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The use of anaerobic moving-bed biofilm reactors was investigated for biogas production from the liquid fraction of sewage sludge hydrolysate. Anaerobic digestion requires traditionally long retention times due to the slow growth of methanogens. This work investigated biogas production with 2–3 days retention time under mesophilic (37°C) and thermophilic (50°C) conditions. Two continuous reactors were operated to treat the liquid fraction of hydrolysate sewage sludge for 196 days. The mesophilic reactor showed a more stable performance compared to the thermophilic one. The mesophilic reactor kept the soluble COD removal above 80 % at a volumetric loading rate (VLR) above 7 g COD L−1 d−1, and specific surface loading rate (SARL) above 20 g SCOD m−2 d−1. In contrast, the thermophilic reactor displayed a soluble COD removal above 80 % at an average VLR of 4.2 g COD L-1 d-1, and average SARL of 14 g SCOD m−2 d−1. The biogas from both systems contained 73 % methane. The microbial analysis of the biofilm showed that 36 % of the viable cells were anaerobic microorganisms. [Display omitted] • Biogas is produced from hydrolyzed sewages sludge in less than 3-day retention time. • Biogas has high methane content, above 70 %. • Mesophilic anaerobic MBBR was found more stable than thermophilic one. • The removal of the soluble COD was 80 % at a volumetric organic load above 7 g COD L−1 d−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides are pivotal in modern agriculture, efficiently managing weeds and supporting sustainable farming. One of such herbicides is 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), a synthetic auxin that targets broad-leaved weeds. It's praised for controlling various weeds with minimal injury to monocot plants. Innovative delivery methods for 2,4-D, like slow release and targeted systems, offer benefits such as extended herbicide release and reduced environmental impact. This review assesses diverse 2,4-D delivery systems: biochar, silica, layered inorganic materials, polymers, and gels, analyzing their benefits and limitations. Success in these systems relies on finding the optimal balance between strong herbicide bonding for high loading efficiency and the controlled release necessary for the desired herbicidal action. Porous materials adapt porosity for this equilibrium, and organic formulations optimize bonding groups. Layered materials, especially hydroxide ones, show potential by attracting 2,4-D anions. Controlled release is critical; Si-based systems achieve pH-controlled release, while polymers rely on hydrolysis modulated by temperature and acidity. Moreover, light-responsive groups offer precise control over 2,4-D distribution via irradiation. These studies highlight how inventive materials and techniques can transform agrochemicals. Ongoing research and development in this field will further enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and safety of herbicide delivery, benefiting agricultural practices and environmental stewardship. [Display omitted] • Review of 2,4-D delivery systems: biochar, silica, layered inorganics, polymers, gels. • Balancing herbicide bonding for high efficiency and controlled release is crucial. • Functional groups in organic formulations optimize bonding and control release. • Positively charged layers attract 2,4-D anions, enhancing loading efficiency. • Polymers control 2,4-D release via hydrolysis modulated by temperature and acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different types of biomaterials have been used to fabricate carriers to deliver bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in both dentoalveolar and maxillofacial bone regeneration procedures. Despite that absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) is considered the gold standard for BMP delivery, there is still some concerns regarding its use mainly due to its poor mechanical properties. To overcome this, novel systems are being developed, however, due to the wide variety of biomaterial combination, the heterogeneous assessment of newly formed tissue, and the intended clinical applications, there is still no consensus regarding which is more efficient in a particular clinical scenario. The combination of two or more biomaterials in different topological configurations has allowed specific controlled-release patterns for BMPs, improving their biological and mechanical properties compared with classical single-material carriers. However, more basic research is needed. Since the BMPs can be used in multiple clinical scenarios having different biological and mechanical needs, novel carriers should be developed in a context-specific manner. Thus, the purpose of this review is to gather current knowledge about biomaterials used to fabricate delivery systems for BMPs in both dentoalveolar and maxillofacial contexts. Aspects related with the biological, physical and mechanical characteristics of each biomaterial are also presented and discussed. • Strategies for bone formation and regeneration are a major concern in dentistry. • Topical delivery of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) allows rapid bone formation. • BMPs requires proper carrier system to allow controlled and sustained release. • Carrier should also fulfill mechanical requirements of bone defect sites. • By using complex composites, it would be possible to develop new carriers for BMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop a model to help carriers effectively and efficiently deal with flight rescheduling and passenger transport problems after a typhoon disruption event. A network flow technique is employed to construct an optimization model with the objective of minimizing the total operating costs. The model is formulated as an integer multiple network flow problem with certain side constraints, and is characterized as NP-hard. To efficiently solve realistically large problems, a heuristic algorithm is developed. Moreover, a dynamic application framework is proposed to assist decision makers in running the model and adjusting the flight schedule with the passage of time. To evaluate the model and the heuristic algorithm, a case study based on the operations of a major Taiwan airline is performed. The test results demonstrate that the model and the algorithm could be useful references in actual operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main influencing factor in photothermal catalytic reduction of CO 2 is carrier migration limitation. To further enhance the carrier transport rate, iodide-modified Bi 2 MoO 6 quantum dots (BMO QDs) were constructed and deposited on a monolayer of reduced graphene oxide surface (rGO) to construct a BMO-I QDs/rGO heterojunction. Quantum dots have short carrier migration distances due to their ultra-small bulk phase thickness, allowing carrier migration to occur quickly and electron-hole complexation to be reduced. rGO heterojunction can promote the formation of thin stacked structures in BMO-I QDs and a photothermal conversion temperature of 74. 6 °C. The rGO and BMO-I QDs can form a C–I–Bi interfacial electron bridge, and the I- playing transport channel provides a bridge for carrier interfacial transport, which enables the electrons in the BMO QDs to migrate to the surface of the rGO, formation of an electron cloud on the rGO for rapid catalytic reduction of CO 2 , and the CO production on BMO-I QDs/5rGO was 2.02 times higher than that on BMO-I QDs. The construction of heterojunctions is demonstrated to accelerate CO 2 cleavage and CO desorption by DFT calculations of CO 2 adsorption, electronic energy band structure and density of states. [Display omitted] • Construction of monolayer reduced graphene oxide heterojunctions to form electron-rich interfaces for fast charge transport. • Facilitating carrier transport across interfaces by introducing I-chemicals to construct Bi–I–O electronic bridges. • Enhancing photothermal conversion of BMO-I QDs by constructing monolayer reduced graphene oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the potential benefits of collaboration among less than truckload (LTL) carriers in fulfilling pickup and delivery jobs. It adopts the commonly used centralized collaborative planning scheme where a central authority pools all jobs and allocate them to the carriers with the objective of minimizing the total transportation cost. However, in this study, LTL carriers are allowed to retain some of the jobs. This extension to the centralized planning scheme is necessary to make collaboration practical. When the carriers are allowed to retain some of their jobs, the allocation of the pooled jobs by the central authority is more complex because it needs to consider the location of the retained jobs. To this end, a mathematical model and a solution method based on large neighborhood search (LNS) are proposed. The experimental results from hypothetical networks provide several important insights regarding cost savings for various collaboration scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the use of integrated IT systems in integrated transport management, and in particular the use of the Port Community System in communication between an integrated transport operator and individual carriers or loaders in the organisation and execution of specific transport functions where a large part of cargo operations are performed in seaports. Its objective is to present the opportunities offered by the PCS for the integration of actors in integrated cargo transport in the context of ensuring safe and efficient transport services. The paper presents the key aspects of the ongoing transport integration process, and most importantly, the role of a port as an integrator of organisation and execution of processes necessary for cargo handling. The capabilities and functionality of the PCS system are analysed, and the relational networks offered by the system are presented. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the urgent need to fully implement a single harmonised IT system across Polish seaports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize power allocation, Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based cognitive radio (CR) network allows flexible spectrum and adaptive capability. Decreased capacity due to subcarrier cancelation and out of band reduction can be compensated while employing multiple inputs and multiple outputs (MIMO) along with OFDM based CR. MIMO allows better beam forming and directivity due to multiple transmit and receive antenna. Here we have implemented water filling mechanism with channel state information (CSI) for optimal power allocation under hybrid spectrum sharing scenario such as overlay, underlay and interweave. Main objective is to maximize overall capacity of cognitive radio network in downlink while considering interference constraint imposed by primary user and maximum transmit power constraint at secondary user. Simulation results demonstrate waterfilling approach for hybrid scenario in MIMO-OFDM based CRN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold smuggling is a fancy word which everyone comes across in cinema, TV and newspaper. It is a transnational crime that happens via land, sea and airways. Transnational gold smuggling is an unorganized crime which is executed by the smuggling syndicates internationally by recruiting carriers/couriers -- in Tamil 'kuruvi' or 'kokku' as code word. These carriers all are not smugglers by profession. The gold smuggled in to Indian territories are mostly from West Asian countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc; South and Southeast Asian countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, etc. Chennai city international airport is one such hot spot, prone to rampant transnational gold smuggling. Gold smuggling cases in the Chennai airport has become a series of endless crime, even during the corona pandemic emergency lockdown. The gold smuggling cases through airports are caught and dealt by customs inside the airport according to Customs Act 1962; and by DRI officials in and outside the airport. The objective of this paper is to proffle and analysis of the MO of this transnational crime. This paper is based on latent content analysis a qualitative methodology. The authors have collected secondary data published in newspapers (Indian dailies) from the October 2018 to March 2020. The data collected are ascertained and presented for readers to infer proffle and analysis of the MO of the gold smuggling in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the very topical issues of the use of spot ship's space booking and the dynamic adjustment of ocean freight, according to the demand and availability of cargo space on container ships. Container lines are facing the challenges of filling the growing container ships, which also raises the difficulty of managing the overbooking. Two research hypothesis; that (H1) freight forwarders have concerns about a new spot booking mode and a dynamic way of formulating ocean rates; and that (H2) freight forwarders feel threatened by Container Lines (CL) to some extent to phase them out from the organization of intermodal transport chains due to the introduction of larger ships and the risk of low space occupation, are followed by the research. A survey between freight forwarders and NVOCCs (Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier) on a global scale provides guidelines for the further development of CL model for the booking process and the formation of ocean rates because the results expose how new ways of working have a greater impact on the operational and commercial work between CL, freight forwarders and NVOCCs. According to the obtained result, the article proposes a three-step approach to be developed by CL that would bring freight forwarders and NVOCCs closer to a new way of working, reduce business risks, and, as a result, provide leverage to achieve ship space optimization and lower space pressure on container terminals. The study provides new understandings in building new operational models for efficient maritime logistics and brings novelty to the scientific community by defining descriptive gaps in changing strategic and operational approach for ship's cargo space optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A single-centre interrupted time series quasi-experimental study was undertaken to assess whether a hospital policy of selective digestive decontamination (SDD, gentamicin/amikacin with neomycin) administered to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) carriers would reduce the duration of carriage and contain the spread of CRE. No significant difference in time to CRE eradication was observed between the observation (12 months, 120 patients) and intervention (12 months, 101 patients) periods. No change in the trend of new in-hospital CRE acquisitions or bacteraemia during the intervention was detected. As such, administration of SDD to CRE carriers was not effective for the eradication of carriage or controlling in-hospital CRE transmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diphtheria is a lethal disease and toxin is the most important instrument of pathogenicity. Antidiphtheria antibody plays a role in determining someone to be healthy, carriers, or be ill. Diphtheria infection will not provide a sufficient antibody level to the patient few months or years after. This study aimed to determine anti-diphtheria antibody level of individuals several years after someone being patients or carriers. The participants of this cross-sectional study were all diphtheria carriers and patients aged < 18 years in East Java Province Indonesia from the period of 2011-2015. The record was obtained from East Java Provincial Health Office. Subjects were visited, interviewed, and underwent physical examinations. Blood samples were obtained and the anti-diphtheria antibody level was determined using the Vero cell method. The result was then modified using WHO criteria. Data analysis used Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Chi-Square tests as appropriate with p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval considered as significant. Among 25 carriers and 88 patients from 21 districts in the study, mostly above five-year-olds, only 11% carriers and 6% patients received three times immunization after the period of illness, indicating that the follow up by health care officers was not satisfactory. The antibody levels of the patients were significantly different from the carriers along with a prevalence ratio of 1.26 if the antibody was at a susceptible level. There were 8% carriers and 20% patients in the susceptible group. In conclusion, six months to 3.5 years after having the illness, diphtheria patients remained to have lower anti-diphtheria antibody levels as compared to the carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the paper is to analyze performance of major carriers across Europe, with particular focus on those operating in Central and South East Europe. With the ultimate aim of becoming fully integrated into the European Union aviation market, these airlines underwent significant transformations in the last two decades. The study utilizes the Fuzzy Theory-based Data Envelopment Analysis to evaluate efficiency of the airlines since some of the indices (e.g. punctuality) could be subject to imprecise measurement. The set of airlines contains several major airlines operating in Western, Central and South-East Europe in 2008 and 2012, the years that coincide with the economic crisis and overall financial recovery. The results of the model indicate that Central and South-East European carriers tend to be less efficient in comparison to Western counterparts over the period observed, but their overall efficiency has generally improved based on the Malmquist index. Moreover, based on the calculation of the Malmquist index one can reveal that despite the fact that most of the Central and South-East Europe airlines succeeded to increase their technical efficiency through adoption of new technologies, they still remained out of the efficient frontier. • The airline efficiency is evaluated for 2008 and 2012. • The study utilizes the Fuzzy Theory-based DEA to evaluate efficiency. • CE and SEE airlines are less efficient than their counterparts in Western Europe. • The efficiency scores are generally higher for CE airlines than for SEE airlines. • CEE and SEE airlines have improved their efficiency based on the Malmquist index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing literature appears to suggest that low-cost carriers (LCCs) tend to focus their business at "secondary airports" instead of "primary airports". However, there lack systematic quantifiers to distinguish the two airport types. The present paper investigates whether this remark still holds today, and if not, whether the change is a worldwide phenomenon. We first establish a systematic parameterization to classify airport types, based on aviation network connectivity, regional importance, and MAR (multi-airport region) effects. With this classification of world airports, our analysis of the latest empirical data shows that some previously indubitable features of LCCs might have slowly changed. In particular, LCCs are expanding fast at both upper-tiers' and lower-tiers' airports, and there is a trend of shifting airport choice from lower-tiers' to upper-tiers' airports for LCCs in some continents. The evolving competition relationship between the full-service carriers (FSCs) and LCCs is also discussed. • LCCs are expanding not only in low-tiers' airports, but also in upper-tiers. • Over half of the LCCs' long-haul flights involved using upper-tiers' airports. • Majority of LCCs' multiple-carrier-itinerary has at least one leg operated by FSCs. • LCCs elevated some airports to Super hub under the World Airport classification. • Within a tier, LCCs growth rate is higher in non-MAR group than in MAR group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide-body aircraft are frequently used to meet upsurges in passenger demand, resulting in the underutilization of the belly-hold capacity on many routes. In the existing literature, investigating this specific underutilization problem has not received much attention from scholars in this field. Therefore, in this paper, we study this problem with two main objectives. First, to propose an Extra-baggage service as a solution to the underutilization problem. Second, to provide the associated prices for the proposed extra-baggage service. For this purpose, we adopt the newsvendor-based pricing model that explores different prices, while combining different amounts of extra-baggage and cargo in the belly-hold space. To demonstrate the potential and feasibility of the proposed service, a numerical simulation has been performed. The simulation includes comparing the expected profit from cargo allocation with the expected profit from the allocation of a combination cargo with Extra-baggage. The simulation results show a significant profit improvement for the airlines, while using the Extra-baggage scheme. This is apparent as the profit increases by 25% over the current excess baggage scheme. Moreover, the results show a double profit improvement in various seasons. This performance echoes the importance of the extra-baggage service being implemented in real practice. • To solve the aircraft belly-hold underutilization, extra-baggage service is proposed. • Newsvendor model is adopted to discuss the pricing options of the extra-baggage service. • The correlation between cargo and baggage is important to set the optimal extra-baggage price. • Combining extra-baggage service to the cargo service increases the airline profit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Catalytic metals, in combination with alkaline adsorbents and various carriers were evaluated for CO 2 capture and conversion to CH 4. • Ru,"NaO"/Al 2 O 3 is the best combination for capturing CO 2 from an O 2 -containng flue gas followed hydrogenation to CH 4. • Formation of inactive NiO, from the O 2 -containing flue gas capture step, does not form CH 4 during hydrogenation. Abstract Dual Function Materials (DFM) capture CO 2 from flue gas followed by catalytic conversion to methane all at 320 °C using renewable H 2. DFM is composed of a catalytic metal intimately in contact with alkaline metal oxides supported on high surface area carriers. The catalyst is required to methanate the adsorbed CO 2 after the capture step is carried out in an O 2 -and steam-containing flue gas. Ruthenium, Rhodium and Nickel are known CO 2 methanation catalysts provided they are in the reduced state. Ni is a preferred methanation catalyst based on price and activity, however, its inability to be reduced to its active state during the DFM process (capture and hydrogenation at 320 °C) was compared with Ru and Rh as methanation candidates. The performance of a variety of alkaline adsorbents was also studied and the strengths and weaknesses of candidate catalysts and adsorbents were evaluated. All samples were tested in a fixed bed reactor to quantify the extent and rate of methane generation. Complementing fixed bed testing, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to evaluate the extent of CO 2 adsorption and rate of catalytic methanation. Pre-reduced (at 650 °C) Ni-containing DFM is highly active for CO 2 methanation. However, the hydrogenation with 15% H 2 /N 2 is completely inactive after exposure to O 2 and steam, in a flue gas simulation, during the CO 2 capture step at 320 °C. Rh and Ru DFMs were effective methanation catalysts with Ru being superior based on capture capacity, hydrogenation rate and price. In contrast to Ni – containing DFM, Ru remained active towards methanation even after exposure to flue gas simulation. Alkaline adsorbents ("Na 2 O", CaO, "K 2 O" and MgO) in combination with reduced Ru were tested for adsorption and methanation. Ru – "Na 2 O"/Al 2 O 3 DFMs showed the highest rates for methanation although CaO is also a reasonable candidate. To date, we have demonstrated that γ-Al 2 O 3 is the most suitable carrier for DFM application relative to other materials studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of the existing street network built without a layout is very difficult problem (almost insoluble problem). A detailed study needs to be solved a similar problem. It also needs traffic statistics, and various surveys for traffic participants. To make sure the necessary records for an efficient analysis needs a lot of work and a long time to complete. After collecting the necessary data, then through various software such as GIS software, Traffic analysis etc. we can improve the level of services by adding or eliminating any of the problematic routes. The optimization of urban transport lines is a very important problem in bus network planning. Many researchers have been dealing with these phenomena over the years, but there has never been a general pattern applicable to any urban situation as each city is a case in itself and requires more specific approach. In this paper we present the performance of different algorithms for finding shortest route on a network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study electromechanical fields near the interface between a circular piezoelectric semiconductor cylinder and another piezoelectric semiconductor in which it is embedded. The cylinder is p-doped. The surrounding material is n-doped. The phenomenological theory of piezoelectric semiconductors consisting of the equations of piezoelectricity and the conservation of charge for holes and electrons is used. The theory is linearized for small carrier concentration perturbations. An analytical solution is obtained, showing the formation of a PN junction near the interface. Various electromechanical fields associated with the junction are calculated. The effects of a few physical parameters are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Carriers of Neisseria meningitidis are a key source of transmission. In the African meningitis belt, where risk of meningococcal disease is highest, a greater understanding of meningococcal carriage dynamics is needed.Methods: We randomly selected an age-stratified sample of 400 residents from 116 households in Bamako, Mali, and collected pharyngeal swabs in May 2010. A month later, we enrolled all 202 residents of 20 of these households (6 with known carriers) and collected swabs monthly for 6 months prior to MenAfriVac vaccine introduction and returned 10 months later to collect swabs monthly for 3 months. We used standard bacteriological methods to identify N. meningitidis carriers and fit hidden Markov models to assess acquisition and clearance overall and by sex and age.Results: During the cross-sectional study 5.0% of individuals (20/400) were carriers. During the longitudinal study, 73 carriage events were identified from 1422 swabs analyzed, and 16.3% of individuals (33/202) were identified as carriers at least once. The majority of isolates were non-groupable; no serogroup A carriers were identified.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the duration of carriage with any N. meningitidis averages 2.9 months and that males and children acquire and lose carriage more frequently in an urban setting in Mali. Our study informed the design of a larger study implemented in seven countries of the African meningitis belt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrophobicity of vitamin E poses transport and metabolic challenges to regulate its bioavailability and to prevent its accumulation in lipid-rich tissues such as adipose tissue, brain, and liver. Water-soluble precursors of vitamin E (α-tocopherol, αT), such as its esters with acetate (αTA), succinate (αTS), or phosphate (αTP), have increased solubility in water and stability against reaction with free radicals, but they are rapidly converted during their uptake into the lipid-soluble vitamin E. Therefore, the bioavailability of these precursors as intact molecules is low; nevertheless, at least for αTS and αTP, the recent research has revealed unique regulatory effects on signal transduction and gene expression and the modulation of cellular events ranging from proliferation, survival/apoptosis, lipid uptake and metabolism, phagocytosis, long term potentiation, cell migration, telomere maintenance, and angiogenesis. Moreover, water-soluble derivatives of vitamin E including some based on αTP are increasingly used as components of nanocarriers for enhanced and targeted delivery of drugs and other molecules (vitamins, including αT and αTP itself, vitamin D3, carnosine, caffeine, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), insulin) and cofactors such as coenzyme Q10. In this review, the chemical characteristics, transport, metabolic pathways, and molecular mechanisms of action of αTP in cells and tissues are summarized and put into perspective with its possible role in the prevention of a number of diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hydrogen fermentation of glucose in fixed bed reactors using polyethylene (thin and less porous) and ceramic (thick and high porous) material as a support for biofilm formation has been investigated. The results showed that thick porous biofilm developed by ceramic carriers favored the growth of more amount of biomass; however, accelerating the formation of propionic acid and resulting in a lower hydrogen production. In contrast, and interestingly, polyethylene material has supported the formation of thin biofilm and allowed higher hydrogen production performance. The glucose consumption was more than 97% in both the cases. The maximum productivity was achieved in the case of polyethylene material supported reactor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives an approach to the probabilistic corrosion rate estimation model for inner bottom plates of bulk carriers. Firstly, by using the data from thickness measurements for inner bottom plates for considered 25 bulk carriers, the related best fitted linear model for the corrosion wastage is obtained as a function of ship's age. In this model it is assumed that life of coating is 4 years. The obtained related corrosion rate is equal to 0.135474 mm/year. Notice that the obtained linear model is a particular case of a power model proposed in some earlier investigations. In view of the fact that the corrosion rate of ship hull structures is influenced by many factors, many of an uncertain nature, in recent studies several authors investigated a probabilistic model as more appropriate to describe the expected corrosion. Motivated by these investigations, and using 2926 thickness measurements for corrosion wastage of inner bottom plates of considered 38 special ships surveys, this paper examines the cumulative density function for the corrosion rate c1 involved in the mentioned linear model, and considered here as a continuous random variable. The obtained statistical, numerical and graphical results show that the logistic distribution or normal distribution would be well appropriate for the probabilistic corrosion rate estimation model for inner bottom plates of bulk carriers. It is believed that this fact will be confirmed with greater statistical reliability in our future investigations including many more data collected on the considered corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper considers the dehumanization of the African during and after the First World War, focussing on East Africa. During the campaign dehumanization was evident in attitudes towards African soldiers but was most starkly seen in the treatment of the carriers. These attitudes informed the work of the Imperial War Graves Commission, which largely excluded Africans from individual commemoration in British cemeteries and memorials. The German authorities were more inclusive in their commemoration of African casualties, at both Moshi and Tanga (Tanzania). The paper puts these attitudes in historical context, looking at dehumanizing approaches to Africans in a range of sources from the pre-war and wartime period. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In this paper, we propose an approach to model the processes freight forwarding servicing under stochastic demand through forming rational delivery routes. This study aims to develop a mathematical model of forwarding servicing by defining the incoming impact and environmental factors, characterizing elements of the technological process and providing an analytical description of the relationship between the input parameters and efficiency criteria in a form of functional dependencies. The proposed model could serve as theoretical basis for development of decision support software for transport and freight forwarding companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose -- Although Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) expansion coincided with the growth of tourism demand in Croatia (and worldwide), their arrival on Croatian airports has happened just recently. As data related to their impact on airport business performance is scarce, the following research is done for the purpose of filling up a small portion of this knowledge gap. Design -- Besides the theoretical framework on the issue of the LCCs impacts on airports business performance, the paper also gives empirical insights into the matter on the Croatian international airports. Methodology -- Information were collected by using both available secondary data as well as the results of a semi structured questionnaire filled in by the officials from the Croatian international airports, in the period from January to May 2014. Findings -- The empirical research has showed that respondents had positive opinion on the LCCs presence and their overall impact on the airports business performance. Related to the findings some strategic directions for the policy makers have been given. Originality -- This article is one of the very few dealing with the LCCs presence on Croatian airline market and definitely the only one discussing LCCs impacts on Croatian airport performance from the airports' managers point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Preparation of new ceo-friendly carriers and their utilization in dyeing of different type of polyester fabrics are studied; the prepared carriers were established using, infrared. The applications of the prepared carriers in dyeing polyester fabrics have been investigated. The newly prepared carriers could be successfully used for dyeing different type of polyester fabrics and in general their pints possess color strength value comparable or even higher to those obtained upon using selected commercial carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to develop an integrated multimodal transportation, freight shippers and carriers, operators of multimodal transport in particular, must create and develop business strategies bringing together managerial, economic, technological and human resources. Additional investments are expensive for the companies, especially in the areas where quick orientation in the current situation is required. On the basis of diverse works of the authors, the paper analyses Information Technologies (IT) application multimodal transportations issues and perspectives, as well as provides the results of the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial technology is the most sustainable and eco-friendly method of environmental remediation. Immobilised microorganisms were introduced to further advance microbial technology. In immobilisation technology, carrier materials distribute a large number of microorganisms evenly on their surface or inside and protect them from external interference to better treat the targets, thus effectively improving their bioavailability. Although many carrier materials have been developed, there have been relatively few comprehensive reviews. Therefore, this paper summarises the types of carrier materials explored in the last ten years from the perspective of structure, microbial activity, and cost. Among these, carbon materials and biofilms, as environmentally friendly functional materials, have been widely applied for immobilisation because of their abundant sources and favorable growth conditions for microorganisms. The novel covalent organic framework (COF) could also be a new immobilisation material, due to its easy preparation and high performance. Different immobilisation methods were used to determine the relationship between carriers and microorganisms. Co-immobilisation is particularly important because it can compensate for the deficiencies of a single immobilisation method. This paper emphasises that impact conditions also affect the immobilisation effect and function. In addition to temperature and pH, the media conditions during the preparation and reaction of materials also play a role. Additionally, this study mainly reviews the applications and mechanisms of immobilised microorganisms in environmental remediation. Future development of immobilisation technology should focus on the discovery of novel and environmentally friendly carrier materials, as well as the establishment of optimal immobilisation conditions for microorganisms. This review intends to provide references for the development of immobilisation technology in environmental applications and to further the improve understanding of immobilisation technology. [Display omitted] • Carbon materials and biofilms are better immobilisation materials due to their rich sources and microbial friendliness. • Covalent organic framework (COF) is a new possibility of immobilisation. • Co-immobilisation can compensate for the deficiency of single immobilisation. • Medium affects immobilisation and reaction process. • Immobilisation is a new strategy to improve the biodegadation of microplastic and per- and polyfluorinated (PFCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simvastatin (SIM), which is widely used in hyperlipidemia treatment, has also attracted attention due to its anabolic effects on bones. This study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 2 mg SIM combined with 3 different carriers as delivery systems. Bone defects were surgically created in the femoral bones of 14 New Zealand white rabbits. The carriers used were the inorganic bovine bone graft (BOS), the hydroxyapatite combined with calcium sulfate (HACS), and the collagen sponge (COS). The bone defects were divided for each time period into 7 groups, as follows: passive control group (CONT), active control groups (BOS), (HACS) and (COS) (no simvastatin), and groups (BOS + SIM), (HACS + SIM) (carrier and simvastatin combination). Animal were sacrificed at 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, and bone defects areas were prepared for histological examination and histomorphometric evaluation. Analysis of variance demonstrated statistically significant differences between groups depending on the carrier used. At 4 weeks, the BOS + SIM group presented higher rates of new bone formation, whereas at 8 weeks more new bone formation was noted for the HACS + SIM group. This study suggests that local application of simvastatin, combined with an appropriate carrier, can promote new bone formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades shipping traffic has increased, leading to elevated underwater ambient noise levels. Research has been conducted on the noise generated by ships underway, however little is known about potential noise from ships at anchor. In coastal regions, commercial vessels can seek anchorages prior to entering port, leading to concern regarding the impacts on the soundscape and marine ecosystems. Cowichan Bay, British Columbia, a coastal region (800 Ha) 70 km away from the Port of Vancouver, was examined as a case study to understand the possible soundscape contribution from anchored bulk carriers. When a carrier anchored, sound pressure levels (SPL: 20–24,000 Hz) were elevated 2–8 dB re: 1 μPa throughout the bay. These results demonstrate the change anchored carriers can have on underwater soundscapes and is an important step in understanding the potential impact these vessels may have on marine organisms and important ecosystems. • Detailed examination of impacts of anchored commercial vessels on the soundscape • Anchored bulk carriers significantly elevate sound levels between 20 and 24,000 Hz. • Significant frequency and directional dependent additions to the local soundscape [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The adoption of management concepts has attracted much attention in organisation studies. However, there is still a lack of research on the pre-adoption phase, where managers become aware of and develop interest in management concepts and ideas. This paper explores how adopters of the balanced scorecard in Scandinavia encountered the concept. Using data from interviews with users of the concept, the paper shows that the most important contact points were consultants, the conference/seminar scene, and user networks, while the business media and educational programmes were of relatively little importance. The data support viewing the spreading of management concepts as taking place within a management fashion arena, where different suppliers and managers interact. Instead of being broadcasted from supply-side actors to passive adopters, as is suggested by traditional diffusion theories, concepts are circulated between the different actors participating in this arena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Chlamydiales order includes the Chlamydiaceae, Parachlamydiaceae, Waddliaceae, Simkaniaceae, Criblamydiaceae, Rhabdochlamydiaceae, Clavichlamydiaceae, and Piscichlamydiaceae families. Members of the Chlamydiales order are obligate intracellular bacteria that replicate within eukaryotic cells of different origins including humans, animals, and amoebae. Many of these bacteria are pathogens or emerging pathogens of both humans and animals, but their true diversity is largely underestimated, and their ecology remains to be investigated. Considering their potential threat on human health, it is important to expand our knowledge on the diversity of Chlamydiae, but also to define the host range colonized by these bacteria. Thus, using a new pan-Chlamydiales PCR, we analyzed the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in ticks and fleas, which are important vectors of several viral and bacterial infectious diseases. To conduct this study, 1340 Ixodes ricinus ticks prepared in 192 pools were collected in Switzerland and 55 other ticks belonging to different tick species and 97 fleas belonging to different flea species were harvested in Algeria. In Switzerland, the prevalence of Chlamydiales DNA in the 192 pools was equal to 28.1% (54/192) which represents an estimated prevalence in the 1340 individual ticks of between 4.0% and 28.4%. The pan-Chlamydiales qPCR was positive for 45% (25/55) of tick samples collected in Algeria. The sequencing of the positive qPCR amplicons revealed a high diversity of Chlamydiales species. Most of them belonged to the Rhabdochlamydiaceae and Parachlamydiaceae families. Thus, ticks may carry Chlamydiales and should thus be considered as possible vectors for Chlamydiales propagation to both humans and animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anthocyanins derived from purple carrots were extracted, and identified by using HPLC. Extracted pigments from purple carrots are used as alternative natural red colorants for preparing hard candy and sweet jelly and also red carrot pigment used as natural antioxidant on sunflower oil to delay the rancidity of sunflower oil. Purple carrots contain 168.7 mg anthocyanin/100 g on fresh weight basis, where the major constituents were Cyanidin-3-xylosyl-glucosyl-galactoside acylated with ferulic acid (33.65%) followed by Cyanidin-3-xylosyl-glucosyl-galactoside acylated with coumaric acid (29.85%) and Cyanidin-3-xylosyl-galactoside (28.70%) as determined by HPLC. Dextrin was the best carrier for purple carrots anthocyanin pigment followed by cellulose, soluble starch and glucose respectively. On the other hand, the highest pigment color stability of anthocyanin derived from purple carrots was obtained at pH values ranged between 1.0 and 4.0 and temperatures ranged between 40 and 80 °C, while the degradation ratio of anthocyanin being 15% of total pigments after 180 min at 100 °C. Antioxidant activities of anthocyanin from purple carrots were assessed by determining peroxide value on sunflower oil during 7 days at 60 °C. Sunflower oil contained 1000 ppm purple carrots extract showed lower peroxide value being (7.90) than using 200 ppm synthetic antioxidant (BHT) (8.38) meq/kg. Analysis of variance for sensory evaluation of prepared hard candy and sweet jelly indicated that there were no significant differences for hard candy contains 0.30% and sweet jelly 0.20% anthocyanins pigments from purple carrots and control hard candy and sweet jelly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: To obtain the prevalence with clinical symptoms of Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayetanensis), a coccidian protozoan parasite, in Thailand which is the cause of an intestinal infection characterized by sporadic-to-frequent explosive diarrhea. Methods: In a field survey conducted by the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, as part of the existing parasite-control program, a total of 2 540 faecal samples from villagers in Nan Province, Thailand, were collected and examined to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of parasitic infections. Results: Twelve cases of C. cayetanensis infection were found during faecal examination of schoolchildren aged 5-12 years. None exhibited obvious clinical symptoms, especially evidence of diarrhea; 5 of 12 had loose faeces, one reported frequent symptoms of abdominal discomfort, and another had pale conjunctiva with low hematocrit. The children were generally asymptomatic. Conclusions: This finding confirms a public-health issue with potentially serious consequences whereby children can be exposed to an environment contaminated with food-and water-borne transmitted oocysts, and can hence become infected with C. cayetanensis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

When the phrase "contract of carriage" means acquisition of goods under the bill of lading or lease for a voyage ship determined, two sides have the vocation to find themselves in a relationship with the carrier (carrier or shipowner strict sense) charger (charger strict sense or the renting voyage) and the recipient. But these parts are often (as retain the hypothesis) related to the conditions of the sales contract. In this short exposures will invoke some effects of the sales contract on the contract of carriage, as they agreed above, meaning largo sensu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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