launched into the coupler at the input port 1 will partially emerge at port 3, from which it is guided along the fiber loop and reaches port 2 and will be partially coupled to the output port 4. The field at port 2 will couple partially to port 4 and partially to port 3, thus continuing to circulate in the loop. The characteristics of this all-fiber ring resonator have been investigated both th...

This paper proposes a re-conceptualization of the port supply chain as a smart service 10 system, according to the theory of the Service science. Starting from a short literature review about 11 the port supply chain approach and the Service science, a new comprehensive framework is 12 provided to better understand the seaport dynamics and the creation of competitive port supply 13 chains. The ...

A double forecasting model based on conditional expectation is proposed through probability distribution of port cargo throughput. A compound variable, being composed of the number of cargo ships arriving at the port and the operating efficiency of handling equipment, is constructed. The port cargo throughput is the sum of all compound variables which indicated the cargo throughput each time wh...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Evidence is increasing that single-port or single-incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and feasible alternative for cholecystectomy in children. In this study, we sought to compare the single-port hybrid technique, which we originally reported in 2012, with the conventional 4-port approach, in regards of complications, outcome, operative time and cost. MET...

This study was conducted to determine Pb (Pb) and Cd (Cd) concentrations in the liver and muscle of Platycephalus indicus (flathead) in Minab, Qeshm Island and Khamir Port in the Northeastern Persian Gulf. Moreover, the influences of season (winter and summer) and target tissue (liver and muscle) on the Pb and Cd concentrations in flathead were investigated and compared with FAO/WHO standards f...

BACKGROUND While 5-port laparoendoscopic radical prostatectomy is standard practice, efforts have been focused in developing a single port surgery for cosmetic reasons. However, this is still in the pioneering stage considering the challenging nature of the surgical procedures. We have therefore focused on reduced port surgery, using only 2-ports. In this study, we compared 2-port laparoendosco...

A new blood access system for hemodialysis (HD) addresses the major shortcomings of current accessing techniques and helps overcome patient adversity with available choices. The system uses new methods, devices and compositions comprising several novel elements: (1) totally implanted port, elementally simple in design, small and robust with improved safety features, (2) engineered transcutaneou...

PURPOSE To explore the value of radiotherapy in C-SCLC patients, especially in those receiving a radical resection. RESULTS The differences of survivals between the postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) and non-PORT groups were not statistically significant. But analyzing the benefits in subgroups, PORT significantly improved OS (p = 0.015), DFS (p = 0.026), LRFS (p = 0.008) and DMFS (p = 0.030) ...

BACKGROUND Thoracoscopic surgery has become very popular in recent years. Conventional thoracoscopic surgery requires three or more port wounds for manipulations of endoscopic instruments. For complicated cancer surgery, more port wounds and a larger thoracotomy wound may be required due to technical reasons. We want to investigate the effectiveness of single-port thoracoscopic approach in elec...