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AbstractChina has tightened its strategic partnership with Russia since Russia invaded Ukraine because Beijing has benefited from Russia as a heavyweight nation in its International Anti-Hegemonic United Front and bogged down in Ukraine to depend on China more than ever for economic and strategic support. Beijing has tapped Russia’s cheap oil and raw materials, flooded Russia with Chinese goods, expanded its geopolitical and economic intrusion in Central Asia, and forced Russia to open seaports along China’s northeast borders, facilitating China’s Northeast Revitalization Program. But Beijing has also paid high diplomatic and economic costs as little short of an accomplice to the Russian aggression. The divergent interests and mutual distrust have added complicity to the partnership. Following the long-standing United Front strategy, Beijing has sought empowerment from the Anti-Hegemonic United Front but has kept vigilant in guarding the autonomy of action to avoid entrapment in Russia’s drastic adventure. Finding a delicate balance between empowerment and entrapment has shaped and continues to shape the trajectory of the China-Russia partnership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The New York Bight is an ecologically and economically important marine region along the U.S. Atlantic Coast. Extensive assessments have characterized the habitats and biota in this ecosystem; however, most have focused on fishes, benthic habitats, and human impacts. To investigate the spatial and temporal occurrence of whales in this region, we conducted a three-year passive acoustic monitoring survey that documented the acoustic presence of five baleen whale species that occur within the New York Bight and are of conservation concern: North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Data were recorded with 14 bottom-mounted acoustic sensors across the continental shelf between 2017 and 2020. Right whales were detected across all seasons, with most detections in autumn closer to New York Harbor and spring detections at sites closer to the continental shelf edge. Humpbacks were detected during all months of the year with varying distribution of detections across the shelf. The year-round presence of right and humpback whales challenges previous hypotheses that this region is primarily a stopover location along their migration paths. Fin whales were detected at all sites on most days. Sei whales were detected primarily during the spring at offshore sites. Blue whales were detected in the winter at sites closer to the continental shelf edge, but were rare. These data improve our understanding of baleen whale seasonal occurrences in the New York Bight and can inform monitoring and mitigation efforts associated with the management and conservation of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctica harbors many distinctive features of life, yet much about the diversity and functioning of AntarcticaÕs life remains unknown. Evolutionary histories and functional ecology are well understood only for vertebrates, whereas research on invertebrates is largely limited to species descriptions and some studies on environmental tolerances. Knowledge on Antarctic vegetation cover showcases the challenges of characterizing population trends for most groups. Recent community-level microbial studies have provided insights into the functioning of life at its limits. Overall, biotic interactions remain largely unknown across all groups, restricted to basic information on trophic level placement. Insufficient knowledge of many groups limits the understanding of ecological processes on the continent. Remedies for the current situation rely on identifying the caveats of each ecological discipline and finding targeted solutions. Such precise delimitation of knowledge gaps will enable a more aware, representative, and strategic systematic conservation planning of Antarctica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on cargomobilities has emphasised containerisation, algorithmic management, and the cost-driven calculus of logistics firms. Less visible is the necessary human labour that coordinates cargomobilities in challenging environments—for example, those workers who manoeuvre ships at seaports. In response, we take to the water to learn how ports function as spaces of everyday mobilities work. We follow a day in the working life of marine pilots—a specialist, locally-based workforce who board foreign-flagged ships to dock them safely. Their labour process is, we argue, a form of choreography: executing motions in correspondence with other workers, infrastructures, vessels, and environmental forces. Increasingly volatile oceanic conditions require technical knowledge of ships and guiding equipment, plus deep place-based knowledge of port idiosyncrasies and responsiveness to elemental forces—working with rather than against swell and wind, tides, channels, and weather. While global shipping becomes ever more cutthroat in pursuit of efficiencies, marine pilots choreograph mobilities with respect for earthly forces and the bulk and power of ships and seas, and thus perform the necessary infrastructural labour that offsets risk. Amidst worsening environmental hazards, we offer choreography as an analytical frame to centre the work, workers, collaboration, and more-than-human interactions underpinning mobilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores how to improve operational performance in maritime ports by managing the flow of goods effectively. This study proposes an innovative approach based on Reinforcement Learning (RL), specifically the Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) method, to address the restricted container relocation problem (RCRP). This method aims to determine an optimal sequence for container retrieval based on their respective priorities, in order to minimize the number of necessary relocations. By employing precise actions and a defined reward function, MCTS is guided towards the best possible solution. The efficiency and relevance of this method are demonstrated through various solved scenarios and compared to a literature-based approach using genetic algorithms. The results show that the MCTS approach is effective in addressing the complex challenges of goods flow management in maritime ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal pollution in sediments and soil is an unavoidable anthropogenic issue with implications for quality of life and is a major long-term remediation challenge. This paper aimed to evaluate an in-situ remediation technique (resuspension) for sediment that may be employed in a variety of contaminated site cleanup programs. Surface sediment samples were obtained from a shallow harbor on the St. Lawrence River, in Canada in 2019. Harbor sediment from the St. Lawrence River in Quebec is anthropogenically polluted by metals. Various experiments were performed using a designed reactor to evaluate sediment resuspension remediation technology. The method is based on sediments with a higher specific surface area that adsorb more metal contaminants. Therefore, the objective was to remove this fraction by the resuspension technique. Results showed that the levels of seven metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were reduced by removing only 2.63% of the sediment. Removal efficiency values varied from 3.48% for Cd to 32.4% for Cu). The results of the sequential extraction tests imply that the resuspension technique is capable of decreasing the risk of remobilization of heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, this method could potentially be used to remediate metal–contaminated sediment with minimal sediment removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a growing need for seaports to find ways to reduce the air pollution they generate. A wide range of potential best practices exist, but what lies behind the decision to implement them? Prior studies have focused on either barriers, drivers, or enablers in this context. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to review existing research on various measures to reduce air pollution in seaports with the aspects of both barriers and enablers that influence the implementation of these actions. Methods: To answer the research question, the authors conducted a systematic literature review using the databases of Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus. The initial search identified 247 studies in WoS and 589 studies in Scopus. After applying exclusion and inclusion criteria, a qualitative content analysis (QCA) was performed to narrow down the resulting articles and extract relevant information. The identified factors were then categorized, followed by a factor frequency analysis (FFA). Results: Based on the final selection of 48 research articles, the review identified and categorized a total of 38 barriers and 28 enabling factors. The barriers were grouped into economic, technical, managerial, informational, and regulatory categories. The enabling factors were grouped into economic-financial, regulations and policies, informational, professional, and training categories. Aspects of finance and regulation are highlighted by the FFA. Findings: Financial aspects play a crucial role on both the barriers and enablers side, while aspects such as information or professional training seem to be neglected. Barriers are diverse, while enablers focus mostly on regulations. With our findings, we contribute to previous work that will serve as a basis for further research on the interdependencies of influencing factors, as well as experts and stakeholders in developing suitable emission reduction (ER) strategies for citizens living and working in and around seaports. The ranking of importance as well as the degree of influence of the various factors depend on further aspects to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine fish diversity in the Beibu Gulf from 2014 to 2022 was analyzed, using various methods including at-sea fisheries resource surveys, fishing port surveys, underwater survey techniques, and data from literature, books, and databases, from which 1 059 fish species across 40 orders, 166 families, and 503 genera were identified. Among them, Acanthuriformes displayed the highest diversity, followed by Carangiformes and Perciformes. Notably, eight alien species were found in the Beibu Gulf. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment revealed 51 threatened species, primarily cartilaginous fish. Taxonomic changes affected 88.70% of species due to classification adjustments, misidentifications, and junior synonymy. This study contributed new data of the gulf, including one additional order, six new families, 34 new genera, and 81 new species, emphasizing the dynamic nature of marine ecosystems. Fish diversity in the gulf was relatively lower than the broader South China Sea, attributed to limited habitats and survey methods. Different survey methods, such as gill nets, trap nets, and underwater cameras, yielded varying results. Ocean currents may have transported deep-sea species into the Beibu Gulf, leading to accidental records. Research gaps exist in unexplored areas, warranting further investigation. Therefore, the Beibu Gulf hosts significant marine biodiversity, but taxonomic challenges and undiscovered species require new research and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Soggy meat", which is abnormally softened crushed sardine meat, is often detected in canned sardines seasoned with tomato chili sauce. As soggy meat represents lysed and decomposed tissue, we examined protease activity in the sardine meat during the spawning season. Abnormally soft sardine meat is often found in canned sardine meat from fish caught during the spring and landed at Choshi Fishing Port in Japan, located on the Pacific Ocean. We measured cathepsin L activity in the muscle and protein, lipid, and moisture, as well as the trace elemental concentrations. High cathepsin L activity was detected in February and March during the Pacific sardine spawning season. In addition, 4 of 20 fish had extremely high protease activity of more than 30 units/g. Cathepsin L activity in the muscle was negatively correlated with selenium, protein, and lipid concentrations, indicating that sardines in the spring were starving during their spawning migration. Therefore, starved physiological conditions during the spawning season may be responsible for soggy meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tiger shrimp (Panaeus monodon) is a crucial fishery product in East Kalimantan, Indonesia, distributed within 12 h by land routes, leading to quality deterioration due to microbial contaminants. This study aimed to analyze the presence of microbial contaminants in tiger shrimps and detect risk factors that cause the presence of bacterial contaminants in shrimp. The sampling used in this study was a purposive sampling of tiger shrimp based on three organoleptic quality categories (good (1), moderate (2), and poor (3)) and analyzed with several specific media. Risk factor observations were performed during the handling process. The highest total bacteria and coliforms were found in shrimp 3, at 30.25x10 6 cfu/g and >1100 MPN/g, respectively. Based on the distribution of bacteria in each shrimp, shrimps 2 and 3 were contaminated by six types of bacteria: Pseudomonas sp., Aeromonas sp., Salmonella/Shigella, Klebsiella sp., E. coli, and S. aureus. E. coli, Klebsiella sp., and Salmonella/Shigella bacteria were not found in shrimp 1. The presence of these bacteria plays a role in the deterioration of tiger shrimp. Bacteria in shrimp is caused by the equipment and materials used, worker behavior, and environmental conditions that do not pay attention to hygiene during the tiger shrimp handling process. These results suggest that the long distribution process of tiger shrimp, coupled with poor handling, leads to bacterial contamination, resulting in quality degradation in the form of tiger shrimp spoilage, requiring a particular strategy to minimize bacterial contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIN Journal is the property of Arab Institute of Navigation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIN Journal is the property of Arab Institute of Navigation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIN Journal is the property of Arab Institute of Navigation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of AIN Journal is the property of Arab Institute of Navigation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper investigates the impact of the 2022 Mississippi River drought on agricultural trade using counterfactual evaluation methods and detailed trade data at the US port level. The study examines how the drought disrupted agricultural shipments out of Louisiana ports and whether the disruption led to trade diversion to other ports. Our findings reveal that shipments out of Louisiana ports were 3.9% or $560 million below the counterfactual between July 2022 and January 2023. In addition, the dynamic treatment estimates provide evidence of immediate trade recovery after the drought receded in October 2022, indicating that the impact of the drought was short‐lived. Wheat exports were the most affected, experiencing a reduction in shipments from Louisiana ports of $150 million and being diverted to US ports on the West Coast. In contrast, corn and soybeans did not experience lasting trade destruction or diversion to other ports. Our analysis also reveals that export prices increased significantly above the counterfactual level at Louisiana ports, suggesting that the drought impacted the supply and export dynamics of agricultural commodities. In conclusion, this paper provides valuable insights into the short‐run implications of natural disasters on agricultural trade. [EconLit Citations: F14, Q17]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, quantitative and qualitative chromatographic analysis for the content measurements of sediments collected from the Gulf of Aqaba/Jordan-Red Sea and Tripoli Port/Lebanon-Mediterranean Sea, were carried out. Sediment hydrocarbon contents were examined by GC-FID. The outcomes showed that 16 hydrocarbons were quantified and identified. Dotriacontane, tritriacontane, hentriacontane, octacosane, heptacosane, pentatriacontane, docosane, tetracosane, and hexatriacontane displayed the major contents at the Gulf of Aqaba. Regarding Tripoli Port sediments; nonacosane, pentatriacontane, pentacosane, dotriacontane, heptacosane, docosane and tetratriacontane were detected. GC-FID data were exposed to PCA and HCA to reveal: the variations of sediment chemical profiles as a result of geographical areas, to show the hydrocarbons that were responsible for clustering, and finally, to facilitate the future profile prediction and areas clustering of unknown sediments based on their chemical profile. By HCA and PCA, the six sediment-origin samples of Aqaba were classified into three clusters; Industrial area alone due to the distinct content of dotriacontane, tritriacontane, hentriacontane and octacosane, Central Power Station, Tala Bay and Hotel Areas in one cluster which was related to the close content of heptacosane and finally the National Tourist Camp and Marine Science in one cluster since they have pentatriacontane with close levels. Regarding Tripoli Port sediment samples, the two clusters revealed that the Current Waste Dump along with the Wastewater Treatment Plant were grouped together, where the Fishing Port, Tripoli Harbour and the Closed Waste Dump areas were clustered in one group. Nonacosane and pentatriacontane were dominant to separate the Tripoli Harbour, Fishing Port area and the Closed Waste Dump, where pentacosane, dotriacontane, heptacosane, docosane and tetratriacontane were responsible to isolate the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Current Waste Dump together. Classification of sediments based on GC-FID profile will accelerate the future profile prediction and origin-clustering of unknown sediment based on their profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The automotive industry is a key industry in Japan; however, the worker shortage has affected transportation in the ports and harbors, including that of automobile shipping. Automobiles are shipped using roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) ships. When many Ro-Ro ships dock at the same time, problems related to the shortage of workers and limited storage space for automobiles are exacerbated, decreasing transportation efficiency. The spatial resolution and temporal frequency of satellite imagery have improved with Planet Labs satellite constellations making daily observations of the Earth's surface. Moreover, the field of remote sensing is seeing an increasing number of logistic applications. As such, this study aimed to evaluate the Planet constellation's daily coverage for estimating the actual usage of seaport automobile terminals by counting the number of vessels in each image. Here, we focused on Daikoku Pier automobile terminals in the Port of Yokohama, Japan, from 2018 to 2023. Images were classified by visual interpretation into three categories: data available for analysis, data not available for analysis due to cloud, and lack of data. Over the 6-year period, 37.1% of the data were classified as data available for analysis; 21.2%, data not available for analysis due to cloud; and 41.8%, lack of data. The visual inspection survey was conducted twice, with an agreement rate of 90.5% between the two surveys. The number of vessels were then counted two times from "data available for analysis" class, and the discrepancies were corrected. This result was compared to the actual schedule information and the accuracy was 89.0%. The number of vessels docked at the same time tended to be lower in August than in other months. The days from the 25th to 31st tended to have a higher number of vessels than other days, regardless of the month. It seems difficult to use Planet constellation for daily site progress management because data was sometimes available 1 day per month. Planet constellation can be useful in estimating the actual usage through long-term monitoring. We expect that the results of this study will be helpful to those interested in using daily satellite imagery for improving work conditions and efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finger‐like km‐scale features have been observed along the inner‐edge of the eyewall of intense hurricanes. But due to the limited availability of observations, many important aspects of these features remain unknown. In this study, we aim to offer insights on the nature of these phenomena based on a four‐day‐duration O(100 m) grid spacing simulation that covers the inner‐core region of an idealized hurricane. The simulation successfully captured the finger‐like features, which closely resemble observed ones. We propose that these features are formed due to the shear instability associated with vertical distribution of the tangential wind in the inner‐core region. This proposed mechanism offers insights on several key characteristics of the features of interest, including their emergence time, frequency, radial location and vertical extent. Our study also demonstrates the feasibility of using multi‐level nesting for O(100 m) grid spacing hurricane simulations and predictions, aligning with the goals for next generation hurricane models. Plain Language Summary: The inner core region of hurricanes harbors complex dynamical features, including small‐scale clouds characterized by finger‐like appearances pointing toward the hurricane eye. These features have been frequently observed in intense hurricanes. However, many basic aspects of these features remain unknown, particularly regarding what controls their occurrence and location. We conduct a numerical simulation with a very fine (about 100 m) horizontal grid spacing to investigate the nature of these features. Our proposed mechanism explains several key characteristics of these features. Key Points: We conduct a O(100 m) grid spacing simulation that captures the finger‐like features along the inner edge of the hurricane eyewallWe propose a mechanism that links the finger cloud formation and hurricane‐scale dynamicsThis proposed mechanism explains the emergence time, frequency, radial location and vertical extent of the finger features [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change (CC) and seaports share a cyclical relationship, where climate impacts disrupt seaport operations, while seaport activities contribute to CC. This research explores the contributing factors from seaport activities, the impacts of CC on seaports and strategies for mitigating these factors. A bibliometric analysis was employed to present the findings statistically and numerically. The results were summarised into themes, identifying the main contributing factors, impacts and mitigation strategies. The analysis reveals that the primary contributor to seaports is the emission of Greenhouse Gases (GHG) from ships. The most significant impacts of CC on seaports include increased exposure to extreme weather events, changes in coastal dynamics, delays and disruptions in seaport activities and damages to the infrastructure. Mitigation strategies include adaptation measures, investment choices and fostering collaboration and partnerships. Seaport dependency on fossil fuels, coupled with increasing global trade, exacerbates their contribution to CC. In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the findings offer valuable managerial insights for seaport operators seeking to adopt sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has conducted a structural analysis of the relevant state administration bodies of the Republic of Croatia regarding the operational efficiency of implementing the protection of rights and interests in the marine and underwater areas of the semi-enclosed Adriatic Sea, where the respective coastal state (the Republic of Croatia) exercises jurisdiction in accordance with international law. A comprehensive overview of all components of the system, as well as some sensors of the state administration bodies of the Republic of Croatia involved in the implementation of control, monitoring, and protection of rights and interests in the Adriatic Sea - the eastern part, has been synthesized. An analysis of maritime traffic security was conducted. Data on ship, cargo, and passenger traffic in the seaports of the respective coastal state were collected. The analysis covered a four-year period between 2019 and 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of floating fuel stations, specialized facilities dedicated to refueling vessels within port boundaries, has gained prominence as a means to enhance port productivity. This comprehensive study investigates the efficacy of implementing floating fuel stations in seaports, focusing on their impact on port efficiency. Through the application of meticulous performance metrics and operational evaluations, the research aims to critically assess the advantages and challenges of this innovative approach. By exploring both the benefits and drawbacks, the study endeavors to pinpoint crucial factors contributing to the success of floating fuel stations. The findings will not only foster a deeper understanding of port productivity but also provide insightful perspectives on the maritime industry's overall efficiency and sustainability. Transcending the mere observation of current practices, the study formulates recommendations for future implementations based on a thorough analysis of diverse evaluation techniques. This research thus contributes significantly to the ongoing dialogue on optimizing port operations through innovative solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on biofouling assemblages in large ports is crucial for economic, environmental and regulatory purposes, as it provides critical information for managing marine ecosystems, preventing the spread of invasive species and developing effective antifouling strategies. Hydrozoans are among the most common invertebrates found in marine biofouling communities, making them a priority taxon for monitoring and identification in large ports. In this study, we documented the diversity of benthic hydrozoans growing on three types of artificial panels (wood, plastic, and rope) submerged for three months in the major commercial ports of Ambarli, Haydarpasa, Kocaeli, and Bandirma, located in the Sea of Marmara. Seven species of hydrozoans (Ectopleura crocea, Obelia dichotoma, Bougainvillia muscus, Clytia gracilis, Eudendrium capillare, Eudendrium merulum and Sertularella ellisii) were observed throughout the study. Unique fouling hydrozoan assemblages were identified in each port, regardless of the type of panel used, suggesting that differences in the pool of species available for recruitment and port-specific conditions have a greater impact on the structure of local fouling assemblages than the type of substrate. Ectopleura crocea, a species typical of artificial substrates and characterized by high invasive potential, was recorded for the first time in the Sea of Marmara during this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Where are the harbour structures of the thriving Hellenistic and Roman city of Dor? Recent underwater and coastal surveys and excavations, together with geoarchaeological and geophysical studies, provide strong evidence of the devastating impact of a sea level rise in Hellenistic Dor, as well as of recovery and renewed resilience in the Roman Period. This evidence includes two previously unknown new harbour installations: a very large maritime structure, tentatively identified as a Roman quay (in the North Bay), and a Hellenistic coastal fortification system protecting an anchorage (in the South Bay). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contemporary scholarship has frequently translated 'λιμήν κλϵιστός' – an expression occasionally appearing in ancient Greek written sources – in different ways, while putting forward several suggestions for its interpretation. Although this topic has aroused the interest of several scholars over the past decades, a thorough analysis aimed at understanding not only the term's origin and use, but also its possible diachronic evolution has yet to be performed. Accordingly, this paper performs the first comprehensive analysis on the term, providing a new definition that also explores the possible repercussions that the developments in naval sieges could have had on its meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the article was to present the essence of the processes of organizing and managing the estimation of tourist expenses made by cruise ship passengers and their impact on the local and national economy. The research was limited to the port and the city of Kołobrzeg. Design/methodology/approach: In order to achieve the aim of the article, research was required to conduct research using a diagnostic survey method. The impact of expenditure on the local and national economy was estimated on the basis of the input-output method using the Flegg location coefficient. Results: In the research process, five groups of tourists were identified with different levels of spending. By demonstrating that tourist expenditure depends on the number of tourists, nationality, length of stay in the city, type of tourism and structure of expenditure. It was pointed out that tourists can have an impact on the local and national economy. Research limitations/implications: Future research in this area should clarify the premises for choosing the port of Kołobrzeg as the place of stay. In particular, determine what impact the possibility of using tourist cruises has on decisions. The research should cover other seaports where tourist cruises are carried out. The area of research should also be narrowed down to smaller territorial units. Practical implications: The results of the research may be useful for owners of tourist vessels and port/city authorities. In order to organize and manage expenditures on tourism, the promotion of tourist services should be particularly addressed to foreign and domestic tourists from the wider environment, for whom cruises are the main attraction. Social implications: Managing and organizing tourist expenses can improve the financial situation of tourist vessel owners. Tax revenues may increase. Tourists can become a carrier of promotion about the city and the port. Originality/value: The research allowed for the identification of individual tourist groups in the process of organizing and managing tourist expenses. Determination of the amount of expenditure and the impact on the economy of the region and the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the impact of borders on migration, imperialism, and tragic deaths, particularly in the context of European policies and colonial legacies. It highlights the violence and suffering experienced by migrants, especially those crossing the English Channel in small boats. The text also delves into the intersection of immigration, terrorism, and border control, emphasizing the structural inequalities and exploitation faced by undocumented migrants. Additionally, it contrasts the media coverage and public response to migrant deaths with those of affluent individuals involved in luxury yacht disasters, underscoring the disparities in attention and empathy. [Extracted from the article]

Adaption to prices is an important feature of productivity development. This paper proposes an extension of the StoNED model to accommodate estimation of allocative efficiency. It demonstrates how indirect production theory is suited for assessing allocative efficiency and helps alleviating the curse of dimensionality for stochastic nonparametric estimators compared to conventional measures of allocative efficiency. Furthermore, the paper elaborates on the appropriate cost of capital for the estimation of allocative efficiency. The proposed model framework is utilized to study allocative efficiency of Norwegian container ports, thereby adding to the literature on seaport terminal efficiency studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper evaluates the energy-saving potential of ships by analyzing their carbon dioxide emissions on 20 oceanic voyages using weather routing. The Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) is used to measure a ship's energy efficiency. The voyages include routes connecting major international seaports and hubs in Asia and North America. Practical measurements were taken on board the ships using weather routing reports and ship record data. The study reveals that the E05 and W05 routes are the most energy-efficient, while the E01 and W08 routes have the highest emissions and fuel consumption. The E05 route has the optimum EEXI and the lowest CO2 emissions. Conversely, the E10 route has the highest EEXI, while W08 has the highest fuel consumption and the worst EEXI. The study emphasises the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency in the shipping industry. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of using weather routing and EEXI for assessing and improving the energy efficiency of ships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quality, Safety and Security are embedded in all aspects of port operations and are crucial for port industry stakeholders. Over the past decades, numerous assurance systems, codes, and regulations for quality, safety, and security have been developed and implemented in ports world-wide. This paper examines key insights for the implementation those systems in ports, reviewing over 20 years of empirical research on the impact and outcomes of such systems in Greek ports and internationally. Methods: It compares and discusses evidence from two empirical surveys spanning the first two decades of the 21rst century. The first survey was conducted in 2011 (with evidence from 2000 to 2011) including 12 major Greek ports (SAs) and the second one was conducted up to 2022–2023, including 23 over 25 Greek ports (the same SAs and other ones from the Greek TEN-T network). Results: The higher-level scope of this paper is to investigate critical perspectives on and trends in quality, safety, and security systems in the port industry. Conclusions: This investigation aims to strengthen the assumption that quality, safety, and security play a pivotal role in shaping the image, performance, and growth of ports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When mooring a ship near the quay, it is important to monitor its speed at the time of contact with the quay to ensure the safe execution of the mooring operation. During mooring, the speed of the ship must not exceed specified values; therefore, it is very important to have the possibility to measure it with high accuracy and its appropriate adjustment. This article aims to present the assessment methodology of the forces acting on quay equipment when a ship is mooring using data provided by the real-time kinematic (RTK) application of the navigation satellite system, as well as a way to calculate the comparative index, which can show the advantages of using data provided by high-accuracy measurement systems compared with the typical one. The methodology of assessing the forces acting on quay equipment when the ship is mooring using data provided by high-precision systems was applied. To verify the developed methodology, the experiments were carried out on real ships and using a calibrated simulator. Based on the research results, it was stated that when planning and managing ships' mooring operations in ports using data provided by the RTK application, it is possible to reduce the planned energy absorption of quay fenders up to 1.5–1.8 times while preparing the investment in quay development. The implementation of the developed methodology may contribute to the improvement of navigation safety when ships are mooring near the quays and thus allow for the reduction in the probability of undesirable situations occurring. The research results may be of interest to representatives of seaports authorities, traffic management offices, shipowners and other institutions involved in safe ships' navigation in seaports and approaches to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological developments within the maritime sector are resulting in rapid progress that will see the commercial use of autonomous vessels, known as Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASSs). Such ships are equipped with a range of advanced technologies, such as IoT devices, artificial intelligence (AI) systems, machine learning (ML)-based algorithms, and augmented reality (AR) tools. Through such technologies, the autonomous vessels can be remotely controlled from Shore Control Centres (SCCs) by using real-time data to optimise their operations, enhance safety, and reduce the possibility of human error. Apart from the regulatory aspects, which are under definition by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), cybersecurity vulnerabilities must be considered and properly addressed to prevent such complex systems from being tampered with. This paper proposes an approach that operates on two different levels to address cybersecurity. On one side, our solution is intended to secure communication channels between the SCCs and the vessels using Secure Exchange and COMmunication (SECOM) standard; on the other side, it aims to secure the underlying digital infrastructure in charge of data collection, storage and processing by relying on a set of machine learning (ML) algorithms for anomaly and intrusion detection. The proposed approach is validated against a real implementation of the SCC deployed in the Livorno seaport premises. Finally, the experimental results and the performance evaluation are provided to assess its effectiveness accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large vessels that call at European ports will have to pay for their CO2 emissions from transporting cargo that enters or goes from a European port since January 2024. The costs will increase with increasing global trade. This results in a higher pollution level, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions like CO2. Based on the gravity model embedded in a global supply chain, we developed a model to evaluate maritime transport pollution in case a new, sufficiently large container port becomes operational. Additionally, we consider how lousy railway connections to European customers increase transportation costs and pollution. The approach to the well-connected sequences of gravity models in the intercontinental maritime chains evaluates the differences in quantities of cargo between ports when a new port is opened, and the waiting time does not change. We also highlight that poor rail connections can reduce this positive effect. We showed how it is possible to estimate the optimal capacity of a new port with a multi-level gravity model and how this would affect the pollution around the port and on the routes from the port to the final consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regional seaport hinterland transport network development strategies aim to maximize economic benefits while simultaneously mitigating environmental impacts. Tracking hinterland transport's environmental efficiency is crucial for monitoring and improving sustainable transport policies in regional seaports. Previous research mainly employs static self-assessment models under a single objective, overlooking multi-modal hinterland transport routes. This study introduces network cross-efficiency data envelopment analysis models to assess the efficiency of regional seaport hinterland transport, balancing economic and environmental strategies. We further employ the cross-efficiency global Malmquist productivity index to examine dynamic changes and emission reduction potential. We find that hub seaports advance faster than smaller seaports. Road-rail transport constantly showcases high efficiency. Hinterland transport's efficiencies under environment priority strategy show a weak positive correlation with balanced strategy, and a moderate negative correlation with economy priority strategy. Efficiency improvements in road and road-rail transport can be achieved through enhanced management, while technological innovation is key for road-inland waterway transport. The models and outcomes provide valuable insights for developing sustainable inland transport policies balancing economic growth and emission reduction in regional seaports. • Parallel network cross efficiency data envelopment analysis model is proposed. • The model includes three strategies balancing economic progress and emission reduction. • Three types of transport routes, three energy sources are considered. • Cross efficiency global Malmquist productivity index is proposed. • Environmental efficiency of hinterland transport and dynamic shifts are measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a popular method to analyze gene expression and cellular composition at single-cell resolution, it harbors shortcomings: The failure to account for cell-to-cell variations of transcriptome-size (i.e., the total number of transcripts per cell) and also cell dissociation/processing-induced cryptic gene expression. This is particularly a problem when analyzing highly heterogeneous solid tissues/organs, which requires cell dissociation for the analysis. As a result, there exists a discrepancy between bulk RNA-seq result and virtually reconstituted bulk RNA-seq result using its composite scRNA-seq data. To fix this problem, we propose a computationally calculated coefficient, "cell type-specific weighting-factor (cWF)". Here, we introduce a concept and a method of its computation and report cWFs for 76 cell-types across 10 solid organs. Their fidelity is validated by more accurate reconstitution and deconvolution of bulk RNA-seq data of diverse solid organs using the scRNA-seq data and the cWFs of their composite cells. Furthermore, we also show that cWFs effectively predict aging-progression, implicating their diagnostic applications and also their association with aging mechanism. Our study provides an important method to solve critical limitations of scRNA-seq analysis of complex solid tissues/organs. Furthermore, our findings suggest a diagnostic utility and biological significance of cWFs. Author summary: Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a powerful method to unveil gene expression landscape with single-cell resolution. However, scRNA-seq, in particular for the analysis of highly heterogeneous solid organs, fails to account for the apparent heterogeneity of cellular RNA contents across different cell-types. In addition, the cell dissociation-induced cryptic gene-expression is often problematic. To overcome such shortcomings, herein, we describe a concept of "cell type-specific weighting-factor (cWF)" and a computational method to calculate cWFs of diverse-cell types using intact (i.e., without cell dissociation) whole-organ RNA-seq. Importantly, we show that cWFs are necessary for the accurate reconstitution of the whole-organ RNA-seq data using their composite scRNA-seq data and also deconvolution of the whole-organ RNA-seq data into their composite scRNA-seq data. We also show that cWFs quantitatively reflect the experimentally determined differential cellular RNA contents. These benchmarks demonstrate that cWFs indeed represent differential cellular RNA contents and/or offset the cell dissociation-induced cryptic gene-expression. Furthermore, we illustrate a medical application of cWFs by showing that the differential cWFs can effectively predict an aging-clock. In conclusion, our study reports an important methodology to solve critical limitations of scRNA-seq analysis, and also its potential diagnostic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Halifax Harbour, a crucial Atlantic Canadian port, has extensive commercial, environmental, and strategic value to Canadians. Despite thorough hydrographic research, knowledge about the influence of the bottom current on the resuspension of sediments within the Harbour is lacking. To address this knowledge gap, we utilized a high-resolution, three-dimensional, barotropic finite volume community ocean model (FVCOM) to simulate the tidal-driven maximum bottom current in the Harbour. We used the critical Shields parameter, a threshold for sediment movement, to quantify the areas susceptible to sediment resuspension. Our results indicate that regions in the Narrows and west of McNabs Island are susceptible to sediment resuspension due to the interaction of maximum bottom current and sediment grain sizes. These findings are important for detecting sediment changes in the Harbour and potentially improving existing monitoring and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When it comes to data, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. There may be millions of people with the same birthday. But how many also have a dog, drive a red car, and have two kids? The more that data is aggregated, the more identifying, and thus sensitive, it becomes. In recognition of this principle, the law has developed safe harbors for firms that take steps to prevent aggregation of the data they sell. A firm might, for instance, anonymize its data by removing identifying information. But as the science academy has shown, a wide array of de-anonymization techniques largely renders such efforts moot, allowing motivated actors to link data back to its data subject even after data is anonymized. Today, data collection is ubiquitous. Data brokers--firms that collect, process, and sell the data of individuals with whom they have no direct business relationship--are a major player in this ecosystem. Courts have traditionally conceived of the harms that arise from data brokering as discrete harms divorced from other activity occurring in the larger data ecosystem. But that judicial conception overlooks a crucial intuition: the magnitude of harm arising from one broker's activities depends on what data other brokers in the network are selling. De-anonymization techniques often depend on cross-referencing external data to make internal inferences. Furthermore, a motivated actor can purchase multiple datasets from multiple brokers, employ de-anonymization techniques to overcome barriers to aggregation, and aggregate as they please. The consolidated dataset would represent a far larger privacy harm than if those datasets were to be owned in isolation. These "network harms" have thus far been underexplored. In the absence of meaningful legislation, this Comment urges a turn to the courts. Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act empowers the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to prevent "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." In recent years, the FTC has begun to employ these statutory powers to reach the activities of several data brokers. This Comment offers a framework for courts to incorporate network harms in § 5 suits. Doing so would provide a more accurate descriptive account of brokering harms and also extend the reach of the FTC's theories to data brokers whose activities are not grossly negligent but nevertheless harmful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of ariid catfish at Kejawanan Fishing Port tends to be uncertain, while many processing industries and salted fish markets require a supply of ariid catfish. The research aimed to identify the conditions of production and fishing boats of ariid catfish, determine the appropriate forecasting model for predicting the production of ariid catfish. The research used descriptive methods, moving average models and exponential smoothing models. The average production of ariid catfish at Kejawanan Fishing Port in the last 15 years reached 40.72 tons per year. The fishing boats of ariid catfish based on Kejawanan Fishing Port were bouke ami, purse seine, oceanic gill net, cast net and squid fishing rod. The Bouke ami was the most widely used with a fishing trip ratio reaching 72%. The exponential smoothing model α=0.3 was the most appropriate model for predicting the production of ariid catfish in Kejawanan Fishing Port. After validation, the model's prediction results for ariid catfish production were 45.26 tons for 2020, 31.68 tons for 2021, 43.22 tons for 2023, and 56.04 tons for 2024 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article helps understand why locations close to strategic infrastructure to transport illegal drugs (seaports, airports, highways, and US ports of entry along the Mexico-US border) or to increase income (pipelines) experience different levels of violence due to DTOs operations. Our theory breaks down the impact of the geographical distance to these facilities on violence into two effects. The first effect is produced by the level of (violent) competition among DTOs, measured by the number of DTOs employing violence. We report that greater proximity to the U.S. ports of entry along the Mexico-US border, ports, and airports furthers the number of competitors, and such increase boosts violence. The second effect shapes the intensity of competition among DTOs. Reductions in the costs of excluding competing DTOs from using the facility could trigger greater confrontation among DTOs. We confirm the importance of this second effect in relation to ports and the U.S. ports of entry along the Mexico-US border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]