Search Results (184)

Despite navigation advancements in enhanced sensor utilization and increased focus on maritime training and education, most marine accidents still involve collisions with high human involvement. Furthermore, navigators’ knowledge and application of the most often misunderstood Rule 10 Traffic Separation Schemes (TSS) according to the Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREG) represents the first focus in this study. To provide insight into the level of understanding and knowledge regarding COLREG Rule 10, a customized, worldwide survey has been created and disseminated among marine industry professionals. The survey results reveal a notable knowledge gap in Rule 10, where we initially assumed that more than half of the respondents know COLREG regulations well. According to the probability calculation and chi-square test results, all three categories (OOW, Master, and others) have significant rule misunderstanding. In response to the COLREG misunderstanding, together with the increasing density of maritime traffic, the implementation of Decision Support Systems (DSS) in navigation has become crucial for ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks and enhancing navigational safety in general. This study presents a structural approach to vessel prioritization and decision-making within a DSS framework, focusing on the classification and response of the own vessel (OV) to bow-crossing scenarios within the TSS. Through the real-time integration of AIS navigational status data, the proposed DSS Architecture offers a structured, rule-compliant architecture to enhance navigational safety and the decision-making process within the TSS. Furthermore, implementing a Fall-Back Strategy (FBS) represents the key innovation factor, which ensures system resilience by directing operator response if opposing vessels disobey COLREG rules. Based on the vessel’s dynamic context and COLREG hierarchy, the proposed DSS Architecture identifies and informs the navigator regarding stand-on or give-way obligations among vessels. Full article

Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) offers a cost-effective platform for high-resolution marine magnetic surveys using shipborne fluxgate magnetometers. However, platform-induced magnetic interference and electromagnetic interference (EMI) can degrade data quality, even with paramagnetic hulls. This study evaluates fluxgate magnetometer data acquired from a paramagnetic-hulled USV. Noise characterization identified EMI and maneuver-induced high-frequency noise, the latter of which was effectively reduced through low-pass filtering. We compared four different correction approaches addressing both vessel attitude and magnetization. The results demonstrate that the paramagnetic hull significantly reduces magnetic interference and shortens the duration of viscous magnetization (VM) effects caused by eddy currents in the platform, compared to conventional ferromagnetic vessels. Nonetheless, residual magnetization from onboard ferromagnetic components still requires correction. A method utilizing all nine components of the susceptibility tensor demonstrated improved accuracy and stability. Despite corrections, low-frequency VM-related noise during azimuth changes and a consistent absolute offset (~200 nT) remain when compared to towed scalar magnetometer data. These findings validate the use of paramagnetic USV for vector magnetic surveys, highlighting their benefit in VM mitigation while emphasizing the need for further development in VM correction and offset correction to achieve high-precision measurements. Full article

This study estimated the density distribution of Antarctic krill inhabiting an area near the South Shetland Islands using two acoustic analysis methods recommended by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, based on data collected using an echosounder installed on commercial fishing vessels. Mean Antarctic krill density for the entire survey area was estimated with two methods recommended by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The mean body length of krill collected using trawl gear was 49.06 ± 4.15 mm (range: 22.0–67.0 mm), with mode of krill observed at 50 mm body length. Using the swarm-based method and the frequency differences according to krill size, the mean densities of krill for stations and transects were 14.86 g/m² (CV = 47.09%) and 13.10 g/m² (CV = 41.16%), respectively. Furthermore, using the dB-difference method for the entire survey area, the average densities were 10.76 g/m² (CV = 43.83%) and 10.14 g/m² (CV = 53.48%), respectively, using the frequency difference based on krill size determined at all stations and per transect. Full article

Systemic cancer progression culminating in metastatic disease is implicitly dependent on tumour cell interactions with the vascular system. Indeed, different facets of the micro- and macro-vasculature can be regarded as rate-limiting ‘vascular checkpoints’ in the process of cancer dissemination. The underlying complex communication networks drive tumour neovascularization, angiogenesis, immunoregulation, activation of the coagulation system, angiocrine interactions, and non-angiogenic vascular responses across multiple cancer types. Yet, each cancer may represent a unique vascular interaction scenario raising a prospect of targeted modulation of blood and lymphatic vessels for therapeutic purposes, beyond the traditional notion of tumour anti-angiogenesis. While the emphasis of studies aiming to understand this circuitry has traditionally been on soluble, or ‘mono-molecular’ mediators, the rise of the particulate secretome encompassing heterogeneous subpopulations of extracellular vesicles (EVs; including exosomes) and particles (EPs) brings another dimension into the tumour–vascular communication web during the process of metastasis. EVs and EPs are nanosized cellular fragments, the unique nature of which lies in their ability to encapsulate, protect and deliver to target cells a range of bioactive molecular entities (proteins, RNA, DNA) assembled in ways that enable them to exert a wide spectrum of biological activities. EVs and EPs penetrate through biological barriers and are capable of intracellular uptake. Their emerging vascular functions in metastatic or infiltrative cancers are exemplified by their roles in pre-metastatic niche formation, thrombosis, vasectasia or angiocrine regulation of cancer stem cells. Here, we survey some of the related evidence supporting the biological, diagnostic and interventional significance of EVs/EPs (EVPs) in disseminated neoplastic disease. Full article

This study explores gender perceptions and equity challenges within the maritime cruise industry, focusing specifically on crew experiences aboard European Union-flagged vessels. The research aims to evaluate the extent to which gender diversity, equality, and inclusion are perceived, practiced, and institutionalized onboard. A structured Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was administered to the crew members across various departments and ranks, investigating perceptions of discrimination, career advancement, workplace safety, and the implementation of gender-sensitive policies. Results indicate persistent gender disparities, particularly in areas such as promotion opportunities, emotional burden, and reporting of harassment. While overall attitudes toward diversity appeared positive, a significant proportion of female respondents reported experiencing bias, isolation, and unequal treatment despite possessing equivalent qualifications. Statistical analysis, including Chi-square tests and Exploratory Factor Analysis, identified three dominant perception dimensions: structural bias, emotional strain, and safety concerns. A notable gap emerged between institutional policies and actual behaviours or trust in enforcement mechanisms. The authors contribute to the field by designing a context-specific KAP instrument, applying robust statistical methodologies, and offering actionable recommendations to maritime organizations. These include enhancing reporting systems, improving mentorship opportunities, and institutionalizing training on unconscious bias. This study provides empirical evidence to support policy reforms and cultural shifts aimed at fostering gender-inclusive environments onboard maritime cruise vessels. Full article

The common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, is the most abundant cetacean species along the western Iberian Peninsula and faces many anthropogenic threats, with bycatch being the most impactful. Its preferred prey, sardine (Sardina pilchardus), has shown fluctuating abundance over the past decade, potentially influencing dolphin distribution. This study provides the first insights into common dolphin distribution along the western Iberian coast, using sighting data from vessel research surveys (2005–2020) to identify hotspot areas while accounting for monthly and seasonal distributions overlapping with sardine abundance. Common dolphin hotspots were located along the central–western and southern Portuguese mainland coasts, coinciding with important fishing ports, oceanographic features, and sardine juvenile habitats. Furthermore, during 2013–2016, common dolphins were observed significantly farther from the coast, coinciding with a period of particularly low coastal sardine biomass. However, GAM analysis indicated that the relationship between sardine biomass and the distance of common dolphins was not significant. This study highlights the major common dolphin hotspots and presents the most comprehensive temporal and distribution maps of the common dolphin along the western Iberian coast, particularly in response to sardine availability. These results can be used by managers to inform conservation measures and for the sustainable management of the Portuguese sardine purse seine fishery fleet, which interacts the most with the species. Full article

Marine litter threatens ocean ecosystems, and nautical tourism, as a source of litter, contributes significantly. This paper presents a qualitative and quantitative study of seafloor litter in the Bay of Selehovica in the northern Adriatic Sea. The bay is accessible only by sea and is attractive to nautical tourism vessels. The survey was conducted using a remotely operated vehicle across 22,100 m² of seafloor, before and after the tourist season (summer) in 2024. The analysis shows a 25.90% increase in litter items after one season. The predominant litter category is plastic, followed by glass, metal, rubber, and textiles. The abundance of marine litter increased from 1.3 to 1.7 items per 100 m² in the post-season, reflecting a measurable rise in litter density. Due to non-normal data distribution (Shapiro–Wilk test, p < 0.001), the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used, revealing a statistically significant increase in marine litter (W = 0, p < 0.001) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.89). A strong positive correlation between the pre- and post-season values was observed (Spearman’s r = 0.96, p < 0.001), suggesting that areas with higher initial litter levels tend to accumulate more over time. The results point to the necessity of targeted management strategies to reduce the pressure of nautical tourism on marine ecosystems and to protect the marine environment. Full article

Despite the existence of standardized collision regulations such as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs), ship collisions continue to occur, indicating persistent gaps in how navigators interpret and apply these rules. The COLREGs are globally adopted rules that govern vessel conduct to avoid collisions. Borderline encounter situations—such as those between head-on and crossing, or overtaking and crossing—pose particular challenges, often resulting in inconsistent or ambiguous interpretations. This study models navigator awareness as a probabilistic function of encounter angle, aiming to identify interpretive transition zones and cognitive uncertainty in rule application. A structured survey was conducted with 101 licensed navigators, each evaluating simulated ship encounter scenarios with varying relative bearings. Responses were collected using a Likert scale and analyzed in angular sectors known for interpretational ambiguity: 006–012° for head on to crossing (HC) and 100–160° for overtaking to crossing (OC). Gaussian curve fitting was applied to the response distributions, with the awareness center (μ) and standard deviation (σ) serving as indicators of consensus and ambiguity. The results reveal sharp shifts in awareness near 008° and 160°, suggesting cognitively unstable zones. Risk-averse interpretation patterns were also observed, where navigators tended to classify borderline situations more conservatively under uncertainty. These findings suggest that navigator awareness is not deterministic but probabilistically structured and context sensitive. The proposed awareness modeling framework helps bridge the gap between regulatory prescriptions and real world navigator behavior, offering practical implications for MASS algorithm design and COLREGs refinement. Full article

This article presents the results of high-resolution multimodal remote sensing surveys which were performed in the Roman city of Caesarea Maritima at the sunken Herodian harbour of Sebastos. A joint team of scholars from the Universities of Malta and Haifa conducted the surveys at the area of the harbour’s entrance in order to answer questions related to its original architecture, long-term functioning, and gradual degradation processes. The core methodology employed comprised teams of divers performing a meticulous photogrammetric survey in order to generate a high-resolution 3D plan of the harbour’s entrance. The results present two different architectural styles on either side of the harbour entrance, which suggests two different building stages, potentially deriving from a late renovation attempt. The current state of the entrance channel, still deep and wide enough for the passage of vessels despite collapse and sedimentation processes, suggests the long-term functionality of the entrance, even while other parts of the harbour have structurally deteriorated and gone out of use. Full article

Background: The increasing incidence of pelvic ring and acetabular fractures represents a major challenge in the field of trauma surgery. Hemorrhage and thrombosis are among the most severe complications associated with these injuries. The common instability of those fractures, together with an anatomic proximity to blood vessels, increases the risk of perioperative bleeding. Vascular wall irritation during surgery additionally adds to a substantial risk for thrombotic events. Therefore, evaluating the risk for hemorrhage and thrombosis in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures is vital to identify an adequate anticoagulation management. Methods: The incidence of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events, as well as the association of patient characteristics with the investigated outcomes of 16,359 cases, were analyzed retrospectively using data from the German Pelvic Trauma Registry. Moreover, a risk assessment survey was conducted among traumatologists experienced in pelvic ring and acetabular surgery. The results were compared to those of the registry study. Results: A high rate of thrombotic events was found in the middle-age decade (41–50 years). In patients with an age ≤ 40 and >50 years, hemorrhage complications predominated. The logistic regression identified pelvic ring fractures in geriatric patients, acetabular fractures, and Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16 to be associated with bleeding complications. Factors associated with thrombosis included pelvic ring fractures in non-geriatric patients, acetabular fractures in geriatric and non-geriatric patients, ISS, and male gender. The survey demonstrated that preoperatively, the risk for hemorrhage was considered more significant. Perioperatively, however, thrombosis was regarded as more important. Conclusions: Separate guidelines for prophylactic anticoagulation in pelvic ring and acetabular fractures that also consider individual patient characteristics, such as age, gender, and ISS, are necessary to improve perioperative management and reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries. Full article

Current Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBASs) improve the positioning accuracy and integrity of GPS satellites and provide safe civil aviation navigation services for procedures from en-route to LPV-200 precision approach over specific regions. SBAS systems, such as WAAS, EGNOS, GAGAN, and MSAS, already operate. The development of operational SBAS systems is in transition due to the extension of L1 SBAS services to new regions and the improvements expected by the introduction of dual frequency multi-constellation (DFMC) services, which allow the use of more core constellations such as Galileo and the use of ionosphere-free L1/L5 signal combination. The UKSBAS Testbed is a demonstration and feasibility project in the framework of ESA’s Navigation Innovation Support Programme (NAVISP), which is sponsored by the UK’s HMG with the participation of the Department for Transport and the UK Space Agency. UKSBAS Testbed’s main objective is to deliver a new L1 SBAS signal in space (SIS) from May 2022 in the UK region using Viasat’s Inmarsat-3F5 geostationary (GEO) satellite and Goonhilly Earth Station as signal uplink over PRN 158, as well as L1 SBAS and DFMC SBAS services through the Internet. SBAS messages are generated by GMV’s magicSBAS software and fed with data from the Ordnance Survey’s station network. This paper provides an assessment of the performance achieved by the UKSBAS Testbed during the last two years of operations at the SIS and user level, including a number of experimentation campaigns performed in the aviation and maritime domains, comprising ground tests at airports, flight tests on aircraft and sea trials on a vessel. This assessment includes, among others, service availability (e.g., APV-I, LPV-200), protection levels (PL), and position errors (PE) statistics over the service area and in a network of receivers. Full article

Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis is one of the most commercially important marine cephalopod species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific Seas. The Indian Ocean is a main fishing ground for S. oualaniensis with a high population density. To explore the distribution of S. oualaniensis in the east equatorial Indian Ocean, four surveys were carried out using light-lift-net fishing vessels. Meanwhile, marine environmental data were also collected, including the sea surface temperature, sea temperature at 100 m depth, mixed layer depth, sea surface chlorophyll-a concentration, sea surface height, and eddy kinetic energy. Generalized Additive Models were used to analyze the relationship between the catch per unit effort (CPUE) for S. oualaniensis and environmental factors. The results showed that the average CPUE of S. oualaniensis was 14.55 kg/h in the four surveys, which was considerably lower than in the South China Sea and Northwest Indian Ocean. In terms of seasonal distribution, the high-CPUE stations were closer to the continental shelf in spring, while they shifted towards the deeper and offshore water in autumn, demonstrating a seasonal migration trend. Pearson correlation analysis showed that CPUE reflected a significant negative correlation with both sea temperature at 100 m depth and eddy kinetic energy (p < 0.001). The Generalized Additive Models revealed that sea surface height was the most significant factor affecting CPUE with a variance explanation of 30.1%. Furthermore, the optimal CPUE prediction model was established by stepwise regression, which contains two factors, sea surface height and eddy kinetic energy, with a variance explanation of 34.9%. This study provides insights into the environmental factors influencing the distribution of S. oualaniensis, which is essential for the sustainable utilization and management of this species. Full article

The study of woody dicot xylem structure in relation to habitats has a long but geographically incomplete history, generating generalizations and questions still in need of expanded data. One understudied area is localized cross-habitat studies under identical climate conditions. Also sparse are intraspecific cross-habitat data. Both of these weaknesses are addressed in the present project for unstudied S. Florida. Six surveys of woody dicot branchlet microtome cross-sections allowed the microscopic comparison of vessel element (VE) diameters and VE densities. The project took place in a small area within short timeframes per survey to assure near uniformity in weather and in seasonal growth cycles. The multispecies Initial Survey and single-species Ximenia americana Survey addressed the question of adjustments in VE diameters and/or VE densities in shaded vs. sunny habitats, finding significant downward average adjustment in VE densities in shaded hammock vs. open pineland habitats (112 shade vs. 182 VE/mm² sun) but not in VE diameters. Single-species (Chrysobalanus icaco, Morella cerifera) surveys examined adjustments in VE diameters and VE densities in swamp vs. scrub (diameter mean: 42.5 µm swamp, 49.2 µm scrub; density means: 179.9 swamp, 154.0 scrub). Chrysobalanus icaco, having arguably the greatest environmental breadth and having the largest mean vessel element diameters in the project, was the sole species to adjust VE diameters only across habitats. Coefficients of variation in VE density exceeded those in VE diameters in every survey. This project sets the stage for future work in Florida and beyond aimed at isolation of environmental variables with respect to xylem traits and aimed at causal mechanisms, especially mode of xylem adjustment in relation to conductive risk. Full article

Archaeology is a well-established discipline that sheds light on human history and uncovers the mysteries of materials, their origins, production methods, and areas of use. It provides significant insights into various topics such as the production history of glass and other materials, trade routes, manufacturing processes, degradation mechanisms, regional usages, and coloring com-positions. Glass, an ancient yet contemporary material, can transmit, absorb, and reflect light. Appreciating glass art requires recognizing its rich history, offering artists technical and aesthetic possibilities in modern life and architecture. This study examines the influence of archaeological research and the artistic character of ancient glass on contemporary glass art. Archaeological findings from Turkey and around the world have been reviewed, with a particular focus on the Phrygian Valley, located in and around Eskişehir, an important region for the Phrygian civilization. Artifacts unearthed through excavations and sur-face surveys conducted in the Phrygian Valley, and preserved in the Eskişehir Eti Archaeology Museum, have been analyzed. The museum houses approximately 22.500 artifacts, including sculptures, steles, ceramics, glass vessels, metal objects, jewelry, and coins. Inspired by these artifacts and Phrygian culture, original glass designs have been created using techniques such as stained glass, lampworking, and glass painting. The aim of the study is to interpret Phrygian art and culture through innovative designs. Full article

Fishing vessels are known to have a fatality rate from accidents nearly 100 times higher than that of merchant ships. However, since most cases are resolved internally without maritime tribunals, obtaining accurate statistics on accidents is challenging, making quantitative analysis and evaluation of accident risks difficult. Studies using inconsistent analytical methods often fail to converge on unified results or preventive measures, which contributes to the persistently high occurrence of fishing vessel accidents. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a standardized method for analyzing marine accidents on fishing vessels by applying the Formal Safety Assessment (FSA) technique, originally developed for merchant ships. The research focuses on the globally prevalent trap boat fishery, specifically examining common injuries occurring on fishing vessels. Quantitative data were collected from insurance approval records, while qualitative data were obtained through surveys. The research followed the five stages of the FSA framework: hazard identification, risk estimation, identification of risk control options, cost-benefit assessment, and recommendations for decision-making. The findings suggest that the FSA framework can be effectively applied to analyze fishing vessel accidents based on insurance data, leading to selective and effective preventive measures. Full article