Deployment Process Research Articles

Mitigating AI bias in financial decision-making: A DEI perspective

The growing reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial decision-making offers significant potential for increased efficiency and innovation but also raises critical concerns about perpetuating existing inequities. As financial services adopt AI for tasks like credit scoring, loan approvals, and investment analysis, the risk of algorithmic bias impacting marginalized groups has garnered significant attention. Biases in training data, model design, and deployment processes can lead to discriminatory outcomes, undermining efforts to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive framework for aligning AI systems with DEI principles. This study analyses the risks of AI reinforcing systemic inequities in financial decision-making and identifies key strategies for mitigating these biases. Transparent algorithmic processes are essential to enable stakeholders to understand decision-making logic and detect potential biases. Accountability mechanisms, such as regular audits and independent evaluations, ensure that AI systems comply with ethical standards and DEI objectives. Inclusivity must be prioritized in both data collection and model design, ensuring diverse representation to reduce inherent biases. By implementing these strategies, financial institutions can leverage AI to drive equitable decision-making, fostering trust among stakeholders while addressing regulatory and societal demands. This paper proposes a roadmap for developing and deploying bias-mitigating AI systems in financial services, with a focus on creating fair, inclusive, and accountable models. Through case studies and best practices, it highlights actionable solutions to bridge the gap between technological innovation and ethical imperatives, ensuring AI serves as a tool for equity and inclusion rather than a perpetuator of inequality.

CI/CD integration tools for automated code deployment and verification for training purposes

The article is devoted to the study and application of modern tools for Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) in the educational field. Automating the processes of software deployment and testing is a relevant task for both improving the educational process and developing DevOps skills among students. Significant attention is given to studying the core principles of CI/CD, including automated testing, code quality monitoring, and integration with source code repositories. Popular CI/CD platforms such as Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, and GitHub Actions are utilized to automate the educational process and train students. These tools enable the creation and deployment of applications using Docker technologies, which allow real-world scenarios to be modeled. A significant emphasis is placed on the scalability and adaptability of solutions, which enhance the efficiency of resource usage. A methodology for implementing CI/CD into an educational course is proposed, including integration with project management platforms and version control systems such as Git, with Gitea as an example. The main stages include setting up automated builds, testing, and deployment, which enable students to practice the principles of continuous integration and delivery. From the perspective of improving the efficiency of the educational process, the proposed methodology allows for the automation of assignment verification. The problems of Gitea and Jenkins integration are considered. A way for integrating these tools through locally installed Jenkins and Gitea with private code repositories has been proposed. Recommendations are provided for organizing the educational process through practical and laboratory work focused on real-world scenarios of software deployment and test automation. The results of the study confirm the effective use of CI/CD tools for educational purposes, ensuring the development of competencies required for working in modern IT teams. The use of CI/CD increases awareness of cybersecurity and optimizes DevOps processes.

Український фронт неоголошеної Радянсько-польської війни 1939 року: військова складова реалізації експансіоністської зовнішньої політики СРСР у дослідженнях сучасної української історіографії

The purpose of the article is to reveal the modern Ukrainian historians, political scientists and lawyers main researches results on the activities of the Red Army Ukrainian Front against Poland in the process of implementing the expansionist foreign policy of the USSR in the fall of 1939. The article comprehensively analyzes research approaches and topics of domestic historiography studies of the armed intervention of the Red Army into the southeastern voivodships of the Second Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth in September 1939. Publications of domestic historians and lawyers, in particular the period of large-scale aggression of the russian federation against Ukraine, are included in the broad academic discourse. The traditional field of domestic historiography of the events of «Golden September» of 1939 includes military-historical issues related to the formation, combat operations against Polish armed formations, disbandment of the Ukrainian Front of the Red Army in Western Ukraine. The main focus is on the analysis of combat operations during the advance of Soviet troops through the territory of Poland with a dominant Ukrainian ethnic population after September 17, 1939. Separately, critical evaluations of the effectiveness of units of the Red Army are presented, both in clashes with units of the Polish Army and in the occupation of the vast majority of Galicia and Volhynia towns and villages without armed resistance from Polish units, the facts of low training of the personnel of the Ukrainian Front, etc. The basis of article methodology is the use of general philosophical, scientific and special methods of scientific knowledge, which are based on the principles systematicity, objectivity, interdisciplinary disclosure of preparation for the creation, course of operations and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Front of the Red Army during the undeclared Soviet-Polish war of 1939. The scientific novelty consists in the generalization of the process of deployment and combat operations of the Ukrainian Front during the so-called Liberation campaign. Conclusions. The preparation, implementation and consequences of the expansionist foreign policy course of the leadership of the Soviet Union led by Y. Stalin in Western Ukraine in the fall of 1939 were complex in nature, including the direct military power of the newly formed Ukrainian Front of the Red Army, which is shown in detail by modern Ukrainian historians. At the same time, for the Polish command, the appearance of Soviet troops in the southeastern provinces of Eastern Galicia and Western Volynhia came as a complete surprise, which may indicate the low effectiveness of intelligence work against the USSR in conditions when all Polish efforts were directed at fighting the aggression of Nazi Germany. The researchers cite new facts about the disorganization of the Polish state against the entry of the Red Army by issuing orders not to resist, or even considering it as an ally in this war. At the same time, the facts of the unpreparedness of certain parts of the Red Army and many recruits of the Ukrainian Front, even to such an almost unhindered advance the territory of Western Ukraine, as well as chaotic «friendly fire» and shooting on civilian objects in many Galician and Volynhian towns and villages. An equally impressive page of the undeclared Soviet-Polish war of 1939 on the part of the Ukrainian Front of the Red Army, which is present in the national historiography, are numerous examples of violence, robbery, shootings of civilians of the western Ukrainian region, who in most cases did not receive adequate punishment, but on the contrary, quite often were encouraged especially for «settling scores» on national and social grounds. Undoubtedly, this behavior of Red Army soldiers and commanders could not only contribute to the widespread support of the so-called «Liberation campaign» on the part of the local population, but also formed the national base of the resistance movement, both Polish and Ukrainian, which may be the subject of further research.

Magnetic Non-Destructive Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete Structures—Methodology, System, and Identification Results

This paper aims to present a non-destructive magnetic method developed for simultaneously identifying key parameters in reinforced concrete (RC) structures. This method is designed to evaluate concrete structures containing dense reinforcement meshes. The development process of the system is presented step by step. First, the hardware layer of the system is discussed and documented. The proposed modifications to the excitation system enhanced the method’s effectiveness compared to the conventional Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) technique. Next, this paper presents the extracted association rules that connect the parameters of the RC structure to the properties of resultant waveforms. The relations are verified with measurement results. Finally, the identification of the model’s design, implementation, and deployment processes are presented. A universal methodology for non-destructive testing investigations was developed and is described throughout the research.

Sustainable site planning for new launch facilities at spaceports

The New Space industry not only demands expanded spaceport capacity but also careful consideration of the environmental impact of ground infrastructure development. Focusing on the Alcântara Space Center in Brazil (CEA - Centro Espacial de Alcântara), a data-driven site selection framework is presented, emphasizing cost-effectiveness and environmental compliance. When applied to the CEA case, this framework incorporates expert preferences and aligns Geographic Information System-Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) with the development of launch site infrastructure and the assessment of environmental impact. The real case application results in robust ranking outcomes, despite some level of divergence amongst the experts. Contributions include expert clustering for sensitivity analysis, insights into spaceport impact on surrounding communities, and the proposal of an easily deployable decision-making process. The framework exhibits flexibility and can be adapted to different variations of the spaceport locational problems. Recommendations include the implementation of advanced geotechnical assessment protocols, enhanced quantification methodologies for environmental variables, and the utilization of comprehensive risk assessment techniques. These measures hold the potential to provide valuable insights for research and regulatory efforts within this rapidly evolving domain.

Increasing software deployment speed in agile environments through automated configuration management

In today's fast-paced software development landscape, the ability to deploy applications rapidly while maintaining high quality is crucial for Agile teams. This paper explores the impact of Automated Configuration Management (ACM) on enhancing software deployment speed within Agile environments. By examining the complexities of modern software systems and the challenges associated with manual configuration processes, the study underscores the necessity of automation to streamline workflows and reduce errors. Key ACM tools such as Ansible, Puppet, and Chef are discussed and their role in facilitating efficient configuration management. The integration of ACM with Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) practices is highlighted as a pivotal strategy for achieving faster deployment cycles and improved software reliability. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the importance of fostering a DevOps culture, where collaboration between development and operations teams enhances the overall efficiency of the software delivery pipeline. Ultimately, the findings present a roadmap for Agile teams seeking to implement automated solutions, offering practical recommendations to optimize their deployment processes and adapt to the evolving demands of the market.

Trust driven On-Demand scheme for client deployment in Federated Learning

Containerization technology plays a crucial role in Federated Learning (FL) setups, expanding the pool of potential clients and ensuring the availability of specific subsets for each learning iteration. However, doubts arise about the trustworthiness of devices deployed as clients in FL scenarios, especially when container deployment processes are involved. Addressing these challenges is important, particularly in managing potentially malicious clients capable of disrupting the learning process or compromising the entire model. In our research, we are motivated to integrate a trust element into the client selection and model deployment processes within our system architecture. This is a feature lacking in the initial client selection and deployment mechanism of the On-Demand architecture. We introduce a trust mechanism, named “Trusted-On-Demand-FL”, which establishes a relationship of trust between the server and the pool of eligible clients. Utilizing Docker in our deployment strategy enables us to monitor and validate participant actions effectively, ensuring strict adherence to agreed-upon protocols while strengthening defenses against unauthorized data access or tampering. Our simulations rely on continuous user behavior datasets, deploying an optimization model powered by a genetic algorithm to efficiently select clients for participation. By assigning trust values to individual clients and dynamically adjusting these values, combined with penalizing malicious clients through decreased trust scores, our proposed framework identifies and isolates harmful clients. This approach not only reduces disruptions to regular rounds but also minimizes instances of round dismissal, Consequently enhancing both system stability and security.

Safety and Efficacy of a Developed ‘Patent Ductus Arteriosus Occluder Device’: A Porcine Model Analysis Over Multiple Time Points

This study assessed the safety and performance of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occluder using a porcine carotid artery model involving three male pigs. Each pig underwent a thorough physical examination and met the criteria for stable health and body weight. On day 0, the occluder was implanted under proper analgesia and anesthesia, with heparin used to prevent clot formation. The deployment process was meticulously evaluated through angiography and Quantitative Vascular Analysis (QVA) before and after implantation. Arteries were harvested at 90, 180, and 365 days for histopathological analysis. The occluder fulfilled all acceptance criteria, demonstrating successful deployment, trackability, and no cranial artery flow above the device. Gross necropsy showed a bulged carotid artery, suggesting a reaction to the device, while histopathological evaluations showed good endothelialization at all time points. The occluder was well-visualized during imaging, deployed easily, and could be withdrawn without issue. It effectively occluded the artery at all follow-ups without migrating from the target site. All animals survived the procedure and post- procedural period with the device intact. These results suggest that the PDA occluder is safe and effective in this model, showing promise for future human clinical applications, though further studies are needed to confirm long-term safety and efficacy.

A General Super-Resolution Approach Integrating Physical Information for Temperature Field Measurement.

In industrial measurement, temperature field measurement typically relies on thermocouples and spectroscopic techniques. These traditional methods often suffer from insufficient precision, resulting in prevalent low-resolution measurements in real thermal scenarios. To address this challenge, we propose a novel general super-resolution approach for temperature field measurement in various thermal scenarios, leveraging the low-resolution (LR) data obtained from sensor array technology. The method incorporates skip connections and multi-path learning, along with physical information loss, to enhance accuracy. To validate the effectiveness of the approach, simulations across three two-dimensional thermal scenarios are conducted: the heating process in silicon chips, the thermodynamic process of hot and cold water mixing, and the convective heat transfer phenomena involved in metal sheet dissipation under airflow. The results show that the learning model can accurately predict the HR temperature. The proposed approach offers a pathway for generating HR solutions, bypassing traditional time-consuming simulation processes while ensuring data accuracy. By utilizing a fixed model and a lightweight physical loss function, we simplify the deployment process, facilitating applications in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions, engineering measurements, and related fields.

CI/CD and Automation in DevOps Engineering

The article examines the principles and best practices of implementing Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) within DevOps engineering. It explores how CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, version control, and deployment processes can accelerate software development and improve product quality. The manuscript analyzes key tools such as Jenkins, GitLab, and Travis CI, and discusses critical security measures for safeguarding code and infrastructure. By integrating CI/CD into DevOps workflows, teams can enhance efficiency, reduce time to market, and minimize errors, all while ensuring a scalable and secure development process.

Implementing Enterprise-Scale iOS MDM : A Technical Deep Dive

As organizations increasingly adopt mobile technologies, the need for effective remote management of iOS devices has grown significantly. This technical article examines implementation strategies and real-world performance metrics from a study of Mobile Device Management (MDM) implementations across 12 diverse organizations, encompassing 2,500 enterprise devices during 2023-2024. The article reveals that optimized MDM solutions can achieve 99.99% uptime while reducing infrastructure costs by up to 45%. Key findings demonstrate that effective MDM implementation reduces device management costs by 64%, improves security compliance rates to 99.3%, and decreases incident response time by 73%. Through automated troubleshooting and optimization, organizations experienced a 67% reduction in security incidents and a 42% decrease in IT support overhead while achieving 85% reduction in deployment time and 82% acceleration in app deployment processes. The article comprehensively evaluates architecture design, deployment metrics, security implementation, performance analysis, and scalability considerations. Implementation of advanced security protocols resulted in a 98.7% prevention rate for common mobile security threats, while maintaining 99.99% system reliability. The article also highlights the importance of phased deployment strategies, which demonstrate 43% higher success rates compared to direct full-scale implementations, and provides strategic insights for future planning and infrastructure optimization.

Automated orchestration of virtualized deployments of mobile core networks

Given the ongoing process of softwarization and virtualization of communications networks, including 5G and beyond 5G (B5G), automation has become an inevitable part of network deployment. Ensuring a robust, efficient, and zero-touch deployment process is expected to drive the advancement of B5G and 6G technologies. Automation will become increasingly critical because of increasing complexity and requirements on dynamic provisioning of these networks. A well-designed automation process can streamline the deployment of private mobile networks for Industry 4.0 or on-demand networks for mass events, ensuring efficient video signal transmission and reducing the need for physical wiring. This paper presents a Proof-of-Concept testbed tailored for the automated orchestration of virtualized deployment of a 5G mobile core network, along with insights into potential challenges and solutions. Furthermore, we compare two open-source core network implementations in terms of feasibility for virtualization, automation and performance of user plane (delay, throughput) and control plane (user equipment registration time and PDU session establishment time). We evaluate the performance of automated deployment of 5G core network locally in the testbed and based on the results we propose enhancements that reduce deployment time by 40% on average for one of the implementations. We also present the process and necessary tools to automatically orchestrate deployment of a virtualized 5G core network in a cloud infrastructure. Finally, we performed preliminary performance assessments of the automation process in the proposed cloud-based deployment.

Road to Malawi Defence Force International Peacekeeping and Other Expeditionary Deployments: Multiple Players with Multiple Interests

Misconceptions about the powers and procedures to deploy the military have lingered in the public domain owing to the secretive nature of military operations albeit in many countries such procedures and powers are enshrined in the Constitution; a public document of the basic principles and laws of a nation or social group that determine the powers and duties of the government and that guarantee certain rights to the people in it. Such misconceptions have not left out Malawi in her deployment of the Malawi Defence Forces. This paper seeks to explain the sources of power for the Malawi Defence Force deployments for international peacekeeping operations. The paper endeavours to enlighten many who posit that the Malawi Defence Force deployments do not go through democratic processes. Doctrinal analysis research methodology was employed to deep dive into documents such as the Constitution, the United Nations, the African Union, Southern Africa Development Community Charters and the Malawi Defence Force Act. The three-level analyses at macro, meso and macro domains and stakeholder holders’ analysis were considered. The three-level and stakeholder analyses were reinforced by the type of government that informs procedures and powers of the government in handling national instruments of power. The findings revealed that the powers to deploy the Malawi Defence Force for peacekeeping operations are drawn from the international and national instruments with the executive branch playing a crucial role in such deployments. The study recommends the operationalization of the National Security Policy and a review of the current deployment process flow to chart a hybrid process fusing the presidential and parliamentary processes as well as blending the objective and subjective civilian control of the defence forces.

The Deployment Mechanism of the E.T.PACK Deorbit System: Functional and Qualification tests

The Horizon 2020 (H2020) Future Emerging Technologies (FET) OPEN Project E.T.PACK is dedicated to advancing Electrodynamic Tether (EDT) technology by developing a specialized Deorbit Device prototype for end-of-life satellite deorbiting. In collaboration with the E.T.PACK consortium, the University of Padova conducted test campaigns aimed at evaluating the Deployment Mechanism design. This paper offers an overview of these tests, with a specific emphasis on the outcomes derived from tape spool examinations and deployment tests conducted on specific tape lengths. Furthermore, the paper delineates the setup for upcoming end-to-end deployment tests, highlighting the integration of a tape collecting machine to minimize manual intervention. The three-coil spool successfully passed qualification tests under thermal-vacuum conditions, exhibiting no instances of cold-welding. Additionally, shaker tests validated the spool ability to withstand launch conditions without requiring additional containment flanges. Furthermore, the Deployment Mechanism demonstrated its proficiency in smoothly deploying tapes with varying characteristics within the desired velocity range. Moreover, the deployment process, following a specific profile, proceeded seamlessly without any complications. Consistent continuity was maintained throughout the deployment processes, with no instances of jams or disruptions observed. These testing outcomes represent a fundamental step in the preparation and testing of the Engineering Qualification Model of the Deployment Mechanism, instilling confidence that subsequent end-to-end deployment tests will progress smoothly. To this end, a specific upside-down configuration will be implemented, and a recollecting machine was designed and manufactured to facilitate tape gathering, ensuring a streamlined and efficient testing process. A description of the end-to-end deployment test setup, including the recollecting machine, is also provided in this paper.

Optimizing Microservice Deployment in Edge Computing with Large Language Models: Integrating Retrieval Augmented Generation and Chain of Thought Techniques

Large Language Models (LLMs) have demonstrated impressive capabilities in autogenerating code based on natural language instructions provided by humans. We observed that in the microservice models of edge computing, the problem of deployment latency optimization can be transformed into an NP-hard mathematical optimization problem. However, in the real world, deployment strategies at the edge often require immediate updates, while human-engineered code tends to be lagging. To bridge this gap, we innovatively integrated LLMs into the decision-making process for microservice deployment. Initially, we constructed a private Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) database containing prior knowledge. Subsequently, we employed meticulously designed step-by-step inductive instructions and used the chain of thought (CoT) technique to enable the LLM to learn, reason, reflect, and regenerate. We decomposed the microservice deployment latency optimization problem into a collection of granular sub-problems (described in natural language), progressively providing instructions to the fine-tuned LLM to generate corresponding code blocks. The generated code blocks underwent integration and consistency assessment. Additionally, we prompted the LLM to generate code without the use of the RAG database for comparative analysis. We executed the aforementioned code and comparison algorithm under identical operational environments and simulation parameters, conducting rigorous result analysis. Our fine-tuned model significantly reduced latencies by 22.8% in handling surges in request flows, 37.8% in managing complex microservice types, and 39.5% in processing increased network nodes compared to traditional algorithms. Moreover, our approach demonstrated marked improvements in latency performance over LLMs not utilizing RAG technology and reinforcement learning algorithms reported in other literature. The use of LLMs also highlights the concept of symmetry, as the symmetrical structure of input-output relationships in microservice deployment models aligns with the LLM’s inherent ability to process and generate balanced and optimized code. Symmetry in this context allows for more efficient resource allocation and reduces redundant operations, further enhancing the model’s effectiveness. We believe that LLMs hold substantial potential in optimizing microservice deployment models.

Analysis of satellite attitude motion in a three-body tethered system during deployment via integral manifolds

This paper aims to analyze the impact of unideal end-body configurations on attitude motion during the tether deployment process in a linear three-body tethered system (LTBTS). A main challenge in this process is the resonance between the nutation and spin angles caused by the unideal end-body configurations, leading to severe nutation angle oscillations. These oscillations can result in tether entanglement with the end-bodies or even tether rupture. To address this issue, the deployment model for the LTBTS is first established using the Lagrangian equations, with the end-body attitude described by Eulerian angles. Secondly, the system involves the separation of two subsatellites from the central main satellite in opposite directions. The dynamics response of the deployment process under unideal configuration of end-bodies is investigated. Resonance phenomena in nutation and spin angles are observed due to errors in initial angles/angular velocities, offset errors of tether connection points, and unideal structural characteristics of the satellites. Thirdly, to further understand this resonance, analytical solutions for resonance are derived by transforming the nutation angle equations, and satellite attitude equations are systematically solved via integral manifold methods. Potential resonance issues are mitigated by reducing system asymmetry and minimizing initial disturbances. Finally, the effectiveness of the dynamic analysis is validated through simulations.

Dynamic modeling and ground verification of space flexible net deployment

Abstract This article presents a modeling and simulation method to simulate the deployment process of a space net. The space net is simplified into a spring-damping model using the finite element method, and a dynamic model of the process is established. The configuration of the net and the variation of internal forces during the ejection and deployment process are analyzed through simulation calculations. In addition, ground experiments were conducted and compared with simulation results. By calculating the effective deployment area during the flight of the net, the reliability of the model and the feasibility of capturing the target are verified.

Guide wire Insurance suite: Integration and Deployment Strategies

This article explores two critical aspects of Guidewire InsuranceSuite that are pivotal for insurance companies navigating digital transformation: the Integration Gateway and Blue/Green deployment. The Integration Gateway serves as a powerful middleware solution, facilitating seamless communication between Guidewire's core applications and external systems, thereby enabling insurers to create a more connected and responsive technology ecosystem. Blue/Green deployment, on the other hand, is presented as an advanced release management technique that minimizes downtime and reduces risks associated with software updates. The article discusses the key features of the Integration Gateway, including standardized interfaces, data transformation capabilities, and enhanced security measures. It also delves into the Blue/Green deployment process, highlighting its benefits such as minimal downtime, reduced risk, improved testing, and easy rollback. By examining these technologies, the article aims to provide insurance professionals and technology leaders with insights into how Guidewire InsuranceSuite can be leveraged to create more agile, efficient, and resilient insurance operations in an increasingly digital marketplace.

Kinematics and dynamics characteristics of a double-ring truss deployable antenna mechanism based on triangular prism deployable unit

In order to effectively improve the single-ring truss deployable antenna mechanism due to the large aperture caused by the problem with low structural strength and low-profile accuracy, a series of double-ring truss deployable antenna mechanisms (DRTDAM) are proposed with constant height during folding and deployment process. First, a variety of DRTDAMs are proposed based on tetrahedral units and their topologies are analyzed. Secondly, degree-of-freedom (DOF) characteristics of DRTDAM proposed in this paper are analyzed based on the screw theory and screw-constrained topological graphs and based on this, the kinematic characteristics of DRTDAM is investigated. Thirdly, the dynamics of the whole DRTDAM is built with Newton-Euler equations of multi-rigid body system. Finally, the correctness of above analysis is verified through dynamics analysis software ADAMS and numerical analysis software MATLAB, and the principle prototype is produced to verify the correctness of DOF analysis. The mechanism proposed in this paper enriches the configuration of DRTDAM, and the process of kinematic characterization method is clear and simple, which is meaningful for the research in space complex mechanism.

GESTÃO ESCOLAR E AS TECNOLOGIAS

This article is part of the research line of the Master's program in Emerging Technologies in Education at MUST UNIVERSITY and addresses the importance of educational management for innovative projects and their implementation. The article aims to reason the processes of deployment and implementation and the authors involved. The methodology used for the work is qualitative research to gather important information about the significance of the project coordination team, strategies, and their utilization. Therefore, at the end of the research, it is clear that the educational coordination team is essential for the effectiveness of the projects.