Specific Port Research Articles

Simulated Global Empty Containers Repositioning Using Agent-Based Modelling

Due to an ever-increasing movement of containers across the globe in line with the economic boom, the trade imbalance and issues related to empty containers have become inevitable. Empty containers accumulated at specific ports cannot only generate profit but also increase the environmental footprint. This research proposes a Maritime Empty Container Reposition Modelling Framework by integrating the agent-based modelling (ABM) paradigm to model the global movements of empty containers. An agent-based maritime logistic empty container redistribution model was developed to help minimize the total relevant costs for empty container movement in the planning horizon. In the system, ports, shipping companies, customers, and empty containers were identified as critical agents. Using simulated annealing (SA), shipping line agents were able to optimise empty container repositioning to determine the best sequence for moving containers. The model was applied to the Asia–Middle East region to simulate global empty containers repositioning in the region. The results comparison shows that the proposed optimised empty container repositioning framework can significantly reduce the shipping line’s costs and make full use of empty containers.

THE 'TRILHA DOS HOLANDESES' LOCATED BETWEEN THE PATHS OF THE ITAMARACÁ ISLAND (PE): ARCHEOLOGY AND FLUVIAL-MARITIME LANDSCAPE

This article analyzes the ‘Trilha dos Holandeses’, a tourist route on the North Coast of Pernambuco, based on mechanisms available in Landscape Archeology. The approach contributes to the debate on the occupation and appropriation of the insular space, life dynamics and relationship between local social agents and the environment that surrounds them, on the Island of Itamaracá, where the trail is located. The Island was an important place in the Brazilian colonial scene in the first decades of the 16th Century, where urban centers, fortifications and specific port logistics were established. The tourist route currently known as the ‘Trilha dos Holandeses’ refers to the route by the sea that connected Vila de Nossa Senhora da Conceição to Forte Orange. The Trail is used today by fishermen and natives of Itamaracá to articulate the places of interest between the Santa Cruz Channel and the oceanic face of the Island. Considering the historical relevance of the route and its preserved environment, the trail also attracts tourists visiting Itamaracá. In our proposal, the ‘Trilha dos Holandeses’ was approached from the perspective of the fluvial-maritime Cultural Landscape, which adds to Landscape studies the variant of wetlands as central elements in archaeological interpretation.

THE ORETICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SPATIAL AND FUNCTIONAL EVOLUTION OF PORTS

Ports are the basis of the infrastructural framework of the global system of international transportation. That is why questions regarding the functioning and development of ports are always relevant. For the formation of theoretical foundations and effective mechanisms of port management, it is important not only to analyze the current state of transport networks and port systems, individual ports and their infrastructure, but also to analyze the processes of the emergence, formation, functioning and development of ports. The results of such a retrospective review from the perspective of a critical analysis of the relevant historical experience contribute to the formation of a systemic view of the prospects for the development of domestic ports. After all, prospective and retrospective analyzes are closely related. Without a retrospective analysis, it is impossible to objectively understand the prospects of the movement of this or that port on the way of its further development. The paper examines the management systems that operated during the period of Ukraine's independence in its ports, analyzes the current status of domestic ports, and also conducts an analysis of existing approaches to the periodization of port development processes in the world. This was done in order to form the theoretical foundations of the spatial and functional evolution of ports: from the standpoint of a systemic view of the processes and possible directions of their future development; on the basis of methods of retrospective analysis of theoretical models existing in the world and systematized in the work, each of which at the empirical level can be chosen by a decision-maker as a visual "template" of the development of a specific port, taking into account the current state and existing realities.

A Four-Channel Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor Functionalized Online for Simultaneous Detections of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody, Free Viral Particles, and Neutralized Viral Particles.

Current tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) detect either the constituent nucleic acids/proteins of the viral particles or antibodies specific to the virus, but cannot provide information about viral neutralization by an antibody and the efficacy of an antibody. Such information is important about individuals' vulnerability to severe symptoms or their likelihood of showing no symptoms. We immobilized online SARS-CoV-2 spike (S1) protein and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) into separate surface plasmon resonance (SPR) channels of a tris-nitrilotriacetic acid (tris-NTA) chip to simultaneously detect the anti-S1 antibody and viral particles in serum samples. In addition, with a high-molecular-weight-cutoff filter, we separated the neutralized viral particles from the free antibody molecules and used a sensing channel immobilized with Protein G to determine antibody-neutralized viral particles. The optimal density of probe molecules in each fluidic channel can be precisely controlled through the closure and opening of the specific ports. By utilizing the high surface density of ACE2, multiple assays can be carried out without regenerations. These three species can be determined with a short analysis time (<12 min per assay) and excellent sensor-to-sensor/cycle-to-cycle reproducibility (RSD < 5%). When coupled with an autosampler, continuous assays can be performed in an unattended manner at a single chip for up to 6 days. Such a sensor capable of assaying serum samples containing the three species at different levels provides additional insights into the disease status and immunity of persons being tested, which should be helpful for containing the SARS-CoV-2 spread during the era of incessant viral mutations.

How Does a Port Build Influence? Diffusion Patterns in Global Oil Transportation.

Ports play a critical role in the global oil trade market, and those with significant influence have an implicit advantage in global oil transportation. In order to offer a thorough understanding of port influences, the research presented in this paper analyzes the evolution of the dominance mechanisms underlying port influence diffusion. Our study introduces a port influence diffusion model to outline global oil transport patterns. It examines the direct and indirect influence of ports using worldwide vessel trajectory data from 2009 to 2016. Port influences are modelled via diffusion patterns and the resulting ports influenced. The results of the case study applied to specific ports show different patterns and influence evolutions. Four main port influence trends are identified. The first one is that ports that have a strong direct influence over their neighboring ports materialize a directly influenced area. Second, geographical distance still plays an important role in the whole port influence patterns. Third, it clearly appears that, the higher the number of directly influenced ports, the higher the probability of having an influence pattern, as revealed by the diffusion process. The peculiarity of this approach is that, in contrast to previous studies, global maritime trade is analyzed in terms of direct and indirect influences and according to oil trade flows.

A customizable cost-effective design for printed circuit board-based nanolayered gold screen-printed electrode: From fabrication to bioapplications.

Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are promising candidates for fabricating biosensing platforms in the laboratory and industry due to the various advantages they involve. The primary method for fabricating SPEs is 2D printing. However, commercial SPEs have some limitations due to the specific ports and connections they require, inflexible design, high prices, and decreased efficiency after a short time. This article introduces high performance, feasible, and cost-effective gold SPEs based on the combination of printed circuit board substrate (PCBs) and sputtering methods for electrochemical biosensing platforms. First, we discuss a general gold SPE development procedure that helps researchers to develop specific designs. The final developed version of SPEs was characterized in the second step, showing positive performance in electrochemical parameters because of the optimization of design and fabrication steps. In the study's final phase, SPEs were used to fabricate a simple platform for breast cancer cell detection as a proof of concept without using any linker or labeling step. The designed immunosensor is very simple and cost-effective, showing a linear calibration curve in the range of 10 - 2× 102 cellsmL-1 (R 2 = 0.985, S/N = 3). This research can be used as a reference for future studies in SPEs-based biosensors because of the flexibility of its design and the accessibility of the manufacturing equipment required.

Design parameter study to extend the capacity range of dry twin screw compressors

The possibility for extending the capacity range for oil-free dry twin screw compressors has been studied. Basic geometry parameters influence on compressor performance has been derived. The two parameters shaft speed and rotor diameter are critical. The lower capacity limit for dry screw compressors depends on maximum acceptable shaft speed, considering bearings, gearbox or power electronics. The higher capacity limit depends on rotor size, considering machining costs and tolerances for large rotor diameters. Thermodynamic efficiency and optimal rotor tip speed are dependent on internal throttling and leakage losses. Simplified analytical modelling has been applied, neglecting detailed geometry with minor influence on compressor performance. Basic kinematic relations give shaft speed as dependent on screw geometry non-dimensional specific displacement, on rotor tip speed (moderately dependent of machine size), and on capacity. Basic kinematic relations also define the rotor diameter dependence on these three parameters, specific displacement; tip speed, and capacity. The rotor profile geometry, i.e. number of lobes, rotor lobe depth/diameter, male tip width/diameter; as well as rotor length/diameter ratio and wrap angle determine the specific displacement. The specific displacement is non-dimensional and hence independent of the machine size or capacity. Also the specific internal leakage path lengths in the rotor mesh and between rotors and casing, as well as the specific outlet port size will be determined by the rotor profile major geometry parameters. Here specific means in relation to the male rotor diameter. A fixed internal pressure ratio (volume ratio) has been assumed.A simplified computerized model was developed to calculate the necessary geometry data and in particular the specific displacement and the optimal tip speed, from basic geometry parameters. For the case of constant specific clearances (non-dimensional), the optimal tip speed is constant, independent of compressor size and capacity. For the case of constant absolute clearances, the optimal tip speed is slightly dependent on the compressor size and capacity. A simplified, non-female addendum, point generated, asymmetric profile was assumed. Rotor profile details with minor influence on performance have then been omitted. A cylindrical part of the male tip would allow a bigger outlet port while maintaining the built-in volume ratio.The theoretical results from this study indicate that optimal compressor data should primarily be dependent on the number of male lobes and the lobe depth, i.e. the specific displacement. A screw profile with a lower number of lobes will result in a lower optimal shaft speed and should hence enable the design of dry screw compressors for lower capacity than the commonly used 4:6 lobe configuration, without exceeding the drive train high speed constraint. A screw profile with a higher number of lobes would result in a higher optimal shaft speed and in particular reduced rotor size (rotor diameter). It should hence enable the design of dry screw compressors for higher capacity than for the commonly used 4:6 lobe configuration, without having the machining problems of too large a rotor diameter.Considering both the potential capacity range extension and the efficiency, low capacity dry screw compressors with fewer rotor lobes, e.g. 2:4, might be the most promising option.

The requirements of agile pricing policies to build a competitive maritime sector: reflections on the Egyptian ports

The strong growth of world merchandise trade recorded the highest in 2017. This was the strongest indicator within a period of six years carrying a ratio of 1.5% which is far above 1.0 the ratio following 2018 financial crisis. The period up to 2023 carries positive prospects for short and medium term and will yield to a growth of global GDP by more than 3.0. This paper is coming in the light of the two decrees that had been issued by the Egyptian Government #800 for the year 2016, and #488 for the year 2016 which had set the different pricing for the different services for the port users. The question arising and addressed in the review across the research study sheds the light on the inability of the Egyptian Economy to hunt the opportunities of this GDP growth and the increase of global sea born trade. The weakness that stands as an umbrella hindering Egyptian ports to carry on these positive forecasts is the non- agile policy setup of their pricing systems. On the academic level, the paper tries to study about the competition and how the pricing system in ports to be determined worldwide. The paper in hand, tried conceptually through review to present a typology accounting for the challenges that face the Egyptian ports in setting competitive pricing system and it allows the venue for more empirical studies in this direction focusing on comparative in depth analysis of specific ports that could be studied in the future to extend the research in this field. Moreover, it presents a qualitative primary researched plan that will tackle the leakages for the Egyptian Ports’ services in building a competitive edge reflecting the challenges they face in their rigid pricing strategies. Such rigidity in terms of price setting has decreased intra-port competition as well as inter-port competition between different terminals and among firms performing in the port and it reduced the transit- shipment activities at some ports.

Ports’ criticality in international trade and global supply-chains

We quantify the criticality of the world’s 1300 most important ports for global supply chains by predicting the allocation of trade flows on the global maritime transport network, which we link to a global supply-chain database to evaluate the importance of ports for the economy. We find that 50% of global trade in value terms is maritime, with low-income countries and small islands being 1.5 and 2.0 times more reliant on their ports compared to the global average. The five largest ports globally handle goods that embody >1.4% of global output, while 40 ports add >10% of domestic output of the economies they serve, predominantly small islands. We identify critical cross-border infrastructure dependencies for some landlocked and island countries that rely on specific ports outside their jurisdiction. Our results pave the way for developing new strategies to enhance the resilience and sustainability of port infrastructure and maritime trade.

The opening of cabotage: China’s trials and challenges

Cabotage law has long been adopted in many countries, including China. However, in November 2021, China announced a reform on trial basis allowing eligible foreign container liner companies to use foreign-flagged ships for coastal piggybacking business between specific Chinese ports and Shanghai Yangshan Port with foreign trade containers, which resulted in a partial relaxation of Chinese cabotage law. This new policy is based on the prior coastal piggybacking business applied for ships owned or controlled by Chinese entities but flying foreign flags. Although restricted in a quite narrow application, the new policy is supposed to help increase the port throughput and benefit foreign container liner companies, but might threaten the interests of domestic shipping industry. There will be challenges in enforcing the policy reciprocally since no agreement on the opening of the cabotage has been concluded by China in any existing bilateral or multilateral agreement before. The future of the policy depends on its effect on driving the reform of domestic shipping management and its impact on the domestic shipping market.

Layered drawing of undirected graphs with generalized port constraints

The aim of this research is a practical method to draw cable plans of complex machines. Such plans consist of electronic components and cables connecting specific ports of the components. Since the machines are configured for each client individually, cable plans need to be drawn automatically. The drawings must be well readable so that technicians can use them to debug the machines. In order to model plug sockets, we introduce port groups; within a group, ports can change their position (which we use to improve the aesthetics of the layout), but together the ports of a group must form a contiguous block.We approach the problem of drawing such cable plans by extending the well-known Sugiyama framework such that it incorporates ports and port groups. Since the framework assumes directed graphs, we propose several ways to orient the edges of the given undirected graph. We compare these methods experimentally, both on real-world data and synthetic data that carefully simulates real-world data. We measure the aesthetics of the resulting drawings by counting bends and crossings. Using these metrics, we experimentally compare our approach to Kieler [JVLC 2014], a library for drawing graphs in the presence of port constraints. Our method produced 10–30 % fewer crossings, while it performed equally well or slightly worse than Kieler with respect to the number of bends and the time used to compute a drawing.

Distinct Age-Specific Effects on Olfactory Associative Learning in C57BL/6 Substrains.

C57BL/6 is the most widely used mouse strain in the laboratories. Two substrains of C57BL/6, C57BL/6J (B6J), and C57BL/6N (B6N) are well-known backgrounds for genetic modification and have been shown difference in quite a few tests, including open field test, rotarod test, and Morris water maze. However, difference between these two substrains in olfaction-dependent behaviors remains unknown. Here, we used olfactory two-alternative choice task, which is modified to have two training stages, to evaluate animals’ ability in instrumental learning and olfactory association. In the first (rule learning) stage, the mice were trained to use the operant chamber to collect water rewards. An odor cue was provided in the procedure, with no indication about reward locations. In the following (discrimination learning) stage, two odor cues were provided, with each indicating a specific water port. The animals were rewarded upon correct port choices following cue deliveries. We found that during young adulthood (7–10 weeks old), proportionally more B6J than B6N mice were able to pass rule learning (58.3% vs. 29.2%) and ultimately acquire this task (54.2% vs. 25%), with the two substrains showing similar pass rates in discrimination learning (92.9% vs. 85.7%). Surprisingly, at a more mature age (17 weeks old), this substrain difference disappeared. Mature B6N mice had a significant improvement in pass percentages of rule learning and overall task, whereas similar improvement was not observed in the B6J counterparts. Instead, mature B6J mice had an improved speed in rule learning and overall task. We further examined behavioral patterns of 8-week-old B6J and B6N mice in the olfactory habituation or dishabituation test. We observed normal olfactory habituation from subjects of both substrains, with the B6J mice exhibiting stronger investigative responses to newly presented odorants. These results reveal for the first time that B6J and B6N mice are different in acquisition processes of a behavioral task that requires instrumental learning and olfactory association, and that maturation appears to employ different effects on these two substrains during these processes. Furthermore, young adult B6J and B6N mice might be similar in olfactory habituation but different in the olfactory aspects of novelty seeking.

Research on the Peak Carbon Dioxide Emission Strategy of Chinese Port Based on Carbon Emission Estimation

Ports are an important node of a country’s external goods circulation, as well as large consumers of energy consumption. This paper uses the STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) model to study the trend of carbon emissions under different scenarios based on the energy consumption data of Chinese ports from 2010 to 2019 and analyzes the possibility of the peak carbon dioxide emission of Chinese ports. The results show that the carbon emissions of Chinese ports have peaked in 2013 under most scenarios, with CO2 emission of 9,213,500 tons and carbon emission intensity of 0.783 tons of CO2/103-tons of throughput. In addition, considering other scenarios, carbon emission action strategies should be formulated according to the differences of carbon emission peaking conditions of specific ports.

The port of Gothenburg under the influence of the fourth stage of the industrial revolution: Implementing a wide portfolio of digital tools to optimize the conduct of operations

Taking advantage of the benefits associated with the fourth stage of the industrial revolution--quite often termed as the “era of digitalization” in the wider literature--has become a main priority for ports globally, as part of their further development. The implications of smart technologies on the sustainable development of the ports have not been adequately addressed by the existing literature and it is exactly this gap that this study aims to fulfil. This paper aims to provide an overview of the innovative technologies adopted by a small number of smart ports around the world and highlight their link to sustainable development by employing an exploratory review of various sources. The design features of the smart ports identified by the existing literature have formed the basis for the development of a conceptual framework used in this paper for the analysis of the case of the Port of Gothenburg--the largest Scandinavian port, both in terms of number of visits and volume of cargo handled. The specific port is currently expanding its digital transformation by launching a platform during the second half of 2021 that will link digitally and coordinate the operations of all relevant stakeholders--shipping companies, freight forwarders, rail operators--at the port area. From the analysis, it becomes clear that the implementation of a wide portfolio of digital initiatives by the port under discussion has already resulted in the optimization of its operations and is strongly interrelated to its sustainable development. Important issues to be addressed in the near future that were identified by this research effort include the necessary cultural adaptation and training activities to ensure the right exploitation of these tools by the whole pool of the workforce.

Near-Field-Based 5G Sub-6 GHz Array Antenna Diagnosis Using Transfer Learning

In this paper, we propose a method for near-field-based 5G sub 6-GHz array antenna diagnosis using transfer learning. A classification network was implemented for normal/abnormal operation of the array antenna and the failure of a specific port. Furthermore, a regression network that could predict the amplitude and phase of the excitation signal of the array antenna was employed. Additionally, to accelerate the array antenna diagnosis, several near-field lines were sampled and reflected in the regression network. The proposed method was verified by measuring a fabricated 5G sub-6 GHz band 4×4 array antenna in various scenarios using a divider and coaxial cables. The tests showed that the trained network accurately diagnosed 29 of 30 measurement results.

Roman Port Societies: The Evidence of Inscriptions

Roman Port Societies: The Evidence of Inscriptions

Preliminary design of a fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain for a heavy-duty yard truck for port logistics

The maritime transport and the port-logistic industry are key drivers of economic growth, although, they represent major contributors to climate change. In particular, maritime port facilities are typically located near cities or residential areas, thus having a significant direct environmental impact, in terms of air and water quality, as well as noise. The majority of the pollutant emissions in ports comes from cargo ships, and from all the related ports activities carried out by road vehicles. Therefore, a progressive reduction of the use of fossil fuels as a primary energy source for these vehicles and the promotion of cleaner powertrain alternatives is in order.The present study deals with the design of a new propulsion system for a heavy-duty vehicle for port applications. Specifically, this work aims at laying the foundations for the development of a benchmark industrial cargo–handling hydrogen-fueled vehicle to be used in real port operations. To this purpose, an on-field measurement campaign has been conducted to analyze the duty cycle of a commercial Diesel-engine yard truck currently used for terminal ports operations. The vehicle dynamics has been numerically modeled and validated against the acquired data, and the energy and power requirements for a plug-in fuel cell/battery hybrid powertrain replacing the Diesel powertrain on the same vehicle have been evaluated. Finally, a preliminary design of the new powertrain and a rule-based energy management strategy have been proposed, and the electric energy and hydrogen consumptions required to achieve the target driving range for roll-on and roll-off operations have been estimated.The results are promising, showing that the hybrid electric vehicle is capable of achieving excellent energy performances, by means of an efficient use of the fuel cell. An overall amount of roughly 12 kg of hydrogen is estimated to be required to accomplish the most demanding port operation, and meet the target of 6 h of continuous operation. Also, the vehicle powertrain ensures an adequate all-electric range, which is between approximately 1 and 2 h depending on the specific port operation.Potentially, the hydrogen-fueled yard truck is expected to lead to several benefits, such as local zero emissions, powertrain noise elimination, reduction of the vehicle maintenance costs, improving of the energy management, and increasing of operational efficiency.

The role of logistics in promoting Italian agribusiness: The Belt and Road Initiative case study

The increasing policy interest in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has stimulated an interesting debate in the research community. Although there are numerous studies focusing on this issue, in literature little attention has been devoted to the impact of the initiative on the performances of Italian firms involved in agribusiness. In order to bridge this gap, this paper focuses on wine as a high-quality commodity exported all over the world and considered an epitome of Made in Italy. Furthermore, ports of Venice and Trieste was selected for the analyses as being part of BRI agreements. This study highlights that the BRI project may modify land use planning as a consequence of the policymakers’ choosing a specific port to serve as the Italian connection to the BRI. The heterogeneity that might influence regional data needs the usage of specific approaches (the order-α and order-m) to evaluate the firms’ efficiency as a consequence of two different links to the ports of Trieste and Venice. The authors attempt to perform this investigation considering the predicted effects of the BRI, and several different databases are used to examine these potential effects. The evaluation of accessibility in terms of distance and transport time could provide helpful details to policymakers when looking at different BRI alternatives. To achieve the analysis, the authors also consider dimensions connected to specific financial statements and labour, environmental and business innovation indicators. The results reveal that, when the scenario involves a specific port, some differences appear in the ranking of firms. The findings also show that the spatial effect connected to the choice of a specific port decreases for small firms. Since the Italian agribusiness sector – specifically the wine sector – is characterized by a prevalence of small and/or family firms, it is recommended that policymakers deal with the conclusions of present research to compare different BRI options from a land use point of view.

Estimation of RF power absorption and stray distribution at plasma breakdown based on the design of ITER ECH&CD equatorial launcher

Based on the latest optical design of ITER ECH&CD equatorial launcher, the power absorption at the plasma breakdown is evaluated with considering reflections by the 3-dimensional first wall structure. The beam diffusion is simulated by a bunch of spreading rays and the reflections on the first wall are analyzed for each ray. The power absorption is evaluated by the optical thickness when the rays pass across the resonant surface. The frequency of EC wave is 170 GHz and the density of concern is from 2.5 × 1015 m−3. As a result, at least 2 MW is absorbed out of 6.7 MW injection from the Top row in the case of fundamental O-mode injection even at the breakdown. In the case of 2nd harmonic X-mode injection, the total absorbing power is 200 kW at the electron density of 1018 m−3 and the electron temperature of 5 eV, which is proportional to the electron density and the electron temperature. It is found that a certain injection angle should be excluded in order to prevent intense stray RF injection up to 4 MW propagating toward specific ports within a few reflections.

Exploratory data analysis for cybersecurity

Purpose The impact of cyberattacks all over the world has been increasing at a constant rate every year. Performing exploratory analysis helps organizations to identify, manage and safeguard the information that could be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. It encourages to the creation of a plan for security controls that can help to protect data and keep constant tabs on threats and monitor their organization’s networks for any breaches. Design/methodology/approach The purpose of this experimental study is to state the use of data science in analyzing data and to provide a more detailed view of the most common cybersecurity attacks, what are the most accessed logical ports, visible patterns, as well as the trends and occurrence of attacks. The data to be processed has been obtained by aggregating data provided by a company’s technology department, which includes network flow data produced by nine different types of attacks within every day user activities. This could be insightful for many companies to measure the damage caused by these breaches but also gives a foundation for future comparisons and serves as a basis for proactive measures within industry and organizations. Findings The most common cybersecurity attacks, most accessed logical ports and their visible patterns were found in the acquired data set. The strategies, which attackers have used with respect to time, type of attacks, specific ports, IP addresses and their relationships have been determined. The statistical hypothesis was also performed to check whether attackers were confined to perform random attacks or to any specific machines with some pattern. Originality/value Policies can be suggested such that if an attack is conducted on a specific machine, which can be prevented by identifying the machine, ports and duration of the attacks on which the attacker is targeting and to formulate such policies that the organization should follow to tackle these targeted attacks in the future.