James Cook University

About: James Cook University is a education organization based out in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Coral reef. The organization has 9101 authors who have published 27750 publications receiving 1032608 citations. The organization is also known as: JCU.

Geodynamic significance of S-type granites in circum-Pacific orogens

Abstract: In Phanerozoic circum-Pacific orogenic belts, most "post-collisional" S-type granites and associated high-temperature, low-pressure metamorphic complexes formed during early arc extension. The granites are part of a tripartite association consisting of (1) inboard S-type granite, (2) outboard oceanic arc, and (3) intervening, turbidite-filled backarc basin. S-type granites herald the formation of new outboard oceanic arc and extensional backarc systems, but thickening of a preexisting, sediment-dominated back-arc basin is a prerequisite for their generation. In these environments, S-type plutonism is triggered by renewal of arc magmatism following thickening, when hot basaltic magmas are intruded into the thickened backarc crust once slab retreat is reestablished. With ongoing extension during retreat, the crust becomes progressively thinned, the sedimentary contribution is diminished, and the granites lose their S-type character. Such tripartite associations involving S-type granite are probably diagnostic of repeated slab-retreat episodes, and the Jurassic U.S. cordillera might be an example.

Seagrass ecosystems reduce exposure to bacterial pathogens of humans, fishes, and invertebrates

Abstract: Plants are important in urban environments for removing pathogens and improving water quality. Seagrass meadows are the most widespread coastal ecosystem on the planet. Although these plants are known to be associated with natural biocide production, they have not been evaluated for their ability to remove microbiological contamination. Using amplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we found that when seagrass meadows are present, there was a 50% reduction in the relative abundance of potential bacterial pathogens capable of causing disease in humans and marine organisms. Moreover, field surveys of more than 8000 reef-building corals located adjacent to seagrass meadows showed twofold reductions in disease levels compared to corals at paired sites without adjacent seagrass meadows. These results highlight the importance of seagrass ecosystems to the health of humans and other organisms.

Using Brand Personality to Differentiate Regional Tourism Destinations

Abstract: Destination branding is growing rapidly as an approach to tourism destination promotion. While this concept has been borrowed from the world of general consumer goods and applied in a number of national tourism destinations, academic analysis of the value and effectiveness of destination branding has emerged more slowly. The present article addresses this paucity of academic scrutiny by examining the value of the destination brand personality construct in distinguishing between two regional tourism destinations. A survey of 480 tourists was conducted adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef in Northern Australia to gather data about the destination image attributes of two regional destinations that were branded by a state destination marketing organization. The results indicated that tourists were able to articulate different destination brand personalities for each region. The results also indicated that more work might need to be done to adapt existing frameworks of brand personality to the tourism context.

Can older males deliver the good genes

Abstract: Females of many species choose to mate with old rather than young males, possibly because older males pass superior genes on to their offspring. Recent theoretical and empirical investigations have rejuvenated interest in the evolution of mating preferences based on age, and in the relationship between longevity and fitness. If the cost of signalling is a reduction in future survival and reproduction, mate choice based on age is one possible outcome when males signal their genetic quality. These recent investigations highlight the importance of understanding sexual selection from a life-history perspective.