http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42 Sun, 02 Aug 2026 07:52:34 GMT 2026-08-02T07:52:34Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42413 Title: Policies Towards Zero-Emission Maritime Port Infrastructure and Buildings Authors: Vásquez, Carmen Luisa; Ramirez-Pisco, Rodrigo; Navas, Luís Manuel; Batista, Teresa Abstract: This article synthesizes the regulatory frameworks and public policies aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in maritime port infrastructure and buildings. It focuses on a wide range of port facilities—including cargo and passenger terminals, warehouses, administrative offices, passenger stations, maintenance workshops, fire stations, control centers, fishing and recreational terminals, and auxiliary installations. Although these structures contribute a relatively small share of total maritime emissions, they are subject to an increasingly robust set of international and regional regulations. The analysis spans from the decarbonization strategies promoted by the International Maritime Organization to the European Union’s legislative efforts targeting zero-emission maritime port infrastructure and buildings by 2050. The study highlights how these policies not only address carbon neutrality but also promote resilience and sustainability within port ecosystems, positioning port infrastructure as a key component in the broader energy transition. Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42413 2026-06-02T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42411 Title: Merchant Ship Recycling as a Strategy for Decarbonization Maritime Sector Authors: Vásquez, Carmen Luisa; Isbaex, Crismeire; Rosa, Luís; Borges, Francisco António; Marinho, Lucas de Aquino; Batista, Teresa Editors: Bolívar, Manuel Pedro Rodríguez; Petrosillo, Irene Abstract: Maritime transport supports 80% of global trade but contributes 2.9% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite its vital role, ship recycling remains limited, with only 8.9% of the fleet’s gross tonnage recycled annually—contrasting with the ongoing construction of carbon-intensive new ships. The shipbuilding process generates between 5000 and 14,500 tCO2eq per unit, with 70–85% of emissions stemming from material production (mainly steel), and 10–20% from industrial processes at shipyards. In this context, ship recycling emerges as a critical strategy for reducing carbon footprints and fostering circularity in the maritime sector. Depending on the technology used, recycling significantly mitigates environmental impact by recovering materials and reducing the demand for virgin resources and energy. In a global context, Europe leads in this domain, accounting for 23% of global ship recycling activity and hosting 38 of the 48 EU-authorized facilities (Commission Implementing Decision 2025/322). Particularly in merchant segments—bulk carriers, container ships, and tankers—recycling is becoming essential to decarbonization goals. These ship types, which have grown 35.4% globally from 2015 to 2024 (UNCTADstat, 2025), dominate the fleet’s composition and thus offer significant potential for impact. This study assesses merchant ship recycling as a strategy to reduce carbon emissions. It employs a multidimensional methodology: first, a systematic literature review identifies key recycling technologies, regulatory frameworks, and challenges; secondly, an analysis of global trends is carried out regarding adoption, ship types, and geographical distribution; finally, the carbon footprint of building new ships versus recycling old ones is compared. Findings reveal that recycling can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 46.4% compared to new constructions, positioning it as a cornerstone of maritime sustainability and climate mitigation. Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42411 2025-12-03T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42403 Title: A transcription factor-pair work in concert to regulate gene expression across the life cycle of the pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus Authors: Mendonça, Madalena; Damm, Anika; Xia, Chongjing; Vicente, Cláudia S.L.; Eves-van den Akker, Sebastian; Espada, Margarida Abstract: The migratory endoparasitic pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, causing significant economic and ecological losses in conifer forest ecosystems in Europe and Asia. Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating PWN parasitism-related genes may lead to new sustainable solutions for control. Based on previous PWN transcriptomic datasets from the pre-parasitic and parasitic stages and from the pharyngeal gland cells (GC), an in silico analysis was performed to identify transcription factors (TF) highly expressed in the GC. Seven candidates TF genes were selected, and their spatial expression validated by in situ hybridisation. From those, two GC-expressed TFs, BXY_079 and BXY_022, each encoding zinc finger domains, were successfully knocked down by RNA interference. Transcriptomic data from silenced BXY_079 and BXY_022 TFs, analysed with existing life cycle specific transcriptomic data, showed that both TFs control genes expressed at similar times, by repressing male-related genes while activating genes expressed during the J3 and D3 stages, yet each represents the extreme of the others’ minor function. In addition to these common roles, BXY_079 also activates parasitism-related genes in the J2 stage. These BXY_079-activated parasitism-related genes predominantly encode proteins with lytic functions, including secreted peptidases and glycoside hydrolases. Consistent with their proposed role in parasitism, these genes are highly expressed during the parasitic juvenile stages and are likely involved in nematode feeding, tissue penetration, and migration within the host. In contrast, BXY_022 also represses the expression of several genes related to the reproduction system, such as major sperm proteins and cytosolic motility proteins, particularly in the adult male stage. Taken together, both dual-functional TFs work together, non-redundantly, to regulate gene expression across the life cycle, while each is additionally specialised to regulate diverse and distinct gene sets: ranging from genes implicated in lytic parasitic functions to sexual dimorphism. Sun, 31 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42403 2026-05-31T23:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42399 Title: A critical application of the Agroecology Criteria Tool to evaluate agri-food initiatives in Portugal Authors: Duarte, Luís; Muñoz-Rojas, José; Horstink, Lanka Abstract: Agroecology is being increasingly promoted as a pathway toward more sustainable agri-food systems, but its systemic and multidimensional nature makes agroecological assessment particularly difficult. While several frameworks have been developed to evaluate agroecological compliance, little is known about how agroecology is currently implemented and evaluated at the national level. This study examines 34 agroecological research and advocacy initiatives in Portugal using the Agroecology Criteria Tool (ACT), representing, to our knowledge, the first national-level application of a similar framework. The analysis shows that only a few initiatives considered fully adopt a systemic approach to agroecology, with most demonstrating only partial integration of the agroecological principles. Clear differences appear between types of initiatives: projects focused on agroecosystems tend to highlight ecological aspects, while food-system-focused initiatives mainly act as social and institutional facilitators rather than as leaders of comprehensive agroecological transformation. Meanwhile, applying the ACT reveals its usefulness and limitations, especially regarding overlaps among criteria and how elements are organized, which somehow restricts its ability to capture the dynamics within the groups of initiatives. Based on these results, we suggest targeted improvements to the tool to improve its clarity and usefulness. Overall, the study emphasizes the need for strong, transparent, and context-sensitive assessment frameworks to support evidence-based decisions and effectively guide the transition to agroecology. Mon, 11 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42399 2026-05-11T23:00:00Z