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Supply chain bottlenecks in port operations lead to significant delays and inefficiencies. Blockchain technology emerges as a viable solution, offering tamper-resistant ledgers, secure transactions, and automation capabilities. While considerable research on developing blockchain-based solutions currently exist, there is a lack of studies that specifically focus on optimizing port document management to speed up supply chain operations. In this paper, a supply-blockchain functional prototype for optimizing port operations using Hyperledger Fabric is introduced. In terms of core functionality, the prototype allows initiation of smart contract corresponding to functions such as creating and editing port-related documents, minimizing manual interventions and enhancing efficiency to reduce port congestion. Furthermore, it provides live tracking of completed events and transactions, facilitating transparency and streamlined oversight. The permissioned nature of Hyperledger Fabric ensures security and robust access controls, aligning well with sensitive port operations. Hyperledger Firefly and its connector framework was used as the middleware to facilitate blockchain integration and various functions of the prototype, while chaincode developed using Go language was used to package and deploy smart contracts. The supply-blockchain framework was used as the theoretical framework for prototype development, and agile project management was adopted to ensure timely completion. The results based on functional and performance testing demonstrate the prototype's potential in alleviating port documentation bottlenecks and quickly delivering benefits to key stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible light communication (VLC), popularly known as light fidelity (Li-Fi), is a promising alternative to overcome the limitations of radio-wave communication. VLC is a green technology which uses light-emitting diode (LED) illumination to transmit data without needing fibre cables. VLC is applicable for both indoor and outdoor communication. In this study, we investigate the effect of sandstorms on VLC via simulating a vehicular-to-road VLC (V2LC) outdoor application. Sandstorms are a weather phenomenon which frequently occurs in the Arab peninsula and other parts of the world; in this context, researchers have not thus far addressed the effect of sand particles, which absorb and scatter light, on VLC. Our simulation is conducted using MATLAB software (Natick, Massachusetts, U.S.A.), and the results show that the effect of sandstorms on VLC is similar to that of fog and rain as investigated by other researchers. However, sandstorms are also different in terms of the nature of sandstorm particles, with different sizes and refraction indices when compared with rain and fog particles. We also find that high-density-clay sandstorms, among other types of storms, most severely affect VLC communication and limit the transmission range. Other low- and medium-density storms less severely affect VLC while exhibiting a relatively larger communication range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a development to the hardware and software of a real-time tracking system that provides the position of the tracked vehicle accurately using fairly low-cost equipment and services. Vehicle tracking industries are expanding as businesses are interested to know their fleet vehicles positions minute by minute every day. Many systems were proposed recently that can provide such information. Design/methodology/approach – The system is implemented using GM862 cellular quad band module. A monitoring server and a graphical user interface on a Web site have also been implemented to view the current location of a vehicle on a specific map. Findings – The experiments were conducted and tested in different areas of the Kingdom Of Bahrain using Google maps, and results are discussed. Originality/value – The developed system has been compared to the available and imported tracking systems to some of the telematics companies in Bahrain, and the comparison has been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]