Gap Light Research Articles

HIV disease progression among heterosexually-infected individuals before the introduction of universal ART in China: A linear mixed-effects model.

In 2016, China introduced universal antiretroviral therapy (ART) for all HIV-infected individuals regardless of CD4 cell count. However, the natural history and rate of CD4 count decline among heterosexually-infected individuals remain uncharacterized. Analyzing national surveillance data can address this gap and shed light on the pathogenesis of HIV in this population. We used a linear mixed-effects model to assess CD4 trajectory over time before ART initiation and estimated the median time from HIV seroconversion to reaching CD4 thresholds of < 500, < 350, and < 200 cell/mm3. From the Chinese HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System, 59,085 eligible individuals were identified, with 113 having data to estimate the date of HIV seroconversion. The linear mixed-effects models estimated an intercept of 23.64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.41 to 24.87) and a slope of -1.32 (95% CI: -1.34 to -1.30) for males, and an intercept of 22.70 (95% CI: 21.00 to 24.40) and a slope of -1.29 (95% CI: -1.31 to -1.27) for females. The estimated median times from HIV seroconversion to reaching CD4 count thresholds of < 500, < 350, < 200 cells/mm3 were 0.97, 3.74, and 7.20 years for males, and 0.26, 3.09, and 6.48 years for females, respectively. Males consistently took longer to reach these CD4 count thresholds compared to females of the same age group. Older individuals (≥ 40 years) reached CD4 thresholds faster than younger individuals (15-29 years), indicating more rapid disease progression in older people living with HIV.

An inorganic lead-free Cs2SnI6-based perovskite solar cell optimization by SCAPS-1D

Cs2SnI6 is an environmentally friendly and reliable perovskite solar cell (PSCs) material. Its optimal band gap and strong light absorption make it a promising candidate for the absorption layer. However, the current challenge is to improve its photoelectric conversion efficiency. To address this, this study investigates the performance of PSCs based on Cs2SnI6 using SCAPS-1D simulation. The influence of various factors on PSC performance is examined, including different hole transport layers(HTLs) and electron transport layers(ETLs), perovskite layer thickness, ETL doping density, HTL doping density, absorber doping density, perovskite layer defect density, different back contacts and temperature. Finally, a Cs2SnI6-based solar device with an inorganic configuration of FTO/NiO/Cs2SnI6/SnO2/Au has been developed, reaching the power conversion efficiency(PCE) of 28.69 %. The study demonstrates that Cs2SnI6 PSCs exhibit promising photovoltaic performance, offering valuable insights for the solar energy sector in the production of cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly Cs-based perovskite solar cells.

Investigating the Impact of Stress on the Optical Properties of GaN-MX2 (M=Mo, W; X=S, Se) Heterojunctions Using the First Principles

This study used the first-principles-based CASTEP software to calculate the structural, electronic, and optical properties of heterojunctions based on single-layer GaN. GaN-MX2 exhibited minimal lattice mismatches, typically less than 3.5%, thereby ensuring lattice coherence. Notably, GaN-MoSe2 had the lowest binding energy, signifying its superior stability among the variants. When compared to single-layer GaN, which has an indirect band gap, all four heterojunctions displayed a smaller direct band gap. These heterojunctions were classified as type II. GaN-MoS2 and GaN-MoSe2 possessed relatively larger interface potential differences, hinting at stronger built-in electric fields. This resulted in an enhanced electron–hole separation ability. GaN-MoSe2 exhibited the highest value for the real part of the dielectric function. This suggests a superior electronic polarization capability under an electric field, leading to high electron mobility. GaN-MoSe2 possessed the strongest optical absorption capacity. Consequently, GaN-MoSe2 was inferred to possess the strongest photocatalytic capability. The band structure and optical properties of GaN-MoSe2 under applied pressure were further calculated. The findings revealed that stress significantly influenced the band gap width and light absorption capacity of GaN-MoSe2. Specifically, under a pressure of 5 GPa, GaN-MoSe2 demonstrated a significantly narrower band gap and enhanced absorption capacity compared to its intrinsic state. These results imply that the application of stress could potentially boost its photocatalytic performance, making it a promising candidate for various applications.

Interface Dependent Coexistence of Two‐Dimensional Electron and Hole Gases in Mn‐doped InAs/GaSb

AbstractThe interface of common III‐V semiconductors InAs and GaSb can be utilized to realize a two‐dimensional (2D) topological insulator state. The 2D electronic gas at this interface can yield Hall quantization from coexisting electrons and holes. This anomaly is a determining factor in the fundamental origin of the topological state in InAs/GaSb. Here, the coexistence of electrons and holes in InAs/GaSb is tied to the chemical sharpness of the interface. Magnetotransport, in samples of Mn‐doped InAs/GaSb cleaved from wafers grown at a spatially inhomogeneous substrate temperature, is studied. It is reported that the observation of quantum oscillations and a quantized Hall effect whose behavior, exhibiting coexisting electrons and holes, is tuned by this spatial nonuniformity. Through transmission electron microscopy measurements, it is additionally found that samples that host this co‐existence exhibit a chemical intermixing between group III and group V atoms that extends over a larger thickness about the interface. The issue of intermixing at the interface is systematically overlooked in electronic transport studies of topological InAs/GaSb. These findings address this gap in knowledge and shed important light on the origin of the anomalous behavior of quantum oscillations seen in this 2D topological insulator.

Shifts in light availability driven by dieback across a marsh‐forest gradient

AbstractEcological zonation in coastal forests is driven by sea level rise and storm‐surge events. Mature trees that can survive moderately saline conditions show signs of stress when soil salinity increases above its tolerance levels. As leaf burn, foliar damage, and defoliation reduce tree canopy cover, light gaps form within the crown. At the forest‐marsh edge, canopy cover loss is most severe; trunks of dead trees without canopies form “ghost forests.” Canopy thinning and light from the edge alter conditions for understory vegetation, promoting the growth of shrubs and facilitating establishment and spread of invasive species that were previously limited by light competition. In this research, we present an analysis of illuminance and temperature in a coastal forest transitioning to a salt marsh. Light sensors above the ground surface were used to measure light attenuation of trees and understory vegetation and to observe the effect of reduced canopies at the forest‐marsh edge. Farther from the marsh, where salinity is lower and trees are healthy, dense canopies attenuate light. We estimate that during the growing season, tree canopies intercept 50% of illuminance on average. Closer to the marsh, canopy thinning, and tree death allow greater light penetration from above, as well as from the adjacent marsh. These illuminance values are further increased by light penetration from the forest‐marsh edge (edge effect). Here, higher illuminance may permit Phragmites australis expansion. At intermediate locations, trees intercept between 32% and 49% of light and the understory shrub Morella cerifera intercepts a further 45% of penetrating light based on comparisons of illuminance above and below shrub canopies. Light penetration from the edge can also be felt. The presence of M. cerifera reduces the air temperature close to the soil surface, creating a cooler summer microclimate. The tree health state is reflected in the canopy size. The canopy patterns and the edge effect are responsible for light availability distribution along forest‐marsh gradients, consequently affecting the understory vegetation biomass. We conclude that during forest retreat driven by sea level rise, tree dieback increases light availability favoring the temporary encroachment of Ph. australis and M. cerifera in the understory.

Властивості вихідних та опромінених фосфідо-галієвих світлодіодів

Spectral features of the original and irradiated with electrons with E = 2 MeV GaP light emitting diodes (LEDs) were studied. Recombination lines of the exciton bound on the N isoelectronic center and on the pair complexes NN1 were detected. The change in the spectral composition of radiation when passing through a section of negative differential resistance is analyzed. Dose dependences of luminescence intensity were obtained for green GaP(N) and red GaP(Zn-O) LEDs. The maximum critical radiation dose was established, after which the LEDs lost their characteristic exciton emission mechanism. The results of the annealing of irradiated LEDs are given.

Procrastination in the Intention–Behaviour gap: Exercise procrastination and the moderating role of emotion

Health behaviour procrastination is closely associated with the intention–behaviour gap. However, research on health behaviour procrastination has tended to focus on bedtime procrastination, with relatively few studies on exercise procrastination. This research examined the relationship between exercise procrastination and the intention–behaviour gap through three studies. Additionally, based on the temporal-affective self-regulation resource model, the moderating role of emotion as a self-regulatory resource in exercise procrastination was explored. Study 1 validated the Chinese version of the newly developed Procrastination in Exercise Scale in two Chinese adult samples (N = 2376 and N = 393). Study 2 collected two waves of data from 447 Chinese adults (Mage = 31.19) and examined the mediating role of exercise procrastination in the intention–behaviour gap. Using a sample of 453 Chinese adults (Mage = 20.39), Study 3 investigated the moderating role of positive and negative affect in the association between intention and exercise procrastination. Cross-lagged analyses revealed the predictive roles of Time 1 intention on Time 2 exercise procrastination and Time 1 exercise procrastination on Time 2 physical activity. Exercise procrastination mediated the relationship between intention and physical activity. Examining the moderating role of emotion between intention (Time 1) and exercise procrastination (Time 2), Study 3 found that negative affect buffered this association. Findings highlight the role of exercise procrastination in explaining the intention–behaviour gap and shed new light on physical activity interventions, with implications for promoting exercise behaviour.

High-Entropy Lithium Niobate Nanocubes for Photocatalytic Water Splitting under Visible Light.

The vast compositional space available in high-entropy oxide semiconductors offers unique opportunities for electronic band structure engineering in an unprecedented large room. In this work, with wide band gap semiconductor lithium niobate (LiNbO3) as a model system, we show that the substitutional addition of high-entropy metal cation mixtures within the Nb sublattice can lead to the formation of a single-phase solid solution featuring a substantially narrowed band gap and intense broadband visible light absorption. The resulting high-entropy LiNbO3 [denoted as Li(HE)O3] crystallizes as well-faceted nanocubes; atomic-resolution imaging and elemental mapping via transmission electron microscopy unveil a distinct local chemical complexity and lattice distortion, characteristics of high-entropy stabilized solid solution phases. Because of the presence of high-entropy stabilized Co2+ dopants that serve as active catalytic sites, Li(HE)O3 nanocubes can accomplish the visible light-driven photocatalytic water splitting in an aqueous solution containing methanol as a sacrificial electron donor without the need of any additional co-catalysts.

First record of Helix lucorum (Gastropoda: Helicidae) in Western Ukraine, with remarks on its present distribution in other parts of the country

In the west of Ukraine, the Turkish snail Helix lucorum was first discovered in 2020 at one of the household plots in Chortkiv, Ternopil region. It was found that the owner of the house specially brought snails from France for his children. Until the beginning of the 21st century, H. lucorum was known in Ukraine only from the mountainous Crimea, where it was presumably brought by Greek colonists. The distribution area of this species in Crimea gradually expanded, in particular, due to targeted introductions. Since 2010, single population of H. lucorum have been recorded in Ukraine outside of Crimea. Judging by the shell colouration, only some of them could have been founded by individuals from the Crimea, with almost unnoticeable spiral banding and distinct radial streaks. Other populations are of unclear origin, and their founders may have been brought from different parts of the present range of H. lucorum. In particular, shells with wide dark, often fused bands and a distinct light gap between them on the shell periphery are characteristic of most known introduced European populations of H. lucorum, and are also common in the Krasnodar region of Russia, from where they could have been introduced to the east of Crimea (Kerch Peninsula).

The influence of stand composition and season on canopy structure and understory light environment in different subtropical montane Pinus massoniana forests.

Canopy structure and understory light have important effects on forest productivity and the growth and distribution of the understory. However, the effects of stand composition and season on canopy structure and understory light environment (ULE) in the subtropical mountain Pinus massoniana forest system are poorly understood. In this study, the natural secondary P. massoniana-Castanopsis eyrei mixed forest (MF) and P. massoniana plantation forest (PF) were investigated. The study utilized Gap Light Analyzer 2.0 software to process photographs, extracting two key canopy parameters, canopy openness (CO) and leaf area index (LAI). Additionally, data on the transmitted direct (Tdir), diffuse (Tdif), and total (Ttot) radiation in the light environment were obtained. Seasonal variations in canopy structure, the ULE, and spatial heterogeneity were analyzed in the two P. massoniana forest stands. The results showed highly significant (P < 0.01) differences in canopy structure and ULE indices among different P. massoniana forest types and seasons. CO and ULE indices (Tdir, Tdif, and Ttot) were significantly lower in the MF than in the PF, while LAI was notably higher in the MF than in the PF. CO was lower in summer than in winter, and both LAI and ULE indices were markedly higher in summer than in winter. In addition, canopy structure and ULE indices varied significantly among different types of P. massoniana stands. The LAI heterogeneity was lower in the MF than in the PF, and Tdir heterogeneity was higher in summer than in winter. Meanwhile, canopy structure and ULE indices were predominantly influenced by structural factors, with spatial correlations at the 10 m scale. Our results revealed that forest type and season were important factors affecting canopy structure, ULE characteristics, and heterogeneity of P. massoniana forests in subtropical mountains.

DFT evaluation the photo-catalytic performance of g-C3N4 dots/ZnO with O/S doping

To develop the high-performance g-C3N4-based photo-catalysts and understand the mechanism of photo-catalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), we evaluated the photo-catalytic performance and corresponding catalytic mechanisms of g-C3N4 dots/ZnO (CNZO) systems using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Our results showed that the combination of g-C3N4 dots and ZnO monolayer has a appropriate band gap and strong visible light absorption, significantly enhancing photoelectron excitation and immigration. We also observed that O/S doping exerted a significant impact on the band structure and interfacial coupling, thereby increasing the number of photoelectrons that move from the valence band (VB) of ZnO monolayer to the conduction band (CB) of g-C3N4 dots, thereby enhancing the separation of photo-generated electron-hole pairs in O/S-CNZO. Furthermore, the suitable CB and VB positions of O/S-CNZO encourage the adsorption of surface H2O and O2 molecules, leading to the generation of ·OH and ·O2− radicals crucial in VOCs degradation. This work introduces new approaches and perspectives for constructing novel photo-catalysts. Additionally, it involves a theoretical evaluation of the photo-catalytic performance of O/S-CNZO.

UN Peacekeeping Operations Transition in Sierra Leone and Liberia: Analyzing the Grey Zones of the Peacekeeping-Peacebuilding Nexus

ABSTRACT: This study falls under the scope of the recent debate around UN peacekeeping transitions and exit strategies and highlights a critical gap in understanding the design and conceptualization of these strategies, especially for the long run as post-conflict societies consolidate peace. Using Liberia and Sierra Leone as case studies, the research aims to remedy the empirical gap and shed light on the complexities of framing UN transitions and exit strategies. A central argument posited in this study is that effective management of the entanglement between peacekeeping and peacebuilding is pivotal for enduring success in transition processes. Key contextual elements influencing this management include early planning and initiation of peacebuilding, coordination and integration with local actors, and alignment of benchmarks and needs with all stakeholders before concluding missions. The study applies a social constructivist perspective to examine the different trajectories both Liberia and Sierra Leone have taken in managing their transitions. This article uses qualitative research methods with data drawn from primary and secondary sources .

Synchronously manipulating absorption and nonradiative transition of croconaine via donor engineering for efficient NIR-II photothermal theranostics

Organic molecules with strong absorption in the near-infrared (NIR)-II region are highly desired for cancer photothermal theranostics. However, it remains challenges to construct NIR-II photothermal agents with desired optical properties. This study reports a donor engineering approach to simultaneously manipulate the absorption and nonradiative transitions of croconaine dyes. By introducing different donor units with increasing electron donating ability to the backbone, the absorption of the synthesized croconaines were gradually red-shifted to NIR-II region, especially the benzo[c,d]indolium conjugated croconaine (CR1045). The extensive conjugation of CR1045 had a narrower HOMO-LUMO energy gap and strong NIR-II light responsiveness. Importantly, the steric repulsion between this large planar donor and croconate acceptor of CR1045 promotes the formation of a twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) state, making it more prone to direct the absorbed energy towards heat-producing non-radiative decay rather than other dissipative pathways. And the nanoformulated CR1045 exhibits excellent optoacoustic generation capability and ultrahigh photothermal conversion efficiency (∼84%). In vitro and in vivo investigations confirm good optoacoustic imaging and effective photothermal treatment of tumors. Therefore, this work offers insights into donor regulation for the future development of efficient NIR-II photothermal agents.

Squeezing and evolution of single particle by frequency jumping in two-dimensional rotating harmonic

The control of microscopic particle behavior based on a specific external field has always been a research hotspot in the field of physics. Many studies have been exploring various methods to manipulate and control the behavior of particles at a microscopic level. In this work, we investigate the phenomenon of single-particle squeezing induced by frequency jumping in a two-dimensional rotating harmonic oscillator potential. Squeezing, as a quantum mechanical phenomenon, has attracted significant attention due to its potential applications in various fields. It refers to the reduction of fluctuations in certain physical quantities, allowing for more precise measurement results. Squeezing phenomena have been extensively studied in different physical systems, including optics, atomic physics, and solid-state physics. However, there have been few reports on the quantum state squeezing phenomenon induced by frequency jumping in a rotating harmonic oscillator potential. Therefore, our study aims to fill this gap and shed light on this intriguing phenomenon. To explore the squeezing phenomenon induced by frequency jumping, we focus on the fluctuations and squeezing of the single particle’s cyclotron radius coordinate and center-guided coordinate in the two-dimensional rotating harmonic oscillator potential. Through numerical simulations and theoretical analysis, we can understand the influence of frequency jumping on the degree of squeezing and reveal the underlying physical mechanism of squeezing evolution. In this work, we first investigate the influence of frequency jumping on the squeezing evolution of the cyclotron radius mode. By carefully selecting appropriate jumping moments, we analyze the influence of frequency jumping on the degree of squeezing. Our research results show that the degree of squeezing in the cyclotron radius coordinate remains unchanged at the jumping moment. However, we observe a stronger squeezing phenomenon in the subsequent evolution process. This indicates that frequency jumping plays a crucial role in squeezing evolution of the cyclotron radius mode. Furthermore, we focus on the squeezing evolution of the center-guided mode during frequency jumping. By selecting suitable parameters, we analyze the squeezing and evolution of two squeezing modes: the divergent mode and the oscillatory mode. Interestingly, we discover the existence of a critical potential trap aspect ratio, which is determined by the rotation angular velocity of the external potential. When the aspect ratio approaches this critical value, the squeezing mode undergoes a transition, and a significant squeezing phenomenon appears in the oscillatory mode. This finding provides valuable insights into the origin and control of squeezing phenomena. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of these squeezing phenomena. Squeezing has significant implications in the fields of quantum sensing and quantum information processing. Through a deeper understanding of the squeezing evolution process caused by frequency jump, we can better control the microscopic particle behavior through external field. This knowledge opens up new possibilities for future physical research and technical applications.

ZrO2 Superhydrophobic Coating with an Excellent Corrosion Resistance and Stable Degradation Performance on Zr-Based Bulk Metallic Glass.

Photocatalysis is an energy-saving and high-efficiency green environmental technology. Because of its wide band gap and low light utilization, few studies have been conducted on ZrO2 used as a photocatalytic material. In this paper, a corrosion-resistant superhydrophobic ZrO2 coating was prepared on the surface of Zr-based bulk metallic glass by electrochemical etching. This coating not only showed a better corrosion resistance and easier collection, but also presented a stable degradation performance when combined with H2O2; these characteristics are necessary for photocatalysts to survive under harsh environments. This study provides a new direction for designing superhydrophobic surfaces on bulk metallic glass that possess a functional performance.

(Invited) Optically and Chemically Modulated Oxygen Transport across Interfaces

Materials that conduct oxygen are central to many technologies that promise more highly efficient chemical to electrical and electrical to chemical energy conversion, as exemplified by solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells (SOFC/SOEC), permeation membranes for partial oxidation of hydrocarbons and solar thermal driven chemical conversions. We begin by describing recent insights achieved in controlling the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on mixed ionic electronic conductors (MIEC). We have been able to demonstrate the ability to reversibly depress or enhance the oxygen exchange reaction at MIEC surfaces by orders of magnitude by infiltrating the surfaces with binary oxides with controlled acidity. This we demonstrate can be correlated with the ability of the surface additives to deplete or accumulate electrons needed for the ORR. With these insights, we have been able to understand more fundamentally the source of chromia-induced poisoning of SOFC cathodes and the means to recover performance following poisoning. We next turn our attention to the well known blocking of oxygen ions at grain boundaries in solid oxide electrolytes where grain boundary resistances can drop the overall oxygen ion conductance in polycrystalline solid electrolytes by orders of magnitude. The barriers to oxygen transport across grain boundaries are largely attributed to space charge barriers that form at the grain boundary due to the positive core charge of the grain boundaries. We have demonstrated the ability to modulate the barrier potentials by illumination with above band gap light, illustrating the ability to enhance ionic conduction in solid electrolytes at reduced temperatures, while at the same time demonstrating a novel method for interrogating the distribution of barrier heights at grain boundaries and the dynamics associated with the resultant redistribution of oxygen vacancies in space charge regions under conditions of photo-induced electron-hole generation and recombination. This phenomenum is yet another example of the rapidly developing field of opto-ionics.

Complex canopy structures control tree transpiration: A study based on 3D modelling in a tropical rainforest

AbstractTropical rainforests are rich in tree species and comprise complex canopy structures. Transpiration by forest trees is a major hydrological flux which contributes to climate regulation. We explored the role of forest canopy structure on tree transpiration in a tropical rainforest on Sumatra, Indonesia. Drone‐based photogrammetry and the structure from motion technique were used to compute high‐resolution 3D point clouds and derive forest and tree structural variables. Transpiration of differently sized and vertically positioned trees was assessed with sap flux measurements. Per‐tree transpiration rates increased linearly with several variables related to crown dimension and were further enhanced by top‐heavy crown shape, dense leafage and increasing canopy openness as assessed with the gap light index. Under given environmental conditions, the two variables crown volume and top‐heaviness explained 74% of the observed variance in per‐tree transpiration. Transpiration rates per unit crown dimension were highest for small crowns, decreased non‐linearly with increasing crown dimension and were little affected by other analysed structural variables. Our study underlines the potential of 3D point cloud analyses for accurately determining the structure of complex forest canopies and thus better understanding and predicting transpiration rates of differently positioned trees.

Step-by-step tuning of morphology and band gap of ZnS/MoS2 photocatalyst for enhanced visible light to hydrogen fuel conversion

To address the inherent limitations of ZnS and MoS2 as visible light photocatalysts, herein, we report a step-by-step tuning of mixed sulfide composite system (ZnS/MoS2) to achieve enhanced visible light to hydrogen fuel conversion efficiency in the absence of any sacrificial agents. In the first stage, ZnS/MoS2 composite was synthesized by using a single step hydrothermal route and the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnS/MoS2 composite was tuned by varying the ratio of Zn and Mo in the composite. In the second stage, the photocatalytic efficiency of the composite was further enhanced by tuning the band gap and visible light absorption characteristics of the material through cobalt doping (Co-doping) in the MoS2 co-catalyst. The hydrogen generation activity of the tuned composition (1:1.3 ratio of Zn and Mo) of the ZnS/MoS2 composite with 3% Co-doping is obtained as the best (1256 μmol of H2 in 1 h) as compared to the other compositions of the doped composites (1%, 3% and 5% Co doping). The enhanced hydrogen generation through visible light induced water splitting of the developed mixed sulfide composite systems (ZnS/MoS2 and ZnS/Co-doped MoS2) even in the absence of any sacrificial agents is ascribed to their tuned band gap and low electron-hole recombination rate.

Influence of Gate Depletion Layer Width on Radiation Resistance of Silicon Carbide Junction Field-Effect Transistors

Silicon carbide junction field-effect transistors (SiC JFETs) are promising candidates as devices applicable to radiation conditions, such as the decommissioning of nuclear facilities or the space environment. We investigate the origin of the threshold volage (Vth) shift and hysteresis of differently structured SiC JFETs. A large positive Vth shift and hysteresis are observed for a depletion-type JFET with a larger depletion layer width. With changing the sweep range of the gate voltage and depletion width, the Vth shift was positively proportional to the difference between the channel depth and depletion width (channel depth–gate depletion width). By illuminating the sub-band gap light, the Vth of the irradiated depletion JFETs recovers close to nonirradiated ones, while a smaller shift and hysteresis are observed for the enhancement type with a narrower width. It can be interpreted that positive charges generated in a gate depletion layer cause a positive Vth shift. When they are swept out from the depletion layer and trapped in the channel, this gives rise to a further Vth shift and hysteresis in gamma-irradiated SiC JFETs.

Consolidating Port Decarbonisation Implementation: Concept, Pathways, Barriers, Solutions, and Opportunities

Industries worldwide are facing the urgent need to decarbonise in alignment with the goal of the Paris Agreement (PA), which aims to limit global warming. However, progress towards achieving this extremely important goal has been sluggish, and the wider maritime transport sector (ports included) is no exception. Despite practical barriers faced by ports, solutions have not yet been developed. Similarly, the definition or concept of decarbonisation, including opportunities arising for the port sector, remains underdeveloped and lacks support from academic research. Specifically, there are a lack of conceptual studies that yield clear and usable results and evidence. To address this gap and shed light on port decarbonisation as a contemporary issue (the study aim), this study has conducted a literature review consulting different academic and grey studies. The results of this study define the concept of port decarbonisation, highlight the barriers that hinder progress in this area, and establish solutions to guide ports in implementing decarbonisation measures and mitigating barriers. Building upon these findings, this study not only contributes to scholarly discussions surrounding port decarbonisation but also offers valuable implications for port managers, policy makers, practitioners, and other pertinent authorities. By properly understanding the concept of decarbonisation and its barriers and expanding knowledge in relation to it and its practical implementation, including the eye-opening opportunities, port stakeholders can actively contribute to the objective of the Paris Agreement and the broader pursuit of sustainability.