To investigate the effect of the location of vacuum insulation panels on the thermal insulation performance of marine reefer containers, a 20^ft mechanical refrigeration reefer container was employed in this paper, and the physical and mathematical models of three kinds of envelopes composed of vacuum insulation panels (VIP) and polyurethane foam (PU) were numerically established. The heat transfer of three types of envelopes under unsteady conditions was simulated. In order to be able to analyze theoretically, the Rasch transform is used to analyze the thermal inertia magnitude by calculating the thermal transfer response frequency and the thermal transfer response coefficient for each model, and the results are compared with the simulation results. The results implied that the insulation performance of VIP external insulation is the best. The delay times of each model obtained from the simulation results are 0.81 h, 1.45 h, 2.03 h, and 2.24 h, while the attenuation ratios are 8.93, 20.39, 20.62, and 21.78, respectively; the delay times calculated from the theoretical analysis are 0.78 h, 1.43 h, 1.99 h, and 2.20 h, respectively; and the attenuation ratios are 8.84, 20.31, 20.55, and 21.72, respectively. The carbon reduction effect of VIP external insulation is also the best. The most considerable carbon reduction is 3.65894 kg less than the traditional PU structure within 24 h. The research has a guiding significance for the research and progress of the new generation of energy-saving reefer containers and the insulation design of the envelope of refrigerated transportation equipment.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between internal and information integration within the supply chain (SCI-INTI and SCI-INFI), supply chain management (SCM) practices, and port operational performance (POP) in Oman’s container ports. Additionally, it explores the mediating role of SCM practices in the relationship between SCI-INTI, SCI-INFI, and POP in Oman. To meet the study’s objectives, a quantitative cross-sectional survey method was used. A total of 377 questionnaires were distributed to managers responsible for supply chain operations in the main departments at Sohar and Salalah ports, yielding 331 usable responses, with a response rate of 88 percent. The data collected were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that both internal and information integration within the supply chain have positive and statistically significant effects on the operational performance of Oman’s container ports (POP). Specifically, Supply Chain Integration with Internal Integration (SCI-INTI) significantly impacts POP (β = 0.249, t = 5.039, p < 0.001), and Supply Chain Integration with Information Integration (SCI-INFI) also significantly affects POP (β = 0.259, t = 4.966, p < 0.001). Additionally, SCI-INTI positively influences Supply Chain Management Practices (SCMP) (β = 0.381, t = 7.674, p < 0.001), as does SCI-INFI (β = 0.484, t = 9.878, p < 0.001). Furthermore, SCMP positively and significantly influences the operational performance of Oman’s container ports (β = 0.424, t = 7.643, p < 0.001). These findings contribute to the literature by emphasizing the significance of internal and information integration within the supply chain and SCM practices as strategic internal resources and capabilities that enhance operational performance in container ports. Understanding these elements enables decision-makers and policymakers within government port authorities and port operating companies to optimize internal resources and capabilities to improve port operational performance.

Knowledge of the state of fragmentation and transformation of a forested landscape is crucial for proper planning and biodiversity conservation. Chile is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots; within it is the Nahuelbuta mountain range, which is considered an area of high biodiversity value and intense anthropic pressure. Despite this, there is no precise information on the degree of transformation of its landscape and its conservation status. The objective of this work was to evaluate the state of the landscape and the spatio-temporal changes of the native forests in this mountain range. Using Landsat images from 1986 and 2011, thematic maps of land use were generated. A 33% loss of native forest in 25 years was observed, mainly associated to the substitution by forest plantations. Changes in the spatial patterns of land cover and land use reveal a profound transformation of the landscape and advanced fragmentation of forests. We discuss how these patterns of change threaten the persistence of several endemic species at high risk of extinction. If these anthropogenic processes continue, these species could face an increased risk of extinction.

Developing Asia’s infrastructure gap results from both inadequate public resources and a lack of effective channels to mobilize private resources toward desired outcomes. The public-private partnership (PPP) mechanism has evolved to fill the infrastructure gap. However, PPP projects are often at risk of becoming distressed, or worst, being terminated because of the long-term nature of contracts and the many different stakeholders involved. This paper applies survival-time hazard analysis to estimate how project-related, macroeconomic, and institutional factors affect the hazard rate of the projects. Empirical results show that government’s provision of guarantees, involvement of multilateral development banks, and existence of a dedicated PPP unit are important for a project’s success. Privately initiated proposals should be regulated and undergo competitive bidding to reduce the hazard rate of the project and the corresponding burden to the government. Economic growth leads to successful project outcomes. Improved legal and institutional environment can ensure PPP success.

In this study, the effect of roasting and boiling on the yield and oxidative stability of soya bean oil was investigated. The oil was soxhlet extracted and the oxidative stability was determined by the free fatty acid value, acid value and peroxide value. The results showed that the oil yield, free fatty acid value, acid value and peroxide value were significantly affected by roasting, boiling, and the thermal treatment time. The percentage oil yield in the control oil sample was 18.51%, which increased to 20.24% and 20.73% after boiling and roasting respectively, at 40mins. The corresponding free fatty acid and the peroxide value of the control oil sample were 0.14% and 2.04 meqO₂/kg, which increased to 0.82% and 6.60 meqO₂/kg by roasting, and 0.47% and 5.62 meqO₂/kg by boiling respectively. Thus the oil yield, free fatty acid value, peroxide value, and acid value increased with increasing roasting and boiling time.
The results indicate that roasting provides a higher oil yield than boiling, but boiled oil has higher oxidative stability than roasted oil.