Abstract: The present specification relates to a method for reporting channel state information (CSI) in a wireless communication system, and the method performed by a terminal comprises the steps of: receiving, from a base station, a radio resource control (RRC) signaling including control information relating to a configuration of a 12-port CSI-reference signal (RS); receiving, from the base station, the 12-port CSI-RS through a 12-port CSI-RS resource on the basis of the received control information; and reporting CSI to the base station on the basis of the received CSI-RS. Therefore, full power transmission per port is enabled in the transmission of a 12-port CSI-RS.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a switch system. The switch includes a port profile which specifies a set of port configuration information. During operation, a control mechanism within the switch detects a source MAC address of an incoming frame and determines that the MAC address is associated with the port profile. The control mechanism then applies the port profile to a switch port on which the frame is received.

Abstract: Containerization is one of the important factors for Thailand's economics. However, forecasts of container throughput growth and development of Bangkok Port, the significant port of Thailand, have been scant and the findings are divergence. Moreover, the existing literature emphasizes only two forecasting methods, namely time series and regression analysis. The aim of this paper is to explore Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) and Linear Regression for predicting future container throughput at Bangkok Port. Factors affecting cargo throughput at Bangkok Port were identified and then collected from Bank of Thailand, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, World Bank, Ministry of Interior, and Energy Policy and Planning Office. These factors were entered into MLP and Linear Regression forecasting models that generated a projection of cargo throughput. Subsequently, the results were measured by root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE). Based on the results, this research provides the best application of forecasting technique which is Neural Network — Multilayer Perceptron technique for predicting container throughput at Bangkok Port.

Abstract: A novel Network-based Integrated Choice Evaluation (NICE) model is developed to enhance the multinomial logit preference (MNL) model that is widely employed in the existing port choice literature. The NICE model integrates the element of port service network with observational port attributes to identify important quality characteristics on which liner shipping companies base their port choices. An empirical study of the proposed model is conducted through the service schedules of three established liner shipping companies. Results show that port efficiency and scale economies are the more important dimensions influencing liner shipping companies’ selection of major Asian ports. Nevertheless, it is important for a competitive port to balance its efforts among all the dimensions.

Abstract: In a computer-implemented method, a port profile is associated with a virtual machine that requires a VLAN connection to an external network through an edge port. The port profile includes a VLAN identification associated with the VLAN connection and an edge port identification associated with the edge port. The method further comprises migrating the virtual machine from a first physical server to a second physical server, wherein both the first and second physical servers are in communication with a network switch comprising the edge port. After migrating the virtual machine to the second physical server, the virtual machine is automatically provided with a VLAN connection to the external network in accordance with the port profile associated with the virtual machine. Similarly, a port profile may be associated with a virtual machine as it is created and deployed to a server, wherein the VLAN connection is configured according to the associated port profile.

Abstract: Despite the temporary respite afforded by worldwide recession, limitations on port capacity still plague the container handling industry. At the same time, competitive pressures continue to mount on container ports. In recent years, the dry port concept has increasingly been applied, not only as a vehicle for overcoming capacity problems, but also as a deliberate attempt at expanding or reinforcing the hinterlands of container ports. The objective of this paper is to apply the Product Life Cycle to ports and to relate dry port development to the prolongation of the growth and/or maturity phases of a Port’s Life Cycle. In doing so, the dry port concept is explained by reference to both the literature and industry examples. The Product Life Cycle is then related specifically to container port development, and the prospect of dry ports exerting a positive impact on the Product Life Cycle of container ports is evaluated. The paper concludes by identifying the circumstances which are likely to characterize a successful implementation of the dry port concept, such that the desired effect of prolonging a port’s growth and/or maturity phases is achieved.

Abstract: In recent years there have been significant changes to the logistics environment in which ports operate, which is now focused on supply chain management, global networking and customer orientation practices. Furthermore, ports have adopted different strategies concerning their level and form of integration into supply chains, service quality and provision of value-added activities. Traditional port performance indicators focus on specific ‘efficiency’ measures, whereas contemporary indicators are expected to be inclusive of all aspects of operations and to be consistent with the strategies of the organisation. In this regard, this article analyses the changes currently taking place in the port industry and develops a port performance framework that reflects these changes. The framework was designed based on exploratory study, and the validity and reliability of the framework were confirmed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. It is concluded that port performance is multifaceted, not limited to internal processes and also related to external service aspects such as service quality and logistical elements such as value-added services. In addition, it is shown that port operating companies and port authorities should strive to maintain a balanced focus on both effectiveness and efficiency aspects of performance management and improvement, aiming to meet the requirements of customers and other supply chain actors.

Abstract: This work describes the interdependent adverse effects of disruptive events on inter-regional commodity flows resulting from disruptions at an inland port terminal. To do so we integrate the risk-based Multi-Regional Inoperability Input–Output Model, which measures the cascading regional effects of disruptions to interconnected industries, with models, which simulate port operations such as commodity arrival, unloading, sorting, and distributing. Such models capture three disruption scenarios at the port and provide measures of impact to industries that use the inland port terminal facility. A case study highlights the disruptive effects of a closure of the Port of Catoosa in Oklahoma.

Abstract: Ports function as important gateways of international trade and, accordingly, they tend to be regarded as major accelerators of local economic development in the age of globalization. However, due to advancement of logistic technology, change of economic structure and so on, local benefits derived from ports show decreasing trend. In this paper, major literatures regarding port-city interface are reviewed and input-output linkage effects of ports are examined. And then, the relationship between ports and economic performances of major port cities in Korea are discussed based on empirical data of port throughput and economic indicators. According to the analyses, typical port cities of Busan and Incheon failed to get out of poor state of economic performances until lately. It seems the convenience of readily available port services cannot guarantee economic success of the cities where ports are located. Local economies may no longer benefit much from nearby ports.

Abstract: Described are techniques for determining preferred paths. A host requests first information from each of one or more ports of a data storage system. The first information includes preferred path information for a first device visible to the host through each port. The preferred path information includes one or more parameters used by said host to perform one or more mathematical calculations to determine a preferred path for transmitting to the data storage system a data operation directed to the first device. The first information is sent from each port to the host.

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present an approach to measuring container port competitiveness, a key but neglected element of channel management in a complex and dynamic logistics environment underpinned by commercial confidence and trust in European supply chains fed with goods from container ports in Northeast Asia.Design/methodology/approach – This study applies a fuzzy methodology to measure port competitiveness based on the expert judgements of logisticians. It applies a trapezoidal fuzzy number to measure their perceptions. The method accepts a linguistic expression of their judgements of five of the world's top six container ports in terms of container through‐puts, including Hong Kong, Busan, Shanghai, Kaohsuing, Shenzhen. Qindao ranked 16th and Tokyo ranked 20th were also analyzed.Findings – Hong Kong achieved the highest score on port service but on hinterland conditions Shanghai scored highest and Busan the lowest. Hong Kong topped the ratings on the availability factor and the conv...

Abstract: How do seaports evolve in relation to each other? Recent studies in port economics and transport geography have been focused on how supply-chain integration has structurally changed the competitive landscape in which individual ports and port actors operate. Port regionalization has been addressed as the corresponding new phase in the spatial and functional evolution of port systems. However, these studies lack theoretical foundations that allow us to assess empirically the role either of the institutional context or of strategic agency in the competitive (spatial and functional) evolution of regional (integrated) port systems. The authors present an evolutionary framework to analyze the development of seaports in a regional context by making use of the concept of ‘windows of opportunity’. The role of seaport-based evolution in the processes aimed at positioning market players and ports on the container scene in the Rhine–Scheldt Delta is examined.

Abstract: Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology is among the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies that have been proposed for substantially improving performance of container port operations. In addition, more implementation is to be expected in the field of container yard and depot as well as in logistics-related activities. Seaports, especially container terminals, are expected to become one of the efficient nodes among all logistics activities with the help of IoT technology in the operation practice of sea port, which plays an essential role in transportation; there is a trend that IoT technology, including RFID technology, is to be adopted to fulfill future electronic identity verification and remote location and control over cargo. A goal of this article is to critically evaluate RFID application for operational procedures in port-based container logistics. Based on that, some previously used technologies are briefly introduced with their effectiveness and efficiencies so that comparison can be ma...

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to examine how users evaluate port effectiveness and identify those constructs relevant to that evaluation. The three user groups studied are carriers, cargo interests, and suppliers of services at the port. The study team developed an on-line survey instrument and delivered it to Canadian port users with the assistance of eight industry organizations. The findings of the research are based on the contributions of 57 decision makers with port usage experience, many of whom fit into more than one group of users. The study concludes that the evaluation criteria influencing users’ perceptions of satisfaction, competitiveness, and service delivery effectiveness are different, and so while the determinants of these constructs have considerable overlap, they are different constructs. This paper also illustrates how independent (or third-party) evaluation of port performance might be used by a port to strategically improve its service to users, and therefore have value from a port ...

Abstract: Increasing competition in the container shipping sector has meant that terminals are having to equip themselves with increasingly accurate analytical and governance tools. A transhipment terminal is an extremely complex system in terms of both organisation and management. Added to the uncertainty surrounding ships’ arrival time in port and the costs resulting from over-underestimation of resources is the large number of constraints and variables involved in port activities. Predicting ships delays in advance means that the relative demand for each shift can be determined with greater accuracy, and the basic resources then allocated to satisfy that demand. To this end, in this article we propose two algorithms: a dynamic learning predictive algorithm based on neural networks and an optimisation algorithm for resource allocation. The use of these two algorithms permits on the one hand to reduce the uncertainty interval surrounding ships’ arrival in port, ensuring that human resources can be planned around just two shifts. On the other hand, operators can be optimally allocated for the entire workday, taking into account actual demand and operations of the terminal. Moreover, as these algorithms are based on general variables they can be applied to any transhipment terminal. Future integration of the two models within a broader decision support system will provide an important support tool for planners for fast, flexible planning of the terminal's operations management.

Abstract: The South African container port system is subject to a major revision of the existing port hierarchy. The aim is to move away from a set of gateway ports to a hub port configuration. Such a shift would allow the South African port system to benefit better from market dynamics. This paper deals with the application of multi-criteria analysis (MCA) to the evaluation of three alternative locations for the development of a large hub port in the South African container port system (i.e. Durban, Richards Bay and Ngqura). Three groups of selection criteria are identified: criteria relevant to the port users, to the terminal operators/investors and to the community. The MCA model gives the best score to Ngqura with Durban taking second place.

Abstract: Recently, awareness has been raised about a number of "blind" attacks that can be performed against the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and similar protocols. The consequences of these attacks range from throughput-reduction to broken connections or data corruption. These attacks rely on the attacker's ability to guess or know the five- tuple (Protocol, Source Address, Destination Address, Source Port, Destination Port) that identifies the transport protocol instance to be attacked. This document describes a simple and efficient method for random selection of the client port number, such that the possibility of an attacker guessing the exact value is reduced. While this is not a replacement for cryptographic methods, the described port number randomization algorithms provide improved security/obfuscation with very little effort and without any key management overhead. The mechanisms described in this document are a local modification that may be incrementally deployed, and that does not violate the specifications of any of the transport protocols that may benefit from it, such as TCP, UDP, SCTP, DCCP, and RTP.