contact with LDPE. Because of limitations of available leftover patient urine volume, analysis time, and cost, we only performed singlicate experiments, which demonstrated that the THC-COOH concentrations in the inverted, metal lid containers of urine specimens varied by −50% to +9% from their plastic-only counterparts. When averaged, a reduction of 29% was observed. Specimens collected and sto...

In many knowledge-based systems the used knowledge is distributed among several knowledge sources. These knowledge sources may have dependencies between each other, which should be considered when maintaining these sources. An integrated maintenance approach for multiple Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) systems has to consider dependencies between the individual knowledge containers within one CBR sy...

Existing container-based development strategies provide solutions to the problem of encapsulating cross-cutting concerns in component-based software systems. These approaches fall short, however, in enabling tractable reasoning. To extend existing work in reasoning about parameterized components to container-based approaches, we view containers as parameterized components. We present a model of...

This paper describes the construction of three dimensional (3D) encapsulation devices in large numbers, using a novel self-assembling strategy characterized by high mechanical stability, controlled porosity, extreme miniaturization, high reproducibility and the possibility of integrating sensing and actuating electromechanical modules. We demonstrated encapsulation of microbeads and cells withi...

In this paper, we address the slot planning phase, in which the containers assigned to a container ship location have to be stowed, satisfying many conditions related to the way in which containers have to be stacked, the weight distribution and the specific conditions regulating the containers with dangerous products. In order to solve in an efficient way problems of realistic size, we have de...

In this paper, the maritime industry’s commitment to green supply chain has been analyzed. The objective of this study is to show that the reuse of empty containers not only adds value to a firm, but leads to waste reduction in the supply chain. The novelties of this article include (i) empty and laden containers are treated in accordance with a shipping company’s green effort; (ii) both the vo...

In recent times non-biodegradeable materials, especially containers of commercially baged drinking water has been a source of environmental concern to public health institutions and metropolitan, municipal and district administrations. These containers are not properly disposed of after use and choke drains and fill refuse dumping sites. Apart from the environmental problems these containers ar...

Because of most liner trade is imbalanced, liner operators often need to reposition their empty containers or to lease containers to meet customer’s demand. It is important for liner operators to allocate their empty containers effectively, which implying reducing their leasing cost and the inventory level at ports. In this paper, we consider the ocean transportation problem for empty container...