Port 4.0: a conceptual model for smart port digitalization

Port and terminal operators are experiencing growing complexity and rapidly accelerating demands. As a result, the entire port ecosystem — from the seaports to inland intermodal terminals — is under pressure to modernize. Port 4.0 is a port that leverages advanced technologies to digitally transform key business processes, improve security, and increase operational efficiency and port sustainability. This study presents a conceptual framework for Port 4.0. The conceptual framework describes key principles, enabling technologies, and key service areas for port digitalization. The framework is illustrated using digitalization examples in different ports worldwide.publishedVersio

Multimodal schedule design for synchromodal freight transport systems

Intermodal freight transport has been discussed for decades as an alternative to unimodal road transport. However, it still does not represent a significant portion of the total freight market. A new and promising possibility to improve the performance of freight systems is the synchromodal design of hinterland transport systems. A cornerstone for synchromodality is an integrated view in the design and operation of intermodal transport. A main benefit of this integrated view is an improved flexibility in mode choice in hinterland transport. This paper gives a detailed description of this integrated view for synchromodal freight transport. Based on this description, a mathematical model for designing service schedules for synchromodal freight transport systems is also presented. The benefits of providing integrated transport services compared to separately planned transport services are also discussed for a case in the hinterland network of the Port of Rotterdam

Value of Information in Improving Daily Operations in High-Density Logistics

In this paper we investigate the value of shared information between chain actors for improving daily operations in high-density logistics processes at distribution warehouses. We first define a generic high-density logistics process at a distribution warehouse based on real-world cases. Utilizing daily shared information about inbound flow (i.e. truck-arrival time) and outbound flow (i.e. required timeframes), we then propose daily process redesign on changing process parameters and evaluate their impact on the process performance using a discrete-event simulation model of a floricultural supply chain. Additionally, the impact of different information characteristics (i.e. timeliness, accuracy and completeness) on the effectiveness of the redesign decision are studied through different scenarios. This work contributes to a better understanding of the value of information in supporting decision-making at the operational level, particularly in warehouse operations. It also helps to raise the awareness of industrial managers regarding the use of information for improving process performance as well as the importance of information characteristics

Reefer logistics and cool chain transport

Reefer logistics is an important part of the cool chain in which reefer containers are involved as the packaging for transporting perishable goods. Reefer logistics is challenging, as it deals with cost and time constraints as well as the product quality and sustainability requirements. In many situations, there is a trade-off between these factors (e.g., between transportation time and the quality of fresh products). Furthermore, considering the high value of reefers, the efficient logistics of is as important as the efficient cargo flows. This causes technical complications and the conflict of interests between actors, especially, between cargo owners (or shippers) and the asset owners (or transport/terminal operators). Improving the efficiency of reefer logistics calls for a thorough understanding of the trade-offs and complexities. This paper aims to help develop such an understanding using a systematic literature review and a socio-technical system analysis. The results can be used to provide managerial insights for actors involved in a cool chain to design tailored solutions for reefer

Flow consolidation in hinterland container transport: An analysis for perishable and dry cargo

The continuously increasing container throughput has created complex operational problems for port operations and port-hinterland transportation. Increase in negative externalities such as air pollution and road congestion are examples of challenging issues. Consolidation of cargo/container flows may help to alleviate the situation by better utilizing the means of transport and containers. Using analytical models for three scenarios – only-trucking (no-consolidation), container consolidation and combined container/cargo consolidation – we discuss the conditions under which the consolidation of flows can be beneficial. The results imply that shipment distance and type of cargo are important factors that affect the performance of flow consolidation in port-hinterland logistics

Fiber manipulation and post-assembly nanobody conjugation for adenoviral vector retargeting through SpyTag-SpyCatcher protein ligation

For adenoviruses (Ads) to be optimally effective in cancer theranostics, they need to be retargeted toward target cells and lose their natural tropism. Typically, this is accomplished by either engineering fiber proteins and/or employing bispecific adapters, capable of bonding Ad fibers and tumor antigen receptors. This study aimed to present a simple and versatile method for generating Ad-based bionanoparticles specific to target cells, using the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system. The SpyTag peptide was inserted into the HI loop of fiber-knob protein, which could act as a covalent anchoring site for a targeting moiety fused to a truncated SpyCatcher (SpyCatcherΔ) pair. After confirming the presence and functionality of SpyTag on the Ad type-5 (Ad5) fiber knob, an adapter molecule, comprising of SpyCatcherΔ fused to an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) nanobody, was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and purified before conjugation to fiber-modified Ad5 (fmAd5). After evaluating fmAd5 detargeting from its primary coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR), the nanobody-decorated fmAd5 could be efficiently retargeted to VEGFR2-expressing 293/KDR and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cell lines. In conclusion, a plug-and-play platform was described in this study for detargeting and retargeting Ad5 through the SpyTag-SpyCatcher system, which could be potentially applied to generate tailored bionanoparticles for a broad range of specific targets; therefore, it can be introduced as a promising approach in cancer nanotheranostics

Managing supply chain disruptions: an integrated agent-oriented approach

Behzad Behdani and Rajagopalan Srinivasa