Global Infrastructure Research Articles

Multiscale approaches for optimizing the impact of strain on Na-ion battery cycle life

Abstract The high costs and geopolitical challenges inherent to the lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery supply chain have driven a rising interest in the development of sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries as a potential alternative. Unfortunately, the larger ionic radius of Na limits the reversibility of cycling because of the extensive atomic rearrangements that accompany Na-ion insertion, which in turn limit diffusion and charging speed, and lead to rapid degradation of the electrodes. The Center for Strain Optimization for Renewable Energy (STORE) was established to address these challenges and develop new electrode materials for Na-ion cells. This article discusses the current state-of-the-art materials used in Na-ion cells and several directions that STORE believes are critical to understand and control the structural and volumetric changes during the reversible (de)insertion of large cations. Graphical abstract Highlights Understanding the fundamental way materials respond to localized strains at the atomic length-scale is a critical first step in the development of highly reversible, long cycle life, Na-ion insertion hosts. This perspective explores a variety of methods that can be employed to mitigate the detrimental effects of large strain. The insights gained from these investigations should help lay the foundation for the creation of more economical and sustainable batteries that could have immediate impact on global energy infrastructure. Discussion Although there is near universal agreement that electrochemical energy storage must be an integral part of a green-energy future, there is less agreement about how to reduce the cost of energy storage. Replacing high-cost lithium-ion cells with lower-cost sodium-ion batteries is one option frequently considered in future energy models, but the details of what can be achieve with optimized sodium cell performance remains unclear. Here we posit that developing methods to mitigating strain on the electrode particle length scale is a key factor for achieving long-cycle-life sodium-ion batteries. Mitigating strain on the atomic scale suppress electrode-level volume change. Allowing for fast cycling in materials without the problems of electrode cracking or delamination. We further posit that understanding volume change in sodium-ion electrodes at a fundamental level will lead to the designing new sodium-ion electrode materials that will allow for efficient, stable, lower-cost energy storage.

International armed conflicts and their impact on aviation safety

Aviation transport is an integral part of the global infrastructure that ensures fast and efficient movement of people and cargo around the world. However, international armed conflicts create serious challenges for the aviation industry, affecting the safety of flights, the economic stability of airlines, as well as the international aviation community as a whole. This article is devoted to the analysis of the impact of armed conflicts on air traffic, taking into account real examples from different regions of the world. One key aspect of the research is examining the effects of airspace closures over conflict zones, which force airlines to change routes, increasing fuel and operating costs. In addition, the issue of flight security in conflict zones, where commercial aircraft are at increased risk of accidental or deliberate attacks, is analyzed. An important aspect of the article is also the assessment of economic losses suffered by airlines and airports due to conflicts. In particular, cases of flight cancellations, a decrease in passenger traffic, as well as an increase in insurance premiums, which significantly affect the financial performance of companies, are considered. The article also touches on issues of international cooperation in the field of aviation security, which is critically important for minimizing risks and ensuring the stability of air traffic in armed conflicts. In particular, the role of international organizations such as ICAO and the effectiveness of existing international agreements and treaties aimed at coordinating actions between states during crisis situations are analyzed. The article also focuses on developing practical recommendations for airlines and governments to improve their conflict preparedness, including route planning, risk management and improved information sharing systems. Given the complexity and multifaceted nature of the issue, the authors emphasize the need for further scientific research in this area in order to develop new strategies and tools to ensure the safety and stability of the global aviation industry in the face of armed conflicts. Thus, the article makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the impact of international armed conflicts on air traffic and offers a comprehensive approach to solving this problem.

Optimum flood inundation mapping in mountainous regions using Sentinel-1 data and a GIS-based multi-criteria approach: a case study of Tlawng river basin, Mizoram, India.

Floods pose a significant global threat, impacting populations and infrastructure worldwide. However, mapping flood inundation solely with SAR data faces challenges in hilly terrain. To address this, the study integrates SAR data with a GIS-based multi-criteria approach (MCA), incorporating various indices and parameters, to enhance the accuracy of identifying potential flood zones. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, with high accuracy validated using GPS data and a physics-based 3-step method. The results also indicate a high level of accuracy, with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.92 when comparing Sentinel-1 SAR and optical data during the process of extracting permanent water bodies. The Sentinel-1 SAR-derived flood extent was found to be 9.56m horizontally distant from the observed maximum flood mark, while the physics-based 3-step approach estimated the inundation extent to be 9.28m away. However, both methods accurately matched the vertical elevation of 40m above mean sea level (MSL). The findings underscore the effectiveness of SAR data and GIS-based MCA in monitoring and mapping floods in challenging terrains, offering practical implications for flood management strategies in Tlawng river basin.

The New GGBN Data Portal and GGBN Stable Identifiers

The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) Data Portal plays an important role in the global biodiversity informatics infrastructure by providing standardized access to 3.8 million DNA, tissue, and environmental samples as well as 2.4 million associated vouchers and cultures from 39 repositories. In addition, more than 3.5 million references to sequence data can be derived from these records and are accessible through the GGBN Data Portal. By making all these resources available in one portal, GGBN is bridging the gap between sequences, samples and vouchers based on well curated physical collections. In order to increase the usability and interoperability of GGBN data, stable identifiers have been developed based on the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF) stable identifiers (Güntsch et al. 2017). Each GGBN stable identifier represents a physical object in our member collections, e.g., a sample or voucher. The landing pages for these identifiers will be embedded in a new version of the GGBN Data Portal, which will be launched by the end of 2024. The portal underwent a complete redesign of the user interface, especially the search and members pages. In addition to the stable identifiers, it will then also be possible to search across all four major GGBN resources (data portal, registry, document library, and wiki). This, in particular, will facilitate the access to information on biobank management, Access and Benefit Sharing, tutorials as well as GGBN conference presentations (Figs 1, 2, 3). In this presentation we shared information on the new GGBN Data Portal as well as how the GGBN stable identifiers are structured and their future potential use to enrich data in other infrastructures such as the European Nucleotide Archive (ENA).

Dangerous depths of bifurcation: the rise of “inter-national security narcissists” and undersea cable (dis) connections

ABSTRACT This article examines the rising bifurcation in global undersea cable networks amid growing U.S.-China tensions, building on the “weaponized interdependence” (WI) framework. While WI sheds light on how states leverage network centrality for strategic benefits, it falls short of capturing the proactive reshaping of network topologies for national security. We argue this bifurcation fosters parallel, redundant systems that, despite increased costs, enhance control and security. A sequential game model illustrates how U.S. and Chinese security-driven decisions contribute to network divergence, while a hierarchical Q-learning model explores how path dependency and lock-in effects sustain this split. Empirical cases, like the Cap-1 project, demonstrate the practical impact, emphasizing security’s role in reconfiguring global communications infrastructure.

The Belt and Road Initiative: Geopolitical Implications for South Asia

Abstract: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been initiated in China in 2013 as a transformative global infrastructure and development endeavor involving more than 70 nations. Aside from its economic and financial implications, however, the BRI is often also perceived as Chinas expansionist strategy in increasing soft power. With South Asia playing a pivotal role due to its strategic position and growing economic potential, this paper examines the geopolitical implications of the BRI and Chinese influence in the region. The study explores BRI projects with case studies, revealing how the initiative both offers prospects for economic growth and highlights challenges around sovereignty, debt dependency, and regional security, especially in a region marked by historical rivalries and political complexities. Particular attention is given to the effects of the BRI on the power balance between China, India, and other South Asian nations, as well as its broader impact on strategic partnerships and regional dynamics. Through an analysis of key BRI projects in South Asia and its implications, this paper assesses both the opportunities and challenges the initiative presents, offering insights into the enduring geopolitical consequences for the region.

China's Belt and Road Initiative: Motivations for Strategic Decision-Making in Global Transport Operations from a Maritime and Marine Engineering Perspective

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), announced in 2013, is a mega project designed to enhance global transportation infrastructure and stimulate economic development. This study aims to identify and prioritize the key motivational sources driving China's BRI, with a particular focus on economic, political, and strategic considerations. Using PRISMA systematic literature review and focus group methodologies, we identified 26 motivational factors, 16 of which are primarily economic in nature. Among these, 'New business opportunities for Chinese investors' emerged as the most significant driver. In addition to economic motivations, this study highlights the critical importance of marine engineering, ship risk management, and ship machinery innovations in the success of BRI's maritime routes. Safe, efficient maritime transportation is identified as a crucial element for ensuring the operational effectiveness of the Maritime Silk Road. The study further emphasizes the role of maritime safety protocols, infrastructure modernization, and risk mitigation strategies in achieving China's broader geopolitical and economic ambitions through the BRI. Our findings suggest that China’s internal motivations, particularly those related to economic growth and marine transport infrastructure, play a more prominent role than external factors. This underscores the need for policymakers, marine engineers, and transport operators to align their long-term strategies with China’s ambitions, focusing on maritime safety, operational efficiency, and the global competitiveness of China’s marine technologies. The insights gained from this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of maritime infrastructure in shaping the future of global transportation systems under the BRI.

Evaluating Deep Learning Networks Versus Hybrid Network for Smart Monitoring of Hydropower Plants

One of the main goals of the International Energy Agency (IEA) is to manage and utilize clean energy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Hydropower plants can significantly contribute to this goal as they are vital components of the global energy infrastructure, providing a clean, safe, and sustainable power source. Accordingly, there is great interest in developing methods to prevent errors and anomalies and ensure full operational availability. With modern hydropower plants equipped with sensors that capture extensive data, machine learning algorithms utilizing these data to detect and predict anomalies have gained research attention. This paper demonstrates that deep learning algorithms are particularly powerful in predicting time series. Three well-known deep learning networks are examined and compared to previous approaches, followed by the introduction of a new, innovative hybrid network. Using real-world data from two hydropower plants, the hybrid model outperforms individual deep learning models by achieving more accurate fault detection, reducing false positives, offering early fault prediction, and identifying faults several weeks before occurrence. These results showcase the hybrid network’s potential to enhance maintenance planning, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency in energy systems.

Scalable Atomic‐Layer Tailoring of Abundant Oxide Supports Unlocks Superior Interfaces for Low‐Metal‐Loading Dehydrogenation

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) offer a promising solution for global hydrogen infrastructure, but their practical application faces two key challenges: sluggish dehydrogenation processes and the reliance on catalysts with high noble metal loadings. This study presents a scalable approach to reduce noble metal usage while maintaining high catalytic activity. We synthesized an ultralow Pt content (0.1 wt%) catalyst using γ‐Al2O3‐based pellet support with atomic layer deposition (ALD) of TiO2. Advanced characterization techniques reveal that the thin ALD‐TiO2 shell provides a heterogeneous interface, confining electronically rich Pt‐nanoparticle ensembles. The catalyst outperforms both equivalent Pt‐content catalysts and a commercial 0.5 wt% Pt/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst in homocyclic LOHC dehydrogenation. This study provides insights into the beneficial role of ALD‐engineered interfaces for catalytic supports and offers an efficient approach for scalable production of low‐noble‐metal‐content catalysts, with implications for various catalytic processes.

Scalable Atomic-Layer Tailoring of Abundant Oxide Supports Unlocks Superior Interfaces for Low-Metal-Loading Dehydrogenation.

Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) offer a promising solution for global hydrogen infrastructure, but their practical application faces two key challenges: sluggish dehydrogenation processes and the reliance on catalysts with high noble metal loadings. This study presents a scalable approach to reduce noble metal usage while maintaining high catalytic activity. We synthesized an ultralow Pt content (0.1 wt%) catalyst using γ-Al2O3-based pellet support with atomic layer deposition (ALD) of TiO2. Advanced characterization techniques reveal that the thin ALD-TiO2 shell provides a heterogeneous interface, confining electronically rich Pt-nanoparticle ensembles. The catalyst outperforms both equivalent Pt-content catalysts and a commercial 0.5 wt% Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalyst in homocyclic LOHC dehydrogenation. This study provides insights into the beneficial role of ALD-engineered interfaces for catalytic supports and offers an efficient approach for scalable production of low-noble-metal-content catalysts, with implications for various catalytic processes.

The production of information space in the port of Piraeus: digital logistical media, power mutations and state transformations

Since 2010 the container terminal of Piraeus has—under the management of the Chinese operator COSCO Shipping—established itself as a hub in the global supply chains as well as a critical node in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The sharp increase in container handling volumes, and the terminal’s further interconnection with dozens more ports, have helped turn Piraeus into a global infrastructure. The article commences from an understanding of the port as an anomalous space where heterogeneous and overlapping powers, jurisdictions, actors and interests articulate and at times clash. It then turns to the port’s ongoing digitalisation and introduces the concept of ‘information space’ to explain the ways that information reflects and reproblematises the governance of Piraeus. More specifically, it focuses on the launch of a digital platform for the exchange of information between port users and the coordination of its operations. By interrogating the frictions and turbulent negotiations that followed the platform’s introduction, the paper explores the political, economic, and geographical transformations associated with the emergence of information as a key spatial agent.

Space cybersecurity challenges, mitigation techniques, anticipated readiness, and future directions

Space Cybersecurity (SC) is becoming critical due to the essential role of space in global critical infrastructure – enabling communication, safe air travel, maritime trade, weather monitoring, environmental surveillance, financial services, and defence systems. Simultaneously, involving diverse stakeholders in space operations further amplifies this criticality. Similarly, previous research has identified isolated vulnerabilities in SC and proposed individual solutions to mitigate them. While such studies have provided useful insights, they do not offer a comprehensive analysis of space cyber-attack vectors and a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. This study addresses this problem by holistically examining the scope of potential space cyber-attack vectors, encompassing the ground, space, user, cloud, communication channels, and supply chain segments. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of legacy security controls and frameworks and outlines SC-vector-aligned counterstrategies and mitigation techniques to tackle the unique SC threats. Based on the analysis, the study proposes future research directions to develop and test advanced technological solutions and regulatory and operational frameworks to establish international standards policies and foster stakeholder collaboration. The study contributes a multi-disciplinary foundation and roadmap that researchers, technology developers, and decision-makers can draw on in shaping a robust and sustainable SC framework.

Тенденции влияния «Группы семи/восьми» на глобальное климатическое управление

This article reviews the changing priorities and commitments of the Group of 7 (G7) and Group of 8 (G8) on climate change and energy security and highlights the trends of their influence on the global climate agenda. The main research method is content analysis of the groups’ documents adopted from 2005 to 2023. The study reveals that, at all stages of cooperation, the G7 endeavoured to secure commitments from emerging market and developing countries to increase their contributions to emissions reduction and accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy. As early as 2009, the advanced countries sought to prevent carbon leakages, regarding a comprehensive climate agreement in Copenhagen as a possible solution. The main principles, priorities, and tasks for attaining global energy security were defined in the 2006 leaders’ statement on global energy security and the St Petersburg action plan. The G7’s Rome and Hamburg initiatives on energy security, adopted after the G8’s suspension, in essence continued the course toward building competitive, diversified, sustainable, and low carbon energy systems, but without Russia. The new paradigm determined a different hierarchy of priorities: promotion of flexible gas markets, including more integrated liquified natural gas (LNG) markets, regulatory and public funding support of investment in energy infrastructure that cannot be built according to market rules, development of oil and natural gas resources from unconventional sources, and enhanced cooperation on critical infrastructure, transit routes, supply chains, and transport. This course was consolidated in subsequent years and entered a new stage in 2022. Since 2021, the G7 has been increasing efforts to renew the global rules and to shape new mechanisms and institutes of global climate governance. The establishment of the climate club, Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs), the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII), adoption of the principles of high integrity carbon markets, and the setting up of new engagement and containment platforms increase the risk of a fragmentation of the established climate governance system and its gradual substitution by a new order functioning in the interests of the G7 and its allies. In view of these risks it is necessary to deepen cooperation with the BRICS+ group led by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and other emerging market and developing countries to coordinate and promote within the key multilateral institutions, including the United Nations (UN), the Group of 20 (G20), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), a concerted position on the inadmissibility of eroding the existing global climate governance system with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) at its centre or the use of climate goals and regulation as protectionist and discriminative instruments, and to advance practical implementation of the principle of common but differential responsibility

Evaluation of the engineering properties and sustainability of solid masonry blocks produced with recycled concrete aggregates

The rapid expansion of global infrastructure has led to significant natural resource shortages and increasing environmental concerns related to construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Recycling C&D waste presents a viable solution to alleviate resource depletion and promote sustainability. This study explores the use of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) derived from C&D waste in producing solid masonry blocks (SMBs). RCAs were employed to replace both natural coarse and fine aggregates in these blocks. Physical and mechanical properties of SMBs were tested, including hardened density, compressive and flexural strengths, and water absorption. The findings showed that decreased strength and increased water absorption for cement-to-aggregate ratio (C: A) increased from 1:6 to 1:24; however, all produced SMBs satisfied the requirements specified by Indian and ASTM standards. The study concluded that using 100% RCAs in SMBs is structurally sound and environmentally beneficial, meeting international standards. Employing recycled aggregate concrete blocks lowers environmental impact and aids in sustainable development by facilitating the life-cycle closure of the building materials.

Exploring the critical factors in pharmaceutical supply chains revealed during COVID-19 and addressing missing links

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed profound weaknesses in global pharmaceutical supply chains, resulting in widespread shortages of critical medical supplies, delayed drug manufacturing, and disruptions in vaccine distribution. These supply chain vulnerabilities were exacerbated by several key factors, including an overreliance on a limited number of countries for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), insufficient local manufacturing capacity, and logistical constraints in transportation and distribution networks. The pandemic also exposed inefficiencies in regulatory frameworks, leading to delays in approvals and limited agility in responding to rapidly changing demands. Furthermore, the lack of transparency and real-time monitoring across global supply chains hindered effective decision-making and coordination, aggravating the crisis. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the critical factors that contributed to pharmaceutical supply chain disruptions during COVID-19, identifying missing links such as the need for diversification of supply sources, enhanced flexibility in manufacturing processes, and the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and automation for supply chain optimization. The analysis highlights how supply chain visibility, digital innovation, and risk management strategies could improve resilience in the face of future global health crises. In addition to identifying these challenges, the paper proposes solutions to address the missing links in pharmaceutical supply chains, including the decentralization of production, the development of regional manufacturing hubs, and the creation of public-private partnerships to bolster local production. The role of government policies in facilitating faster regulatory approvals, fostering international cooperation, and incentivizing innovation is also explored. Case studies on successful post-COVID-19 adaptations, such as the rapid scale-up of vaccine production and the reconfiguration of personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chains, offer insights into effective strategies for building more resilient systems. Ultimately, this paper underscores the importance of a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to ensuring the stability and security of pharmaceutical supply chains. It calls for proactive measures to strengthen global supply chain infrastructures, improve regulatory agility, and embrace emerging technologies that can predict and respond to disruptions. These steps are crucial to safeguarding the continuous delivery of essential pharmaceuticals during future pandemics or other large-scale disruptions, ensuring global health security in an increasingly interconnected world.

Second-Generation Phage Lambda Platform Employing SARS-CoV-2 Fusion Proteins as a Vaccine Candidate.

The recent SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic exemplifies how newly emerging and reemerging viruses can quickly overwhelm and cripple global infrastructures. Coupled with synergistic factors such as increasing population densities, the constant and massive mobility of people across geographical areas and substantial changes to ecosystems worldwide, these pathogens pose serious health concerns on a global scale. Vaccines form an indispensable defense, serving to control and mitigate the impact of devastating outbreaks and pandemics. Towards these efforts, we developed a tunable vaccine platform that can be engineered to simultaneously display multiple viral antigens. Here, we describe a second-generation version wherein chimeric proteins derived from SARS-CoV-2 and bacteriophage lambda are engineered and used to decorate phage-like particles with defined surface densities and retention of antigenicity. This streamlines the engineering of particle decoration, thus improving the overall manufacturing potential of the system. In a prime-boost regimen, mice immunized with particles containing as little as 42 copies of the chimeric protein on their surface develop potent neutralizing antibody responses, and immunization protects mice against virulent SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The platform is highly versatile, making it a promising strategy to rapidly develop vaccines against a potentially broad range of infectious diseases.

Measuring rising heat and flood risk along the belt-and-road initiative

China’s global infrastructure financing flagship, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) encompasses countries hosting over 60% of the global population and one-third of worldwide GDP. It is based mainly on long-term loans that will mature decades into the future, and timely repayments are only possible if they remain commercially viable. But despite its vast global scope, little is known about the climate risks that could imperil the operations of BRI projects over the next few decades, and, consequently, threaten their long-term sustainability. We narrow this gap by estimating the impacts of future climate change on 217 BRI projects across 70 countries and 9 sectors in two dimensions. First, the effects of increased heat stress on human physical work capacity are calculated using the wet bulb globe temperature and an assessment of the workload for each selected BRI project. Second, the potential structural damages from more frequent flooding incidents are measured by return period (RP), where a shorter RP signals heightened risk. Both have direct impacts on human productivity and infrastructural integrity, which are essential to maintaining the operational viability and financial stability of BRI projects. We compared projected changes on both measures for the mid- and late-twentieth centuries (2041–2060 and 2081–2100) to the historical baseline (1981–2010). We found that BRI projects face escalating vulnerability to climatic risks on both counts. The results underscore a broad variance across different future carbon emission scenarios measured under the Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (including SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5). BRI’s aggregated climatic risks are substantially elevated under a high carbon emission scenario compared to a low emission scenario. By the end of the twentieth century, labor workability under SSP3-7.0 (31%) could potentially decrease three times more compared to SSP1-2.6 (10%). Under an intermediate-emission scenario (SSP2-4.5), floods with a historical return period of 10 years could have a return period of 5 years in the future. Significantly hampering the utilization and economic return generation potential of infrastructure projects. In addition, regional geography contributes to risk heterogeneity, with 100-year floods occurring every 15 years in South Asia and every 24 years in Sub-Saharan Africa. Such climate risk implications, potentially overlooked by development financiers, represent significant risks to the sustenance of the BRI, estimated to be worth $1 trillion.

Undersea cable security in the Indo‐Pacific: Enhancing the Quad’s collaborative approach

Undersea communication cables carry the bulk of global communications, intelligence, and financial transactions daily. They are increasingly threatened, and Australia, Japan, India, and the US have begun coordinating cable security activities in the Indo-Pacific as the Quad. This article investigates the Quad’s role in undersea cable communication security, and analyzes its motivations, strengths, and the challenges it faces thereby illuminating the Quad’s evolving position in international security and its role in global governance. In doing so, it evaluates the Quad’s significance in addressing emerging security threats in the Indo-Pacific, attempts to fill critical gaps in policy formulation, and contributes to theories of informality and global governance. It begins by outlining threats to undersea communication cables. Second, it details the Quad Partnership for Cable Connectivity and Resilience within the context of an informal intergovernmental organization literature. Third, it provides recommendations for policy formulation in undersea cable security and explores the Quad's potential for improving connectivity, resilience, and security. Finally, the article emphasizes the need to tailor policies to India’s unique position within the Quad and explores proactive measures like floating Quad-supported cable repair ships. These recommendations offer insights for policymakers to bolster global communication infrastructure, resilience, and provide public goods amidst multipolarity and great power rivalry.

Prioritizing port resilience drivers and strategies: a case study of Chilean ports

ABSTRACT Disruptive events increasingly challenge global port operations and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for robust resilience plans to maintain operational continuity during crises. Designing effective resilience strategies in port operations involves prioritizing key drivers and strategies by establishing a hierarchical structure and analyzing their systemic interactions. This paper proposes a methodology to prioritize resilience drivers with its strategies by considering multiple key port stakeholders. This approach aims to create a roadmap for implementing these drivers, providing ports with a comprehensive tool for planning and executing resilience strategies. The methodology integrates the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) with Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM). To illustrate its development, a case study focusing on two primary stakeholders, terminals and port authorities, in the Chilean port context is presented. The findings reveal that the main resilience strategies in Chilean ports include remote access to information by port authorities, alternative transport modes for port access and exit, rescheduling dispatches and cargo reception by port terminals, communication and call chains of the port authority, and remote access to information by port terminals. These results offer practical implications for port operations, providing clear guidance for implementing resilience strategies.

Navigating the global health seas: A personal odyssey through the depths of COVID-19

This study offers an extensive perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic through a unique lens, blending personal narratives with informative analysis. Owing to strained public health systems, individuals faced emblematic struggles – such as awaiting medical attention in overwhelmed emergency rooms and securing testing appointments–which symbolized universal experiences. Through depersonalized yet interconnected stories, this study elucidates systemic vulnerabilities in global health infrastructures. An examination of socioeconomic disparities through third-person narratives reveals communities grappling with layoffs and limited health-care access. This study seeks to offer an analytical yet empathetic exploration of the broader socioeconomic impact of COVID-19. The objective portrayal of the pursuit for equitable vaccine access mirrors global challenges in scheduling and supply shortages. Furthermore, the personal narratives highlight the connections forged, the information shared, and the resources pooled, emphasizing a shared commitment to overcoming challenges together. This study concludes with a collective call for adopting a resilient, equitable, and united approach to global health in which informed perspectives of collective struggle converge for a better future.