Restructuring seafarers’ welfare under the Maritime Labour Convention: an empirical case study of Greece

Maritime transport is the ‘invisible’ backbone that keeps the global economy moving on any given day, as has become obvious during the COVID-19 crisis. However, shipping and seafarers do not turn up in the public mind as a key sector, with key workers. It is important in this context to look into major issues concerning seafarers. This paper examines three of the major issues relating to the welfare of seafarers, including wages, social security benefits, and onboard and ashore welfare facilities and services. It is impossible to research all countries here, so this paper selects Greece – which is one of today’s primary shipping countries as for shipowning, as well as for global supply and demand for seafarers – to conduct an empirical case study. The entry into force of Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC), which probably is the most comprehensive convention governing maritime labour up to date, has had a significant impact on the world maritime industry. While the Convention aims to ensure fair competition and level-playing field for quality owners of ships, it is indisputable that it will increase shipowners’ operation cost in the first place. Despite involving more than 30,000 seafarers, Greece had not ratified MLC 2006 until 2013 when the Convention entered into force. Based on the existing knowledge and scholarship, and primary data collected in several phases of fieldwork, this paper critically examines the three major issues relating to the welfare of Greek seafarers. The main findings reveal that there is still a gap between the theoretical legal framework and the practical implementation in Greece. The paper explains the legal concepts regarding seafarer welfare matters in detail and collects the opinions from the industry. Such dilemmas are also common in other countries. These include possible delays and irregularities of wage payments, expensive and limited online communications and insufficient rest hours. Thus, the findings and suggestions revealed from this paper are of importance for the shipping industry and other states

New self-consistent quasistatic approximation for screening and plasma dispersion in the electron gas

A new self-consistent quasistatic screening approach is proposed for studying the properties of an interacting electron gas. The compressibility divergence and the ferromagnetic instability found in the static unscreened Hartree-Fock approximation are nonexistent in this scheme. A better fit to the experimental data on the plasma dispersion relation than the existing calculations for free-electron metals is obtained

Razvoj samoemulzifirajućeg sustava za isporuku albendazola (SEDDS) s pojačanom sistemskom apsorpcijom

The aim of the study was to develop and evaluate a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) formulation to improve solubility and dissolution and to enhance systemic exposure of a BCS class II anthelmetic drug, albendazole (ABZ). In the present study, solubility of ABZ was determined in various oils, surfactants and co-surfactants to identify the microemulsion components. Pseudoternary phase diagrams were plotted to identify the microemulsification existence area. SEDDS formulation of ABZ was prepared using oil (Labrafac Lipopfile WL1349) and a surfactant/co-surfactant (Tween 80/PEG-400) mixture and was characterized by appropriate studies, viz., microemulsifying properties, droplet size measurement, in vitro dissolution, etc. Finally, PK of the ABZ SEDDS formulation was performed on rats in parallel with suspension formulation. It was concluded that the SEDDS formulation approach can be used to improve the dissolution and systemic exposure of poorly water-soluble drugs such as ABZ.Cilj rada bio je razvoj i evaluacija samoemulzifirajućeg sustava za isporuku lijekova (SEDDS) povećane topljivosti i oslobađanja, te povećane sistemske apsorpcije anthelmintika albendazola (ABZ), lijeka iz klase BCS II. Odabir sastojaka za pripravu mikroemulzija izvršen je na temelju topljivosti albendazola u različitim uljima, surfaktantima i kosurfaktantima. Kako bi se odredilo područje u kojem dolazi do mikroemulzifikacije izrađeni su pseudoternarni fazni dijagrami. SEDDS formulacija albendazola pripravljena je pomoću smjese ulja (Labrafac Lipopfile WL1349) i surfaktanta/kosurfaktanta (Tween 80/PEG-400). Dobivenom pripravku određena su mikroemulzifirajuća svojstva, veličina kapljica, oslobađanje in vitro, itd. Osim toga, određeni su farmakokinetički parametri za ABZ SEDDS u štakora i uspoređeni sa suspenzijom albendazola. Zaključeno je da se pomoću SEDDS-a može povećati topljivost i sistemska apsorpcija lijekova slabo topljivih u vodi kao što je ABZ

Extremely Correlated Quantum Liquids

We formulate the theory of an extremely correlated electron liquid, generalizing the standard Fermi liquid. This quantum liquid has specific signatures in various physical properties, such as the Fermi surface volume and the narrowing of electronic bands by spin and density correlation functions. We use Schwinger's source field idea to generate equations for the Greens function for the Hubbard operators. A local (matrix) scale transformation in the time domain to a quasiparticle Greens function, is found to be optimal. This transformation allows us to generate vertex functions that are guaranteed to reduce to the bare values for high frequencies, i.e. are ``asymptotically free''. The quasiparticles are fractionally charged objects, and we find an exact Schwinger Dyson equation for their Greens function. We find a hierarchy of equations for the vertex functions, and further we obtain Ward identities so that systematic approximations are feasible. An expansion in terms of the density of holes measured from the Mott Hubbard insulating state follows from the nature of the theory. A systematic presentation of the formalism is followed by some preliminary explicit calculations.Comment: 40 pages, typos remove

Improved outcomes in the treatment of post-myocardial infarction ventricular septal defect with percutaneous TandemHeart left ventricular mechanical circulatory support

Background Post-myocardial infarction (MI) ventricular septal defect (VSD) is associated with 40% - 50% of peri-procedural mortalities; however, it is amenable to catheter-based therapies. We retrospectively investigated the impact of state-of-the-art bridging percutaneous left ventricular mechanical circulatory support (MCS) using the TandemHeart® (TH) ventricular assist device (VAD) on a patient with post-MI VSD. Results From July 2008 to March 2014, 23 patients were referred for treatment of post-MI VSD. Initially, 18/23 patients required MCS; 12 received an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), while 6 received initial TH support. Seven of the IABP patients later required TH support. Catheter-based device VSD closure was performed in 18 of the patients; however, three patients required conversion to conventional open cardiac surgical repair via VSD patch closure due to failure of the catheter-based approach. Five patients with TH underwent planned open cardiac surgical repair due to an anticipated lack of suitability for catheter-based treatment. Results revealed that delayed closure after MI correlated with improved survival. Overall, 30-day and 6-month survival rates were 83% (19/23) and 70% (16/23), respectively. Conclusions Further, Qp/Qs ratios of \u3c2.4 correlated with successful percutaneous VSD repair, and this assessment should be further explored as an assessment to inform clinical judgment in patients with post-MI VSD treatment

Prognostic model to predict postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery based on a national prospective observational cohort study.

Background: Acute illness, existing co-morbidities and surgical stress response can all contribute to postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The aim of this study was prospectively to develop a pragmatic prognostic model to stratify patients according to risk of developing AKI after major gastrointestinal surgery. Methods: This prospective multicentre cohort study included consecutive adults undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection, liver resection or stoma reversal in 2-week blocks over a continuous 3-month period. The primary outcome was the rate of AKI within 7 days of surgery. Bootstrap stability was used to select clinically plausible risk factors into the model. Internal model validation was carried out by bootstrap validation. Results: A total of 4544 patients were included across 173 centres in the UK and Ireland. The overall rate of AKI was 14·2 per cent (646 of 4544) and the 30-day mortality rate was 1·8 per cent (84 of 4544). Stage 1 AKI was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (unadjusted odds ratio 7·61, 95 per cent c.i. 4·49 to 12·90; P < 0·001), with increasing odds of death with each AKI stage. Six variables were selected for inclusion in the prognostic model: age, sex, ASA grade, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate, planned open surgery and preoperative use of either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker. Internal validation demonstrated good model discrimination (c-statistic 0·65). Discussion: Following major gastrointestinal surgery, AKI occurred in one in seven patients. This preoperative prognostic model identified patients at high risk of postoperative AKI. Validation in an independent data set is required to ensure generalizability

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Corrosion fatigue and pitting behaviour of duplex stainless steels in chloride solutions

The pitting and corrosion fatigue (CF) behaviour of two commercial duplex stainless steels (SS), one cast and other wrought, were studied in chloride solutions. One solution was a simple chloride (1M NaCl) and the other was a synthetic white water containing a lower concentration of chloride, together with oxidized sulphur species (thiosulphate). Differences in composition between the ferrite and austenite phases were determined by micro-analytical techniques. The pitting studies showed that the pitting potentials and the preferential pitting of the ferrite or austenite phases were dependent upon partitioning of the elements Cr,Mo and N between the two phases. Alloying considerations leading to improved pitting resistance were discussed and it was concluded that the beneficial effects of alloyed nitrogen were due to surface enrichment of N atoms. Potentiostatically controlled CF tests were combined with studies of repassivation kinetics to determine the mechanism of CF crack propagation. The crack tip chemistry was maintained under well characterized conditions by using high frequency fatigue testing to produce good mixing between the crack solution and bulk solution. Supplementary experiments confirmed that such mixing was achieved. Near-threshold CF propagation rates were studied with compact tension specimens as a function of cyclic stress intensity, ΔK, and electrochemical potential. The propagation of cracks was measured by optical microscopy and a back face strain gauge. Repassivation kinetics were studied as a function of potential by using potentiostatically controlled rapid scratch tests and monitoring anodic current transients with a fast response oscilloscope. The experiments showed that near-threshold fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rates in 1M NaCl were influenced by the applied potential. The FCP rates were faster at very cathodic potentials (-1.2Vsce) and very anodic potentials (+0.3 Vsce). At intermediate potentials (-0.4 Vsce) crack propagation rates were slower. However, there was little effect of potential on FCP in synthetic white water. The rapid scratch tests showed that the anodic potential where the fastest FCP rates were observed coincided with the potential at which the peak transient current density was highest and the repassivation rate was most rapid. Fractographic observations showed that at potentials where hydrogen evolution was not possible, the fracture surface features were independent of potential. At cathodic potentials where hydrogen evolution was possible, more interfacial fracture regions were seen. Cracking was completely transgranular at anodic potentials and opposing fracture surfaces contained fine scale (~2000A) interlocking ridges. It was concluded that FCP at anodic potentials was consistent with a restricted slip reversibility (RSR) model of cracking, where potential affects the rate of oxidation of freshly exposed surface which, in turn, controls the degree of slip reversibility at the crack tip. At cathodic potentials, where hydrogen is evolved during fatigue, it was concluded that hydrogen transport and embrittlement processes can increase the rate of fatigue crack propagation.Applied Science, Faculty ofMaterials Engineering, Department ofGraduat