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Publications

Showing 21821 – 21840 of 30345 publications

Gender, Nation and Religion in European Pilgrimage

Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France — 2016 — WHE1FC6A7259C

European pilgrimage routes, particularly those leading to Santiago de Compostela, serve as dynamic nodes where gender, national identity, and religious expression intersect. This interdisciplinary study reveals that these ancient paths are not merely relics of the past but active stages for contemporary social and political debates, including gender emancipation, transnational identities, and European unification. The research explores diverse pilgrim experiences—from African migrants renewing family ties at Lourdes to Swedish women navigating midlife transitions—highlighting how pilgrimage reconfigures personal and collective identities. It also examines the revival of sacred spaces, such as the shrine of Our Lady of Santa Cruz, and the reinterpretation of traditional saints like Mary Magdalene within New Age spirituality. Through qualitative analyses, including case studies on Marian anti-abortion movements and interfaith coexistence at pilgrimage centers, the study demonstrates how these routes facilitate complex negotiations between religion, politics, and cultural identity in a secularized Europe.

Generalized height-diameter models for Fagus orientalis Lipsky in Hyrcanian forest, Iran

Hyrcanian Forests — 2016 — WHE2A9DD8EA93

Researchers have identified the most accurate model for predicting the height of Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in Iran's Hyrcanian forests. This model, which integrates diameter at breast height (DBH), dominant height, basal area per hectare, and tree density, demonstrated superior performance with R² values ranging from 0.62 to 0.78 and root mean square error (RMSE) between 3.3 and 4.7 during validation. The study analyzed data from 1,067 trees across 75 permanent sample plots using a 10-fold cross-validation method, evaluating six statistical measures. This approach offers a robust tool for forest management and conservation efforts in this ecologically significant region.

Genesis, distribution and dynamics of lagoon marl extrusions along the Curonian Spit, southeast Baltic Coast

Curonian Spit — 2016 — WHE4AFD1C00B6

A unique geological process involving the extrusion of lagoon marl from beneath massive migrating sand dunes characterizes large segments of the Curonian Spit, a 100-km-long sandy barrier separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This study reveals that relict lagoon marl, composed of Holocene organic sediments like gyttja and clayey gyttja, was deformed, compacted, and dehydrated by landward-migrating dunes during the Littorina Sea transgression—a phenomenon termed 'dune tectonics.' Using advanced techniques such as side-scan sonar, multibeam echosounder, seismic imaging, sediment sampling, and video observations, researchers identified extensive underwater marl outcrops at depths of 5–15 m along the southern half of the spit. Spatial analysis further constrained the southeastward migration rates of the dune massif. A conceptual model explains both onshore marl exposures above the regional water table and offshore relict marl diapirs, offering new insights into the dynamic interplay between coastal geomorphology and sedimentary processes in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Genetic analyses of wild bison in Alberta, Canada: implications for recovery and disease management

Wood Buffalo National Park — 2016 — WHE1F3C2600C3

A genetic analysis of wild bison populations in Alberta, Canada, reveals that the Harper Creek and Ronald Lake herds are genetically distinct from the diseased Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) herd, despite their proximity. This finding challenges the assumption that neighboring bison were also infected with diseases prevalent in WBNP, suggesting limited contact between these groups. The study used microsatellite genotypes to assess genetic differentiation among free-ranging bison populations, including those in the Northwest Territories and Elk Island National Park. Results indicate that while the Mackenzie and Elk Island populations, founded from WBNP animals in the 1960s, are genetically differentiated, the more recently established Hay Zama population is not. The Harper Creek herd shows significant differentiation from all other studied populations, warranting further investigation for its potential role in bison recovery efforts.

Genetic connectivity across marginal habitats: the elephants of the Namib Desert

Namib Sand Sea — 2016 — WHE32B8A0F9B0

Elephants in the Namib Desert, a marginal habitat characterized by extreme aridity, do not exhibit significant genetic distinctiveness from other African savanna elephant populations. Despite their unique behavioral and phenotypic adaptations to harsh conditions, analysis of mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite loci revealed no clear genetic isolation or pattern of isolation by distance among desert elephants (from the Hoanib and Hoarusib River catchments) and those in Etosha National Park, the Huab and Ugab River catchments, and central Kunene. This suggests that high learning capacity and long-distance migrations have allowed Namibian elephants to adapt their ranges in response to climate variability and historical hunting pressures. The study highlights the resilience of these populations against genetic fragmentation in marginal habitats.

Genetic Diversity Of The Critically Endangered Verbascum Davidoffii Murb. (Scrophulariaceae) And Implications For Conservation

Pirin National Park — 2016 — WHEE456B1C947

A rare plant species, Verbascum davidoffii, critically endangered and endemic to Bulgaria, exhibits surprisingly high genetic diversity within its sole known population in Pirin National Park. This finding challenges the assumption that such species typically harbor low genetic variation due to their threatened status. Researchers analyzed the population's genetic structure using molecular markers, revealing a rich evolutionary potential that must be preserved for long-term conservation. The study underscores the importance of protecting this unique genetic reservoir from anthropogenic pressures and ecological constraints that limit its distribution and reproduction.

Genetic diversity ofAchillea fragrantissimain Egypt inferred from phenotypic variations and ISSR markers associated with traits of plant size and seed yield

Saint Catherine Area — 2016 — WHED89A502625

A study on the genetic diversity of Achillea fragrantissima in Egypt reveals significant phenotypic and genetic variations among 20 populations, clustering them into two major groups based on geographic and environmental factors. Populations from high-elevation mountainous areas in South Sinai exhibited higher genetic diversity, with unique ISSR markers often linked to traits such as larger plant size and seed yield. This finding underscores the importance of these traits for both conservation efforts and sustainable commercial use. The research utilized phenotypic variations combined with ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat) fingerprinting to assess genetic diversity, providing insights into the adaptive potential of A. fragrantissima across different environments.

Genetic Evidence of a Population Bottleneck and Inbreeding in the Endangered New Zealand Sea Lion,Phocarctos hookeri

New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands — 2016 — WHE4A6FC6DDFC

Research on the endangered New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) reveals genetic evidence of a population bottleneck and increased inbreeding, likely due to historical sealing pressures. The study analyzed 1205 individuals across seven breeding seasons using 17 microsatellite loci, demonstrating moderate genetic diversity compared to other pinnipeds but also indicating nonrandom mating patterns. Pups that died during recent epizootic events showed higher allele sharing and parental relatedness, suggesting inbreeding's role in population vulnerability. These findings highlight the species' reduced evolutionary capacity, posing challenges for its long-term survival and recovery.

Genetic Types of Caves in Slovakia

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2016 — WHE26B77C073B

Slovakia's karst and non-karst regions host a diverse range of cave types, yet existing genetic classification criteria for caves in the Western Carpathians lack integration. This study proposes fundamental principles to categorize caves based on their genesis, addressing gaps in current terminology such as 'exokras' vs. 'endokarst' and 'karst' vs. 'pseudokarst.' The research characterizes basic genetic cave types, offering a standardized framework for future karstological and speleological studies.

Genetics of Skeletal Evolution in Unusually Large Mice from Gough Island

Gough and Inaccessible Islands — 2016 — WHE5062384D5B

Researchers have uncovered the genetic underpinnings of rapid skeletal evolution in unusually large house mice from Gough Island. These mice exhibit significant skeletal changes, including enlarged pelvis and limbs, as well as skull elongation compared to mainland counterparts. Using quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping on an F2 intercross between Gough Island mice and a reference strain, the study identified hundreds of QTL with modest, additive effects that control skeletal dimensions at multiple developmental stages. Notably, several high-impact loci affect suites of skeletal traits and colocalize with body weight QTL, suggesting pleiotropy plays a key role in this evolutionary process. This work provides a rare glimpse into the genetic mechanisms driving rapid evolution in natural populations and positions Gough Island mice as a valuable model system for studying such phenomena.

Genocide

Cambodian Memorial Sites: From centres of repression to places of peace and reflection — 2016 — WHEFF56CBBA46

This research examines how collective memory of genocide is shaped by memorial sites, revealing that certain sites play a pivotal role in fostering societal remembrance while others remain overlooked. The study highlights discrepancies in global recognition, with some genocides being more prominently remembered than others, despite their historical significance. To investigate this phenomenon, the research employs a dual approach: fieldwork and personal narratives at three specific sites to analyze their impact on collective memory, and reflective conversations centered on Cambodia as a case of genocide that has been largely forgotten. By exploring these methods, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms through which society processes traumatic historical events and how this understanding can contribute to preventing future atrocities.

Genome-wide repeat dynamics reflect phylogenetic distance in closely related allotetraploid Nicotiana (Solanaceae)

Archipiélago de Revillagigedo — 2016 — WHEB167D63757

Research on Nicotiana sect. Repandae, allotetraploid species originating from a single polyploidization event 5 million years ago, reveals that genome-wide repeat dynamics align with phylogenetic distance. Contrary to previous hypotheses suggesting N. nudicaulis as sister to the other three species, this study supports a revised phylogeny: N. repanda is sister to the Revillagigedo Island taxa (N. nesophila and N. stocktonii), while N. nudicaulis remains basal. The findings, derived from high-throughput sequencing and genome skimming analyses of repetitive DNA clusters, confirm that broad-scale repeat patterns reflect evolutionary history. This challenges earlier interpretations based on transposable element dynamics, underscoring the predictive power of repeat dynamics in phylogenetic studies.

Genotoxicity of recycling electronic waste in Idhna, Hebron District, Palestine

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town — 2016 — WHE436B650A73

A study on the genotoxic effects of e-waste recycling in Idhna, Hebron District, Palestine, found significant DNA damage and chromosome aberrations in individuals with direct exposure to e-waste. The research compared 46 non-smoker participants from Idhna—workers or residents—to a control group of 16 unexposed individuals from Bethlehem and Al-Aizariya. Results showed an average of 4.83 chromosomal aberrations per cell in exposed subjects, compared to just 0.75 in controls, with notable differences in chromatid breaks, chromosome breaks, and ring formations. The Comet assay also confirmed significantly higher DNA damage (p < 0.05) in the exposed group. These findings underscore the urgent need for mitigation measures to protect human health from the hazards of informal e-waste recycling.

Gentrification Indicators in the Historic City of Cairo

Historic Cairo — 2016 — WHEFFE807C26D

Gentrification in historic cities is increasingly recognized as a planned process, not merely haphazard, leading to significant physical, economic, social, and cultural transformations. This study applies gentrification indicators developed by Kennedy and Leonard (2001) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Historic Cairo, revealing how these changes manifest within neighborhoods. The research sheds light on the 'Geography of Gentrification'—a concept introduced by Lee (1996)—by analyzing spatial patterns and their impacts on urban development. By examining Cairo's historic fabric, the study provides a framework for understanding gentrification dynamics in culturally significant areas.

Geochronology and geochemistry of volcanic rocks in the Arbasay Formation, Xinjiang Province (Northwest China): implications for the tectonic evolution of the North Tianshan

Xinjiang Tianshan — 2016 — WHE6D157B3CA4

A new study challenges the long-held belief about the geological age of volcanic rocks in the Arbasay Formation, Xinjiang Tianshan. Using advanced geochronology techniques, including zircon U–Pb dating via LA-ICP-MS, researchers determined that these volcanic successions formed during the late Carboniferous period (308–305 Ma), not the early Permian as previously thought. The study also revealed that the rocks exhibit calc-alkaline geochemical signatures typical of continental arcs, enriched in LREEs and LILEs while depleted in HFSEs. This finding suggests that the volcanic activity was linked to the southward subduction of the North Tianshan Oceanic lithosphere rather than an intracontinental rift setting. The research integrates field mapping, petrography, and geochemical analysis to provide a refined understanding of the tectonic evolution in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Geographic, Geologic and Human Factors Affecting the Selection of Church Sites in Niğde Province, Central Anatolia Region, Turkey

Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia — 2016 — WHEF6D10CA424

Rock type, terrain morphology, and proximity to roads were the key factors influencing the selection of church sites in Niğde Province during the transition from underground temples to above-ground stone ashlar churches (SACs) in the 18th century. The study reveals that the soft tufaceous geology of Cappadocia provided both shelter and protection, shaping early Christian refuge strategies and religious spread across Anatolia. This analysis, based on geological, geographical, and human factors, highlights how environmental conditions and infrastructure guided the evolution of sacred architecture in this UNESCO-listed region.

Geohazards affecting UNESCO WHL sites in the UK observed from geological data and satellite InSAR

Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd — 2016 — WHE9356029F80

A comprehensive geohazard assessment methodology for UNESCO World Heritage List (WHL) sites in the UK has been developed, combining geological data with satellite-based radar interferometry (InSAR). The study highlights that while only one UK WHL site is currently listed as 'in danger,' many more could be vulnerable to geohazards. Using Gwynedd's Castles and Town Walls as a test case, researchers demonstrated how varied geology and topography can influence stability across multiproperty sites. Additionally, the approach was applied to four London WHL sites, showcasing its potential for broader application. This work contributes to the PROTHEGO project, which aims to map geohazards in over 400 European WHL sites using non-invasive remote sensing techniques.

Geological characteristics and petroleum resource assessment of the Macasty Formation, Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada

Anticosti — 2016 — WHEC60DDF270D

A significant volume of in-place hydrocarbon resources, estimated at 32.3 billion barrels of oil (BBO) and 52.4 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of natural gas, has been identified in the Macasty Formation on Anticosti Island, Quebec, Canada. This assessment, using the dual porosity model of the GSC, represents the first independent evaluation leveraging both public domain data and confidential operator information. The study highlights a 78% oil to 22% gas ratio, with notable uncertainty due to sparse and varied data coverage. Previous industry estimates suggested around 42.9 billion barrels of oil equivalent, aligning closely with this study's P50 result of 42.1 billion barrels of oil-equivalent. The research did not evaluate recovery rates due to a lack of production data.

Geological Conditions - Factor of Origin of Two Different Cave Systems in Two Adjacent Valleys (the Demänovská Valley and the Jánska Valley, the Low Tatras, Slovakia)

Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst — 2016 — WHE01A273A83D

Two adjacent karst valleys, Demänovská and Jánska, exhibit distinct cave systems despite similar geomorphological and hydrological conditions. The Demänovská Cave system, spanning over 30 km, forms a continuous, navigable network within the eastern slope of its valley, while the Jánska Valley's caves, also exceeding 30 km in total length, are fragmented and lack interconnections despite proven underground space continuity. This divergence is attributed to underlying geological structures: Demänovská Valley lies on a monocline of the Krížňanský nappe, whereas Jánska Valley is part of the tectonically complex Chočský nappe. Both systems develop primarily in Middle Triassic Gutenstein Limestones, highlighting how structural geology influences karst formation.

Geological development of Heard Island, Central Kerguelen Plateau

Heard and McDonald Islands — 2016 — WHEDD39139BB9

Heard Island's geological history reveals a dynamic volcanic evolution linked to the Central Kerguelen Plateau. The study found that the island's formation began with 22 million-year-old gabbro sills intruding pelagic limestone, followed by late Miocene deposition of pillow lavas and marine sediments. Two late Quaternary volcanic systems emerged: Big Ben in the southeast and Mount Dixon in the northwest, with feeder dykes dating back 400–200 thousand years. Eruptions of evolved lavas (trachytes, trachyandesites) occurred between 100–20 thousand years ago, while parasitic cones formed as recently as 15–10 thousand years ago. Mawson Peak at Big Ben's summit erupted as late as 2007. This activity is part of a broader Neogene volcanic region, suggesting plume material incubation beneath the nearly stationary Central Kerguelen Plateau. The research used 40Ar–39Ar laser step-heating age determinations on stratigraphically controlled lava flows and intrusive rocks to reconstruct this timeline.