolled.The OS and progression-free survival(PFS)were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method.The log-rank test and Cox regression model were used to determine the factors affecting OS.Results The median OS and PFS of the patients were 15 months and 10 months,respectively.The 1-,2-,and 3-year survival rates were 64.7%,23.5%,and 1.8%,respectively.Univariate survival analysis showed that patients with Child-Pugh A(P=0.006),reduction rate of proper hepatic artery(P=0.016),hand-foot syndrome(P=0.005),secondary hypertension(P=0.050),and without ascites(P=0.010)had a better OS.Multivariate analysis showed that hand-foot syndrome(P=0.014),secondary hypertension(P=0.017),and reduction rate of proper hepatic artery(P=0.025)were independent predictors of better OS.Conclusion TACE combined with apatinib is a promising treatment for advanced HCC.Hand-foot syndrome,secondary hypertension,and the reduction rate of proper hepatic artery were associated with a better OS.

Measuring speed consistency for freeway diverge areas using factor analysis

Although either absolute speed or speed difference can be considered as a measure for speed consistency, few researches consider both in practice. The factor analysis method was introduced to extract an optimal number of factors from numerous original measures. The freeway diverging zone was divided into four elements, namely the upstream, the diverge area, the downstream and the exit ramp. Operating speeds together with individual vehicle speeds were collected at each element with radar guns. Following the factor analysis procedure, two factors, which explain 96.722% of the variance in the original data, were retained from the initial seven speed measures. According to the loadings after Varimax rotation, the two factors are clearly classified into two categories. The first category is named "speed scale" reflecting the absolute speed, and the other one is named "speed dispersion" interpreting speed discreteness. Then, the weighted score of speed consistency for each diverge area is given in terms of linear combination of the two retained factors. To facilitate the level classification of speed consistency, the weighted scores are normalized in the range of (0, 1.0). The criterion for speed consistency classification is given as 0≤F N <0.30, good consistency; 0.30≤F N <0.60, fair consistency; 0.60≤ F N ≤1.00, poor consistency. The validation by comparing with previously developed measures shows that the proposed measure is acceptable in evaluating speed consistency.

Analysis and Optimisation of Halomonas Growth Factors Based on PCA and RSM

The biomass of petroleum-degrading bacteria, such as Halomonas spp., is crucial to the alleviation of severe oil spills through bioremediation. In this paper, the bacterium(HDMP1) was isolated and identified. Growth factors were analysed and optimised through the single-factor experiments, the factor analysis(FA), the principal component analysis(PCA), and the response surface methodology(RSM). Results indicated that HDMP1 was identified as genus Halomonas. In the single-factor experiments, the range of suitable growth conditions for HDMP1 covered: a salt concentration of 2%-4%, a medium pH value of approximately 9, an inoculum concentration of 1.0%, a substrate concentration of 1.0%-1.4%, and a rotation rate of 140 r/min. The evaluation by FA and PCA indicated that three significant growth factors were the salt concentration, the pH value, and the rotation rate. A maximum biomass of HDMP1 was obtained under the conditions covering a salt concentration of 3.5%, a medium pH of 8, and a rotation rate of 151 r/min by optimization.

Evaluation and classification of residential greenbelt quality based on factor analysis & clustering analysis:An example of Xinxiang City,China

Five factors expressing greenbelt quality and one factor expressing quantity were adopted for evaluation of the residential greenbelt, and the AHP （Analytical Hierarchy Process） method was used to determine the value of factors. Thirty residential areas were selected as the samples. Two principal components were extracted and their expression was constructed by method of factor anlysis, therefore, quality evaluation of residential greenbelt was obtained. The accuracy of the function and implement quality classification toward the residential greenbelts in Xinxiang City were validated by clustering analysis method. The results showed that the greenbelt quality of fourteen residential areas was higher than the average level, of which eleven were newly-built residential areas. The 30 residential areas were classified into three types according to their greenbelt features and their formation by clustering analysis method. Finally rational proposal basing on aforesaid evaluating results was proposed for construction and renewal of residential greenbelt, upon which directive basis was provided for construction and renewal of residential greenbelt.

Discrimination of marine algal taxonomic groups based on fluorescence excitation emission matrix, parallel factor analysis and CHEMTAX

An in vivo three-dimensional fluorescence method for the determination of algae community structure was developed by parallel factor analysis （PARAFAC） and CHEMTAX. The PARAFAC model was applied to fluo-rescence excitation-emission matrix （EEM） of 60 algae species belonging to five divisions and 11 fluorescent components were identified according to the residual sum of squares and specificity of the composition profiles of fluorescent. By the 11 fluorescent components, the algae species at different growth stages were classified correctly at the division level using Bayesian discriminant analysis （BDA）. Then the reference fluo-rescent component ratio matrix was constructed for CHEMTAX, and the EEM-PARAFAC-CHEMTAX method was developed to differentiate algae taxonomic groups. The correct discrimination ratios （CDRs） when the fluorometric method was used for single-species samples were 100% at the division level, except for Bacil-lariophyta with a CDR of 95.6%. The CDRs for the mixtures were above 94.0% for the dominant algae species and above 87.0% for the subdominant algae species. However, the CDRs of the subdominant algae species were too low to be unreliable when the relative abundance estimated was less than 15.0%. The fluorometric method was tested using the samples from the Jiaozhou Bay and the mesocosm experiments in the Xiaomai Island Bay in August 2007. The discrimination results of the dominant algae groups agreed with microscopy cell counts, as well as the subdominant algae groups of which the estimated relative abundance was above 15.0%. This technique would be of great aid when low-cost and rapid analysis is needed for samples in a large batch. The fluorometric technique has the ability to correctly identify dominant species with proper abundance both in vivo and in situ.

Modeling Indicator Systems for Evaluating Environmental Sustainable Development Based on Factor Analysis

Indicator systems of environmental sustainable development in the Poyang Lake Basin are established from 51 elementary indexes by factor analysis, which is composed of four steps such as the factor model, the parameter estimation, the factor rotation and the factor score. Under the condition that the cumulative proportion is greater than 85%, 5 explicit factors of environmental sustainable development as well as its factor score by region are carried out. The result indicates some impact factors to the basin environmental in descending sort order are volume of water, volume of waste gas discharge,volume of solid wasters.the degree to comprehensive utilization of waste gas, waste water and solid wastes, the emission volume of waste gas, waste water and solid wastes. It is helpful and important to provide decision support for constituting sustainable development strategies and evaluate the sustainable development status of each city.

Analysis of factors influencing the Henry Hub natural gas price based on factor analysis

Henry Hub as an important transaction hub for natural gas sets the gas price standard in the USA. In this paper, the factors influencing Henry Hub natural gas prices are analyzed, and the major factors determining the price levels in the period between January 1997 and December 2016 are studied. It is found that economic conditions, total energy demand, US dollar exchange rate and gas consumption are the major factors. The mechanism of each factor influencing the Henry Hub natural gas price is also explored in the paper.

Human Factors Analysis in Software Engineering

The general human factors analysis analyzes human functions, effects and influence in a system. But in a narrow sense, it analyzes human influence upon the reliability of a system, it includes traditional human reliability analysis, human error analysis, man-machine interface analysis, human character analysis, and others. A software development project in software engineering is successful or not to be completely determined by human factors. In this paper, we discuss the human factors intensions, declare the importance of human factors analysis for software engineering by listed some instances. At last, we probe preliminarily into the mentality that a practitioner in software engineering should possess. Key words human factors analysis - software engineering - software reliability CLC number TP 311.5 Foundation item: Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (60173013)Biography: Xu Ren-zuo (1946-), male, Professor, research direction: software engineering, software reliability engineering, software safety and software testing.