Objective Model Selection in Physics: Exploring the Finite Information Quantity Approach

Traditional methods for selecting models in experimental data analysis are susceptible to researcher bias, hindering exploration of alternative explanations and potentially leading to overfitting. The Finite Information Quantity (FIQ) approach offers a novel solution by acknowledging the inherent limitations in information processing capacity of physical systems. This framework facilitates the development of objective criteria for model selection (comparative uncertainty) and paves the way for a more comprehensive understanding of phenomena through exploring diverse explanations. This work presents a detailed comparison of the FIQ approach with ten established model selection methods, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each. We demonstrate the potential of FIQ to enhance the objectivity and robustness of scientific inquiry through three practical examples: selecting appropriate models for measuring fundamental constants, sound velocity, and underwater electrical discharges. Further research is warranted to explore the full applicability of FIQ across various scientific disciplines.

Novel models for simulating maize growth based on thermal time and photothermal units: Applications under various mulching practices

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the three major food crops and an important source of carbohydrates for maintaining food security around the world.Plant height (H),stem diameter (SD),leaf area index (LAI) and dry matter (DM) are important growth parameters that influence maize production.However,the combined effect of temperature and light on maize growth is rarely considered in crop growth models.Ten maize growth models based on the modified logistic growth equation (Mlog) and the Mitscherlich growth equation (Mit) were proposed to simulate the H,SD,LAI and DM of maize under different mulching practices based on experimental data from 2015–2018.Either the accumulative growing degree-days (AGDD),helio thermal units (HTU),photothermal units (PTU) or photoperiod thermal units (PPTU,first proposed here) was used as a single driving factor in the models;or AGDD was combined with either accumulative actual solar hours (ASS),accumulative photoperiod response (APR,first proposed here) or accumulative maximum possible sunshine hours (ADL) as the dual driving factors in the models.The model performances were evaluated using seven statistical indicators and a global performance index.The results showed that the three mulching practices significantly increased the maize growth rates and the maximum values of the growth curves compared with non-mulching.Among the four single factor-driven models,the overall performance of the Mlog_(PTU)Model was the best,followed by the Mlog_(AGDD)Model.The Mlog_(PPTU)Model was better than the Mlog_(AGDD)Model in simulating SD and LAI.Among the 10 models,the overall performance of the Mlog_(AGDD–APR)Model was the best,followed by the Mlog_(AGDD–ASS)Model.Specifically,the Mlog_(AGDD–APR)Model performed the best in simulating H and LAI,while the Mlog_(AGDD–ADL)and Mlog_(AGDD–ASS)models performed the best in simulating SD and DM,respectively.In conclusion,the modified logistic growth equations with AGDD and either APR,ASS or ADL as the dual driving factors outperformed the commonly used modified logistic growth model with AGDD as a single driving factor in simulating maize growth.

Landslide susceptibility prediction using slope unit-based machine learning models considering the heterogeneity of conditioning factors

To perform landslide susceptibility prediction(LSP),it is important to select appropriate mapping unit and landslide-related conditioning factors.The efficient and automatic multi-scale segmentation(MSS)method proposed by the authors promotes the application of slope units.However,LSP modeling based on these slope units has not been performed.Moreover,the heterogeneity of conditioning factors in slope units is neglected,leading to incomplete input variables of LSP modeling.In this study,the slope units extracted by the MSS method are used to construct LSP modeling,and the heterogeneity of conditioning factors is represented by the internal variations of conditioning factors within slope unit using the descriptive statistics features of mean,standard deviation and range.Thus,slope units-based machine learning models considering internal variations of conditioning factors(variant slope-machine learning)are proposed.The Chongyi County is selected as the case study and is divided into 53,055 slope units.Fifteen original slope unit-based conditioning factors are expanded to 38 slope unit-based conditioning factors through considering their internal variations.Random forest(RF)and multi-layer perceptron(MLP)machine learning models are used to construct variant Slope-RF and Slope-MLP models.Meanwhile,the Slope-RF and Slope-MLP models without considering the internal variations of conditioning factors,and conventional grid units-based machine learning(Grid-RF and MLP)models are built for comparisons through the LSP performance assessments.Results show that the variant Slopemachine learning models have higher LSP performances than Slope-machine learning models;LSP results of variant Slope-machine learning models have stronger directivity and practical application than Grid-machine learning models.It is concluded that slope units extracted by MSS method can be appropriate for LSP modeling,and the heterogeneity of conditioning factors within slope units can more comprehensively reflect the relationships between conditioning factors and landslides.The research results have important reference significance for land use and landslide prevention.

Speed limit effect during lane change in a two-lane lattice model under V2X environment

Speed limit measures are ubiquitous due to the complexity of the road environment,which can be supplied with the help of vehicle to everything(V2X)communication technology.Therefore,the influence of speed limit on traffic system will be investigated to construct a two-lane lattice model accounting for the speed limit effect during the lane change process under V2X environment.Accordingly,the stability condition and the mKdV equation are closely associated with the speed limit effect through theory analysis.Moreover,the evolution of density and hysteresis loop is simulated to demonstrate the positive role of the speed limit effect on traffic stability in the cases of strong reaction intensity and high limited speed.

Quantitative prediction model for the depth limit of oil accumulation in the deep carbonate rocks:A case study of Lower Ordovician in Tazhong area of Tarim Basin

With continuous hydrocarbon exploration extending to deeper basins,the deepest industrial oil accumulation was discovered below 8,200 m,revealing a new exploration field.Hence,the extent to which oil exploration can be extended,and the prediction of the depth limit of oil accumulation(DLOA),are issues that have attracted significant attention in petroleum geology.Since it is difficult to characterize the evolution of the physical properties of the marine carbonate reservoir with burial depth,and the deepest drilling still cannot reach the DLOA.Hence,the DLOA cannot be predicted by directly establishing the relationship between the ratio of drilling to the dry layer and the depth.In this study,by establishing the relationships between the porosity and the depth and dry layer ratio of the carbonate reservoir,the relationships between the depth and dry layer ratio were obtained collectively.The depth corresponding to a dry layer ratio of 100%is the DLOA.Based on this,a quantitative prediction model for the DLOA was finally built.The results indicate that the porosity of the carbonate reservoir,Lower Ordovician in Tazhong area of Tarim Basin,tends to decrease with burial depth,and manifests as an overall low porosity reservoir in deep layer.The critical porosity of the DLOA was 1.8%,which is the critical geological condition corresponding to a 100%dry layer ratio encountered in the reservoir.The depth of the DLOA was 9,000 m.This study provides a new method for DLOA prediction that is beneficial for a deeper understanding of oil accumulation,and is of great importance for scientific guidance on deep oil drilling.

A new evolutional model for institutional field knowledge flow network

Purpose:This paper aims to address the limitations in existing research on the evolution of knowledge flow networks by proposing a meso-level institutional field knowledge flow network evolution model(IKM).The purpose is to simulate the construction process of a knowledge flow network using knowledge organizations as units and to investigate its effectiveness in replicating institutional field knowledge flow networks.Design/Methodology/Approach:The IKM model enhances the preferential attachment and growth observed in scale-free BA networks,while incorporating three adjustment parameters to simulate the selection of connection targets and the types of nodes involved in the network evolution process Using the PageRank algorithm to calculate the significance of nodes within the knowledge flow network.To compare its performance,the BA and DMS models are also employed for simulating the network.Pearson coefficient analysis is conducted on the simulated networks generated by the IKM,BA and DMS models,as well as on the actual network.Findings:The research findings demonstrate that the IKM model outperforms the BA and DMS models in replicating the institutional field knowledge flow network.It provides comprehensive insights into the evolution mechanism of knowledge flow networks in the scientific research realm.The model also exhibits potential applicability to other knowledge networks that involve knowledge organizations as node units.Research Limitations:This study has some limitations.Firstly,it primarily focuses on the evolution of knowledge flow networks within the field of physics,neglecting other fields.Additionally,the analysis is based on a specific set of data,which may limit the generalizability of the findings.Future research could address these limitations by exploring knowledge flow networks in diverse fields and utilizing broader datasets.Practical Implications:The proposed IKM model offers practical implications for the construction and analysis of knowledge flow networks within institutions.It provides a valuable tool for understanding and managing knowledge exchange between knowledge organizations.The model can aid in optimizing knowledge flow and enhancing collaboration within organizations.Originality/value:This research highlights the significance of meso-level studies in understanding knowledge organization and its impact on knowledge flow networks.The IKM model demonstrates its effectiveness in replicating institutional field knowledge flow networks and offers practical implications for knowledge management in institutions.Moreover,the model has the potential to be applied to other knowledge networks,which are formed by knowledge organizations as node units.

Nonlinear Mathematical Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis of Hydraulic Drive Unit

The previous sensitivity analysis researches are not accurate enough and also have the limited reference value, because those mathematical models are relatively simple and the change of the load and the initial displacement changes of the piston are ignored, even experiment verification is not conducted. Therefore, in view of deficiencies above, a nonlinear mathematical model is established in this paper, including dynamic characteristics of servo valve, nonlinear characteristics of pressure-flow, initial displacement of servo cylinder piston and friction nonlinearity. The transfer function block diagram is built for the hydraulic drive unit closed loop position control, as well as the state equations. Through deriving the time-varying coefficient items matrix and time-varying free items matrix of sensitivity equations respectively, the expression of sensitivity equations based on the nonlinear mathematical model are obtained. According to structure parameters of hydraulic drive unit, working parameters, fluid transmission characteristics and measured friction-velocity curves, the simulation analysis of hydraulic drive unit is completed on the MATLAB/Simulink simulation platform with the displacement step 2 mm, 5 mm and 10 mm, respectively. The simulation results indicate that the developed nonlinear mathematical model is sufficient by comparing the characteristic curves of experimental step response and simulation step response under different constant load. Then, the sensitivity function time-history curves of seventeen parameters are obtained, basing on each state vector time-history curve of step response characteristic. The maximum value of displacement variation percentage and the sum of displacement variation absolute values in the sampling time are both taken as sensitivity indexes. The sensitivity indexes values above are calculated and shown visually in histograms under different working conditions, and change rules are analyzed. Then the sensitivity indexes values of four measurable parameters, such as supply pressure, proportional gain, initial position of servo cylinder piston and load force, are verified experimentally on test platform of hydraulic drive unit, and the experimental research shows that the sensitivity analysis results obtained through simulation are approximate to the test results. This research indicates each parameter sensitivity characteristics of hydraulic drive unit, the performance-affected main parameters and secondary parameters are got under different working conditions, which will provide the theoretical foundation for the control compensation and structure optimization of hydraulic drive unit.

Simulation research on monomer agglomeration of nonmetallic inclusions in steel with a diffusion limited aggregation model

The monomer agglomeration of nonmetallic inclusions was simulated with a diffusion limited aggregation （DLA） model of the fractal theory. The simulation study with a random two-dimensional diffusion was carried out. The results indicate that the DLA model can be used for the simulation of agglomeration behavior of the cluster-type inclusions. The morphology of clusters was observed with SEM and compared with the simulated agglomerates. The modelling procedure of the DLA model is applicable for the agglomeration process. The uncertainty of agglomeration process and the persuasive average agglomerative ratio was analyzed. The factors about the agglomerative ratio with the collision path distance and the size of particles or seed were discussed. The adherence of the nonmetallic inclusions on the dam, the weir and the walls of a tundish, and the absorption of inclusions by stopper or nozzle were also discussed.

Optimization of a precise integration method for seismic modeling based on graphic processing unit

General purpose graphic processing unit （GPU） calculation technology is gradually widely used in various fields. Its mode of single instruction, multiple threads is capable of seismic numerical simulation which has a huge quantity of data and calculation steps. In this study, we introduce a GPU-based parallel calculation method of a precise integration method （PIM） for seismic forward modeling. Compared with CPU single-core calculation, GPU parallel calculating perfectly keeps the features of PIM, which has small bandwidth, high accuracy and capability of modeling complex substructures, and GPU calculation brings high computational efficiency, which means that high-performing GPU parallel calculation can make seismic forward modeling closer to real seismic records.

Toward three-dimensional in vitro models to study neurovascular unit functions in health and disease

The high metabolic demands of the brain require an efficient vascular system to be coupled with neural activity to supply adequate nutrients and oxygen.This supply is coordinated by the action of neurons,glial and vascular cells,known collectively as the neurovascular unit,which temporally and spatially regulate local cerebral blood flow through a process known as neurovascular coupling.In many neurodegenerative diseases,changes in functions of the neurovascular unit not only impair neurovascular coupling but also permeability of the blood-brain barrier,cerebral blood flow and clearance of waste from the brain.In order to study disease mechanisms,we need improved physiologicallyrelevant human models of the neurovascular unit.Advances towards modeling the cellular complexity of the neurovascular unit in vitro have been made using stem-cell derived organoids and more recently,vascularized organoids,enabling intricate studies of non-cell autonomous processes.Engineering and design innovations in microfluidic devices and tissue engineering are progressing our ability to interrogate the cerebrovasculature.These advanced models are being used to gain a better understanding of neurodegenerative disease processes and potential therapeutics.Continued innovation is required to build more physiologically-relevant models of the neurovascular unit encompassing both the cellular complexity and designed features to interrogate neurovascular unit functionality.

Thermal Model of High-Speed Spindle Units

For the purpose to facilitate development of high-speed Spindle Units (SUs) running on rolling bearings, we have developed a beam element model, algorithms, and software for computer analysis of thermal characteristics of SUs. The thermal model incorporates a model of heat generation in rolling bearings, a model of heat transfer from bearings, and models for estimation of temperature and temperature deformations of SU elements. We have carried out experimental test and made quantitative evaluation of the effect of operation conditions on friction and thermal characteristics of the SUs of grinding and turning machines of typical structures. It is found that the operation conditions make stronger effect on SU temperatures when rpm increases. A comparison between the results of analysis and experiment proves their good mutual correspondence and allows us to recommend application of the models and software developed for design and research of high-speed SUs running on rolling bearings.

A thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in NaClO_4-H_2O and NaF-H_2O binary solutions and NaClO_4-NaF-H_2O ternary solution

A thermodynamic model of calculating mass action concentrations for structural units or ion couples in NaClO4-H2O and NaF-H2O binary solutions and NaClO4-NaF-H2O ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions was developed based on the ion and molecule coexistence theory （IMCT）. A transformation coefficient was needed to compare the calculated mass action concentration and the reported activity, because they were usually obtained at different standard states and concentration units. The results show that transformation coefficients between the calculated mass action concentrations and the reported activities of the same components change in a very narrow range. The transformed mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in NaClO4-H2O and NaF-H2O binary solutions agree well with the reported activities. The transformed mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples in NaClO4-NaF-H2O ternary solution are also in good agreement with the reported activities in a total ionic strength range from 0.1 to 0.9 mol/kg H2O by the 0.1 mol/kg step with different ionic strength fractions of 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, and 1, respectively. The results indicate that the developed thermodynamic model can reveal the structural characteristics of binary and ternary strong electrolyte aqueous solutions, and the calculated mass action concentrations of structural units or ion couples also strictly follow the mass action law.

LVP Modeling and Dynamic Characteristics Prediction of A Hydraulic Power Unit in Deep-Sea

A hydraulic power unit （HPU） is the driving ＂heart＂ of deep-sea working equipment. It is critical to predict its dynamic performances in deep-water before being immerged in the seawater, while the experimental tests by simulating deep-sea environment have many disadvantages, such as expensive cost, long test cycles, and difficult to achieve low-temperature simulation, which is only used as a supplementary means for confirmatory experiment. This paper proposes a novel theoretical approach based on the linear varying parameters （LVP） modeling to foresee the dynamic performances of the driving unit. Firstly, based on the varying environment features, dynamic expressions of the compressibility and viscosity of hydranlic oil are derived to reveal the fluid performances changing. Secondly, models of hydraulic system and electrical system are accomplished respectively through studying the control process and energy transfer, and then LVP models of the pressure and flow rate control is obtained through the electro-hydraulic models integration. Thirdly, dynamic characteristics of HPU are obtained by the model simulating within bounded closed sets of varying parameters. Finally, the developed HPU is tested in a deep-sea imitating hull, and the experimental results are well consistent with the theoretical analysis outcomes, which clearly declare that the LVP modeling is a rational way to foresee dynamic performances of HPU. The research approach and model analysis results can be applied to the predictions of working properties and product designs for other deep-sea hydraulic pump.

Remote nursing training model combined with proceduralization in the intensive care unit dealing with patients with COVID-19

The shortage of personal protective equipment and lack of proper nursing training have been endangering health care workers dealing with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).In our treatment center,the implementation of a holistic care model of time-sharing management for severe and critical COVID-19 patients has further aggravated the shortage of intensive care unit(ICU)professional nurses.Therefore,we developed a short-term specialized and targeted nursing training program to help ICU nurses to cope with stress and become more efficient,thus reducing the number of nurses required in the ICU.In order to avoid possible human-to-human spread,small teaching classes and remote training were applied.The procedural training mode included four steps:preparation,plan,implementation,and evaluation.An evaluation was conducted throughout the process of nursing training.In this study,we documented and shared experiences in transitioning from traditional face-to-face programs to remote combined with proceduralization nursing training mode from our daily work experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic,which has shown to be helpful for nurses working in the ICU.

A finite element modeling of the human lumbar unit including the spinal cord

The purpose of this present work is to provide a tool to better understand mechanically related pathologies of the lumbar unit and the spinal structure by providing spinal cord deformations in different loading cases. In fact, spinal cord injury (SCI) resulting from a traumatic movement leades to a deformation of the neural and vascular structure of the spinal cord. And since the magnitude of the spinal cord stress is correlated with the pressure of the vertebral elements, stresses will be computed on all theses components. Physical properties of the vertebrae, various ligaments, the discs, and the spinal cord are described under simple loading as compression, and combined loading, flexion and lateral bending to evaluate the pressure undergone by different components of the lumbar unit. A nonlinear three-dimensional finite element method is used as a numerical tool to perform all the computations. This study provides accurate results for the localisation and the magnitude of maximum equivalent stress and shear stress on the lumbar unit and especially for the spinal cord. These results showed that stresses are more important when a compression of 500 N is combined with a flexion and a lateral bending. In particular, shear stresses are maximum for the spinal cord and the four intervertebral discs for the case of a flexion of 3.8 N.m and a lateral bending of 6.5 N.m.

Identification of Suitable Hydrologic Response Unit Thresholds for Soil and Water Assessment Tool Streamflow Modelling

Use of a non-zero hydrologic response unit(HRU) threshold is an effective way of reducing unmanageable HRU numbers and simplifying computational cost in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool(SWAT) hydrologic modelling. However, being less representative of watershed heterogeneity and increasing the level of model output uncertainty are inevitable when minor HRU combinations are disproportionately eliminated. This study examined 20 scenarios by running the model with various HRU threshold settings to understand the mechanism of HRU threshold effects on watershed representation as well as streamflow predictions and identify the appropriate HRU thresholds. Findings show that HRU numbers decrease sharply with increasing HRU thresholds. Among different HRU threshold scenarios, the composition of land-use, soil, and slope all contribute to notable variations which are directly related to the model input parameters and consequently affect the streamflow predictions. Results indicate that saturated hydraulic conductivity, average slope of the HRU, and curve number are the three key factors affecting stream discharge when changing the HRU thresholds. It is also found that HRU thresholds have little effect on monthly model performance, while evaluation statistics for daily discharges are more sensitive than monthly results. For daily streamflow predictions, thresholds of 5%/5%/5%(land-use/soil/slope) are the optimum HRU threshold level for the watershed to allow full consideration of model accuracy and efficiency in the present work. Besides, the results provide strategies for selecting appropriate HRU thresholds based on the modelling goal.

A model for predicting SST in limited region-I. The dynamical equations

-Starting from physical oceanology characteristics of the China seas and for the short-term operational prediction of SST in the region, a two-dimensional (vertically integrated) primitive equation model, physically reasonable and operationally feasible,on the upper mixed layer is constructed and given here, which consists of three parts, the nondivergent residual current (the monthly mean field of the Kuroshio and its branches) equations, the dynamic forecasting equations, and the equation of model's physics consisting of surface heat flux, coolings of the upper mixed layer due to the Ekman pumping and the entrainment by gale. This model may be used primarily to forecast the sea surface temperature, and to give estimations of the mean wind-driven current and the sea level, for a period of 3-5 d. In part 1 of this series, the physical conditions for establishing model equations are discussed first, that is, 1. the existence of the upper well mixed layer in the region; 2. the distinguishability of currents of all kinds; 3. the splitting of thermodynamical equation. The equations of nondivergent residual current, and the dynamic forecasting equations with initial values and boundary conditions are also discussed.

Research on virtual entity decision model for LVC tactical confrontation of army units

According to the requirements of the live-virtual-constructive(LVC)tactical confrontation(TC)on the virtual entity(VE)decision model of graded combat capability,diversified actions,real-time decision-making,and generalization for the enemy,the confrontation process is modeled as a zero-sum stochastic game(ZSG).By introducing the theory of dynamic relative power potential field,the problem of reward sparsity in the model can be solved.By reward shaping,the problem of credit assignment between agents can be solved.Based on the idea of meta-learning,an extensible multi-agent deep reinforcement learning(EMADRL)framework and solving method is proposed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of model solving.Experiments show that the model meets the requirements well and the algorithm learning efficiency is high.

Probing deactivation by coking in catalyst pellets for dry reforming of methane using a pore network model

Dry reforming of methane(DRM) is an attractive technology for utilizing the greenhouse gases(CO_(2) and CH_(4)) to produce syngas. However, the catalyst pellets for DRM are heavily plagued by deactivation by coking, which prevents this technology from commercialization. In this work, a pore network model is developed to probe the catalyst deactivation by coking in a Ni/Al_(2)O_(3) catalyst pellet for DRM. The reaction conditions can significantly change the coking rate and then affect the catalyst deactivation. The catalyst lifetime is higher under lower temperature, pressure, and CH_(4)/CO_(2) molar ratio, but the maximum coke content in a catalyst pellet is independent of these reaction conditions. The catalyst pellet with larger pore diameter, narrower pore size distribution and higher pore connectivity is more robust against catalyst deactivation by coking, as the pores in this pellet are more difficult to be plugged or inaccessible.The maximum coke content is also higher for narrower pore size distribution and higher pore connectivity, as the number of inaccessible pores is lower. Besides, the catalyst pellet radius only slightly affects the coke content, although the diffusion limitation increases with the pellet radius. These results should serve to guide the rational design of robust DRM catalyst pellets against deactivation by coking.

Prediction of the Biaxial Failure Strength of Composite Laminates with Unit Cell Analytic Model

A new method to predict the ultimate strength of fiber reinforced composites under arbitrary load condition is introduced. The micromechanics strength theory is used to perform the final failure prediction of composite laminates. The theory is based on unit cell analytic model which can provide the ply composite material properties by only using the constituent fiber and matrix properties and the laminate geometric parameters without knowing any experimental information of the laminates. To show that this method is suitable for predicting the strength of composite laminates, the micromechanics strength theory is ranked by comparing it with all the micro-level and the best two macro-level theories chosen from the World Wide Failure Exercise. The results show that this method can be used for predicting strength of any composite laminates and provide a direct reference for composite optimum design.