Optimising the climate resilience of shipping networks

Climate catastrophes (e.g. hurricane, flooding and heat waves) are generating increasing impact on port operations and hence configuration of shipping networks. This paper formulates the routing problem to optimise the resilience of shipping networks, by taking into account the disruptions due to climate risks to port operations. It first describes a literature review with the emphasis on environmental sustainability, port disruptions due to climate extremes and routing optimisation in shipping operations. Second, a centrality assessment of port cities by a novel multi-centrality-based indicator is implemented. Third, a climate resilience model is developed by incorporating the port disruption days by climate risks into shipping route optimisation. Its main contribution is constructing a novel methodology to connect climate risk indices, centrality assessment, and shipping routing to observe the changes of global shipping network by climate change impacts

The association of lyme disease with loss of sexual libido and the role of urinary bladder detrusor dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to carry out a pilot study to compare the loss of sexual libido between a group of Lyme disease patients and a group of matched controls. The secondary aim was to evaluate whether loss of libido in Lyme disease patients is associated with urinary bladder detrusor dysfunction. METHODS: A group of 16 serologically positive Lyme disease patients and 18 controls were queried directly about loss of libido. RESULTS: The 2 groups were matched with respect to age, sex, body mass index, and mean arterial blood pressure. None of the 34 subjects was taking medication that might affect sexual libido or had undergone a previous operative procedure involving the genitourinary tract. Of the 16 Lyme disease patients, 8 (50%) had no loss of libido, and of the 18 controls, none had loss of libido (P<0.001). In the Lyme disease patient group, there was no statistically significant relationship between loss of libido and urinary bladder detrusor dysfunction (P=0.61). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggested an association between Lyme disease and loss of libido. Moreover, this loss of libido did not seem to be associated with urinary bladder detrusor dysfunction. Given these results, we recommend further studies to confirm the association

Climate change adaptation for seaports by Climate Change Risk Indicators (CCRI)

The study is to provide a Climate Change Risk Indicators (CCRI) framework for climate adaptation for seaports, to link research to policy-making process on such a demanding topic. This paper first provides a literature review with international bodies and technical bodies on climate change adaptation for seaports. Second, a Fuzzy Evidential Reasoning (FER) model is employed to evaluate the climate risks in seaports. Third, six seaports in United Kingdom (UK) are selected for examples to demonstrate the use of CCRI. Finally, a comparative analysis of Yangtze River Delta and the United Kingdom (UK) in climates and seaport industries is done to visualize the possibilities in implementing the frameworks

Review on Seaport and Airport Adaptation to Climate Change: A Case on Sea Level Rise and Flooding

Seaports and airports are the critical nodes of international supply chains and thus stand on the edge of social and economic disasters. They are often affected by extreme and rough weather. Comparing all climate threats, sea level rise (SLR) and storming and flooding currently present, according to the relevant literature, the most severe impact in ports and airports. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of seaport and airport adaptation to climate change with a focus on SLR and flooding. We have summarized all related research papers and divided them into different types and described the trend of studies. After that, the study involves a comparison to analyze the synergy between previous studies in seaports and airports and provides insights for further studies to emphasize the needs and opportunities for the collaborative work that can complement the adaptation planning of and ensure the resilience of seaports and airports

Sustainable Ground Transportation and the E-Commerce Revolution: Innovations and Challenges at the Intersection

This review paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the symbiotic relationship between sustainable ground transportation and the dynamic realm of e-commerce. It delves into the critical intersection of environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and the evolving landscape of online commerce. This review synthesises cutting-edge technologies and strategies aimed at reducing energy requirements and environmental impacts in ground transportation. It explores advancements in lightweight materials, aerodynamics, and alternative fuels, emphasising their potential to mitigate the environmental footprint of vehicles. Additionally, the transition towards zero-emission vehicles, including battery-operated and fuel-cell vehicles, is analysed, taking into account both short-term and long-term outlooks. Simultaneously, the paper delves into the evolving landscape of e-commerce, which has become an integral part of modern consumer behaviour. It investigates the influence of e-commerce on ground transportation practices, emphasising the importance of efficient logistics, last-mile delivery, and sustainability in meeting the demands of the digital commerce era. By providing a holistic view of the challenges and opportunities at the nexus of sustainable ground transportation and e-commerce, this review paper offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders striving to shape a more sustainable and responsive future for ground transportation in the digital age

Prioritizing Vehicle Cleanliness (PVC) using Key Green Performance Indicators (KGPI)

Climate catastrophes (e.g. hurricane, flooding and heat waves) are generating increasing impact on port operations and hence configuration of shipping networks. This paper formulates the routing problem to optimise the resilience of shipping networks, by taking into account the disruptions due to climate risks to port operations. It first describes a literature review with the emphasis on environmental sustainability, port disruptions due to climate extremes and routing optimisation in shipping operations. Second, a centrality assessment of port cities by a novel multi-centrality-based indicator is implemented. Third, a climate resilience model is developed by incorporating the port disruption days by climate risks into shipping route optimisation. Its main contribution is constructing a novel methodology to connect climate risk indices, centrality assessment, and shipping routing to observe the changes of global shipping network by climate change impacts

Topological Photonics

Topology is revolutionizing photonics, bringing with it new theoretical discoveries and a wealth of potential applications. This field was inspired by the discovery of topological insulators, in which interfacial electrons transport without dissipation even in the presence of impurities. Similarly, new optical mirrors of different wave-vector space topologies have been constructed to support new states of light propagating at their interfaces. These novel waveguides allow light to flow around large imperfections without back-reflection. The present review explains the underlying principles and highlights the major findings in photonic crystals, coupled resonators, metamaterials and quasicrystals.Comment: progress and review of an emerging field, 12 pages, 6 figures and 1 tabl

Pulse wave velocity is associated with increased plasma oxLDL in ageing but not with FGF21 and habitual exercise

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and adiponectin increase expression of genes involved in antioxidant pathways, but their roles in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise remain unknown. We explored the role of the FGF21–adiponectin axis in mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness with ageing and habitual exercise. Eighty age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were assigned to younger sedentary or active (18–36 years old,n=20 each) and older sedentary or active (45–80 years old,n=20 each) groups. Arterial stiffness was measured indirectly using pulse wave velocity (PWV). Fasted plasma concentrations of FGF21, adiponectin and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) were measured. PWV was 0.2-fold higher and oxLDL concentration was 25.6% higher (both p<0.001) in older than younger adults, despite no difference in FGF21 concentration (p=0.097) between age groups. PWV (p=0.09) and oxLDL concentration (p=0.275) did not differ between activity groups but FGF21 concentration was 9% lower in active than sedentary individuals (p=0.011). Adiponectin concentration did not differ by age (p=0.642) or exercise habits (p=0.821). In conclusion, age, but not habitual exercise, was associated with higher oxidative stress and arterial stiffness. FGF21 and adiponectin did not differ between younger and older adults, unlikely mediating oxidative stress and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. <br

Fostering innovation in the blue economy within the United Kingdom (UK): A stakeholders’ perspective

In a 2019 European Commission report, the Blue Economy (BE) within the United Kingdom (UK) represented 22% of the European Union's (EU) BE Gross Value Added (GVA) at approximately €39 billion. Coupled with the clear value of the BE to the UK, there is an urgent need to innovate and develop technologies to decarbonise and advance the sector. A deeper understanding of the current position for multiple stakeholders must be considered before any major governmental or long-term strategy decisions can be made. This paper presents the perspective of academic, industrial and governmental stakeholders analysis of how the UK can move forward with developing innovations within the BE. Utilising a questionnaire and round table discussions, specialists from all stakeholders gave their opinions on industry-academia-governmental working relationships and technology transfer readiness. Reasonably high satisfaction was found with key aspects that enable a successful collaborative project between academia and industry towards technology commercialisation; however, there is still room for improvement. This paper offers an analysis of how to further enhance and foster technology development within the UK BE. A collaborative approach is proposed to ensure best practices, and a ‘triple helix’ (TH) collaboration strategy to be used as a tool for those engaging in these types of working relationships. Future directions on enhancing technology transfer innovation within the UK BE are also suggested