Role and challenges of customs representative institute in foreign economic activity development

The article considers the scientific and practical aspects of customs representative institution activity in Russia in the conditions of intense and challenging foreign economic activity (FEA) of enterprises. On the basis of customs process specifics identified in Russia and comprehending approaches to the development of the customs representative institution, a role of this institution’s subjects is determined, and the ambiguity of attitude towards them from the customs authorities is represented. The complication of FEA was noted as the main factor in increasing demand for the customs representatives’ services. The accelerated digitalization of the customs process that is carried out by Russian Federal Customs Service was noticed as a factor potentially limiting their activities. There has been presented the dynamics of customs representatives in Russia, the substantive coverage is studied, and the most requested customs brokerage services are listed. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of engaging customs representatives by FEA participants for customs clearance are also shown in this article. Among the merits of engaging customs representatives for customs clearance are particularly highlighted competence, flexibility in working methods, and responsibility of customs representatives with the variability of legislation and technique of working. Shortcomings are the risk of malpractice in providing services and the involvement of the declarant in illegal schemes in the customs clearance process. There has been given the analysis of the current practice, considered the issues of the actual and relevant challenges in the development of customs representative institution. Special attention focuses on the influence of legislative procedures, which regulate the activity of customs representatives and affairs related to digital problems of the customs process, the internal problems connected with the work of customs representatives, such as improvement of the organizational structure and competence of the staff. There have been provided general recommendations for improving the customs intermediaries’ efficiency by revising and adjusting the principles of their interaction with customs authorities, as well as by optimizing their internal organizational structure through a competent division of responsibilities between employees.

Neuromodulation of Astrocytic K+ Clearance

Potassium homeostasis is fundamental for brain function. Therefore, effective removal of excessive K+ from the synaptic cleft during neuronal activity is paramount. Astrocytes play a key role in K+ clearance from the extracellular milieu using various mechanisms, including uptake via Kir channels and the Na+-K+ ATPase, and spatial buffering through the astrocytic gap-junction coupled network. Recently we showed that alterations in the concentrations of extracellular potassium ([K+]o) or impairments of the astrocytic clearance mechanism affect the resonance and oscillatory behavior of both the individual and networks of neurons. These results indicate that astrocytes have the potential to modulate neuronal network activity, however, the cellular effectors that may affect the astrocytic K+ clearance process are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the impact of neuromodulators, which are known to mediate changes in network oscillatory behavior, on the astrocytic clearance process. Our results suggest that while some neuromodulators (5-HT; NA) might affect astrocytic spatial buffering via gap-junctions, others (DA; Histamine) primarily affect the uptake mechanism via Kir channels. These results suggest that neuromodulators can affect network oscillatory activity through parallel activation of both neurons and astrocytes, establishing a synergistic mechanism to maximize the synchronous network activity.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE TIME AT PRIME CUSTOMS OFFICE TYPE A OF TANJUNG PRIOK

In the dwell-time, the customs clearance is considered as the most complex phase, even though its portion is the shortest among other phases, such as pre-clearance and post clearance. In order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness on the services performed in the customs clearance process, the customs authorities must start considering the help of database analysis in identifying obstacles instead of depending on the personal analysis. Useful information is hidden among the importation data set and it is extractable through data mining techniques. This study explores the customs clearance process of import cargo whose document is declared through the red channel at Prime Customs Office Type A of Tanjung Priok (PCO Tanjung Priok), and applies a specific data mining classifier called the decision tree with J48 algorithm to evaluate the process. There are 11 classification models developed using unpruned, online pruning, and post-pruning features. One best model is chosen to extract the hidden knowledge that describes factors affecting the customs clearance process and allows the customs authorities to improve their services performed in the future.

PENYELESAIAN CLEARANCE DENGAN SISTEM INAPORTNET GUNA MEMPERLANCAR ESTIMATED TIME DEPARTURE

There is still a delay time of up to 86% and utilization of the pier that has not been optimal causing inefficiency in ports in Indonesia. Idle time that occurs at the port is due to the slow processing of ships and goods documents. The implementation of the Inaportnet system is expected to accelerate clearance completion in an effort to expedite the Estimated Time of Departure. This research was conducted at PT Dharma Lautan Utama Tanjung Perak Surabaya Branch using a descriptive qualitative research method. The results showed that the process of completing ship clearance at PT Dharma Lautan Utama Surabaya Branch has changed using the online system or using the Inaportnet system, but this system is still constrained by inadequate internet connections. The number of vessel documents that must be completed, the checking system for expired date of ship certificates is still manual, the ups and downs, and the length of time waiting for the cargo to arrive at the port also causes the length of the clearance process at Tanjung Perak Port. Keywords: delay time; clearance; Inaportnet system; Estimated Time of Departure; ship. Abstrak Masih adanya delay time hingga 86% serta belum optimalnya utilisasi dermaga yang belum optimal menyebab-kan ketidakefisienan pelabuhan di Indonesia. Idle time yang terjadi di pelabuhan disebabkan karena waktu pengurusan dokumen kapal dan barang yang masih lambat. Penerapan sistem Inaportnet diharapkan dapat mempercepat penyelesaian clearance dalam upaya memperlancar Estimated Time of Departure. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada PT Dharma Lautan Utama Cabang Tanjung Perak Surabaya menggunakan metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa proses penyelesaian clearance kapal pada PT Dharma Lautan Utama Cabang Surabaya telah berubah menggunakan sistem online atau menggunakan sistem Inaportnet, tetapi sistem ini masih terkendala oleh koneksi internet yang kurang memadai. Banyaknya dokumen kapal yang harus diselesaikan, sistem pengecekan expired date sertifikat kapal masih manual, terjadinya pasang surut, dan lamanya menunggu muatan tiba pelabuhan juga menyebabkan lamanya proses clearance di Pelabuhan Tanjung Perak. Kata-kata kunci: delay time; clearance; sistem Inaportnet; Estimated Time of Departure; kapal.

Neuromodulation of astrocytic K+ clearance

ABSTRACTPotassium homeostasis is a fundamental requirement for normal brain function. Therefore, effective removal of excessive K+ accumulation from the synaptic cleft during neuronal activity is paramount. Astrocytes, one of the most common subtype of glial cells in the brain, play a key role in K+ clearance from the extracellular milieu using various mechanisms, including uptake via Kir channels and the Na+-K+ ATPase, and spatial buffering through the astrocytic gap-junction coupled network. Recently we showed that alterations in the concentrations of extracellular potassium ([K+]°) or impairments of the astrocytic clearance mechanism effect the resonance and oscillatory behaviour of both individual and networks of neurons recorded from C57/BL6 mice of both sexes. These results indicate that astrocytes have the potential to modulate neuronal network activity, however the cellular effectors that may affect the astrocytic K+ clearance process are still unknown. In this study, we have investigated the impact of neuromodulators, which are known to mediate changes in network oscillatory behaviour, on the astrocytic clearance process. Our results suggest that some neuromodulators (5-HT; NA) affect astrocytic spatial buffering via gap-junctions, while others (DA; Histamine) affect the uptake mechanism via Kir channels. These results suggest that neuromodulators can affect network oscillatory activity through parallel activation of both neurons and astrocytes, establishing a synergistic mechanism to recruitment of neurons into ensamble of networks to maximise the synchronous network activity.Significance statementNeuromodulators are known to mediate changes in network oscillatory behaviour and thus impact on brain states. In this study we show that certain neuromodulators directly affect distinct stages of astrocytic K+ clearance, promoting neuronal excitability and network oscillations through parallel activation of both neurons and astrocytes, thus establishing a synergistic mechanism to maximise the synchronous network activity.

Food Imports in India: Prospects, Issues and Way Forward

India is one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Among the various sectors contributing to the growth of the economy, food is one of the fastest growing sectors owing to factors such as a large population base, rising middle-class, increase in per-capita income, and greater consumer awareness. Demand for imported food products is increasing due to factors such as reduction in tariffs, changes in consumer preferences and growing adaptability to international cuisine. Several initiatives have been taken by the Indian government in recent years to improve the ease of doing business and reduce the compliance burden through use of technology. Despite these initiatives, India’s ranking compared to other countries in some selective indicators such as documentary and border compliance and logistics performance is quite low. To improve ease of doing business, reduce cost and time taken in importing food products, and improve India’s ranking in logistics performance indicators, there is an urgent need for backend process and information technology (IT) integration across the agencies involved in the import clearance process. Given this background, the objective of this paper is to (a) provide an overview of the food import clearance process in India, (b) identify issues in the import process and (c) make recommendations on how to streamline the process using technology and automation. The paper is based on a survey of key stakeholders engaged in the food import clearance process. Based on a primary survey of 150 stakeholders in the United Kingdom and India, this paper finds that while India is an attractive market for importing food; low penetration of technology in the food import clearance process, lack of inter-agency coordination, and lack of risk management systems impedes the ease of importing food products into India. This paper recommends that in order to enhance ease of doing business, especially for SMEs, there is need to reduce procedural barriers by implementing technology and automation-oriented solutions, and a robust risk management system. In addition, there is a need to conduct continuous regulatory impact analysis to assess the time and cost reduction in importing food into India.JEL classification: F10, F13, L66, O38