Practical Size Research Articles

Targeted Association and Intracellular Delivery of Nanocargoes into Primary T Lymphocytes via Interleukin-2 Receptor-Mediated Endocytosis.

Despite the tremendous progress in immunotherapy regimens using T cells, efforts to modulate the functions of T cells are still significantly hampered by the lack of reliable methods to deliver various cargoes into the T cells. This ongoing challenge originates from the intrinsic resistance of T cells in taking up exogenous materials. Here, we strategically aimed to hijack the natural endocytosis of Interleukin-2 (IL2) by the activated T cells for the targeted association and intracellular delivery of cargoes in varying sizes. First, we carefully characterized the fluctuations in the expression levels of IL2 receptor (IL2R) subunits (CD25, CD122, and CD132) during the murine primary T cell cultures over 12 days. We identified the highest fraction of T cells that would express the high-affinity trimeric IL2R on Day 3. By examining the association and uptake efficiencies of IL2 molecules that are biotinylated via either random lysine-targeting chemical reaction (using NHS-PEG4-Biotin) or site-specific enzymatic modification (using Avitag sequence), we demonstrated that the most efficient delivery of cargo can be achieved by C-terminal conjugation. Upon confirmation of successful delivery of a small model cargo, streptavidin, we employed superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) as bigger model cargoes having core diameters of 50, 100, and 200 nm. We examined the association and intracellular delivery of the IL2-conjugated nanocargoes using flow cytometry, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. While cargoes of all tested sizes were successfully associated with the IL2R-expressing T cells in comparable efficiencies, the uptake efficiencies were inversely proportional to the sizes of the cargoes. Nevertheless, our current definitive report confirms that nanocargoes with a practical maximum size limit around 100-200 nm can be intracellularly delivered into activated primary T cells using IL2R-mediated endocytosis, which opens a new horizon for engineering and manufacturing of various T cell immunotherapeutics.

18.8 Gbps real-time quantum random number generator with a photonic integrated chip

Quantum random number generators (QRNGs) can produce true random numbers. Yet, the two most important QRNG parameters highly desired for practical applications, i.e., speed and size, have to be compromised during implementations. Here, we present the fastest and miniaturized QRNG with a record real-time output rate as high as 18.8 Gbps by combining a photonic integrated chip and the technology of optimized randomness extraction. We assemble the photonic integrated circuit designed for vacuum state QRNG implementation, an InGaAs homodyne detector, and a high-bandwidth transimpedance amplifier into a single chip using hybrid packaging, which exhibits the excellent characteristics of integration and high-frequency response. With a sample rate of 2.5 GSa/s in a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter and subsequent paralleled postprocessing in a field programmable gate array, the QRNG outputs ultrafast random bitstreams via a fiber optic transceiver, whose real-time speed is validated in a personal computer.

A varying-coefficient model for gap times between recurrent events.

Recurrent events often arise in follow-up studies where a subject may experience multiple occurrences of the same type of event. Most regression models for recurrent events consider the time scale measured from the study origin and assume constant effects of covariates. In many applications, however, gap times between recurrent events are of natural interest and moreover the effects may actually vary over time. In this article, we propose a marginal varying-coefficient model for gap times between recurrent events that allows for the intra-individual correlation between events. Estimation and inference procedures are developed for the varying coefficients. Consistency and weak convergence of the proposed estimator are established. Monte Carlo simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method works well with practical sample sizes. The proposed method is illustrated with an analysis of bladder tumor clinical data.

Parameterization of Metallic Grids on Transparent Conductive Electrodes for the Scaling of Organic Solar Cells

AbstractIntense research interest in organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices has resulted in steadily improving figures of merit in recent years. Typically, these devices are fabricated by processing active and buffer layers on transparent conductive electrodes (TCEs). Superlative OPV devices are small (<≈0.1 cm2). The sheet resistance of available monolithic transparent conductive oxide (TCO) materials limits the performance of larger devices and hence the practically attainable cell area. Here, the use of metallic grids in combination with TCOs to create composite TCEs as a means of scaling solution‐processed photovoltaics devices to practical sizes is parameterized. Finite element modeling is used to investigate the relevant design parameters and to estimate figures of merit for realistic organic solar cells. It is shown that the scalability of devices with metallic grids improves significantly when grids are implemented at micrometer scales. Representative silver grids are fabricated and the optical and electrical properties of the resulting structures are measured. Overall, these findings indicate that metallic grids can be designed to develop large‐area solution‐processed solar cells with currently available fabrication techniques.

Cell design for the electrodeposition of polyacrylonitrile onto graphite composite electrodes for use in lithium-ion cells

Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) is among the most common polymer materials in the world thanks to its versatility in a wide range of applications. Of importance to this work is its use in electrochemical cells. PAN has seen use as a separator material and as a binder material in lithium-ion cells. Expanding upon innovations made in recent decades for electrodepositing PAN onto conductive surfaces, this work details methods used to apply PAN as a thin coating to graphite composite electrodes; the resultant films may then be used for further electrochemical analysis in a lithium-ion cell. Graphite electrodes coated with electrodeposited PAN films were produced of a practical size for electrochemical testing in Swagelok cells; optical microscopy images of the resulting PAN coated graphite electrodes were also recorded to study the morphology of the coating.

Evaluation of immediate impact of Faculty Development Programme using a pretest\u2013post-test study design format

BackgroundWorkshops are the most common models to enhance knowledge and skills in a specific subject area with an intent to explore, solve a problem and/or innovate new things. The most important aspect of a workshop is the transfer of knowledge in a safe learning environment as a faculty development activity (FDA). At International Medical University (IMU), Malaysia’s first private medical university which was established in 1992, Faculty Development Programmes (FDPs) are run throughout the year in order to enhance the knowledge and skills in teaching and assessment. In order to sustain this faculty development, IMU has a dedicated medical education unit called the IMU Centre of Education (ICE) with dedicated staff and respected faculty developers who are academic role models to the faculty of the institution. However, FDA are collaboratively run by ICE and IMU Centre for lifelong learning (ICL).ObjectivesTo determine the immediate impact of faculty development workshops for health professionals in teaching schools of IMU to enhance the teaching and assessment abilities of the faculty.MethodologyA retrospective quantitative research design was developed to collect data from multiple standard setting workshops using a 3-point Likert scale. A 20 items questionnaire as a pretest from the participants with and without the prior reading of online posted reading materials. An interventional hands-on workshop and a post-test score, using the same 20 items questionnaire, followed the workshop intervention. A collated quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 139 participants attending the standard setting workshops. Data were analysed using paired t test, one-way ANOVA and ANCOVA with effect size in SPSS version 24.ResultsA mean difference between pretest and post-test score was significant at t (138) = 92.24, p < 0.01. A barely significant difference of mean scores between pre-read, partially read and not-read participants was found at F (1, 136) = 9.402, p = < 0.05 and η2 = 0.121 by one-way ANOVA. A post-test difference of the mean scores across those read, partially read and not-read for reading materials on a controlled pretest score determined by one-way ANCOVA remained non-significant at F (1, 136) = 0.240, p = 0.787 associated with a practical effect size = 0.4% only.ConclusionA significant difference of the mean pretest and post-test score within the group was also significant between the groups. A post-test score, controlling on pretest score, was found not significant and is suggestive of an effectively delivered workshop for all participants. As a practical guide, a 7-step plan is recommended to ensure immediate impact of FDP. Majority of the participants rated the workshop as good in terms of content, organisation, delivery and usefulness. A high percentage of survey respondents reported that similar workshops to be offered in future.

Novel flow modulation method for R744 two-phase ejectors – Proof of concept, optimization and first experimental results

The cooling industry involves various essential applications, such as food preservation, medicine storage and air conditioning. However, its significant direct and indirect contribution to global warming is bound to increase in years to come, leading to the need for highly efficient cooling units using eco-friendly working fluids. Consequently, carbon dioxide (R744) is achieving resounding success as a refrigerant for various medium- and large-capacity applications, as some of the available expansion work is recovered with the aid of two-phase ejectors. However, its adoption is being limited for small-capacity solutions (e.g. condensing units) due to the current lack of a suitable flow modulation technique for two-phase ejectors installed in these units. Therefore, the goal of this work is to bridge this knowledge gap by formulating and experimentally proving an innovative flow control mechanism for two-phase ejectors, being based on the pulse-width modulation (PWM) of the refrigerant flow through the ejector. All the experimental evaluations were carried out at the compressor speed of 50 Hz, water temperature at the gas cooler inlet of 35 °C and R744 evaporating temperature of about −5 °C.The first experimental data revealed that the high pressure can be controlled appropriately as well as varied from about 87 bar to 112 bar, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed technique. In addition, the effect of the muffler volume as well as the PWM period on the ejector and system performance were investigated. It was found that the influence of both the muffler volume and the PWM period was not significant. Compared to the solution employing the passive ejector (i.e. without flow modulation technique), the unit with the PWM ejector presented enhancements in coefficient of performance (COP) by more than 5% at the optimum operation conditions. It is worth mentioning that its today’s available competitors, i.e. needle-based ejector and vortex-based ejector, feature COP enhancements by 2%–4% as contrasted with the passive ejector. As benchmarked to the standard unit (i.e. with flash gas by-pass valve and without ejector), the PWM ejector could improve the COP by more than 10% at the optimal running conditions. Also, the results obtained suggest that at present the proposed solution should operate with a PWM period of 2 s and no mufflers. Finally, the PWM ejector is characterized by low cost, simplicity, low vulnerability to clogging and no practical size or application constraints.

Antimicrobial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized with Bougainvillea Glabra Extract on Staphylococcus Aureus and Escherichia Coli

Considering the antimicrobial properties of silver and its enhanced level at nanoscale scale, it can be used to combat the various pathogens and microbial agents. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of silver nanoparticles synthesized with Bougainvillea Glabra extract on standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In this study, silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the aquatic Bougainvillea Glabra extract under optimal conditions. The synthesis of silver nanoparticles was confirmed using UltraViolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Based on the X-ray diffraction pattern, the silver nanoparticles crystallite size was 21 nanometers. Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEMs) and Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) showed the synthesis of silver nanoparticles of about 23 nm in size and spherical morphology. Revitalizing and stabilizing agent groups were identified using Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The mean diameter of the inhibition zone and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) were 27.6 mm and 3.12μg/mL for S. aureus and 19.3mm and 12.5μg/mL for E. coli, respectively. Biological synthesis using Bougainvillea Glabra aquatic extract is a very inexpensive and cost-effective method. The ability of Bougainvillea Glabra to synthesize silver nanoparticles makes it possible to use this plant as a useful biological source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles with suitable and practical sizes for medical and microbicide applications.

Punching shear behaviour of interior slab-column connections strengthened by steel angle plates

The present paper is concerned with a series of tests on reinforced concrete flat slabs to examine the behaviour of interior slab-column connections employing steel angle plates and high strength bolts as strengthening elements. The angle plates were bolted to the column faces and slab at both tension and compression sides. The shorter leg of the angle plate attached to the column face acts as a column capital of an equivalent concrete width whilst the longer leg is treated as a drop panel of an equivalent concrete depth. Four flat slabs of practical size were constructed and tested to failure under shear load applied through the column. The strengthening technique has effectively turned the final mode of failure from punching shear to flexure-induced punching outside the strengthened zone. Such slab system has shown appreciable increases in the deformation capacity, stiffness, energy absorption and particularly load-carrying capacity with 20%, 24%, 209% and 51% in average, respectively over that of the unstrengthened slab. Non-linear finite element models were developed, analysed and validated against the test results, only to find that both findings were found to be in a good agreement. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of bolts strength, bolts spacing and dimensions of angle plates on the ultimate load behaviour of the slab. A simple theoretical method based on yield line theory to predict the flexural capacity of the strengthened slab is also outlined. In addition, the tests and numerical results are compared with the values predicted using the ACI design code.

Albemarle reports 4Q and full year 2020 results: Catalysts

The present paper is concerned with a series of tests on reinforced concrete flat slabs to examine the behaviour of interior slab-column connections employing steel angle plates and high strength bolts as strengthening elements. The angle plates were bolted to the column faces and slab at both tension and compression sides. The shorter leg of the angle plate attached to the column face acts as a column capital of an equivalent concrete width whilst the longer leg is treated as a drop panel of an equivalent concrete depth. Four flat slabs of practical size were constructed and tested to failure under shear load applied through the column. The strengthening technique has effectively turned the final mode of failure from punching shear to flexure-induced punching outside the strengthened zone. Such slab system has shown appreciable increases in the deformation capacity, stiffness, energy absorption and particularly load-carrying capacity with 20%, 24%, 209% and 51% in average, respectively over that of the unstrengthened slab. Non-linear finite element models were developed, analysed and validated against the test results, only to find that both findings were found to be in a good agreement. A parametric study was performed to investigate the effects of bolts strength, bolts spacing and dimensions of angle plates on the ultimate load behaviour of the slab. A simple theoretical method based on yield line theory to predict the flexural capacity of the strengthened slab is also outlined. In addition, the tests and numerical results are compared with the values predicted using the ACI design code.

A scalable blockchain based trust management in VANET routing protocol

Critical event information dissemination has been proliferating on VANET allowing road safety via connected vehicular communications. Despite the prospect of promising applications in vehicular networks, it faces unresolved challenges that hold the capability to slow down network performance upon deployment, especially in terms of security. Particularly, insider attacks such as Blackhole attacks that are carried out against VANET systems can disrupt the networks’ average performance and prevent communication between vehicles entirely. Many state-of-the-art solutions have been proposed to detect and eliminate such nodes based on reputation systems and broadcast routing. However, if the network consists of multiple malicious nodes, the message dissemination could fail due to broadcast message tampering attack or packet dropping. In this study, we explore to answer the question of “can we improve the insider attacks mitigation in VANET by enhancing the trust in the network system so that the possibility of successful attacks can be reduced?”. To answer this question, in this paper, we present the blockchain-based decentralized trust score framework for the participating nodes to detect and blacklist insider attackers in VANET proactively. We propose a two-level detection system, in which at the first level, neighboring nodes calculate the trust individually. In the second level, a consortium blockchain-based system with authorized Road Side Units (RSUs) as validators, aggregate trust scores for vehicular nodes. Then, based on trust scores reported by the neighboring nodes, the blacklist node tables are dynamically modified. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed system is efficient and scalable in terms of the network’s practical size. Finally, we also present evidence that the proposed system improves the VANET performance by mitigating and blacklisting insider attack launching nodes.

Analytical method development for characterizing ingredient-specific particle size distributions of nasal spray suspension products.

Particle size characterization for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in nasal spray suspension products presents unique challenges because both the API and excipient particles are present in the final dosage form. Currently, an established method is lacking because traditional particle sizing technologies do not distinguish the chemical identity of the particles. In this study, a non-destructive, ingredient-specific particle sizing method was developed for characterization of mometasone furoate (MF) nasal spray suspensions using Morphology Directed Raman Spectroscopy (MDRS). A five-step method development procedure was used in this study: sample preparation, particle imaging and morphology analysis, particle Raman measurements and classification, morphology filter selection, and minimum number of particles determination. Wet dispersion sample preparation method was selected to ensure that the particles were measured in their original suspended state. A training set containing over 10,000 randomly-selected particles, including both the API and excipient particles, was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of particle size, shape, and chemical ID for the nasal spray suspension. Morphology and Raman measurements were performed on each particle in the training set. The measurement results suggested that the aspect ratio and intensity mean filter combination was an appropriate morphology filter setting to selectively target API particles and exclude most of excipient particles. With further optimization of the morphology filter cutoff values and determination of minimal number of particles to be measured, the total measurement time was reduced from 90 hours to 8 hours. The morphologically screening strategy ultimately allowed us to create a time-efficient practical API-specific particle size distribution (PSD) methods for nasal spray suspensions. This study shows that MDRS is a fit for purpose analytical technique for determining ingredient-specific PSDs of the pharmaceutical formulation studied in this work.

Inverse probability weighted estimation for recurrent events data with missing category.

Modeling recurrent event data with multiple event types has drawn interest in recent biomedical studies due to its flexibility for understanding different risk factors for multiple recurrent event processes. However, in such data type, missing event type appears frequently because of various reasons such as recording ignorance or resource limitation. In this study, we aim to propose an inverse probability weighted estimation that is commonly used in the missing data literature to correct possibly biased estimation by a complete-case analysis. This approach is not limited to a specific form of the recurrent event model. We derive the large sample theory in a general form. We demonstrate that our approach can be applied to either multiplicative or additive rates model with practical sample size via comprehensive simulations. Nonmucoid and mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections of 14888 patients in 2016 Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry data are analyzed to show that, without including 12% events with missing event type in the analysis, several factors may be misidentified as risk factors for the nonmucoid type of infections.

Electrically Small Matched Antennas With Time-Periodic and Space- Uniform Modulation

A conceptual method to realize an impedance-matched electrically small antenna is discussed, using a transmission line modulated only in time. The time-periodic space-uniform modulation of a distributed shunt array of varcapacitors excites a mode with very small frequency but still a small (microwave) wavelength: the matching line then retains a practical size. The modulated transmission line brings the problem of impedance matching to a frequency $f_0$ much higher than the signal, where the large antenna reactance can be easily compensated with a much higher bandwidth for the same $Q$ factor: actually the bandwidth $\Delta f= f_0 / Q$ becomes large when $f_0$ is much larger than the signal frequency. A simple way to obtain the space uniform modulation of the transmission line is illustrated, making use of a Wheatstone-bridge arrangement of the modulated varicaps. The signal and modulating lines, running in parallel on a section of the same length, see two very different equivalent shunt capacitances, so that the modulating voltage is almost uniform while the signal voltage may change significantly across the transmission line.

Usefulness of Hulled Wheats Grown in Polish Environment for Wholegrain Pasta-Making.

The best pasta raw material is durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.). Recently, old wheat species have also attracted interest. The aim of the study was to evaluate their usefulness for industrial pasta production. The technological characteristics of grains and the organoleptic characteristics of pasta obtained from hulled emmer (T. turgidum subsp. dicoccum) and spelt (T. aestivum ssp. spelta) were determined and compared to durum wheat, as a standard pasta raw material, and common wheat (T. aestivum). All wheats were grown under identical conditions. The hardness of kernels was assessed using the practical size index, wheat hardness index, torque moment, milling work of 50 g of flour, semolina yield, and starch damage. The technological and nutritional values of semolina, i.e., protein and ash content, wet gluten yield and quality, and falling number, were determined. Moreover, the organoleptic characteristics of cooked pasta were analysed in terms of appearance, colour, taste, smell, and consistency. The milling parameters of emmer were comparable to those of durum wheat; moreover, the content of protein, gluten, and ash was higher in emmer. Spelt was found to be similar to common wheat. Hulled wheats, especially emmer, show good quality parameters and can be an alternative raw material for industrial pasta production.

Robust Capacity Planning for Project Management

We consider a significant problem that arises in the planning of many projects. Project companies often use outsourced providers that require capacity reservations that must be contracted before task durations are realized. We model these decisions for a company that, given partially characterized distributional information, assumes the worst-case distribution for task durations. Once task durations are realized, the project company makes decisions about fast tracking and outsourced crashing, to minimize the total capacity reservation, fast tracking, crashing, and makespan penalty costs. We model the company’s objective using the target-based measure of minimizing an underperformance riskiness index. We allow for correlation in task performance, and for piecewise linear costs of crashing and makespan penalties. An optimal solution of the discrete, nonlinear model is possible for small to medium size projects. We compare the performance of our model against the best available benchmarks from the robust optimization literature, and show that it provides lower risk and greater robustness to distributional information. Our work thus enables more effective risk minimization in projects, and provides insights about how to make more robust capacity reservation decisions. Summary of Contribution: This work studies a financially significant planning problem that arises in project management. Companies that face uncertainties in project execution may need to reserve capacity with outsourced providers. Given that decision, they further need to plan their operational decisions to protect against a bad outcome. We model and solve this problem via adjustable distributionally robust optimization. While this problem involves two-stage decision making, which is computationally challenging in general, we develop a computationally efficient algorithm to find the exact optimal solution for instances of practical size.

Development the Mechanical Properties of the Acrylic Resin (PMMA) by Added Different Types of Nanoparticles, Used for Medical Applications

This research is studying the effect of reinforcement the acrylic resin (PMMA) by two types of nanoparticles, which included: Walnut shell (WSP) and Talc particles (TP) that practical sizes are (40.8 and 29.2 nm) in individually form, and utilize at three various concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3wt.%), to improve in the mechanical properties of composite materials. The results showed that the Tensile and Hardness shore D properties became better with increasing the concentration of nanoparticles. The highest value of (tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and elongation at break) was (28 MPa. 1.28 GPa and 2.35%) for (PMMA: 0.3% WSP) composite specimens. And the highest value of hardness shore D was (77) for (PMMA: 0.3% WSP) composite specimen.

Constant-Time Synchronous Binary Counter With Minimal Clock Period

A synchronous binary counter is one of the basic components widely used in VLSI design, and it is required to be fast and support a wide bit-width in many applications. However, most of the previous counters are associated with a limited counting rate due to large fan-outs and long carry chains, especially when the counter size is not small. This brief proposes a new fast structure for synchronous binary counting, which has a minimal counting period for practical counter sizes ranging from 8 to 128 bits. We first adopt an 1-bit Johnson counter to reduce the overall hardware complexity, and then duplicate the 1-bit Johnson counter to decrease the propagation delay caused by large fan-outs. Implementation results show that the proposed design can be realized with a small number of flip-flops, which is almost linear to the counter size, and it operates at a clock frequency of 2GHz in a 65nm CMOS technology, being limited only by the counting rate of the least significant bit.

Effect of packing structure on anisotropic effective thermal conductivity of thin ceramic pebble bed

Helium cooled solid breeder blanket as an important blanket candidate of the Tokamak fusion reactor uses ceramic pebble bed for tritium breeding. Considering the poor effective thermal conductivity of the ceramic breeder pebble bed, thin structure of tritium breeder pebble bed is usually adopted in the blanket design. The container wall has a great influence on the thin pebble bed packing structure, especially for the assembly of mono-sized particles, and thin pebble bed will appear anisotropic effective thermal conductivity phenomenon. In this paper, thin ceramic pebble beds composed of 1 mm diameter Li4SiO4 particles are generated by the EDEM 2.7. The effective thermal conductivity of different thickness pebble beds in the three-dimensional directions are analyzed by three-dimensional thermal network method. It is observed that thin Li4SiO4 pebble bed showing anisotropic effective thermal conductivity under the practical design size. Normally, the effective thermal conductivity along the bed vertical direction is higher than the horizontal direction due to the gravity effect. As the thickness increases from 10 mm to 40 mm, the effective thermal conductivity of the pebble bed gradually increases.

Integrated Laycan and Berth Allocation and time-invariant Quay Crane Assignment Problem in tidal ports with multiple quays

Efficient management of port resources plays a crucial role in reducing vessel stay times and avoiding the payment of demurrage charges. In this paper, we focus on the integrated Laycan and Berth Allocation and Quay Crane Assignment Problem, which considers three main decision problems in port management in an integrated way: the Laycan Allocation Problem, the dynamic continuous Berth Allocation Problem and the time-invariant Quay Crane Assignment Problem. In a second part, the integrated problem is extended to the Specific Quay Crane Assignment, which includes the assignment of a set of specific quay cranes to each vessel, considering the productivity of quay cranes and their maximum outreach. The proposed integer programming models are original in several ways. First, the formulation of the models uses predicates which ensure flexibility in the implementation, and significantly improve the computational performance. The numerical study shows that the problems of practical size can be solved to optimality in a reasonable time using commercial software. Second, since the studied problems have different decision levels, a change of decision time-interval is incorporated inside the planning horizon for seamless decision-making. Third, to ensure that this integrated problem is as close as possible to reality, we consider both physical characteristics of the ports rarely studied together (tidal ports with multiple quays and different water depths) and contractual clauses (non-working periods and Charter Party clauses). The output of the models is an efficient schedule for berthing chartered vessels with an efficient quay crane assignment, and laycans to new vessels to charter.