Cargo Tracking Research Articles

Cybersecurity in Tanzanian Maritime Operations: Exploring Global Best Practices and Their Local Adaptation Using the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2)

The increasing integration of digital technologies in maritime operations has significantly enhanced efficiency in cargo tracking, port management, and communication systems. However, this digital transformation also introduces substantial cybersecurity risks, particularly in developing regions like Tanzania, where technological infrastructure and specialized skills may lag behind global standards. This study evaluates the cybersecurity readiness of three key Tanzanian maritime organizations Tanzania Ports Authority (TPA), Tanzania Shipping Agency Corporation (TASAC), and SINOTASHIP using the Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2). Through a detailed assessment across ten C2M2 domains, the study identifies existing strengths and critical gaps in areas such as risk management, asset management, and incident response. The findings reveal that while basic cybersecurity practices exist, they are largely reactive, with most domains scoring between Level 1 (Initial) and Level 3 (Defined). This lack of advanced, proactive measures poses significant risks to Tanzania's maritime infrastructure, particularly given the strategic role of ports like Dar es Salaam in regional trade. The study highlights the need for tailored improvements, including enhanced asset management, continuous workforce training, and real-time monitoring systems, to bridge the gap between global standards and local practices. By implementing these measures, Tanzanian maritime operations can strengthen their resilience against cyber threats, ensuring secure and efficient port operations in an increasingly interconnected world.

Long-term tracking for high-frequency surface wave radar based on heading constraint filtering combined ELM

Abstract Aiming at the problem of low measurement resolution and poor tracking accuracy in High-frequency surface wave radar (HFSWR) tracking field, a tracking method that combines the heading constraint filter and Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) is proposed. Compared with the existing research, the innovation of this study lies in proposing a two-stage tracking method based on the short-term stable state of the target, and similarity of long-term trajectory. Firstly, the heading constraint information is introduced into the estimator and improve the estimation accuracy. In multi-target tracking scenarios, many tracklets can be obtained. Then, the ELM learns robust features of tracklets to achieve the trajectory segment classification from the same target. This method can be widely applied to long-term tracking of cargo or passenger ships with fixed destinations, significantly improving tracking performance by utilizing implicit domain knowledge without additional information. The actual data of this paper comes from HFSWR on Bohai Bay. Both the simulation and actual measurement experiments show that the proposed cascaded tracking method achieves long-term continuous tracking, and generates more complete trajectories. Moreover, the proposed Extended Kalman filter based on pseudo-measurement and intercept parameters (IPM-EKF) exhibits better tracking stability and accuracy in limited scan steps. This study provides new ideas and methods for improving the tracking performance of special targets in the HFSWR field by utilizing motion features.

Анализ технологических процессов погрузочно-разгрузочных, транспортных, перегрузочных и складских операций на основе контейнерных перевозок

The article discusses key technological operations, including loading and unloading, transportation, transshipment and storage of goods in containers, as well as analyzes modern approaches to managing and optimizing these processes. The main attention is paid to the automation and mechanization of loading and unloading operations, the use of multimodal transportation to improve the efficiency of transport processes, the development of strategies for optimizing routes and logistics schemes, as well as the use of modern information technologies for cargo tracking and inventory management. The authors of the article emphasize the importance of integrating logistics operations and creating a unified information system for coordinating all stages of container transportation. As a result of the analysis, ways to improve technological processes aimed at reducing costs, increasing the speed of cargo delivery and increasing the overall efficiency of logistics chains are proposed. The article contains recommendations on the introduction of innovative solutions and technologies that can help optimize the work of enterprises engaged in container transportation. The research is based on the analysis of real data, including statistics on the operation of ports, transport companies and warehouse complexes, as well as on the study of best practices in this area. The article provides examples of successful implementation of the proposed approaches in practice, which makes it useful for specialists in the field of logistics, supply chain management and transportation.

Nanometer-resolution tracking of single cargo reveals dynein motor mechanisms.

Cytoplasmic dynein is essential for intracellular transport. Despite extensive in vitro characterizations, how the dynein motors transport vesicles by processive steps in live cells remains unclear. To dissect the molecular mechanisms of dynein, we develop optical probes that enable long-term single-particle tracking in live cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. We find that the number of active dynein motors transporting cargo switches stochastically between one and five dynein motors during long-range transport in neuronal axons. Our very bright optical probes allow the observation of individual molecular steps. Strikingly, these measurements reveal that the dwell times between steps are controlled by two temperature-dependent rate constants in which two ATP molecules are hydrolyzed sequentially during each dynein step. Thus, our observations uncover a previously unknown chemomechanical cycle of dynein-mediated cargo transport in living cells.

Internet of Things (IoT) and its Utilisation in Marine Logistics

The marine logistics industry is the backbone of global trade, responsible for the transport of more than 90% of goods traded worldwide. However, the industry faces challenges in terms of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring supply chain security and visibility. The Internet of Things (IoT), which refers to a network of physical devices, vehicles, and other objects equipped with sensors, software, and internet connectivity, is emerging as a potential solution to address these issues. This research aims to explore the role and utilization of IoT in improving the performance of the marine logistics industry. The methodology used includes a comprehensive literature review, in-depth interviews with industry experts, and case study analyses of IoT implementations in marine logistics companies. The results revealed several opportunities and benefits from IoT implementation, such as real-time container and cargo tracking, efficient vessel fleet management, route optimization and logistics planning, and improved supply chain security and safety. However, IoT implementation also faces challenges related to data security, interoperability, investment costs, and regulation. This research provides in-depth insights into how IoT can be leveraged to optimize marine logistics operations and improve industry competitiveness, as well as recommended solutions to overcome the challenges faced.

Electronic Cargo Tracking and Trade Facilitation Among Clearing and Forwarding Companies at Inland Container Deport Nairobi, Kenya

The increasing forces of globalization around the world require that goods and services are moved from one part of the country to the other hence the need for customs. It is the responsibility of KRA to ensure that all taxes have been collected on behalf of the government of Kenya. However, several challenges have been evident in the operations of KRA as far as the realization of its objectives of customs system automation on trade facilitation is concerned. The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of electronic cargo tracking on trade facilitation among clearing and forwarding companies at inland containers deport Nairobi, Kenya. The study was grounded by the New Trade Theory. The explanatory research design was used. The target population of this study was the 369 clearing and forwarding agents and KRA staff and transporters, and a sample size of 191 respondents. Primary data was collected through a close-ended questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that electronic cargo tracking has a positive and significant effect on trade facilitation (β = 0.323; p = 0.000). The study emphasized the direct contribution of electronic cargo tracking to the enhancement of trade facilitation processes. KRA is recommended to support research initiatives that focus on the continuous improvement of customs systems and trade facilitation technologies. The study recommends that KRA establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the implementation and impact of electronic cargo tracking. The study recommends that the treasury establishes and implement policies that encourage the seamless integration of advanced technological solutions within the customs and trade facilitation processes.

Logistics Distribution Route Optimization in Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things Environment

With the increasing challenges facing the logistics industry, especially in meeting the growing demand for distribution efficiency and accuracy, the use of modern technology to optimize logistics distribution routes has become a key issue. This study explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in the optimization of logistics distribution routes. The research first focused on collecting and processing logistics-related data, including historical delivery records, real-time traffic data, and cargo tracking information. Then, by building optimization models based on AI and IoT technologies, the study explores the potential of these technologies to improve logistics distribution efficiency and reduce costs. In addition, through cost-benefit analysis and discussion of challenge-coping strategies, this study not only verified the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in theory but also demonstrated its feasibility in practical application. Finally, the study presents implications for industry practice and recommendations for future research, emphasizing the importance of continuous technology evaluation and adaptation to market changes.

The Effect of Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems on Cargo Safety at the Kenya Revenue Authority

The Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS) was adopted by the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance cargo security and boost revenue collection. RECTS is aimed at addressing inefficiencies in vendor-operated Electronic Cargo Tracking Systems (ECTs) whose geo-fence routes can be manipulated, making it challenging to determine the exact location of the cargo. Their failure to send alerts on seal tampering and diversions has resulted in a substantial loss of revenue. This study sought to assess the impact of RECTS on cargo security with a focus on KRA customs operations. The study addressed the impact of RECTS cargo tracking on cargo security, the impact of RECTS cargo monitoring on cargo security, and the measurement of the impact of RECTS real-time response on cargo security at KRA. The research adopted a descriptive research design. The target population for this study was the 140 Rapid Response Units (RRU) and the Cargo Monitoring Unit (CMU) staff working at the five designated RRU stations along the Northern Corridor. Stratified simple random sampling was used to select 104 KRA staff to participate in the study. The primary data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire provided to the staff working at the five designated stations. Secondary data was collected from the records of the Cargo Monitoring Unit on incidents of theft, tampering and damage of cargo. The data was analysed using SPSS to compute descriptive and inferential statistics. The study established that the independent variables of cargo tracking, cargo monitoring and real-time response, significantly influence the dependent variable as they account for an 82.90 per cent variation in cargo security. The results of a multiple regression analysis established that cargo tracking has a positive and significant effect on cargo security (β1=0.873, p=0.000); that cargo monitoring has a positive and significant effect cargo security (β2=0.175, p=0.015); and that real-time response has a positive and significant effect cargo security (β3=0.222, P=0.000). The findings of the study revealed that cargo tracking enhances the security of the cargo by deterring cases of cargo diversion and by providing the exact location of the stolen, damaged or tampered cargo enabling the Rapid Response Unit to locate the cargo and resolve the situation immediately. Cargo monitoring enhances cargo security by providing real-time alerts in respect of cargo seal tampering which minimises the tampering that previously occurred during changeover of seals at border points. Additionally, real-time response enhances the security of cargo by reducing the time taken by the Rapid Response Unit to respond to and resolve cases of theft, tampering and cargo accidents during transit.

The impact of Web Api technology on the efficiency of freight transportation

In the contemporary world, where logistics plays a critical role in ensuring the continuity and optimization of freight transportation, WEB API technologies become a crucial tool for enhancing the efficiency of this process. This topic explores the influence of utilizing WEB API on various aspects of logistic processes in freight transportation. It analyzes the role of this technology in increasing speed, accuracy, and simplifying interactions among different participants in the logistic chain. The research covers the impact of WEB API integration on monitoring processes, cargo tracking, route planning, inventory management, and other key logistics aspects. The analysis results can serve as a foundation for developing optimization strategies and implementing innovative solutions in the field of freight transportation. Beyond its operational benefits, the study delves into the challenges and opportunities associated with the adoption of WEB API in the freight industry. Issues such as data security, seamless system integration, and the overall transformation of logistics practices are scrutinized. The analysis not only identifies potential hurdles but also provides strategic insights into mitigating risks and maximizing the benefits of WEB API technology. The implementation of WEB API facilitates precise route planning, optimizing transit times and resource utilization. Furthermore, it streamlines inventory management, offering a dynamic and responsive system that adapts to changing demands. In conclusion, the research findings serve as a comprehensive foundation for developing optimization strategies and implementing innovative solutions in the field of freight transportation. In conclusion, the research findings serve as a comprehensive foundation for developing optimization strategies and implementing innovative solutions in the field of freight transportation. The transformative potential of WEB API technology is evident in its ability to reshape traditional logistic practices, contributing to the evolution of a more efficient, agile, and technologically advanced logistics ecosystem.

ВПЛИВ ЕКОНОМІКИ 4.0 НА ГЛОБАЛЬНІ ЛОГІСТИЧНІ ОПЕРАЦІЇ ТРАНСНАЦІОНАЛЬНИХ КОРПОРАЦІЙ

The article examines the transformation of logistics processes under the influence of the latest technologies that characterize Economy 4.0. The main goal of the study is to analyze the impact of the Economy 4.0 concept on the global logistics operations of multinational corporations. The authors analyze how the implementation of these technologies helps to optimize supply chains, reduce costs, increase transparency and efficiency of inventory management, and ensure seamless delivery. It studies how TNCs adapt to the changes caused by Economy 4.0 and how these changes affect their competitiveness in the world market. The article also reveals the challenges and opportunities that arise before TNCs in the context of the integration of Economy 4.0 technologies. In particular, it examines the impact of global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, military conflicts and climate change on logistics processes, as well as the strategies that companies can apply to minimize these risks. Based on the analysis, it is concluded that the integration of innovative technologies is key to improving the efficiency of logistics operations in TNCs, allowing them to achieve better results in a globalized world. A number of recommendations have been developed for TNCs regarding the implementation of Economy 4.0 technologies, which will help them optimize their logistics processes, increase the level of customer satisfaction, and strengthen their positions on the market. One of the key scientific innovations is the development of a theoretical model that integrates Economy 4.0 technologies in the context of global logistics, providing a new perspective on supply chain management in the digital economy. Economy 4.0 allows logistics operators to integrate advanced analytical tools and supply chain management systems, providing greater transparency and accuracy in cargo tracking, route optimization and inventory management. The study identifies and systematizes specific changes in logistics operations due to the introduction of these technologies, and determines how these changes contribute to the optimization of supply chains, increasing efficiency and competitiveness at the international level.

MULTIMODAL LOGISTICS IN THE CONDITIONS OF A TURBULENT BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS SYSTEM

The transport industry of Ukraine is an important component of the complex of infrastructural industries and a necessary material factor for ensuring production and logistics. The importance and relevance of the development of transport logistics is also due to its special importance in ensuring the security of Ukraine, especially in conditions of military influence. That is, transport multimodal logistics indirectly affects all components of national security - foreign economic, domestic political, economic, food, environmental, anti-terrorist, informational, scientific and technical, and others. The economic role of transport consists, first of all, in the fact that it is an organic link of every production, carries out continuous and mass delivery of all types of raw materials, fuel and products from points of production to points of consumption, and also ensures the division of labor, specialization and cooperation of production. The purpose of the research is the analysis of the development of the multimodal transport logistics system of the surrounding business environment under the influence of the turbulence of the martial law and in the post-war period. One of the key advantages of multimodal logistics is the ability to use different types of transport depending on the specific stages of the route and infrastructure capabilities. This avoids delays and reduces the risk of loss of time and money. In addition, multimodal logistics allows the use of cargo tracking technologies, which facilitates control over their movement and ensures accurate delivery times. This is important for a business that seeks to provide quality service to its customers. Despite the fact that logistics services are usually complex and expensive, some Ukrainian companies offer them absolutely free of charge. Now Ukraine needs to overcome difficulties and look for new ways. Ensuring security has become the main priority for Ukrainian commodity exports. Summing up, multimodal transport logistics is a strategic approach to optimizing transport flows, which allows to ensure the efficiency and competitiveness of logistics processes in the modern world. Thus, logistics is actively studying the situation and cooperating with government authorities to find bypass logistics routes around dangerous zones and war-torn trade bridges.

PROSPECTS AND POSSIBILITIES BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION IN LOGISTICS

The article discusses the problems and prospects for development of the logistics sector in Russia. The concept of blockchain, its main functions and tasks are described. The principles of operation of the system and examples of companies already using this technology are given. Now, in Russia, logistics support for cargo delivery has low quality and economic efficiency indicators. Logistics is in search of new technologies that will simplify and automate the process of accumulating and using data related to document flow, cargo tracking and information storage. Logistics chains can include dozens of links; the more nodes in the chain, the more difficult it is to control them and the more information appears. At the same time, interactions between producers, carriers and consumers are becoming less transparent. Blockchain technologies can solve these problems by reducing the cost of transportation, making information impossible to hack and falsify, and optimizing processing and query times.
 Purpose: to consider the main problems and challenges arising in the field of logistics that blockchain technologies can solve.
 Results: obtaining information on how blockchain technology can be applied in logistics, as well as identifying opportunities and prospects for its use.
 Practical implications: deciding on the implementation of blockchain technology in logistics operations and using its advantages to assess efficiency and competitiveness.

Long-term cargo tracking reveals intricate trafficking through active cytoskeletal networks in the crowded cellular environment

A eukaryotic cell is a microscopic world within which efficient material transport is essential. Yet, how a cell manages to deliver cellular cargos efficiently in a crowded environment remains poorly understood. Here, we used interferometric scattering microscopy to track unlabeled cargos in directional motion in a massively parallel fashion. Our label-free, cargo-tracing method revealed not only the dynamics of cargo transportation but also the fine architecture of the actively used cytoskeletal highways and the long-term evolution of the associated traffic at sub-diffraction resolution. Cargos frequently run into a blocked road or experience a traffic jam. Still, they have effective strategies to circumvent those problems: opting for an alternative mode of transport and moving together in tandem or migrating collectively. All taken together, a cell is an incredibly complex and busy space where the principle and practice of transportation intriguingly parallel those of our macroscopic world.

The Study of Maritime Fraud and Its Effect on Competitiveness of Nigerian Seaport (A Study of Apapa Seaport)

Ports play a key role in the Nigeria economy and development, as nearly 75% of the trade between the Nigeria and the rest of the world is handled in ports. Thus, the importance of ensuring efficiency in ports is related to the ability of the country to be competitive at international level. Unfortunately, corruption and extortion by the shipping agencies, terminal operators and government officials has continued to frustrate importers leading to price hike of commodities. This study is on maritime fraud and its effect on competitiveness of Nigerian seaport. The researchers adopted a sample size of 343 which was drawn from a population sample of 2,417. The questionnaire collected from the respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results indicated that government agency’s dishonesty affects the efficiency of customs procedures, also that fraudulent misrepresentation impacts on port service quality, cargo theft and clearing delays impact on ports service quality and the competitiveness of Nigeria seaports. The following recommendations were made; proactive disciplinary measure should be taken against dishonest government agency officials; custom procedures should be simplified through automation to ensure efficiency and that cargo tracking and monitoring instruments should be adopted to reduce cargo theft in Apapa seaports.

GM-Ledger: Blockchain-Based Certificate Authentication for International Food Trade.

Maritime transportation plays a critical role for many Arab countries and their food security and has evolved into a complex system that involves a plethora of supply chain stakeholders spread around the globe. This inherent complexity brings huge security challenges, including cargo loss and high burdens in cargo document inspection. The emerging blockchain technology provides a promising tool to build a unified maritime cargo tracking system critical for cargo security. This is because blockchains are a tamper-proof distributed ledger technology that can store and track data in a secure and transparent manner. Using the State of Qatar as a case study, this research introduces the Global Maritime Ledger (GM-Ledger), which will aid authorities in verifying, signing and transacting food certificates in an efficient manner. The methodology of this research includes reviewing past publications, identifying the requirements of various players in the Qatari food import-export industry and then creating a smart contract framework that will efficiently manage the work with necessary human intervention as and when required. The result of this work is the formation of a solid framework that can be employed in future works. This work realized that employing web3 solutions for the food import sector is highly viable and that with the right social, economic and policy reforms, it is possible to transform the entire food system to bear healthy transparency and power balance in global supply chains. In conclusion, this study argues that BCT has the ability to assist the government and other players to minimize fraud and maximize food supply chain stakeholder participation.

Аналіз системи моніторингу та диспетчерського регулювання наземного транспорту

The article examines the functions of dispatch control, problems of dispatch control and methods of solving these problems. Attention is paid to the GPS-monitoring system, its advantages and problems of use. It is noted that the main goal of the dispatching regulation of cargo transportation is the implementation of the cargo transportation plan and control over the organization of the transportation process. The main tasks of the dispatching group are: determination of the number of vehicles for each order, development of rational traffic routes; calculation of several indicators for issuing tasks to the driver. In the conditions of the rapid development of the transport industry, the need to use modern means and management systems is increasingly emerging. This approach makes it possible to increase the efficiency of systems. Organizational planning and engineering measures aimed at improving the organization of traffic raise the level of use of automated means of traffic control and regulation. In addition, due to the significant increase in the level of motorization, the street-road network does not meet regulatory requirements for capacity, which complicates the conditions and methods of movement. Therefore, improving the performance indicators of highways and streets and increasing the efficiency of technical means of management, taking into account European requirements, will help to improve the state of road transportation in general.
 Tracking cargo during transportation is a difficult task for a transport company. At the same time, the ability to know exactly where the cargo is at any moment, the speed of its transportation and other parameters characterizing the delivery process is the most important component of the quality of customer service. Thanks to the development of telematics, and especially in the field of communication with moving objects, the conditions for the use of automated means of cargo tracking are becoming more and more favorable for transport organizers. In modern practice, cargo tracking is carried out in order to establish their exact location at any moment in time and control their condition during transportation. As a rule, determining the location of the cargo is tied to the vehicle on which the cargo is transported. As soon as the cargo is unloaded from the vehicle, its position is fixed at the unloading place.

Carbon dots labeled Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: a fluorescent multifunctional biocarrier for anticancer drug delivery.

A carbon dots (CDs)-biolabeled heat-inactivated Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (HILP) hybrid was investigated as a multifunctional probiotic drug carrier with bioimaging properties using prodigiosin (PG) as anticancer agent. HILP, CDs and PG were prepared and characterized using standard methods. CDs-labeled HILP (CDs/HILP) and PG loaded CDs/HILP were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and for entrapment efficiency (EE%) of CDs and PG, respectively. PG-CDs/HILP was examined for stability and PG release. the anticancer activity of PG-CDs/HILP was assessed using different methods. CDs imparted green fluorescence to HILP cells and induced their aggregation. HILP internalized CDs via membrane proteins, forming a biostructure with retained fluorescence in PBS for 3 months at 4°C. Loading PG into CDs/HILP generated a stable green/red bicolor fluorescent combination permitting tracking of both drug carrier and cargo. Cytotoxicity assay using Caco-2 and A549 cells revealed enhanced PG activity by CDs/HILP. LCSM imaging of PG-CDs/HILP-treated Caco-2 cells demonstrated improved cytoplasmic and nuclear distribution of PG and nuclear delivery of CDs. CDs/HILP promoted PG-induced late apoptosis of Caco-2 cells and reduced their migratory ability as affirmed by flow cytometry and scratch assay, respectively. Molecular docking indicated PG interaction with mitogenic molecules involved in cell proliferation and growth regulation. Thus, CDs/HILP offers great promise as an innovative multifunctional nanobiotechnological biocarrier for anticancer drug delivery. This hybrid delivery vehicle merges the physiological activity, cytocompatibility, biotargetability and sustainability of probiotics and the bioimaging and therapeutic potential of CDs.

DW-TRAC – СЕРВИС ОТСЛЕЖИВАНИЯ И МОНИТОРИНГА ОПАСНЫХ ОТХОДОВ

To improve the efficiency and security of transportation of hazardous waste is implemented by service DW-TRAC, has a number of undoubted advantages, among which are the tracking and monitoring of cargo

Terminal fucosylation of haptoglobin in cancer-derived exosomes during cholangiocarcinoma progression.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a silent tumor with a high mortality rate due to the difficulty of early diagnosis and prediction of recurrence even after timely surgery. Serologic cancer biomarkers have been used in clinical practice, but their low specificity and sensitivity have been problematic. In this study, we aimed to identify CCA-specific glycan epitopes that can be used for diagnosis and to elucidate the mechanisms by which glycosylation is altered with tumor progression. The serum of patients with various cancers was fractioned into membrane-bound and soluble components using serial ultracentrifugation. Lectin blotting was conducted to evaluate glycosylation. Proteins having altered glycosylation were identified using proteomic analysis and further confirmed using immunoblotting analysis. We performed HPLC, gene analysis, real-time cargo tracking, and immunohistochemistry to determine the origin of CCA glycosylation and its underlying mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles (EV) were isolated from the sera of 62 patients with CCA at different clinical stages and inflammatory conditions and used for glycan analysis to assess their clinical significance. The results reveal that glycosylation patterns between soluble and membrane-bound fractions differ significantly even when obtained from the same donor. Notably, glycans with α1-3/4 fucose and β1-6GlcNAc branched structures increase specifically in membrane-bound fractions of CCA. Mechanically, it is primarily due to β-haptoglobin (β-Hp) originating from CCA expressing fucosyltransferase-3/4 (FUT 3/4) and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V (MGAT5). Newly synthesized β-Hp is loaded into EVs in early endosomes via a KFERQ-like motif and then secreted from CCA cells to induce tumor progression. In contrast, β-Hp expressed by hepatocytes is secreted in a soluble form that does not affect CCA progression. Moreover, evaluation of EV glycosylation in CCA patients shows that fucosylation level of EV-Hp gradually increases with tumor progression and decreases markedly when the tumors are eliminated by surgery. This study suggests that terminal fucosylation of Hp in cancer-derived exosomes can be a novel glycan marker for diagnosis and prognosis of CCA. These findings highlight the potential of glycan analysis in different fractions of serum for biomarker discover for other diseases. Further research is needed to understand the role of fucosylated EVs on CCA progression.

The Role of Revenue Authorities in International Trade Facilitation in East African Community

Purpose: The study examines the role of revenue authorities in facilitating international trade in the East African Community. It specifically seeks to establish the degree of integration of revenue authorities in member countries of the East African Community; to assess the individual role played by revenue authorities in member countries of the East African Community to facilitate trade; and to examine the collective role played by revenue authorities in member countries of the East African Community to facilitate trade. Approach/Methodology/Design: A qualitative approach with a special focus on explanatory design was used to collect and analyze study data. The primary evidence and reports available are used to establish the role played by revenue authorities in trade facilitation. Seven (7) key informants from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were interviewed. The responses obtained were analyzed thematically. Findings: From these findings, it is determined that there are major steps and strategies taken by revenue authorities in the East African community to facilitate international trade. One of these steps was the introduction of a single bond for member countries, whereby traders are allowed to have a single bond for their imported goods for all countries through which their goods pass. Revenue authorities are also implementing integrated customs programs such as regional electronic cargo tracking systems (RECTS) and customs interconnection as a means of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of customs administration. Through the authorities, a Single Customs Area (SCT) was implemented thereby streamlining the movement of goods throughout the East African Community. The authorities have also introduced a trading information portal, a platform intended to utilize trade information among traders in member countries. Originality/value: To improve trade facilitation in the region, revenue authorities need to advance their cooperation, thereby streamlining the implementation of key trade facilitation policies. Embracing a more integrated system will be critical for authorities to work closely together, reducing process duplication and improving the flow of operations across member countries to facilitate international trade.