How Agile Methods Inspire Project Management - The Half Double Initiative

Increased complexity in projects has forced new project management initiatives. In software development several agile methods have emerged and are today highly implemented in practice. Observations of general project management practice show how it has been inspired by agile software development, but very little research addresses the issue of agile project management. In order to understand and to provide suggestions for future practice on how agility can be incorporated in general project management, this paper provides an analysis which compares ten characteristics of agile software development (identified in theory) and the Half Double Methodology developed by the Danish Project Half Double initiative; a Methodology developed with practitioners and tested in seven Danish case companies. The analysis shows how the general project management to a great extent has been inspired by agile methods, but also that general project management may be able to find more inspiration from agile methods

Many-spin effects in inelastic neutron scattering and electron paramagnetic resonance of molecular nanomagnets

Many molecular magnetic clusters, such as single-molecule magnets, are characterized by spin ground states with defined total spin S exhibiting zero-field-splittings. In this work, the spectroscopic intensities of the transitions within the ground-state multiplet are analyzed. In particular, the effects of a mixing with higher-lying spin multiplets, which is produced by anisotropic interactions and is neglected in the standard single-spin description, are investigated systematically for the two experimental techniques of inelastic neutron scattering (INS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), with emphasis on the former technique. The spectroscopic transition intensities are calculated analytically by constructing corresponding effective spin operators perturbationally up to second order and consequently using irreducible tensor operator techniques. Three main effects of spin mixing are observed. Firstly, a pronounced dependence of the INS intensities on the momentum transfer Q, with a typical oscillatory behavior, emerges in first order, signaling the many-spin nature of the wave functions in exchange-coupled clusters. Secondly, as compared to the results of a first-order calculation, the intensities of the transitions within the spin multiplet are affected differently by spin mixing. This allows one, thirdly, to differentiate the higher-order contributions to the cluster magnetic anisotropy which come from the single-ion ligand-field terms and spin mixing, respectively. The analytical results are illustrated by means of the three examples of an antiferromagnetic heteronuclear dimer, the Mn-[3 x 3] grid molecule, and the single-molecule magnet Mn12.Comment: 18 pages, 3 figures, REVTEX4, to appear in PR

Decoherence times of universal two-qubit gates in the presence of broad-band noise

The controlled generation of entangled states of two quantum bits is a fundamental step toward the implementation of a quantum information processor. In nano-devices this operation is counteracted by the solid-state environment, characterized by a broadband and non-monotonic power spectrum, often 1/f at low frequencies. For single-qubit gates, incoherent processes due to fluctuations acting on different time scales result in peculiar short- and long-time behavior. Markovian noise gives rise to exponential decay with relaxation and decoherence times, T1 and T2, simply related to the symmetry of the qubit-environment coupling Hamiltonian. Noise with the 1/f power spectrum at low frequencies is instead responsible for defocusing processes and algebraic short-time behavior. In this paper, we identify the relevant decoherence times of an entangling operation due to the different decoherence channels originating from solid-state noise. Entanglement is quantified by concurrence, which we evaluate in an analytic form employing a multi-stage approach. The 'optimal' operating conditions of reduced sensitivity to noise sources are identified. We apply this analysis to a superconducting \sqrt{i-SWAP} gate for experimental noise spectra.Comment: 35 pages, 11 figure

Magnetic string contribution to hadron dynamics in QCD

Dynamics of a light quark in the field of static source (heavy-light meson) is studied using the nonlinear Dirac equation, derived recently. Special attention is paid to the contribution of magnetic correlators and it is found that it yields a significant increase of string tension at intermediate distances. The spectrum of heavy-light mesons is computed with account of this contribution and compared to experimental and lattice data.Comment: 10 pages Revte

Itinerancy and Hidden Order in URu2Si2URu_2Si_2

We argue that key characteristics of the enigmatic transition at $T_0= 17.5K$ in $URu_2Si_2$ indicate that the hidden order is a density wave formed within a band of composite quasiparticles, whose detailed structure is determined by local physics. We expand on our proposal (with J.A. Mydosh) of the hidden order as incommnesurate orbital antiferromagnetism and present experimental predictions to test our ideas. We then turn towards a microscopic description of orbital antiferromagnetism, exploring possible particle-hole pairings within the context of a simple one-band model. We end with a discussion of recent high-field and thermal transport experiment, and discuss their implications for the nature of the hidden order.Comment: 18 pages, 7 figures. v2 contains added referenc

A microscopic semiclassical confining field equation for U(1)U(1) lattice gauge theory in 2+1 dimensions

We present a semiclassical nonlinear field equation for the confining field in 2+1--dimensional $U(1)$ lattice gauge theory (compact QED). The equation is derived directly from the underlying microscopic quantum Hamiltonian by means of truncation. Its nonlinearities express the dynamic creation of magnetic monopole currents leading to the confinement of the electric field between two static electric charges. We solve the equation numerically and show that it can be interpreted as a London relation in a dual superconductor.Comment: 21 pages, epsf postscript figures included, full postscript available at ftp://ftp.th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de/pub/cbest/micro.ps.Z or http://www.th.physik.uni-frankfurt.de/~cbest/pub.htm

Progress in creating a joint research agenda that allows networked long-term socio-ecological research in southern South America : addressing crucial technological and human capacity gaps limiting its application in Chile and Argentina

Since 1980, more than 40 countries have implemented long-term ecological research (LTER) programs, which have shown their power to affect advances in basic science to understand the natural world at meaningful temporal and spatial scales and also help link research with socially relevant outcomes. Recently, a disciplinary paradigmatic shift has integrated the human dimensions of ecosystems, leading to a long-term socio-ecological research (LTSER) framework to address the world's current environmental challenges. A global gap in LTER/LTSER only exists in the latitudinal range of 40–60°S, corresponding to Argentina and Chile's temperate/sub-Antarctic biome. A team of Chilean, Argentine and US researchers has participated in an ongoing dialogue to define not only conceptual, but also practical barriers limiting LTER/LTSER in southern South America. We have found a number of existing long-term research sites and platforms throughout the region, but at the same time it has been concluded an agenda is needed to create and implement further training courses for students, postdoctoral fellows and young scientists, particularly in the areas of data and information management systems. Since LTER/LTSER efforts in Chile and Argentina are incipient, instituting such courses now will enhance human and technical capacity of the natural science and resource community to improve the collection, storage, analysis and dissemination of information in emerging LTER/LTSER platforms. In turn, having this capacity, as well as the ongoing formalization of LTER/LTSER programs at national levels, will allow the enhancement of crucial collaborations and comparisons between long-term research programs within the region and between hemispheres and continents. For Spanish version of the entire article, see Online Supporting Information (Appendix S1).Desde 1980, más de cuarenta países han implementado programas de Investigación Ecológica a Largo Plazo (LTER por sus siglas en inglés), los cuales han mostrado su capacidad para influir sobre los avances en las ciencias básicas que permiten entender el mundo natural en escalas temporales y espaciales significativas, y también ayudar a enfocar la investigación hacia estudios socialmente relevantes. Recientemente, gracias a un cambio de paradigma en la disciplina, se integró también la dimensión humana de los ecosistemas, llevándola a un marco conceptual de Investigación Socio-Ecológica a Largo Plazo (LTSER por sus siglas en inglés) para enfrentar los desafíos medio-ambientales del mundo actual. Existe un vacío global en LTER/LTSER en el rango latitudinal de 40–60°S, correspondiente a los biomas templados/subantárticos de Argentina y Chile. Un equipo de investigadores chilenos, argentinos y estadounidenses ha trabajado por varios años para definir cuáles son la barreras que actualmente limitan la creación de una Red de LTER/LTSER en el sur de Sudamérica, no solamente en términos conceptuales, sino también a nivel práctico. Existe un buen número de sitios de investigación a largo plazo en la región, pero también concluimos que es necesario crear e implementar más cursos de capacitación para estudiantes, investigadores post-doctorales y jóvenes científicos, particularmente en las áreas de sistemas de manejo de datos e información. Considerando que los esfuerzos LTER/LTSER en Chile y Argentina son incipientes, este tipo de cursos podría mejorar la capacidad humana y técnica en la comunidad de las ciencias y los recursos naturales, así como mejorar los procesos de recolección, almacenamiento, análisis y difusión de la información. A su vez, la formalización de cursos de programas LTER/LTSER a nivel nacional para adquirir dicha capacidad de manejo de la información, permitirá un fortalecimiento crucial de las colaboraciones y comparaciones entre programas de investigación a largo plazo dentro de la región, y entre hemisferios y continentes. La versión en castellano del artículo se encuentra disponible en forma digital como Online Supporting Information S1.Fil: Anderson, Chistopher B. University of North Texas. Department of Biological Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Celis-Diez, Juan Luis. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Escuela de Agronomía; ChileFil: Bond, Barbara J.H.G. Oregon State University. Andrews Forest Long-Term Ecological Research Site. Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society; Estados UnidosFil: Martínez Pastur, Guillermo José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Austral de Investigaciones Cientificas; ArgentinaFil: Little, Christian. Universidad Austral de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra y Evolución; Chile. Fundación Centro de los Bosques Nativos FORECOS; ChileFil: Armesto, Juan J. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Escuela de Agronomía; ChileFil: Ghersa, Claudio Marco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; ArgentinaFil: Austin, Amy Theresa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; ArgentinaFil: Schlichter, Tomas Miguel. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche. Grupo de Ecología Forestal; ArgentinaFil: Lara, Antonio. Fundación Centro de los Bosques Nativos FORECOS; Chile. Universidad Austral de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias Forestales y Recursos Naturales. Instituto de Silvicultura; ChileFil: Carmona, Martin. Universidad de Chile. Instituto de Ecologıa y Biodiversidad; ChileFil: Chaneton, Enrique Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomia. Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambiente; ArgentinaFil: Gutierrez, Julio R. Universidad de La Serena. Departamento de Biología. Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad. Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Aridas; ChileFil: Rozzi, Ricardo. Universidad de La Serena. Departamento de Biología. Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad; ChileFil: Vanderbilt, Kristin University of New Mexico. Department of Biology. Sevilleta Long-Term Ecological Research Site; Estados UnidosFil: Oyarce, Guillermo University of North Texas. Library and Information Sciences; Estados UnidosFil: Fernandez, Roberto J. University of North Texas, Department of Biological Sciences; Estados Unido

ATP release during cell swelling activates a Ca2+-dependent Cl - Current by autocrine mechanism in mouse hippocampal microglia

Microglia cells, resident immune cells of the brain, survey brain parenchyma by dynamically extending and retracting their processes. Cl- channels, activated in the cellular response to stretch/swelling, take part in several functions deeply connected with microglia physiology, including cell shape changes, proliferation, differentiation and migration. However, the molecular identity and functional properties of these Cl- channels are largely unknown. We investigated the properties of swelling-activated currents in microglial from acute hippocampal slices of Cx3cr1+/GFP mice by whole-cell patch-clamp and imaging techniques. The exposure of cells to a mild hypotonic medium, caused an outward rectifying current, developing in 5-10 minutes and reverting upon stimulus washout. This current, required for microglia ability to extend processes towards a damage signal, was carried mainly by Cl- ions and dependent on intracellular Ca2+. Moreover, it involved swelling-induced ATP release. We identified a purine-dependent mechanism, likely constituting an amplification pathway of current activation: under hypotonic conditions, ATP release triggered the Ca2+-dependent activation of anionic channels by autocrine purine receptors stimulation. Our study on native microglia describes for the first time the functional properties of stretch/swelling-activated currents, representing a key element in microglia ability to monitor the brain parenchyma

Synergies and Trade-Offs of National Conservation Policy and Agro-Forestry Management Over Forest Loss in Argentina During the Last Decade

One reason for the decline of natural forest is that many ecosystem services (ESs) are usually not priced and values were only considered provisioning services. Argentina enacted the National Law 26,331/07, which regulates protection, enrichment, restoration and management of native forests and its environmental services. The objective is to determine the ecological and sociopolitical factors that influence the dynamics of forest cover loss before and after the lawimplementation and discuss the effectiveness of conservation and forest management policies. Satellite images, national ordination, forest regions maps and other variables were combined in GIS with national databases (social, agriculture, industry) to determine the evolution of potential drivers of forest changes. The main potential drivers were: (i) population growth, (ii) road density, (iii) crops area, (iv) livestock and (v) fires. Payment of incentives by government cannot fully stop the deforestation but decrease the forest loss rate. New approaches must be considered to built-in flexibility actions according to local conditions and constraints, which are influenced by social and economic contexts. Thus, it is necessary to establish new regional policies associated with the factors linked to the loss of forest cover, in the search for sustainable management alternatives that combine economic and conservation proposals.Laboratorio de Investigaciones en MaderaConsejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y TécnicasInstituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuari