Improved STNModels and Heuristic Rules for Cooperative Scheduling in Automated Container Terminals

Improving the cooperative scheduling efficiency of equipment is the key for automated container terminals to copewith the development trend of large-scale ships. In order to improve the solution efficiency of the existing spacetimenetwork (STN) model for the cooperative scheduling problem of yard cranes (YCs) and automated guidedvehicles (AGVs) and extend its application scenarios, two improved STN models are proposed. The flow balanceconstraints in the original model are decomposed, and the trajectory constraints of YCs and AGVs are added toacquire the model STN_A. The coupling constraint in STN_A is updated, and buffer constraints are added toSTN_A so that themodel STN_B is built.As the size of the problem increases, the solution speed of CPLEX becomesthe bottleneck. So a heuristic method containing three groups of heuristic rules is designed to obtain a near-optimalsolution quickly. Experimental results showthat the computation time of STN_A is shortened by 49.47% on averageand the gap is reduced by 1.69% on average compared with the original model. The gap between the solution ofthe heuristic rules and the solution of CPLEX is less than 3.50%, and the solution time of the heuristic rules is onaverage 99.85% less than the solution time of CPLEX. Compared with STN_A, the computation time for solvingSTN_B increases by 58.93% on average.

An Improved Bounded Conflict-Based Search for Multi-AGV Pathfinding in Automated Container Terminals

As the number of automated guided vehicles(AGVs)within automated container terminals(ACT)continues to rise,conflicts have becomemore frequent.Addressing point and edge conflicts ofAGVs,amulti-AGVconflict-free path planning model has been formulated to minimize the total path length of AGVs between shore bridges and yards.For larger terminalmaps and complex environments,the grid method is employed to model AGVs’road networks.An improved bounded conflict-based search(IBCBS)algorithmtailored to ACT is proposed,leveraging the binary tree principle to resolve conflicts and employing focal search to expand the search range.Comparative experiments involving 60 AGVs indicate a reduction in computing time by 37.397%to 64.06%while maintaining the over cost within 1.019%.Numerical experiments validate the proposed algorithm’s efficacy in enhancing efficiency and ensuring solution quality.

Modelling Dry Port Systems in the Framework of Inland Waterway Container Terminals

Overcoming the global sustainability challenges of logistics requires applying solutions that minimize the negative effects of logistics activities.The most efficient way of doing so is through intermodal transportation(IT).Current IT systems rely mostly on road,rail,and sea transport,not inland waterway transport.Developing dry port(DP)terminals has been proven as a sustainable means of promoting and utilizing IT in the hinterland of seaport container terminals.Conventional DP systems consolidate container flows from/to seaports and integrate road and rail transportation modes in the hinterland which improves the sustainability of the whole logistics system.In this article,to extend literature on the sustainable development of different categories of IT terminals,especially DPs,and their varying roles,we examine the possibility of developing DP terminals within the framework of inland waterway container terminals(IWCTs).Establishing combined road–rail–inland waterway transport for observed container flows is expected to make the IT systems sustainable.As such,this article is the first to address the modelling of such DP systems.After mathematically formulating the problem of modelling DP systems,which entailed determining the number and location of DP terminals for IWCTs,their capacity,and their allocation of container flows,we solved the problem with a hybrid metaheuristic model based on the Bee Colony Optimisation(BCO)algorithmand themeasurement of alternatives and ranking according to compromise solution(i.e.,MARCOS)multi-criteria decision-making method.The results from our case study of the Danube region suggest that planning and developingDP terminals in the framework of IWCTs can indeed be sustainable,as well as contribute to the development of logistics networks,the regionalisation of river ports,and the geographic expansion of their hinterlands.Thus,the main contributions of this article are in proposing a novel DP concept variant,mathematically formulating the problems of its modelling,and developing an encompassing hybrid metaheuristic approach for treating the complex nature of the problem adequately.

Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis:Clinical characteristics of a new subtype of acute cholangitis

Background:Acute suppurative terminal cholangitis(ASTC)is rarer than acute obstructive cholangitis and is not well studied.To explore this subtype of acute cholangitis,we described our clinical experience with ASTC.Methods:We performed a retrospective review of patients with ASTC admitted to our center from September 2014 to August 2020.We analyzed their clinical characteristics,including etiology,clinical manifestations,imaging features,treatment and prognosis.Results:A total of 32 ASTC patients were included in the analysis.The majority of the patients had a history of biliary operations,and clinical manifestations were occult and atypical.The positive rate of bacterial culture was 46.9%.All the patients had typical imaging features on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.Treatment with effective antibiotics was provided as soon as diagnosis was established.After treatment,most patients had a good outcome.Elevated levels of total bilirubin,aspartate aminotransferase,procalcitonin and gamma-glutamyltransferase were the characteristics of critically ill patients and were associated with relatively poor prognosis.Conclusions:Our results demonstrated that ASTC should be recognized as a new subtype of acute cholangitis,and that earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatments are needed.

The Impact of Privatization on Terminal Efficiency: A Case Study of Tema Port

Port and terminal efficiency are of utmost importance to the container shipping industry due to their significance in enhancing the competitive advantage of ports within a region. Consequently, there have always been notable variations of studies around it. This paper analyzes the impact of privatization on terminal efficiency using the Port of Tema as a Case Study. The main objective of this paper is to analyze the efficiency trends of the public and private terminals in the port over the years. To achieve this objective, DEA-CCR methodology was employed to calculate the annual technical efficiency trends of the private and public terminals using four input variables and three output variables. The main results of the paper indicated that the public and private terminals were efficient for multiple years. However, the efficiency scores over the years demonstrated inconsistency, exhibiting notable fluctuations. The findings of this study will aid policymakers across the region on policies relating to the efficiency and ownership structure of ports and terminals.

Mixed Integer Robust Programming Model for Multimodal Fresh Agricultural Products Terminal Distribution Network Design

The low efficiency and high cost of fresh agricultural product terminal distribution directly restrict the operation of the entire supply network.To reduce costs and optimize the distribution network,we construct a mixed integer programmingmodel that comprehensively considers tominimize fixed,transportation,fresh-keeping,time,carbon emissions,and performance incentive costs.We analyzed the performance of traditional rider distribution and robot distribution modes in detail.In addition,the uncertainty of the actual market demand poses a huge threat to the stability of the terminal distribution network.In order to resist uncertain interference,we further extend the model to a robust counterpart form.The results of the simulation show that the instability of random parameters will lead to an increase in the cost.Compared with the traditional rider distribution mode,the robot distribution mode can save 12.7%on logistics costs,and the distribution efficiency is higher.Our research can provide support for the design of planning schemes for transportation enterprise managers.

Machine learning for predicting the outcome of terminal ballistics events

Machine learning(ML) is well suited for the prediction of high-complexity,high-dimensional problems such as those encountered in terminal ballistics.We evaluate the performance of four popular ML-based regression models,extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost),artificial neural network(ANN),support vector regression(SVR),and Gaussian process regression(GP),on two common terminal ballistics’ problems:(a)predicting the V50ballistic limit of monolithic metallic armour impacted by small and medium calibre projectiles and fragments,and(b) predicting the depth to which a projectile will penetrate a target of semi-infinite thickness.To achieve this we utilise two datasets,each consisting of approximately 1000samples,collated from public release sources.We demonstrate that all four model types provide similarly excellent agreement when interpolating within the training data and diverge when extrapolating outside this range.Although extrapolation is not advisable for ML-based regression models,for applications such as lethality/survivability analysis,such capability is required.To circumvent this,we implement expert knowledge and physics-based models via enforced monotonicity,as a Gaussian prior mean,and through a modified loss function.The physics-informed models demonstrate improved performance over both classical physics-based models and the basic ML regression models,providing an ability to accurately fit experimental data when it is available and then revert to the physics-based model when not.The resulting models demonstrate high levels of predictive accuracy over a very wide range of projectile types,target materials and thicknesses,and impact conditions significantly more diverse than that achievable from any existing analytical approach.Compared with numerical analysis tools such as finite element solvers the ML models run orders of magnitude faster.We provide some general guidelines throughout for the development,application,and reporting of ML models in terminal ballistics problems.

Clinical Epidemiology and Surgical Treatment of Spontaneous Perforations of the Terminal Ileum: A Multicentre Study in Cameroon

Background: Perforations of the terminal ileum are a frequent clinical situation and a therapeutic challenge. Surgical treatment is controversial. Several surgical modalities have been proposed and postoperative morbidity and mortality remain high. The aim of this study was to review our experience in the surgical management of perforations of the terminal ileum. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021, in five hospitals in Cameroon. Patients’ demographic, clinical presentation, surgical findings and 30-days postoperative outcomes data were collected. Results: We collected 34 files. The sex ratio was 1.4 and the average age was 20.28 years. The average consultation time was 9.1 days. Abdominal pain was present in all our patients. Peritoneal irritation was present in 46 cases (88.5%). The mean time to treatment after admission was 17.5 hours. The perforation was unique in 40 cases (76.9%) and located between 6 and 10 cm from the ileocecal valve in 29 cases (55.8%). Typhoid was the most suspected etiology intraoperatively in 38 cases (73.1%). A simple suture was performed in 18 patients (34.6%), resection with anastomosis in 11 patients (21.2%) and an ileostomy in 5 patients (9.6%). The average length of hospitalization was 21.74 days. Postoperative morbidity and mortality were 32.7% and 17.3% respectively. Conclusion: Perforations of the terminal ileum are common and affect young people. Surgical procedures are varied. Reducing consultation and care times and respecting treatment principles could improve postoperative morbidity and mortality, which remain high.

Transformation of marginal zone lymphoma into high-grade B-cell lymphoma expressing terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase:A case report

BACKGROUND High-grade B-cell lymphoma(HGBL)is an unusual malignancy that includes myelocytomatosis viral oncogene(MYC),B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL-2),and/or BCL-6 rearrangements,termed double-hit or triple-hit lymphomas,and HGBL-not otherwise specific(HGBL-NOS),which are morphologically characteristic of HGBL but lack MYC,BCL-2,or BCL-6 rearrangements.HGBL is partially transformed by follicular lymphoma and other indolent lymphoma,with few cases of marginal zone lymphoma(MZL)transformation.HGBL often has a poor prognosis and intensive therapy is currently mainly advocated,but there is no good treatment for these patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy.CASE SUMMARY We reported a case of MZL transformed into HGBL-NOS with TP53 mutation and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase expression.Gene analysis revealed the gene expression profile was identical in the pre-and post-transformed tissues,suggesting that the two diseases are homologous,not secondary tumors.The chemotherapy was ineffective and the side effect was severe,so we tried combination therapy including venetoclax and obinutuzumab.The patient tolerated treatment well,and reached partial response.The patient had recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and died of multifunctional organ failure.He survived for 12 months after diagnosis.CONCLUSION Venetoclax combined with obinutuzumab might improve the survival in some HGBL patients,who are unsuitable for chemotherapy.

A Pre-Selection-Based Ant Colony System for Integrated Resources Scheduling Problem at Marine Container Terminal

Marine container terminal(MCT)plays a key role in the marine intelligent transportation system and international logistics system.However,the efficiency of resource scheduling significantly influences the operation performance of MCT.To solve the practical resource scheduling problem(RSP)in MCT efficiently,this paper has contributions to both the problem model and the algorithm design.Firstly,in the problem model,different from most of the existing studies that only consider scheduling part of the resources in MCT,we propose a unified mathematical model for formulating an integrated RSP.The new integrated RSP model allocates and schedules multiple MCT resources simultaneously by taking the total cost minimization as the objective.Secondly,in the algorithm design,a pre-selection-based ant colony system(PACS)approach is proposed based on graphic structure solution representation and a pre-selection strategy.On the one hand,as the RSP can be formulated as the shortest path problem on the directed complete graph,the graphic structure is proposed to represent the solution encoding to consider multiple constraints and multiple factors of the RSP,which effectively avoids the generation of infeasible solutions.On the other hand,the pre-selection strategy aims to reduce the computational burden of PACS and to fast obtain a higher-quality solution.To evaluate the performance of the proposed novel PACS in solving the new integrated RSP model,a set of test cases with different sizes is conducted.Experimental results and comparisons show the effectiveness and efficiency of the PACS algorithm,which can significantly outperform other state-of-the-art algorithms.

Investigation on Breakdown Characteristics of Various Surface Terminal Structures for GaN-Based Vertical P-i-N Diodes

GaN-based vertical P-i-N diode with mesa edge terminal structure due to electric field crowding effect, the breakdown voltage of the device is significantly reduced. This work investigates three terminal structures, including deeply etched, bevel, and stepped-mesas terminal structures, to suppress electric field crowding effects at the device and junction edges. Deeply-etched mesa terminal yields a breakdown voltage of 1205 V, i.e., 89% of the ideal voltage. The bevel-mesa terminal achieves about 89% of the ideal breakdown voltage, while the step-mesa terminal is less effective in mitigating electric field crowding, at about 32% of the ideal voltage. This work can provide an important reference for the design of high-power, high-voltage GaN-based P-i-N power devices, finding a terminal protection structure suitable for GaNPiN diodes to further enhance the breakdown performance of the device and to unleash the full potential of GaN semiconductor materials.

Terminal Blend橡胶泡沫沥青制备及性能评价

为弥补传统泡沫沥青高温稳定性和黏附性的不足,解决传统橡胶沥青发泡效果不理想的缺陷,对terminal blend(TB)橡胶泡沫沥青进行了研究,探究了TB橡胶泡沫沥青发泡效果的影响规律,对其微观形貌与特征进行了表征,同时评估了TB橡胶泡沫沥青的高温性能、温度敏感性和黏度.结果表明:采用TB橡胶沥青制备泡沫沥青具备可行性;相比传统泡沫沥青,TB橡胶泡沫沥青在温度敏感性降低的同时,还显著提升了高温性能和黏度;微观结果显示TB橡胶泡沫沥青的发泡过程仅为物理过程,而且受发泡温度和发泡用水量的影响,其中后者对整体发泡效果的影响更加明显;TB橡胶泡沫沥青的最佳发泡温度为160°C、发泡用水量为2.7%.

Tailoring Nitrogen Terminals on MXene Enables Fast Charging and Stable Cycling Na-Ion Batteries at Low Temperature

Sodium-ion batteries stand a chance of enabling fast charging ability and long lifespan while operating at low temperature(low-T).However,sluggish kinetics and aggravated dendrites present two major challenges for anodes to achieve the goal at low-T.Herein,we propose an interlayer confined strategy for tailoring nitrogen terminals on Ti_(3)C_(2) MXene(Ti_(3)C_(2)-N_(funct)) to address these issues.The introduction of nitrogen terminals endows Ti_(3)C_(2)-N_(funct) with large interlayer space and charge redistribution,improved conductivity and sufficient adsorption sites for Na^(+),which improves the possibility of Ti_(3)C_(2) for accommodating more Na atoms,further enhancing the Na^(+) storage capability of Ti_(3)C_(2).As revealed,Ti_(3)C_(2)-N_(funct) not only possesses a lower Na-ion diffusion energy barrier and charge trans-fer activation energy,but also exhibits Na^(+)-solvent co-intercalation behavior to circumvent a high de-solvation energy barrier at low-T.Besides,the solid electrolyte interface dominated by inorganic com-pounds is more beneficial for the Na^(+)transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface.Compared with of the unmodified sample,Ti_(3)C_(2)-Nfunct exhibits a twofold capacity(201 mAh g^(-1)),fast-charging ability(18 min at 80% capacity retention),and great superiority in cycle life(80.9%@5000 cycles)at -25℃.When coupling with Na_(3)V_(2)(PO_(4))_(2)F_(3) cathode,the Ti_(3)C_(2)-N_(funct)//NVPF exhibits high energy density and cycle stability at -25℃.

Reliability Evaluation of All-User Terminals in LEO Satellite Communication Network Based on Modular Reduction

LEO satellite communication network has a large number of satellites distributed in low orbits,which leads to multiple coverage of many areas on the ground.It is hard work to describe and evaluate the reliability of LEO satellite communication network.To solve this problem,the reliability of all-user terminals in LEO satellite communication network is defined,and the corresponding reliability evaluation method is proposed in the paper.Due to the large scale of the interstellar network,a modular reduction algorithm using the modular network instead of the original network for state decomposition is proposed in this paper.Case study shows that the calculation time of the proposed method is equivalent to 6.28%of the original state space decomposition algorithm.On this basis,the reliability of LEO satellite communication network is further analyzed.It is found that the reliability of LEO satellite network was more sensitive to the reliability of Inter-Satellite link and the satisfaction of global coverage in the early stage,and it is more sensitive to the reliability of the satellite in the later stage.The satellite-ground link has a relatively constant impact on of LEO satellite network.

MXene terminating groups=O,–F or–OH,–F or=O,–OH,–F,or=O,–OH,–Cl?

MXenes are a novel family of two-dimensional(2D)materials that are fast gaining popularity due to their versatile characteristics.The surfaces of these materials are often functionalized by negatively charged terminal groups,such as=O,OH,and F during their synthesis,and it has been hypothesized that regulating the surface terminators enables to control the material characteristics.However,there is still a large gap between computational and experimental investigations regarding comprehending the surface functional groups.Surfaces with mixed terminations are consistently synthesized in experiments,although pure terminated surfaces are predicted by computational research.Here we summarized the nature of chemical bonding in transition metal carbide materials(MXenes)by1H and19F nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR),Raman,X-ray absorption near edge structure(XANES),extended X-ray absorption fine structure(EXAFS),ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy(UPS),X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS)/scanning transmission electron microscopy(STEM),and thermogravimetric analysis-mass spectrometry(TGA-MS)characterizations.Previous literature reveals that=O,–OH,–F,and–Cl are typical MXene surface terminators.However,recent comparative investigations on the valence band intensity distribution in MXenes reveal that the–OH cannot be considered an intrinsic termination species in MXenes.The surface terminals(=O,–OH,–F,and–Cl)of several MXenes,particularly V2CTxand Ti3C2Tx,will be identified and quantified here.We have also discussed different etching approaches for the synthesis of MXene,the dependence of MXene conductivity on MXene terminating groups,and the emission of various gaseous products that evolved during its chemical transformations.This paper provides significance,especially in the field of energy conversion and storage materials,where the intercalation process is crucial.

A mutation in protein kinase C-gamma alters SNC neuron morphology and decreases synaptic vesicles in dopaminergic striatal terminals in the AS/AGU rat

A spontaneous mutation in the Albino Swiss (AS) rat has been shown to be a single point mutation (agu) in the gene coding for the gamma isoform of protein kinase C (PKC-γ). The characteristics of the mutant include movement disorders, a failure to release dopamine in the striatum and elevations of molecules such as parkin and ubiquitin in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNC). This present study examined SNC cell bodies and dopaminergic synaptic terminals within the caudate-putamen. Cell volume and nuclear volume were reduced in the AS/AGU mutant compared to the AS control, but the volume fractions of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum were significantly higher. No Lewy bodies were present in the mutant, although microglia were found adjacent to some SNC cells. Dopaminergic terminals were identified in the caudate-putamen by electron microscopy with low-glutaraldehyde fixation and immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase using immuno-gold visualisation. AS/AGU mutant rats had less than half of the synaptic vesicles of AS controls;this was not only true of “readily-releasable” zones adjacent to the synaptic cleft but also “storage pool” zones. The findings support the hypothesis that the initial bar to dopamine availability in the striatum is the reduced release, with nigral cell death being a later phenomenon.

Trigeminal primary afferent terminals containing substance P－like immunoreactivity in the paratrigeminal nucleus

With the methods of transganglionic transport of horseradish peroxidase(HRP) combined with postembedding colloidal gold stain immunoelectron microscopy, the shape and synaptic relationship of the trigeminal primary afferent terminals containing substance

USING Hybrid Adaptive Techniques to Reduce Multipath Effects in S-PCN Mobile Terminals

Multipath signal processing is a promising technique for increasing the capacity of downlink frequency of satellite communication networks (S-PCN). The paper presents an approach to processing and reducing multipath signals received from S-PCN typified of mobile terminal users in clustered or mountainous environment. Use of hybrid linear adaptive antenna array technique and adaptive filtering technique provides improved performance by eliminating uncorrelated signal residing in antenna sidelobes.

Embedded System Implementation of Airborne Communication Terminals

Airborne communication terminal is a key unit in Ad hoc network of aircrafts. This paper mainly focuses on its implementation by embedded system, which is based on Samsung S3C2410 chip. System architecture, Linux tailoring and touch-screen driver design are discussed in detail. Considering the requirements of stability and efficiency of the operating system, dynamic driver-loading method was employed firstly and only the necessary library files were transplanted to assist and test. The drivers finally were directly put into kernel configuration and then an integrated kernel was transplanted. Regarding to the problem of positioning issues on touch-screen, which is implemented in this system, an accurate positioning method is also presented.

Providing Appropriate Solutions for Treatment and Sewage of Wastewaters in Cargo Terminals of Shorelines: An Emphasis on Terminal Bandar

Low volume of produced wastewater and specific regional, environmental and economic condition in small communities determines the methods of treatment of sewage in such communities including shorelines of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Imam Khomeini Harbor and Chabahar Harbor. Ineffective methods of treating and sewing wastewater in aforesaid terminals as well as limitations of methods of wastewater treatment such as high level of underground waters doubled the necessity of considering alternative methods. In this paper, investigation of current conditions was performed through field observations and data collection regarding wastewater production in terminals and determination of qualitative specifications using sampling and carrying out pH, TSS, COD, BOD and temperature tests from inlet to outlet of available sewage system of abovementioned terminals and comparison with environmental organization standards corresponding to wastewater sewage and it was found out that conditions of available systems of wastewater treatment are not suitable. In this regard, modifying solutions for the sake of improving performance of systems of wastewater treatment of terminals is presented in this research. Finally, for wastewater treatment system of Bandar Abbas terminal, if there is no limitation for allocating lands, it is recommended to use artificial canebrake system with underground flow.