bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature- and ration-dependent winter growth in northern-stock Black Sea Bass juveniles
Authors: Zavell Max D. , Mouland Matthew E. P. , Matassa Catherine M. , Schultz Eric T. , Baumann Hannes
Published: December 2023

Objective

The northern stock of Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata has spatially expanded over the past decade, potentially due to warming northwest Atlantic Shelf waters affecting overwintering.

Methods

To gather empirical data on temperature-dependent energetics, we quantified winter growth and lipid accumulation in juveniles from Long Island Sound using two experiments.

Result

Experiment 1 measured individual length growth (GR), weight-specific growth (SGR), growth efficiency, and lipid content at constant food levels and three static temperatures (6, 12, 19°C), resulting in decreasing GR from 0.24 mm/day at 19°C (SGR = 0.89%/day) to 0.15 mm/day at 12°C (0.54%/day) to 0.04 mm/day at 6°C (0.17%/day). Even at the coldest temperature, most juveniles sustained positive GRs and SGRs; hence, the species' true thermal growth minimum may be below 6°C. Lipid accumulation was greatest at 12°C, which is close to what overwintering juveniles likely encounter offshore. Experiment 2 measured the same traits but combined a representative thermal overwinter profile (20°C → 13°C, October–March) with seasonally varying rations designed to mimic low and high levels of food availability offshore. Monthly GR and SGR responded in the direction of seasonal food level changes. The “winter pulse” consumption average of 1.7%/feeding elicited a mean GR of 0.15 mm/day and SGR of 0.55%/day, whereas the “winter dip” consumption average of 3.8%/feeding yielded faster GR (0.20 mm/day) and SGR (0.71%/day). Growth efficiency ranged between 15% and 30% and was inversely related to food consumption. In both experiments, juveniles disproportionally accumulated lipid over lean mass, with lipid proportions tripling in experiment 2 from 4% at 65 mm to 12% at 120 mm.

Conclusion

As inshore winter waters continue to warm, the energetic trade-offs of overwinter offshore migration are likely to shift, potentially leading to a year-round inshore Black Sea Bass presence.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A modification patterns and m6A‐related lncRNAs as potential biomarkers in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Sheng , Gu Xuyu , Xu Duo , Liu Bo , Qin Kai , Yuan Xianglin
Published: December 2023

Background

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is considered to induce tumor cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. Understanding the mechanism of m6A‐related lncRNAs in the development of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) may help predict prognosis.

Methods

m6A‐related lncRNAs related to lung cancer were identified and combined with the MeRIP‐Seq dataset. The consensus clustering method was utilized to divide LUAD patients, and prognostic model was constructed using the Lasso Cox algorithm. The cluster profiler package was used for gene ontology and KEGG enrichment. The proportion of immune infiltration was estimated using the CIBERSORT algorithm. The decision tree was constructed by the rpart package, and nomograms were built by the rms package. The Connectivity Map database was analyzed for the therapeutic effects of small molecule drugs for LUAD. In addition, qPCR, colony formation and transwell assays were performed to validate functions of m6A‐associated lncRNAs.

Results

Nineteen m6A‐modified lncRNAs in LUAD were identified. LUAD patients were divided into two categories based on the expression of 19 m6A‐related lncRNAs. Cluster 2 patients had better antigen production and expression, while naive B cells, plasma cells, and activated NK cells were lower in cluster 1. Nine m6A‐related lncRNAs were selected to establish a risk model for evaluating the prognosis of LUAD patients. The high‐risk group had higher tumor mutational burden and lower TIDE scores with more gamma delta T cells and neutrophils. Nomograms showed that the prognostic model had predominant predictive ability for LUAD patients based on the risk score analyzed by the decision tree model. Benzo(a)pyrene and neurodazine might improve the prognosis of LUAD patients. The qRT‐PCR results confirmed the reliability of the analytical results.

Conclusion

The establishment of a prognostic model of m6A‐related lncRNAs can independently predict overall survival in LUAD and may help to develop personalized immunotherapy strategies.
Effect of processing techniques on biochemical, mineral, heavy metal and microbial load in edible seaweeds and seawater parameters of western Bay of Bengal
Authors: Turuk Archana Snehasini , Banerjee Kakoli
Published: December 2023

Seaweeds are promising resources of the coastal zone and can serve as an effective breakthrough in seafood owing to the causes of food security. Hence, challenges in its processing are of utmost importance with respect to its consumption. The present study aims to investigate the effects of various food processing methods (unwashed, washed, soaked, and boiled) on biochemical, mineral, and microbial loads on two selected seaweeds (Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria corticata) sampled seasonally from the Visakhapatnam coast of Andhra Pradesh during 2018–19. The analyzed seawater parameters, nutritive and anti‐nutritive values, were at their maximum during the monsoon, followed by the post‐monsoon and the pre‐monsoon. Biochemical parameters showed an increased concentration in boiled U. lactuca and G. corticata. Minerals, heavy metals, and microbial load results have shown a decreased concentration in the order of unwashed > washed > soaked > boiled in both species. This has been proven through the bioconcentration factor for both species seasonally. All the results are well within the Recommended Dietary Intake as per FAO/WHO. Pearson's correlation coefficient has proven post‐monsoon to be the best season for the harvest of seaweeds. Principle component analysis biplots computed for unwashed, washed, soaked, and boiled seaweeds have shown a positive relationship with mineral and toxic metals in unwashed and washed G. corticata in contrast to U. lactuca. This study ascertains the fact of using boiled and soaked G. corticata and U. lactuca (in all forms except unwashed) for the development of new healthy seaweed‐based foods in changing climate scenarios.
Effect of aluminum diisobutyl hypophosphate in polyethylene terephthalate and its flame retardant mechanism
Authors: Xiang Yushu , Gao Yun , Xu Guomin , He Wentao , Long Lijuan , Qin Shuhao , Yu Jie
Published: December 2023

Alkyl hypophosphate flame retardants have aroused intense research interests in flame retardancy of polymers owing to the combined effect of gas phase and condensed phase. In this work, aluminum diisobutyl hypophosphate (APBA) was incorporated into polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) to investigate its flame retardant effect and mechanism. PET achieved a V‐2 level in UL‐94, with a low LOI of 21.2%. In contrast, PET/APBA‐15% composites showed a 51% increase of LOI value and a V‐0 level, accompanied with the significant reduction of melt droplets. Gas phase analysis by Py‐GC/MS and TG‐FTIR indicated that the phosphorous free radicals and nonflammable gases were generated during the cracking of APBA, resulting in the radical quenching and dilution of combustible gas. Condensed phase analysis by SEM, Raman, and XPS results revealed that APBA could effectively facilitate the formation of dense char layers consisting of aluminophosphate and graphitic structures due to the interaction with PET matrix. The compact barrier layer could insulate heat and inhibit the volatilization of combustible materials, leading to improved flame retardant properties. Furthermore, the introduction of APBA increased the melt viscosity of PET/APBA composites according to rheological analysis, which further promoted the formation of a char barrier layer to further enhance the flame retardant properties.

Highlights

Aluminum diisobutyl hypophosphate is used as an efficient flame retardant for PET.

The flame retardant can degrade to release the phosphorous free radicals.

The flame retardant can interact with the PET matrix and promote the charring.
Monitoring of toxic metals and metalloids in the urine of non‐professional sportsmen using total reflection x‐ray fluorescence
Authors: Jablan Jasna , Ortner Hadžiabdić Maja , Domijan Ana‐Marija , Inić Suzana , Stosnach Hagen
Published: December 2023

Exposure to toxic metals and metalloids is a significant public health concern and can seriously affect human health. The aim of this study was to establish the presence of toxic metals and metalloids in the urine of non‐professional sportsmen who participated in a mountain ultramarathon using a benchtop total reflection x‐ray fluorescence (TXRF) system. TXRF allows for easy and rapid sample preparation and is therefore a potential candidate for simple and cost‐effective analysis. In this work, the TXRF‐Mo system was used for multielement analysis of the urine samples of 21 non‐professional athletes who ran a 53 km mountain ultra‐marathon. Urine samples were collected at four time points, at the beginning of the race (pre‐race samples), immediately, and 12 and 24 h post‐race. Al, As, Ba, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, and Tl were detected in the collected urine samples. The accuracy and precision of the proposed methods were verified by the analysis of reference materials (Seronorm™ Trace Elements Urine Level 2). The TXRF results were in agreement with the reference values and no significant differences were observed at the 95% confidence level. The detection limits for the elements of interest were also reasonable considering their concentration ranges in real samples. Changes were observed over time with increasing average urinary metals and metalloids levels, but only two significant results, were an increase in As and Rb. The results indicate a high degree of inter‐subject variability. The results obtained show that the content of toxic metals and metalloids increases in the urine samples collected after the race, which could confirm the statement that physical activity can increase the excretion of toxic metals and metalloids from the body. The simplicity of the TXRF method as well as its fast performance make it suitable for routine analysis.
Migration as a Collective Project in the Global South: A Case Study from the Ethiopia–South Africa Corridor
Authors: Feyissa Dereje , Zeleke Meron , Gebresenbet Fana
Published: December 2023

This chapter critiques the individualist thrust in migration studies and the assumed “autonomous agency” of prospective migrants, especially in the context of the Global South. It recasts migration as a collective project through a case study of Hadiya migration to South Africa, the place of origin or most of Ethiopian migrants. The chapter makes the case for a processual understanding of migration rather than a synchronic approach with its nature changing on the “individualist-collectivist continuum” across time. It is argued that the success of Hadiya migration to South Africa is largely due to its collective nature at the various stages of migration processes—from decision-making, to the various forms of social support that enable cost sharing and ease the process of settlement at destination. At the same time however, the material wealth accumulated in South Africa, and the greed that underpins it, has contributed to the erosion of the collective imagination of social life and the increasing centrality of individualist perspectives, particularly viewed in businesses and investments. As such, the collective benefits accrued at early stages are now being lost and the negative consequences are becoming perceptible. The chapter concludes making a case for bringing in a temporal approach that examines changes in the individualist/collectivist conceptions of migratory agency at different phases of the migration experience.
The Making of Migration Trails in the Americas: Ethnographic Network Tracing of Haitians on the Move
Authors: Marcelin Louis Herns , Cela Toni
Published: December 2023

Migrant vulnerability often begins at home, signalling to governments and communities in transit and destination countries that they are people who are unprotected and easy to exploit. Haiti, in many ways, epitomises this continuum of intersectional inequities which create a path dependency for vulnerability. This chapter is based on a multidisciplinary, mixed methods study that included ethnographic network tracing to capture how Haiti’s most educated youths, the talent Haiti needs to rebuild its institutions and the country, are caught on different migrant trails across the Americas. We use the concept of “circulation” to frame these fluid patterns of migration. On these constantly changing trails, Haitians on the move—already unprotected and deprived of basic rights at home—carry their path dependency to complex vulnerability across the Americas where they experience unequal access to rights and social protection.
Inter-regional Migration in the Global South: Chinese Migrants in Ghana
Authors: Teye Joseph Kofi , Lu Jixia , Crawford Gordon
Published: December 2023

While the migration of Chinese people to Africa dates back to the 1960s, it has increased significantly in the last two decades. Despite growing interest in such inter-regional migration flows, there is little understanding of the drivers and effects of such movements. Drawing on a combination of data generated through a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews, this chapter examines the drivers and impacts of Chinese migration to Ghana, a country which has been a significant destination for Chinese migrants for several decades. The findings indicate that the migration of Chinese people to Ghana has both positive and negative impacts. Positively, incomes and livelihoods of some Chinese migrants and Ghanaians who work for Chinese investors have improved. However, financial rewards have benefited some more than others, with increased income inequalities along gender and social class lines. Negative impacts include environmental degradation, violation of Ghana’s trade and mining laws, and exploitation of some Ghanaians by Chinese migrants. While Chinese migrants and their families left behind in China benefit through improved incomes and remittances, migration and associated financial flows contribute to a deepening of inequalities in migrants’ sending areas.
Haitian Migration and Structural Racism in Brazil
Authors: de Souza e Silva Jailson , Fernandes Fernando Lannes , Barbosa Jorge Luiz
Published: December 2023

The aim of this chapter is to introduce the experiences of Haitian migrants within the specific context of Brazilian structural racism. We provide an initial discussion on the socio-historical foundations of Brazilian structural racism, in articulation with sexism and institutional patrimonialism—other two structuring components of Brazilian inequalities. After that we provide an overview on Haitian migration in Brazil and reflect on the findings of a study on Haitian migrants, with special attention to their views and experiences of racism in Brazil. Experiences of racism are distinct between Brazil and Haiti. Our findings suggest the need to better understand how experiences in diverse socio-cultural and political contexts may influence perceptions and even supposedly “naïve” views on race and inequalities. Our findings also point out to the need to acknowledge the distinct strategies adopted by Black migrants in the context of structural racism because the issue of race adds complex layers to their struggles and access to rights.
Climate Change and Human Mobility in the Global South
Authors: Boas Ingrid , Gautam Animesh , Olayiwola Ademola
Published: December 2023

This chapter offers a socio-political account of the ways in which the relations between climate change and human mobility manifest themselves in different regions of the Global South. By means of a literature review and empirical illustrations, the chapter demonstrates how climate mobility patterns are embedded within often uneven social and political dynamics which shape whether, how, and to where people move. This involves socio-economic dynamics such as gender inequality, or policy developments such as donor agendas impacting local manifestations of climate mobility in the Global South, and also the political role of state borders and how these influence the ways people can move in the context of climate risk. This together shows the social and political dimensions of climate mobility in the Global South.
South–South Migration and Children’s Education: Expanded Challenges and Increased Opportunities
Authors: Nyamnjoh Henrietta , Seaman Mackenzie , Zeleke Meron
Published: December 2023

Children participate in, and are affected by, South–South migration in diverse ways. In terms of children’s education specifically, migration produces, mitigates, and transforms educational inequalities, with such shifts generating impacts across generations and geographies. Through two case studies on South–South migration which focus on second-generation children born to Ethiopian parents and first-generation Ethiopian children who reunited with their parents in South Africa, and children in Ethiopia whose parents are migrants in South Africa, this chapter explores migration’s nuanced impact on educational opportunities, aspirations, and attainment and how this in turn effects social mobility and inequalities. The data reveal migration produces a complex web of inequalities transnationally (i.e. between children in Ethiopia and children born of or who joined Ethiopian migrants in South Africa) and nationally (among children in South Africa and among children in Ethiopia), with such inequalities being perceived differently across generations. In the future, these inequalities, and the perception thereof, will likely constrain migration’s ability to facilitate upward social mobility for children who are affected by migration, for future generations, and for migrants’ larger networks.
Mapping the Linkages Between Food Security, Inequality, Migration, and Development in the Global South
Authors: Crush Jonathan , Ramachandran Sujata
Published: December 2023

In this chapter, the authors draw attention to the ignored linkages between food security, inequality, migration, and development with respect to South-South migration. Building on core arguments reflecting on these ties and empirical studies from diverse sending and receiving contexts, they outline five distinctive ways in which these multidimensional relationships and interactions operate. The first aspect assesses how inequality of opportunities and outcomes affect food security to shape migration aspirations and movements. The second aspect discusses how food insecurity in a variety of conflict and crisis circumstances acts as the principal determinant and precipitant of forced migration. The third aspect addresses migrant remittances and their contribution to the food security of sending and recipient households. A fourth aspect highlights the activities of migrants in the food systems of receiving countries. Finally, the authors examine the food security circumstances of various migrant categories and connect it to migrant precarities at transit and destination sites. Their analysis problematises common framings of the migration-development nexus.
Migration Governance in South America: Change and Continuity in Times of “Crisis”
Authors: Vera Espinoza Marcia
Published: December 2023

This chapter provides an overview of recent South America migration governance. Recent migration dynamics in South America have been marked by intra-regional and extra-regional mobility patterns. While such intra-regional movements have had as their destination mainly countries of the Southern Cone—such as Argentina, Chile and Brazil—recent mobility has also changed migration patterns in countries such as Peru, Colombia and Ecuador. In particular, the exodus of more than seven million Venezuelans has led to significant changes in migration flows and policies in the region. This chapter reflects on the changes in migration governance in South America in the last decade, and how it has been framed and justified through the lens of “multiple crises”. The chapter argues that South America has been developing a patchwork approach to migration governance, characterised by fragmented and reactive measures, with practices that evidence both continuity and change. The development of this approach is leading to more control, the criminalisation of migration, increased migrant irregularity and less protection for people on the move.
Migrant Political Mobilisation and Solidarity Building in the Global South
Authors: Awumbila Mariama , Garba Faisal , Darkwah Akosua K. , Zaami Mariama
Published: December 2023

This chapter examines how migrants from the Global South who move within the region organise themselves, the forms of solidarity that they extend to each other, and how these relate to broader working-class formations. While xenophobia and othering are regular features of migrant-local interactions in the migration literature, the extent to which its opposite, solidarity, occurs as a result of the workplace and community activism of migrants has received scant attention. This chapter therefore focuses on how migrants within the Global South organise at the meso-level to defend and access their rights, and the solidarity that they build among themselves as migrants and with social movements, working-class organisations, and other civil society actors. It argues that meso-level organising and the solidarity networks that are formed, provide migrants in the Global South with the space to build solidarity in their own ways and to fight their exploitation and oppression. Using the example of trade unions, the authors urge the need for political mobilisation actions to move away from conceptualisations of migrants as victims but rather as actors, capable of various initiatives and with whom they can build solidarity movements.
What Does it Mean to Move? Joy and Resistance Through Cultural Work in South–South Migration
Authors: Yohannes Hyab Teklehaimanot , Phipps Alison
Published: December 2023

Within migration studies, there has been an emphasis on the economic aspects of forced migration from the countries of the Global South to the Global North. The Global North’s measurement-heavy and largely economistic perceptions of the need to migrate obscure the humanity of forced migration. Where research and development work engage with arts and culture, it typically does so to communicate findings, educate, or mediatise. This chapter considers how art and cultural works serve as methods practised daily by migrants in contexts of violent (b)ordering, (dis)counting, and survival. It opens by unpacking necropolitics of the (b)ordering and (dis)counting that are not only drawn between the here and there, the us and them, but also between the knowable and the unknowable. The intention, here, is to rebuke the creation of “death-worlds and their minions” (Schaffer, 2020) with the forms of resistance which demonstrate and persist where people are manifestly, often gloriously, alive. It then moves on to conceptualise ways of destituting these violent structures of (b)ordering and (dis)counting through artistic, poetic, and cultural work. The chapter concludes by stressing the need for cultural work mediated by arts-based research to unmask not only the humanity within the South–South migration but also the potent forces of comfort and discomfort.
Analytics Practices in Practice: How Software Startup Companies Are Applying Analytics?
Authors: Rafiq Usman , Wang Xiaofeng , Zaina Luciana
Published: December 2023

Analytics is becoming known for providing exceptional opportunities to companies. However, companies are not utilizing its full potential despite the widespread benefits. In particular, analytics practices are imperceptible when we talk about small yet innovative companies like software startups. Nevertheless, startups’ uncertain nature and focus on innovation make them promising candidates to increase the odds of success using analytics. In this paper, we investigate the key practices applied by software startups while conducting analytics. We address our research question through a multiple case study performed with three startup companies at distinct startup stages. Thematic data analysis led us to observe nine analytics practices applied by these startups. The identified analytics practices span a spectrum of activities characterized by the analytics framework. Our findings provide insights for software startup companies to introduce or enhance analytics in their specialized context.
ChatGPT as a Tool for User Story Quality Evaluation: Trustworthy Out of the Box?
Authors: Ronanki Krishna , Cabrero-Daniel Beatriz , Berger Christian
Published: December 2023

In Agile software development, user stories play a vital role in capturing and conveying end-user needs, prioritizing features, and facilitating communication and collaboration within development teams. However, automated methods for evaluating user stories require training in NLP tools and can be time-consuming to develop and integrate. This study explores using ChatGPT for user story quality evaluation and compares its performance with an existing benchmark. Our study shows that ChatGPT’s evaluation aligns well with human evaluation, and we propose a “best of three” strategy to improve its output stability. We also discuss the concept of trustworthiness in AI and its implications for non-experts using ChatGPT’s unprocessed outputs. Our research contributes to understanding the reliability and applicability of Generative AI in user story evaluation and offers recommendations for future research.
Turning Large Language Models into AI Assistants for Startups Using Prompt Patterns
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Attal Mohammad Idris , Rafiq Usman , Hubner-Benz Sylvia
Published: December 2023

Most startups operate with limited resources and experience. AI technologies enable them to accomplish many tasks under these constraints. The recent advance of large language models (LLMs) offers new opportunities to support startup endeavors. Given the nascent nature of LLMs, how they could be utilized to support startups is yet to be investigated. Since prompt engineering is believed to be at the core of the effective use of LLMs, we aim to understand how to apply prompt engineering to turn LLMs into AI assistants for startups. As the first step, we investigated the application of a set of prompt patterns to ChatGPT, arguably the most widely known LLM currently. The preliminary results show that some patterns are more suitable for brainstorming which is a typical activity conducted by early-stage startups. Prompt-tuned questions may lead to more specific and more detailed responses, but it is not guaranteed. Meantime, human factors play an important role in the effective application of prompt patterns. Large-size and systematic studies are needed to apply the right patterns to different questions, taking into account the differences among startups in terms of their startup knowledge, domain knowledge, and their attitudes and behaviors towards LLMs.
Enhancing Agile Software Development Sustainability Through the Integration of User Experience and Gamification
Authors: Alhammad Manal , Moreno Ana
Published: December 2023

This article provides a rich discussion on how the sustainability of agile development processes can be enhanced. In particular, we focus on a recently developed framework, named GLUX, that integrates Lean UX into Scrum. GLUX’s main goal is to facilitate a seamless integration between agile and user experience (UX) by using gamification to motivate agile teams to adopt a user-centered mindset and carry out UX activities collaboratively throughout the development process. Our role as software researchers is to contribute towards improving software sustainability and provide the software engineering community with the tools and techniques that will improve the human, economic, and environmental sustainability of software development. We found that GLUX addresses human sustainability by empowering self-sufficient, problem-focused teams, building a motivating and engaging environment, and developing team cooperation. Economic sustainability is addressed by minimizing UX debt and using gamification techniques to direct the focus of the behavior and mindset of agile teams towards value creation. Finally, environmental sustainability is promoted by encouraging agile teams to build a minimum viable product (MVP).
Reviewing Crypto-Agility and Quantum Resistance in the Light of Agile Practices
Authors: Marchesi Lodovica , Marchesi Michele , Tonelli Roberto
Published: December 2023

The term crypto-agility means the ability to quickly and securely change cryptographic algorithms and related data, in the case of their compromise. In this context, the advent of quantum computing constitutes a new paradigm, which poses existential threats to current cryptographic algorithms. Even if these attacks are not an imminent danger, we must be prepared to change the cryptographic algorithms at risk with new, quantum resistant ones. This is by no means an easy task, because cryptographic algorithms are used everywhere and are often also implemented on the hardware. In this paper, we analyze the similarities and the differences between traditional agility and crypto-agility, and investigate the prospects of using agile and lean practices in the context of crypto-agility to introduce quantum resistant algorithms. In particular, for the main agile and lean practices we discuss if and how they can be useful for obtaining crypto-agility. We also investigate how the features key to crypto-agility can be helped by the agile and lean approach.
Empirical Investigation of Quantum Computing on Solving Complex Problems
Authors: Hussain Shahid , Neupane Yuba , Wang Wen-Li , Ibrahim Naseem , Khan Saif Ur Rehman , Kareem Asif
Published: December 2023

Context: The rules of Quantum Mechanics have been exploited through Quantum Computing (QC) to solve specific problems and process information in expeditious ways as compared to Conventional Computing (CC) such as factoring integers. Problem: With the alluring computation capability of QC, it is still important to assess the implications and limitations of QC in solving a variety of computationally demanding problems. Method: In this regard, an empirical study was conducted to assess the efficacy of QC in terms of solving certain complex problems by keeping a tradeoff between the execution time and problem size. An analysis was performed based on the widely used Shor’s algorithms and the efficacy of QC as compared to CC was reported. Results: The outcomes show that QC has the potential to exponentially speed up the identification of a solution to certain polynomial problems that are intractable for CC. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential and limitations of QC for Non-Polynomial (NP) complete problems.
Towards an Architecture-Centric Methodology for Migrating to Microservices
Authors: Fritzsch Jonas , Bogner Justus , Haug Markus , Wagner Stefan , Zimmermann Alfred
Published: December 2023

The euphoria around microservices has decreased over the years, but the trend of modernizing legacy systems to this novel architectural style is unbroken to date. A variety of approaches have been proposed in academia and industry, aiming to structure and automate the often long-lasting and cost-intensive migration journey. However, our research shows that there is still a need for more systematic guidance. While grey literature is dominant for knowledge exchange among practitioners, academia has contributed a significant body of knowledge as well, catching up on its initial neglect. A vast number of studies on the topic yielded novel techniques, often backed by industry evaluations. However, practitioners hardly leverage these resources. In this paper, we report on our efforts to design an architecture-centric methodology for migrating to microservices. As its main contribution, a framework provides guidance for architects during the three phases of a migration. We refer to methods, techniques, and approaches based on a variety of scientific studies that have not been made available in a similarly comprehensible manner before. Through an accompanying tool to be developed, architects will be in a position to systematically plan their migration, make better informed decisions, and use the most appropriate techniques and tools to transition their systems to microservices.
Being Agile in a Data Science Project
Authors: Cordeiro Renato , Alves Isaque , Alves Samara , Goldman Alfredo
Published: December 2023

Applying agile practices in data science requires adaptations. This paper describes challenges and lessons learned in two applied machine learning projects developed in the XP Lab course at University of São Paulo in Brazil. It compiles six suggestions for educators and practitioners who want to bring agility to their data science initiatives.
The Future of Work: Agile in a Hybrid World
Authors: Mancl Dennis , Fraser Steven D.
Published: December 2023

An agile organization adapts what they are building to match their customer’s evolving needs. Agile teams also adapt to changes in their organization’s work environment. The latest change is the evolving environment of “hybrid” work – a mix of in-person and virtual staff. Team members might sometimes work together in the office, work from home, or work in other locations, and they may struggle to sustain a high level of collaboration and innovation. It isn’t just pandemic social distancing – many of us want to work from home to eliminate our commute and spend more time with family. Are there learnings and best practices that organizations can use to become and stay effective in a hybrid world? An XP 2022 panel organized by Steven Fraser (Innoxec) discussed these questions in June 2022. The panel was facilitated by Hendrik Esser (Ericsson) and featured Alistair Cockburn (Heart of Agile), Sandy Mamoli (Nomad8), Nils Brede Moe (SINTEF), Jaana Nyfjord (Spotify), and Darja Smite (Blekinge Institute of Technology).
Organizational Debt in Large-Scale Hybrid Agile Software Development: A Case Study on Coordination Mechanisms
Authors: Liu Zixuan , Stray Viktoria , Sporsem Tor
Published: December 2023

Software development is a complex human-centered activity, increasingly complicated by agile organizations scaling and adopting hybrid work. While technical debt has been extensively studied, other forms of debt-organizational, process, cultural, and social-have received less attention. We conducted a case study using ten semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis to identify coordination mechanisms used in large-scale hybrid agile. We identified organizational debt challenges such as a lack of shared mental models, team coordination, team cohesion, and team learning. Also, the hybrid working arrangement was found to create tension between increased individual autonomy and team objectives, as well as between team autonomy and inter-team coordination. We found 23 coordination mechanisms that the teams used to address challenges in their organization. We propose that implementing many of these mechanisms may help manage organizational debt.
The Know-How of Agile Retrospectives in Software Startups
Authors: Khanna Dron , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2023

Software startups are responsible for fast product delivery to the market. To aid this process, a retrospective inside a startup team can be very fruitful for software development. The traditional way of conducting agile retrospectives involves discussion based on what went well, what did not go well, and how to improve the software development cycle helps to save resources, get directed toward the startup vision, and overcome several challenges. To attain insights about the agile retrospective approach in startups, we studied the following question: How are software startups performing agile retrospectives? Hence, we conducted seven multiple case studies with 19 semi-structured interviews that lasted 30–65 min. The results outline that all software startups prefer a reflection through agile retrospectives but not in the traditional manner. Due to the startup’s casual and less restricted working environment, teams prefer informal agile retrospectives, which involve no confined boundaries of time, venue, and participants.
Perturbative contributions to $$ \Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right) $$
Authors: Erler Jens , Ferro-Hernández Rodolfo
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We compute a theoretically driven prediction for the hadronic contribution to the electromagnetic running coupling at the Z scale using lattice QCD and state-of-the-art perturbative QCD. We obtain$$ {\displaystyle \begin{array}{cc}\Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right)=\left[279.5\pm 0.9\pm 0.59\right]\times {10}^{-4}& \left(\textrm{Mainz}\ \textrm{Collaboration}\right)\\ {}\Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right)=\left[278.42\pm 0.22\pm 0.59\right]\times {10}^{-4}& \left(\textrm{BMW}\ \textrm{Collaboration}\right),\end{array}} $$

Δ

α

5

M
Z
2

=

279.5
±
0.9
±
0.59

×

10

−
4

Mainz Collaboration

Δ

α

5

M
Z
2

=

278.42
±
0.22
±
0.59

×

10

−
4

BMW

Collaboration

,

where the first error is the quoted lattice uncertainty. The second is due to perturbative QCD, and is dominated by the parametric uncertainty on $$ {\hat{\alpha}}_s $$

α
̂

s

, which is based on a rather conservative error. Using instead the PDG average, we find a total error on $$ \Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right) $$
Δ

α

5

M
Z
2

of 0.4 × 10−4. Furthermore, with a particular emphasis on the charm quark contributions, we also update $$ \Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right) $$
Δ

α

5

M
Z
2

when low-energy cross-section data is used as an input, obtaining $$ \Delta {\alpha}^{(5)}\left({M}_Z^2\right) $$
Δ

α

5

M
Z
2

= [276.29 ± 0.38 ± 0.62] × 10−4. The difference between lattice QCD and cross-section-driven results reflects the known tension between both methods in the computation of the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon. Our results are expressed in a way that will allow straightforward modifications and an easy implementation in electroweak global fits.
Flavor, CP and metaplectic modular symmetries in Type IIB chiral flux vacua
Authors: Ishiguro Keiya , Kai Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Otsuka Hajime
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We examine symmetries of chiral four-dimensional vacua of Type IIB flux compactifications with vanishing superpotential W = 0. We find that the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supersymmetric MSSM-like and Pati-Salam vacua possess enhanced discrete symmetries in the effective action below the mass scale of stabilized complex structure moduli and dilaton. Furthermore, a generation number of quarks/leptons is small on these vacua where the flavor, CP and metaplectic modular symmetries are described in the framework of eclectic flavor symmetry.
Entanglement asymmetry in the ordered phase of many-body systems: the Ising field theory
Authors: Capizzi Luca , Mazzoni Michele
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Global symmetries of quantum many-body systems can be spontaneously broken. Whenever this mechanism happens, the ground state is degenerate and one encounters an ordered phase. In this study, our objective is to investigate this phenomenon by examining the entanglement asymmetry of a specific region. This quantity, which has recently been introduced in the context of U(1) symmetry breaking, is extended to encompass arbitrary finite groups G. We also establish a field theoretic framework in the replica theory using twist operators. We explicitly demonstrate our construction in the ordered phase of the Ising field theory in 1+1 dimensions, where a ℤ2 symmetry is spontaneously broken, and we employ a form factor bootstrap approach to characterise a family of composite twist fields. Analytical predictions are provided for the entanglement asymmetry of an interval in the Ising model as the length of the interval becomes large. We also propose a general conjecture relating the entanglement asymmetry and the number of degenerate vacua, expected to be valid for a large class of states, and we prove it explicitly in some cases.
Adaptive guaranteed lower eigenvalue bounds with optimal convergence rates
Authors: Carstensen Carsten , Puttkammer Sophie
Published: December 2023

Guaranteed lower Dirichlet eigenvalue bounds (GLB) can be computed for the m-th Laplace operator with a recently introduced extra-stabilized nonconforming Crouzeix–Raviart ($$m=1$$

m
=
1

) or Morley ($$m=2$$

m
=
2

) finite element eigensolver. Striking numerical evidence for the superiority of a new adaptive eigensolver motivates the convergence analysis in this paper with a proof of optimal convergence rates of the GLB towards a simple eigenvalue. The proof is based on (a generalization of) known abstract arguments entitled as the axioms of adaptivity. Beyond the known a priori convergence rates, a medius analysis is enfolded in this paper for the proof of best-approximation results. This and subordinated $$L^2$$

L
2

error estimates for locally refined triangulations appear of independent interest. The analysis of optimal convergence rates of an adaptive mesh-refining algorithm is performed in 3D and highlights a new version of discrete reliability.
Improved rates for a space–time FOSLS of parabolic PDEs
Authors: Gantner Gregor , Stevenson Rob
Published: December 2023

We consider the first-order system space–time formulation of the heat equation introduced by Bochev and Gunzburger (in: Bochev and Gunzburger (eds) Applied mathematical sciences, vol 166, Springer, New York, 2009), and analyzed by Führer and Karkulik (Comput Math Appl 92:27–36, 2021) and Gantner and Stevenson (ESAIM Math Model Numer Anal 55(1):283–299 2021), with solution components $$(u_1,\textbf{u}_2)=(u,-\nabla _\textbf{x} u)$$

(

u
1

,

u
2

)

=

(
u
,
-

∇
x

u
)

. The corresponding operator is boundedly invertible between a Hilbert space U and a Cartesian product of $$L_2$$

L
2

-type spaces, which facilitates easy first-order system least-squares (FOSLS) discretizations. Besides $$L_2$$

L
2

-norms of $$\nabla _\textbf{x} u_1$$

∇
x

u
1

and $$\textbf{u}_2$$

u
2

, the (graph) norm of U contains the $$L_2$$

L
2

-norm of $$\partial _t u_1 +{{\,\textrm{div}\,}}_\textbf{x} \textbf{u}_2$$

∂
t

u
1

+

div

x

u
2

. When applying standard finite elements w.r.t. simplicial partitions of the space–time cylinder, estimates of the approximation error w.r.t. the latter norm require higher-order smoothness of $$\textbf{u}_2$$

u
2

. In experiments for both uniform and adaptively refined partitions, this manifested itself in disappointingly low convergence rates for non-smooth solutions u. In this paper, we construct finite element spaces w.r.t. prismatic partitions. They come with a quasi-interpolant that satisfies a near commuting diagram in the sense that, apart from some harmless term, the aforementioned error depends exclusively on the smoothness of $$\partial _t u_1 +{{\,\textrm{div}\,}}_\textbf{x} \textbf{u}_2$$

∂
t

u
1

+

div

x

u
2

, i.e., of the forcing term $$f=(\partial _t-\Delta _x)u$$

f
=
(

∂
t

-

Δ
x

)
u

. Numerical results show significantly improved convergence rates.
Multi-proxy evidence for woodland clearance in northeast Northumberland (England) during the Iron Age
Authors: van Asperen Eline N. , Kirby Jason R. , Shaw Helen E.
Published: December 2023

Pollen diagrams covering the Bronze Age to Roman period from northeast Northumberland are scarce. We present a 14C-dated pollen record from a peat-filled forest hollow in Chillingham Wild Cattle Park, northeast Northumberland, that spans the Iron Age. For the first time for this part of Northumberland, fungal spores are also analysed to investigate whether clearances took place in the context of crop cultivation or pastoralism. The pollen diagram shows significant woodland cover during the Late Bronze Age, with small-scale landscape openness potentially representing crop cultivation and animal grazing under a tree canopy. A local clearance event, with arboreal pollen falling to 13.2%, is radiocarbon dated to the late Early to Middle Iron Age, likely coinciding with the construction and occupancy of the nearby Ros Castle hillfort. A significant rise in dung fungal spores and the presence of Plantago and other open vegetation taxa indicate animal husbandry played an important role in this clearance phase. A subsequent large decrease in dung fungi and a small rise in arboreal pollen may reflect a degree of abandonment of the area after the climate cooled. Peat formation ceased in the late Middle to Late Iron Age as the hollow filled up. Limited renewed peat growth occurred in the last century or so, after peat shrinkage due to drying and consequent oxidation provided the possibility for renewed peat formation within the hollow.
Monte-Carlo simulation for calculating phakic supplementary lenses based on a thick and thin lens model using anterior segment OCT data
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Cayless Alan , Kormanyos Kitti , Wendelstein Jascha , Hoffmann Peter , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: December 2023

Background

Phakic lenses (PIOLs, the most common and only disclosed type being the implantable collamer lens, ICL) are used in patients with large or excessive ametropia in cases where laser refractive surgery is contraindicated. The purpose of this study was to present a strategy based on anterior segment OCT data for calculating the refraction correction (REF) and the change in lateral magnification (ΔM) with ICL implantation.

Methods

Based on a dataset (N = 3659) containing Casia 2 measurements, we developed a vergence-based calculation scheme to derive the REF and gain or loss in ΔM on implantation of a PIOL having power PIOLP. The calculation concept is based on either a thick or thin lens model for the cornea and the PIOL. In a Monte-Carlo simulation considering, all PIOL steps listed in the US patent 5,913,898, nonlinear regression models for REF and ΔM were defined for each PIOL datapoint.

Results

The calculation shows that simplifying the PIOL to a thin lens could cause some inaccuracies in REF (up to ½ dpt) and ΔM for PIOLs with high positive power. The full range of listed ICL powers (− 17 to 17 dpt) could correct REF in a range from − 17 to 12 dpt with a change in ΔM from 17 to − 25%. The linear regression considering anterior segment biometric data and the PIOLP was not capable of properly characterizing REF and ΔM, whereas the nonlinear model with a quadratic term for the PIOLP showed a good performance for both REF and ΔM prediction.

Conclusion

Where PIOL design data are available, the calculation concept should consider the PIOL as thick lens model. For daily use, a nonlinear regression model can properly predict REF and ΔM for the entire range of PIOL steps if a vergence calculation is unavailable.
Evaluation of the ovicidal activity and fasciolicidal activity of the extract of ethyl acetate from Artemisia ludoviciana Nutt. spp. mexicana and of artemisinin against adult parasites of Fasciola hepatica
Authors: Ezeta-Miranda Alonso , Avila-Acevedo José G. , Vera-Montenegro Yolanda , Francisco-Marquez Gerardo
Published: December 2023

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the ethyl acetate extract from A. ludoviciana (EALM) and artemisinin against adult parasites and eggs of F. hepatica. For the ovicidal assay, cell culture plates with 24 wells were used, and 90 to 110 F. hepatica eggs were placed in each well. The eggs were exposed to concentrations of 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 mg/L EALM and incubated for 16 days. Additionally, triclabendazole (TCBZ) was used as a reference drug at concentrations of 10 and 50 mg, and the response of artemisinin at concentrations of 10 and 20 mg was simultaneously assessed. Adult flukes were exposed to concentrations of 125, 250, 375, and 500 mg/L EALM. The results of the ovicidal action of EALM on the eggs showed that concentrations greater than 300 mg/L were significant, with ovicidal percentages greater than 60% observed on day 16 of incubation (p < 0.05). The maximum efficiency of EALM on adult flukes was reached 72 h post-exposure at a concentration of 125 mg/L (p < 0.05).