Multiparametric approach to the assessment of muon tomographic results for the inspection of a full-scale container

Experimental results from a dataset collected with a full-scale muon tomograph for the inspection of cargo containers were studied in a single scattering scenario with a multiparametric analysis based on the method of the Point Of Closest Approach (Poca). To search for high-Z materials, a 4 $$\hbox {dm}^3$$ dm 3 Pb block was positioned inside the volume to be inspected, in order to quantitatively investigate the appearance of the Poca signal. Signal-to-noise ratio and significance of the Poca signal were investigated by means of mono-dimensional spectra of the Poca components, for different values of the scattering angle between the incoming and outgoing muon tracks and with different angle-dependent weights. A systematic scan of two-dimensional maps was also carried out, as a strategy to search for possible enhancements to the Poca signal. A comparison was also done between the results obtained from the two half-volumes, one containing the Pb block and one left empty, to take into account the response of the detector and some aspects of the Poca strategy.

Analysis of Operations upon Entry into Intermodal Freight Terminals

The design of intermodal freight terminals requires extensive research and a thorough analysis of the technical, financial and organizational aspects. In the paper, the operation of the reposition of large cargo containers (one of the types of intermodal transport units, ITUs) on the dedicated places is subjected to a discussion. The analysis is carried out with the use of a vehicle equipped with a telescopic arm, such as a reach stacker. The considered storage facility is reduced to a block characterized by spatial accumulation given in the paper. The description of the procedure for the execution of the handling operation from the arrival of a tractor-trailer with a container into a terminal, followed by the ITUs being set aside in a dedicated place and, in the end, the departure of the truck without load, is given in the paper. The activities are described in detail in order to present a descriptive model of particular operations upon entry to the intermodal freight terminal. Moreover, the paper contains relevant figures illustrating the various steps of realization and the analysis of duration of activities supported by actual realizations. The durations of the individual activities described in the paper are experimental, and the results have been validated on real-world intermodal freight terminals. Therefore, the authors believe that the obtained values may be used in analytical, simulation and numerical models of intermodal freight terminals.

Gamma signatures of the C-BORD Tagged Neutron Inspection System

In the frame of C-BORD project (H2020 program of the EU), a Rapidly relocatable Tagged Neutron Inspection System (RRTNIS) is being developed to non-intrusively detect explosives, chemical threats, and other illicit goods in cargo containers. Material identification is performed through gamma spectroscopy, using twenty NaI detectors and four LaBr3 detectors, to determine the different elements composing the inspected item from their specific gamma signatures induced by fast neutrons. This is performed using an unfolding algorithm to decompose the energy spectrum of a suspect item, selected by X-ray radiography and on which the RRTNIS inspection is focused, on a database of pure element gamma signatures. This paper reports on simulated signatures for the NaI and LaBr3 detectors, constructed using the MCNP6 code. First experimental spectra of a few elements of interest are also presented.

Author the red-med railway project a serious competitor to the suez canal for cargo containers?

Israel and China have finalized a project plan initiated in 2012. This project received the green light from Israeli cabinet in March 2014. With this venture, China will build a cargo railway line connecting the port of Eilat in the Red Sea to the ports of Ashdod and Haifa on the Mediterranean coast in Israel. This project will be a shipping alternative to the Suez Canal. This statement is the corner stone of this paper and considered an hypothesis to be verified within this paper. The methodology used is based on the concept of “market position.” The main conclusion, theoretically, the Red-Med railway could be an alternative to the Suez Canal for in the 4,000 TFE Vessels containers transportation as far as costs are concerned. However, other concerns, such as the security in the Suez Canal and the risk of its shutdown, must be considered too.