Small Port Research Articles

Comparison of Harvesting and Processing Technique for Adipose Tissue Graft: Evaluation of Cell Viability

Background: Clinical studies demonstrated the efficacy of therapies based on the autologous grafting of adult mesenchymal stem cells to accelerate the healing and regenerative processes of the skin and mesenchymal tissues; therefore, it is considered a valuable approach in the aesthetic rejuvenation treatment to give volumization and skin regeneration effects. Objective: The aim of the project consisted of the control of cell viability of adipose tissue (AT) harvested using the two types of cannulas having 0.8 mm and 1 mm side port holes. The results were compared with tissue harvested with a standard liposuction technique and processed with a standard procedure consisting of enzymatic digestion (collagenase). Methods: This study was performed on adipose tissues harvested from 7 patients (6 females and 1 male) with an average age of 48.5 years with 3 different techniques. We compared the cell vitality of every sample at T0 and T72. Results: Lipoaspirate tissue-derived by 0.8- and 1 mm cannula from all samples proved to be vital and possess viable cells. The average absorbance was similar immediately after plating (T0) and 72 hours after (T72) for the two cannulas, 0.8- and 1 mm cannula. The two systems proved to equally harvest vital tissue. An increase in cell viability was observed in all samples for each condition (0.8-, 1 mm and enzymatic digestion). Conclusion: This study proved that guided harvested adipose tissue with small cannulas with small side port holes yields a comparable amount of viable cells compared to adipose tissue harvested with a liposuction system and processed with enzymatic digestion (collagenase). This study confirms that the minimally invasive technique and minimal manipulation of the adipose tissue could yield a tissue with a good amount of viable cells. This micro fragmented adipose tissue is a promising source for regenerative treatments.

Using Surface Grooves on Propellant Grain to Control the Erosive Burning in Solid Rocket Motors

AbstractThis paper aims to introduce a new technique to eliminate the erosive burning phenomenon in solid rocket motors. The erosive burning which occurs in motors with high volumetric loadings and small port to throat area ratios, has some disadvantages like an early phase over‐pressure and exposing the rocket chamber casing by hot combustion gas flows. The innovative simple practical method is based on the geometrical treatment of the propellant grain, locating some grooves on the surface at its aft‐end, to reduce the rate of the heat transfer into the burning surface where the erosive burning is likely to occur. The numerical analysis of the flow on the grooved wall is utilized to physically explain the correctness of this idea, and the quasi‐one‐dimensional simulation of the internal ballistics of the solid rocket motor is performed to demonstrate the effect of grooves on the performance map of the motor. The results show that by using this suggested simple technique, the designer can eliminate the erosive burning and improve the motor‘s performance maps.

Assessing local community resilience to tsunami in a small port (Case Study: Sadeng Port, Indonesia)

Coastal community is vulnerable to hazards including tsunami hazard. Coastal communities suffer the most both physical and psychological impacts. The main purpose of this research to assess local community resilience to tsunami in small port which has a unique characteristic. Main data of this research was collected by field observation and interview. Interview process were addressed to key persons and households. USAID coastal community assessment is used as main method in this research. There are eight elements of resilience for coastal community resilience: governance, society and economy, coastal resource management, land use and structural design, risk knowledge, warning and evacuation, emergency response and disaster recovery. The results show that overall rating for eight elements of community resilience is 2,5 or 50 %. It is only halfway to reach an ideal criterion for community resilience. Strong elements in this community are risk knowledge and warning and evacuation, while weak elements are society and economy, coastal resource management, and disaster recovery. The community should gain more effort especially in developing a sustainable economy and strengthening integration among stakeholders for disaster recovery.

Laparoscopic Technique for Extraction of Large Abdominopelvic Masses

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To review preoperative evaluation of a patient presenting with an abdominopelvic mass. To discuss methods of drainage and spill prevention during surgical management of large abdominopelvic masses and to demonstrate an efficient laparoscopic method for extraction of large adnexal masses. <h3>Design</h3> N/A <h3>Setting</h3> In the operating room with patient in dorsal lithotomy position with both arms tucked. Five-millimeter ports were placed in the umbilicus, the right lower quadrant and the left mid-abdomen. The specimen was extracted through an 8 mm port in the left lower quadrant. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> 27-year-old female with a 15 × 13 cm abdominopelvic mass who presented with right lower quadrant and low back pain and mild right hydronephrosis. She had a benign appearing cyst on ultrasound and her tumor markers were negative. <h3>Interventions</h3> We employ a morcellation method we refer to as apple-peeling to cut the cyst into a long strip of 1 inch width to allow easy removal through an 8 mm laparoscopic port without spill or struggle. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> N/A <h3>Conclusion</h3> Large abdominopelvic masses can be managed via laparoscopic approach with proper pre-operative work-up to ensure benign status. The apple-peeling morcellation technique demonstrated in this video allows efficient extraction of abominopelvic masses > 10 cm through small laparoscopic ports (8mm)

Role of Laparoscopy in Diagnosing and Treating Acute Nonspecific Abdominal Pain.

BackgroundNonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP) is a pain for which no immediate cause is evident on acute admission and does not necessitate emergency surgical intervention. NSAP is a frequent reason for presentation in the emergency department (ED). Laparoscopy is a well-established technique that allows a surgeon to visualize the abdominal cavity after insufflation through a few small incision ports. Despite the increasing availability of laparoscopic investigation, the availability of a laparoscope in the ED settings in Pakistan is low due to the expense and maintenance needs of the system.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing the cause of acute NSAP and its role in treating the pathology of disease in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) of Services Hospital, which is a government sector hospital in Lahore, Pakistan.Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in Services Hospital Lahore, Pakistan, from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2019. The study included patients aged 12 to 70 years of either sex who presented to the ED with abdominal pain for whom no diagnosis could be achieved on clinical assessment, laboratory findings, and radiological findings (x-ray abdomen, ultrasonography, and computed tomography scan). All study participants underwent diagnostic laparoscopy under general anesthesia. Patients were monitored weekly via follow-up postoperatively for the first month and then monthly for 12 months. All study data were recorded on a predesigned proforma. The data were analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2012. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.ResultsA total of 122 patients diagnosed with acute NSAP were enrolled in our study (mean age, 46.4 ± 20.3 years). The study population consisted of 52 male patients (42.6%) and 70 female patients (57.4%). Our study participants had a mean body mass index of 24.2 ± 3.3 kg/m2. The most common ED presentation was lower abdominal pain. One hundred sixteen patients (95.1%) had positive findings on laparoscopy, while six patients (4.9%) had no identified pathology on laparoscopy. The most frequent pathology was appendicular in origin, followed by pelvic inflammatory disease. Surgical management of patients through laparoscopy was performed in 97 patients (79.5%). Conversion to laparotomy was done in 12 patients (9.8%). Definite diagnosis was established in 118 patients (96.7%). Port site infection occurred in four patients (3.3%), chest infection in five patients (4.1%), deep venous thrombosis in one patient (0.8%), and anastomotic leakage in one (0.8%) patient. Four patients (3.3%) developed recurrence of symptoms.ConclusionsThis study explored the role of laparoscopy in diagnosing and treating patients presenting to the ED with acute NSAP. According to our results, laparoscopy is a safe and effective method for diagnosing and treating acute NSAP with low postoperative morbidity and potentially decreased risk of postoperative complications. Physicians should consider laparoscopy as a first-line invasive investigation for patients presenting with undiagnosed acute abdominal pain.

P56.01 Semiquantitative Assessment of Tumor Spread Through Air Spaces in a Historic Cohort of Lung Adenocarcinomas Following Open Surgical Resection

“Aerogenous” spread of lung cancer has been noted since 1980. The equivalent "spread through air spaces (STAS)” was introduced in the 2015 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification of Lung Tumors as a new concept of invasion. Previous studies have shown that STAS occurred in 34-51.4% of resected lung tumors (across all stages) and is associated with poor outcomes. However, some evidence suggests that STAS represents ex vivo artifact. For example, retrieval of the specimen through a small port during video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) could detach tumor cell clusters via mechanical force. This study examines the STAS status of lung cancer before VATS was widely used. Invasive lung adenocarcinomas surgically resected via thoracotomy at our institution between 1990 and 1992 were analyzed semi-quantitatively as "no STAS", "low STAS” (1–4 single cells or clusters), or "high STAS” (≥5 single cells or clusters) on hematoxylin and eosin stained slides. The distance between the farthest STAS focus lying within the alveolar space and the edge of the main tumor (Maximal Spread Distance, MSD) was measured. We excluded cases with multiple foci of tumor, preoperative radiation and/or chemotherapy, positive surgical margins, or distant metastasis from the study population. Stage-matched invasive lung adenocarcinomas resected by VATS in 2020 were retrieved with the same criteria and compared. A chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test was performed on Prism 5 (GraphPad) to determine the impact of clinicopathologic parameters on STAS. P values were considered statistically significant at less than 0.05. Between 1990 and 1992, 56 lung resections met criteria for inclusion. The mean age of the study cohort was 64.4 years (range 37–83), and 51.8% were male. Thirty-two cases (57.1%) underwent lobectomy, 21 cases (37.5%) sublobar resection, 3 cases (5.4%) pneumonectomy. The mean size of tumor was 3.0 cm (range 0.8 - 10 cm). Among the histologic subtypes, 23 cases (41.1%) were acinar predominant, followed by solid (26.8%), papillary (21.4%), micropapillary (8.9%) and lepidic (1.8%) subtypes. Of these, we found STAS present in 42/56 cases (75%) and no STAS in the remaining 14 cases (25%). In the group with STAS, 10 cases (17.9%) had low STAS and 32 cases (57.1%) had high STAS. The MSD was greater than 0.5 cm in 35 cases (83.3% of STAS cases). There were no statistically significant associations between STAS and gender, age, operation, predominant subtypes of adenocarcinoma, tumor size, pleural invasion, lymphovascular invasion, or tumor stage. In comparison, STAS was identified in 54 of 88 cases resected in 2020 (61.4%). The incidence of STAS was higher in 1990-92 than in 2020 (P= 0.045). The lower rates of STAS in contemporary cohorts may reflect shifts in lung cancer biology and disease management over the last 30 years. These findings suggest that VATS does not contribute significantly to generation of artifactual tumor STAS.

Location and spatial dynamics of maritime services: A case study of the Yangtze River Delta, China

AbstractThe evolution of the spatial structure of maritime services is a geographical phenomenon closely associated with regional port economic development. However, the spatial and temporal characteristics of maritime services are still not fully understood, especially in emerging market countries and regions. The goal of this study was to reveal the regional‐scale location and spatial dynamic characteristics of maritime services and their influencing factors. Specifically, using value chain perspectives, integrating both qualitative and quantitative approaches, we develop a database of maritime service enterprises in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Our empirical results show that maritime services and their various value chain segments display significant spatial agglomeration closely related to the scale of port development. Hub ports and large port cities are the main areas of concentrated maritime services. Moreover, during the spatial reconstruction of regional maritime services, non‐port and small port cities have gradually become important locations for agent maritime services (e.g., shipping agencies, freight forwarding) and traditional maritime services (e.g., port operators, warehouse and storage), dispersing and reconcentrating services in the hinterland. Finally, we analyze the influences of the hinterland logistics center, regional comprehensive transportation network, information communication technology, industrial agglomeration effect, local government competition, and cooperation on the spatial dynamics of maritime services in the Yangtze River Delta region.

Performance Analyses of Fluidic Thrust Vector Control System Using Dual Throat Nozzle

Flows in the rocket engine nozzles have been numerically analyzed to assess the performance of thrust vector control system of fluidic type by the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Secondary jet is injected through a small port at one side of two-dimensional dual throat nozzle wall. If the cross-sectional areas of both throats are identical (nozzle A), and the injection port is near the first throat, the main flow separation caused by the secondary jet is observed, and a steady-state thrust deflection of about 18° is obtained when the flow rate of the secondary jet is 5% of the total fluid. However, the deflection also occurs randomly when the secondary jet is stopped. To avoid it, the second throat is widened to 1.50 times the cross-sectional area of the first throat (nozzle B), and it is observed that the thrust deflection is nearly zero for all cases without secondary jet injection. However, the thrust deflection is only about 5° when the secondary jet is injected near the first throat of nozzle B. When the injection port is placed further downstream of the first throat in nozzle B, thrust deflections between 14 and 15° are obtained.

Ports Digitalization Level Evaluation.

Currently, seaports are actively searching for methods and ways to improve their operational efficiency. Digitalization is considered as one of the main directions of current ports’ development. Ports’ digitalization levels are varied and may depend on different factors, including port size, traditions, turnover and handled cargo type, etc. Ports often face decision-making challenges related to assessment of their digitization level and choice of development directions. The article aims to develop a methodology to evaluate ports’ digitalization level. A marketing research tool was used to collect the data needed for the analysis. A mathematical model allowing simulations is proposed and a case study of 30 ports located in the Baltic, North and Mediterranean Seas regions is explored. Based on conducted calculations, a ranking of analysed ports considering their digitalization level was created. The ports were compared within groups of small, medium-sized and large ports. It was estimated that the digitalization level in small and medium-sized ports is about 30% lower than the level of large seaports. The research results may be of interest to seaports striving to assess their level of digitalization and choose the best digital improvement solutions.

Integration of Baltic Small and Medium-Sized Ports in Regional Innovation Strategies on Smart Specialisation (RIS3)

Small and medium-sized ports in the Baltic Sea Region find themselves in a dilemma to participate in the governance of innovation policies such as Smart Specialisation. The Smart Specialisation policy introduced by the European Commission supports regional economic and innovation development focusing on regional strength through selection of defined priorities, offering smaller ports an opportunity to overcome their dilemma. Currently, all European regions are monitoring and evaluating their performances alongside with the Smart Specialisation policy to make adjustments for the upcoming funding period. The Blue Growth concept entitles a large contribution to reach the emphasised goals and thus, ports can be an important actor and key driver for a sustainable and green future development. Hence, this paper analyses the current significance of smaller ports in Baltic Sea NUTS-2 regions reflected in the individual RIS3 maritime and/or logistic priorities as well as Blue Growth sub-sectors from the funding period 2014–2020 to contribute to the future design of RIS3. Yielded results will illustrate whether regional governances are aware of the potential small ports bring up to their economies with consideration to Smart Specialisation, Green Deal and Blue Growth Strategies and how RIS3 might effects small port performances.

California harbor dredging: History and trends

California is a major shipping point for exports and imports across the Pacific Basin, has large commercial and recreational fisheries, and an abundance of marine recreational boaters. Each of these industries or activities requires either a port or harbor. California has 26 individual coastal ports and harbors, ranging from the huge sprawling container ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to small fishing ports like Noyo Harbor and Bodega Bay. Almost all of California’s ports and harbors were constructed without any knowledge or consideration of littoral drift directions and rates and potential future dredging issues. Rather, they were built where a need existed, where there was a history of boat anchorage, or where there was a natural feature (e.g. bay, estuary, or lagoon) that could be the basis of an improved port or harbor. California’s littoral drift rates and directions are now well known and understood, however, and have led to the need to perform annual dredging at many of these harbors as a result of their locations (e.g. Santa Cruz, Oceanside, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Channel Islands harbors) while other harbors require little or no annual dredging (e.g. Half Moon Bay, Moss Landing, Monterey, Redondo-King and Alamitos Bay). California’s coastal harbors can be divided into three general groups based on their long-term annual dredging volumes, which range from three harbors that have never been dredged to the Channel Islands Harbor where nearly a million cubic yards is removed on average annually. There are coastal harbors where dredging rates have remained nearly constant over time, those where rates have gradually increased, and others where rates have decreased in recent years. While the causal factors for these changes are evident in a few cases, for most there are likely a combination of reasons including changes in sand supply by updrift rivers and streams related to dam construction as well as rainfall intensity and duration; lag times between when pulses of sand added to the shoreline from large discharge events actually reach downdrift harbors; variations in wave climate over time; shoreline topography and nearshore bathymetry that determine how much sand can be trapped upcoast of littoral barriers, such as jetties and breakwaters, before it enters a harbor; and timing of dredging. While there is virtually nothing that can be done to any of these harbors to significantly reduce annual dredging rates and costs, short of modifying either breakwater or jetty length and/or configuration to increase the volume of sand trapped upcoast, thereby altering dredging timing, they are clearly major economic engines, but come with associated costs.

Forecasting the Cargo Throughput for Small and Medium-sized Ports: Multi-stage Approach with Reference to the Multi-port System

Purpose: The paper aims to elaborate on long-term throughput forecasts in Small and Medium-Sized ports (SMPs). The research problem relates to determining a method that is relevant for the long-term transhipment forecasting in SMPs. Design/Methodology/Approach: Research was applied to the Polish ports system consisting of three major ports (Gdansk, Gdynia, and Świnoujście) and the minor port of Szczecin. Forecasts for the cargo groups in the major ports were produced using regression models where the model parameters were estimated with the Ordinary Least Squares Method. The obtained forecasts of the throughput of cargo groups in major Polish seaports were converted into dynamics indices. The resulting matrices of the cargo throughput dynamics indices established for the leading Polish seaports were used to prepare cargo throughput forecasts for the port of Szczecin. Findings: Elaborated throughput forecasts indicate that, in the future, the port in Szczecin will retain its universal character, and a moderate increase in the cargo volumes confirms that it will serve as a complementary port to the major ports in the range. The forecasted modal split of hinterland transport indicates the increasing importance of road transport, and a decreased rail and inland waterway transport to/from the hinterland. That is likely due to a lower cargo throughput and difficulties in organizing the rail and inland waterway corridors based on smaller freight volumes. Practical implications: The study provides a practical tool for long-term throughput and hinterland traffic forecasting in SMPs. It is addressed to port authorities as the method may be used in decision-making on capacity expansion and academics exploring the phenomenon of predictions in maritime transport. Originality/Values: The novel method of demand forecasting in SMPs includes relations between major and minor ports in the range and multi-staged validation of results. Research advances studies on the dynamics of multi-port systems.

해양레저관광 활성화를 위한 해안도시 네트워크 구축에 관한 연구

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze factors for a cooperative network in coastal cities that contributes to the development of marine leisure tourism in Korea.<BR> Method: A questionnaire for professionals including academics and experts in marine leisure tourism was created on the basis of previous research and then validated from academicians to check out for the content. The survey instrument consisted of four areas such common problems faced by coastal cities, factors related to marine leisure tourism sustainability, levels of cooperation by promotional policies and tasks for the network of coastal cities. The survey was conducted via face-to-face surveys during an international boat show and email. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) was mainly used by calculating the descriptive statistics such as means.<BR> Results: Among common problems of coastal cities, conservation of ocean ecology, accidents of coastal ship, climate change and development of marine tourism were derived as top priority factors by IPA. Among sustainability issues of marine leisure tourism, top priority was given to factors including water pollution, ocean waste, conservation of ocean ecology and conflicts between residents and stakeholders. In promotional policies, factors such as establishing network of coastal cities, cooperative platform and links of fishery small port were identified as top priority to promote the industry. Finally, tasks for the network of coastal cities included improving leisure insurances, establishing act for promoting marine leisure tourism and alleviating marine leisure policies.<BR> Conclusion: This study provides evidence showing that a cooperative network of coastal cities should be established to better promote marine leisure tourism in the country. The network needs to deal with common problems faced by the coastal cities and sustainability issues, especially related to environments. In addition, the coastal cities should make a foundation in cooperation with the central government that can contribute to the further development of marine leisure tourism in Korea by coping with issues such as network of coastal cities & platform, marine leisure insurance policies and marine leisure tourism promotion law establishment.

Important guidelines for surgery in COVID-19 pandemic;a review study

Background: In the case of COVID-19 pandemic and the risks of transmitting the disease to other people in the hospital environment, and the need to performing some surgeries, implementing preventive measures in operating rooms should be seriously considered. The aim of this study was to investigate the important surgical instructions during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This was a systematic review study in which data were collected by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Scientific Information Database (SID) databases and Google Scholar search engine with the keywords Corona, COVID 19, operating room, and surgery. Inclusion criteria of articles included published in 2020 and 2021, original articles, English language, and having the keywords in the title or abstract. By applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, out of 100 articles and selected sites, 54 articles were selected, and after the second review by another researcher, 29 articles completely related to the subject were reviewed and analyzed. Findings: Some of the most important points during the COVID-19 pandemic in the operating room space is to reduce the number of elective surgeries, correct use of personal protective equipment by the surgical team in the operating room, use of a small port to prevent gas leakage and low insufflation pressure in laparoscopic surgery, use of disposable moisturizing filter in the operating room environment for better ventilation, use of disposable airway and video laryngoscope by anesthesiologist, and increasing the frequency of ventilation more than 25 times per hour between surgeries. Conclusion: It is necessary to install provided instructions in the operating room, and the operating room supervisors have close monitor over its proper implementation.

Single-port laparoscopic surgery for ovarian cystectomy: A single-center analysis of 25 cases.

Innovation in gynecological surgery is constantly evolving to make procedures less invasive. Minimally invasive single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) is another innovation that may further improve gynecological surgery outcomes. However, SPLS is not widely used due to the technical difficulties of the procedure. Inserting several instruments through the same incision impedes proper use of the devices. Therefore, the present study aimed to find a technique to overcome this problem and make this approach more convenient. Between March 2015 and February 2020, 25 patients were treated with SPLS by a single gynecological surgeon. The range of surgery time was 50-103 min and the mean surgery time was 67.2 min. The mean bleeding volume was small (mean, 10.1 ml). No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in the patients. A gel port (GelPOINT® Mini Medical Leaders) was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through a 3-cm Z-shaped intra-umbilical skin incision. Additionally, a small incision (3 mm) was made in the left medial portion of the iliac crest and a bladeless trocar (Versa One®) was inserted. Thus, crowding of the working instruments within one incision was prevented. The addition of a small diameter port (3-mm) at the wound site left practically no scar, thus making SPLS a cosmetically superior option compared with a bigger diameter port (5-mm).

A Digital or Sustainable Small and Medium-Sized Port? Sustainable Port Blueprint in the Baltic Sea Region Based on Port Benchmarking

Abstract Small and medium-sized ports (SMSPs) in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) are caught in a dilemma of less financial support by the European funding programmes due to their peripheral position in the TEN-T Core Network. Most of the BSR ports belong to the TEN-T Comprehensive Network, which is rationally less important in the topical financial, infrastructural and policy discourses. Despite this, BSR ports are of a colossal importance for the regional economic development serving as gateways for the individual regions and drivers of socio-economic and environmental transition. In addition, ports are essential in pursuing new innovation avenues. The environmental targets published by the European Commission for maritime sector in 2030 and 2050 are applicable for SMSPs as well, creating further obstacles and future challenges on the one hand, but opening new horizons to grow and innovate on the other one. A successful environmental and digital transformation going hand in hand in SMSPs enable sustainable boost of sustainable development. Thus, as a first step, the assessment of sustainable readiness in SMSPs is incumbent in order to implement tailor-made solutions on individual basis, by ensuring efficient usage of available resources and capabilities. In line with the Connect2SmallPorts project, part-financed by the INTERREG South Baltic Programme, 38 SMSPs in the BSR were approached to mapping their digital readiness according to the methodology of the Digital Readiness Index for Ports (DRIP), published within the project in 2020. Building upon this, this paper introduces the idea of digital and environmental twinning to conclude on sustainable development potentials in SMSPs with an adaptation of the DRIP score. Hence, the research contributes to the sustainable port concept and illustrates the positioning of SMSPs in the progress of sustainable development.

Evaluating Friction and Inertial Losses From Slug Tests Conducted in a Multilevel System

AbstractEngineered multilevel systems (MLS) are one of the few viable options for collecting spatial and temporal datasets in 3‐D complex groundwater flow systems. However, these monitoring systems present challenges for hydraulic testing due to small port tubing diameters. In this study, an equipment was developed to enable a pneumatic slug testing of a G360 MLS, fitted with 1/2‐inch ID open tubes that extend from the monitoring ports to the surface. Of the eight ports tested, four exhibited overdamped slug test responses, while underdamped responses were observed in the remaining four ports. It is expected that friction in the small diameter tubing is not negligible, and additional flow constrictions are introduced when installing a transducer in the tubing, effectively changing the open tube geometry to an annulus around the transducer body and around the transducer cable. Steady flow models for annular flow, widely available in the literature, were used to assess tube friction for the overdamped tests. However, for underdamped tests that oscillate quickly, a mathematical solution for unsteady oscillatory flow through an annulus was derived. The results of this study show that it is important to account for frictional and inertial losses to obtain good transmissivity (T) estimates from slug tests conducted in small diameter tubing. Assuming steady flow through small annuli will not introduce an appreciable error when calculating the water level; however, if steady flow through the open tube below the transducer is assumed when calculating the formation head, T values can be underestimated by as much as 80%.

Modeling and Test Results of an Innovative Gyroscope Wave Energy Converter

An improved Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) method based on a purely mechanical wave energy converter (WEC) of gyroscope precession is proposed. The method adopts dynamic perturbation step adjustment, which improves the stability of power output and reduces steady-state oscillation. The paper introduces the principle of the device, establishes the mathematical model, and obtains the complete expression of power. The effect of wave frequency, pitch amplitude, power take-off (PTO) damping coefficient, and flywheel rotating speed on power output is analyzed. The output regression equation is established, and the extraction conditions of the maximum power are summarized and predicted. Aiming at the time-varying nature of actual ocean waves, a variable step size modified maximum power point (MPP) tracking control algorithm based on perturbation and observation (P&amp;O) method is proposed. The algorithm has a unique technology to dynamically change the perturbation size, which not only improves the dynamic response but also reduces the oscillation. Besides, the boundary conditions ensure that the algorithm will not deviate from the motion trajectory, and the average filtering method and steady-state judgment can further reduce steady-state oscillation. In various ocean conditions, the proposed method has better output stability compared with other variable step size algorithms. Finally, different wave working conditions are given in the experiment, and the results verify the effectiveness of the proposed MPPT control strategy in experimental equipment. The device will be suitable for distributed power sources in small islands and ports.

Cross-Border Capacity-Building for Port Ecosystems in Small and Medium-Sized Baltic Ports

Abstract One of the key challenges related to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic is preservation of employment and protecting staff who are working in port operations and struggling to keep ports operating for ship calls. These activities performed by port labour are deemed to be crucial for the EU and European ports, since 75% of the EU external trade and 30% of intra-EU transport goods are moved by waterborne transport. As a response to the global lockdown and the vulnerability of global supply chains, the majority of international organisations and maritime ports networks have shortlisted measures necessary to keep the severe effects of the lockdown to a minimum. One of the key measures identified is how to limit physical interaction. As an effect, millions of people and organisations across the globe have had to use and/or increase their deployment of digital technologies, such as digital documentation, tracing information systems and digital group-working platforms. Hence, blockchain and data-enabling systems have become to be recognised as a core element maintaining the uninterrupted flow of goods and services at ports. In pursuing uninterrupted trade and keeping ports open and running, this research paper addresses how the current situation afflicts the small and medium-sized ports located on the Baltic Sea which are argued to be critical actors of the port-centric logistics’ ecosystem. Given the topicality of this research and addressing the research gap, the authors suggest a conceptual capacity-building framework for port employees. This suggested framework is based on empirical insights: primary and secondary data collected from the project Connect2SmallPorts, part-financed by the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2014–2020 from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The conceptual framework aims towards a practical training programme dedicated to fill in the missing skills or expand the limited competence of human resources and ports’ capacity when adapting or advancing digitalisation in the ports’ ecosystems. In particular, specific areas of capacity building are addressed and individual solutions suggested to foster a digital transformation of ports. The conceptual training framework is designed as a training tool indicating opportunities to help ports upgrade their competences with the blockchain technology, and to advance their transportation, environmental and economic performance with improved digitalisation. For this purpose, the conducted research employed mixed methods and applied concepts and approaches based on the field of management. For example, the construct of absorptive capacity, organisational learning, transformation, resource-based view and the concept of dynamic capabilities are included in the ecosystem discourse and are linked with open innovation and service design. The research presented in this article provides both theoretical and practical contributions, in which the affected stakeholders can test and utilise the developed tool as well as transfer it to other regions.

Miniaturised Low-Cost Gamma Scanning Platform for Contamination Identification, Localisation and Characterisation: A New Instrument in the Decommissioning Toolkit.

Formerly clandestine, abandoned and legacy nuclear facilities, whether associated with civil or military applications, represent a significant decommissioning challenge owing to the lack of knowledge surrounding the existence, location and types of radioactive material(s) that may be present. Consequently, mobile and highly deployable systems that are able to identify, spatially locate and compositionally assay contamination ahead of remedial actions are of vital importance. Deployment imposes constraints to dimensions resulting from small diameter access ports or pipes. Herein, we describe a prototype low-cost, miniaturised and rapidly deployable ‘cell characterisation’ gamma-ray scanning system to allow for the examination of enclosed (internal) or outdoor (external) spaces for radioactive ‘hot-spots’. The readout from the miniaturised and lead-collimated gamma-ray spectrometer, that is progressively rastered through a stepped snake motion, is combined with distance measurements derived from a single-point laser range-finder to obtain an array of measurements in order to yield a 3-dimensional point-cloud, based on a polar coordinate system—scaled for radiation intensity. Existing as a smaller and more cost-effective platform than presently available, we are able to produce a millimetre-accurate 3D volumetric rendering of a space—whether internal or external, onto which fully spectroscopic radiation intensity data can be overlain to pinpoint the exact positions at which (even low abundance) gamma-emitting materials exist.