• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.58-67
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• 2020

Terrestrial ecosystems influence climate change via their climate regulation function, which is manifested within the carbon, water, and energy circulation between the atmosphere and surface. However, it has been challenging to quantify the climate regulation of terrestrial ecosystems and identify its regional distribution, which provides useful information for establishing regional climate-mitigation plans as well as facilitates better understanding of the interactions between the climate and land processes. In this study, a land surface model (LSM) that represents the land-atmosphere interactions and plant phenological variations was introduced to assess the contributions of terrestrial ecosystems to atmospheric warming or cooling effects over East Asia over the last half century. Three main climate-regulating components were simulated: net radiation flux, carbon exchange, and moisture flux at the surface. Then, the contribution of each component to the atmospheric warming or cooling (negative or positive feedback to the atmosphere, respectively) was investigated. The results showed that the terrestrial ecosystem over the Siberian region has shown a relatively large increase in positive feedback due to the enhancement of biogeochemical processes, indicating an offset effect to delay global warming. Meanwhile, the Gobi Desert shows different regional variations: increase in positive feedback in its southern part but increase in negative one in its eastern part, which implies the eastward movements of desert areas. As such, even though the LSM has limitations, this model approach to quantify the climate regulation is useful to extract the relevant characteristics in its spatio-temporal variations.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.110 no.4
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• pp.665-677
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• 2021

This study analyzed the optimization method of forest management to enhance economic and public functions, as well as the interrelationship among timber production, carbon storage, and water conservation functions in Mt.Gari leading forest management zone. For these purposes, a forest management planning model was developed using Multi-Objective Linear Programming. The model had an objective function to maximize the total NPV (Net Present Value) of weighted timber production, carbon storage, water conservation, and constraints to limit the rate of change in timber production, percentage of each age-class and tree species area, percentage of conifers and broad-leaved trees area in each management zone, minimum timber production and timber sales amount. Based on the description of forest inventory and the comprehensive plan of Mt.Gari, we analyzed stand information and management constraints of the study area. We compared management alternatives using different weights in the objective function. Therefore, the total NPV was maximized in the alternative considering the three functions in equal proportion, rather than the alternatives of maximizing only one function. When all three functions were considered simultaneously, timber production offset the carbon storage and water conservation, and carbon storage and water conservation interacted synergistically. However, when considering only two of the three functions, all combinations of functions demonstrated tradeoffs with one other. Therefore, we discovered that by considering all three functions equally, rather than only one or two functions, the economic and public values of the study area can be maximized.

• Transactions of Materials Processing
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.259-259
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• 1999

TiC ceramic particulate-reinforced titanium matrix composites were fabricated and the resultant densification, microstructure, and static and dynamic mechanical properties were studied. Comparing Ti with TiH₂powders as host materials for TiC ceramic reinforcement by pressureless vacuum sintering, TiH₂-started composites showed better sinterability and resistance to both elastic and plastic deformation than Ti-started ones. When TiH₂and TiH₂-45 vol.%TiC samples were hot pressed, TiH₂matrices transformed to alpha prime Ti and alpha Ti phase, respectively. It is interpreted that the diffusion of an alpha stabilizer carbon from TiC into the matrix is one of the plausible reasons far such a microstructural difference. The 0.2% offset yield strengths of the hot pressed TiH₂and TiH₂-45 vol.%TiC samples were 1008 and 1446 MPa, respectively, in a static compressive mode (strain rate of 1×$10^{-3}$/s). Dynamic compressive strengths of the samples were 1600 and 2060 MPa, respectively, at a strain rate of 4×10³/s.

• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.100-110
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• 1998

In this paper, the laser weldability of thin gage steels for automobile application is discussed. Welding was carried out with a high power carbon dioxide laser system, and the laser energy was concentrated through a plano-convex lens. Test results showed that the joint gap in the butt welding proved to be one of the critical conditions for an acceptable weld. In the case where the ratio of the gap clearance to the material thickness was slightly bigger than optimal value, the weld strength was reduced showing weld metal fracture. It was possible to obtained a weld penetration ratio of 0.91 when the vertical offset ratio was controlled to be 0.4 or smaller. Results also demonstrated that the weld strength of the lap joint was influenced by travel speed. At the travel speeds lower than 37 mm/s, the weld strength indicated higher value than that of class A recommendation strength of a resistance spot weld based on the KS code. It was clear that the complicated effect of specimen alignment should be considered so as to make a sound weld with high integrity when the laser process was applied to the long weld line.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 2019

The emission trading system implemented in Korea is a system in which the government allocates or sells emission rights by setting the emission allowable amount to economic players subject to the emission trading system, allowing companies to freely trade shortfall or extra money through the emission trading market. Korea also had implemented its first emission trading system scheme period of time from 2015 to 2017. As a result of the first planning period in which total of seven Korean airlines were targeted, the emission amount was about 5.51 million KAU, while the quota amount was only about 4.85 million KAU, about 116% of the actual quota was emitted and Domestic airlines have incurred additional costs of about 10.7 billion won. Due to ICAO's implementation of CORSIA, the airlines are expected to have to shoulder additional costs because purchasing exceed quota will be increased in order to offset excess emissions not only on domestic but also on international routes. Thus, this paper had analyzed the characteristics of the carbon trading system of air transport industry and suggested a mix of regulatory policies as an improvement method.

• New & Renewable Energy
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.60-72
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• 2022

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) score is gaining recognition as important nonfinancial investment criteria. With climate change emerging as a global issue, energy companies must pay attention to the ESG impact on corporate performance. In this study, the ESG impact on the performance of energy companies was analyzed based on 23 companies selected from the S&P 500. The panel corrected standard error methodology was used. The Refinitiv ESG score was the independent variable, and financial performance metrics, such as Tobin's Q, return on assets, and return on equity, were the dependent variables. It was found that the ESG score is positively associated with long-term corporate value but not with short-term profitability in the electricity utility industry. Among the subcategories of ESG, the environmental and social scores also showed positive correlations with long-term corporate value. A direct incentive policy is recommended that can offset expenses for ESG activities to reduce carbon emission in the energy sector.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.167-175
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• 2014

This study was conducted to quantify a carbon budget of major vegetation types established in the campus of the National Institute of Ecology (NIE). Carbon budget was measured for Pinus thunbergii and Castanea crenata stands as the existing vegetation. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) was determined by applying allometric method and soil respiration was measured by EGM-4. Heterotrophic respiration was calculated as 55% of total respiration based on the existing results. Net Ecosystem Production (NEP) was determined by the difference between NPP and heterotrophic respiration (HR). NPPs of P. thunbergii and C. crenata stands were shown in $4.9ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and $5.3ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, respectively. Heterotrophic respirations of P. thunbergii and C. crenata stands were shown in $2.4ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and $3.5ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, respectively. NEPs of P. thunbergii and C. crenata stands were shown in $2.5ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and $1.8ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$, respectively. Carbon absorption capacity for the whole set of vegetation types established in the NIE was estimated by applying NEP indices obtained from current study and extrapolating NEP indices from existing studies. The value was shown in $147.6ton\;C\;ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ and it was calculated as $541.2ton\;CO_2ha^{-1}yr^{-1}$ converted into $CO_2$. This function corresponds to 62% of carbon emission from energy that NIE uses for operation of various facilities including the glass domes known in Ecorium. This carbon offset capacity corresponds to about five times of them of the whole national territory of Korea and the representative rural area, Seocheongun. Considered the fact that ongoing climate change was originated from imbalance of carbon budget at the global level, it is expected that evaluation on carbon budget in the spatial dimension reflected land use pattern could provide us baseline information being required to solve fundamentally climate change problem.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.174-178
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• 2001

Absorption potential of oak charcoal was estimated using simulated static and dynamic systems to establish a model for practical application of the charcoal in modified atmosphere (MA) packaging and during the storage of 'Fuji' apples. Practical MA packaging was performed using $60{\mu}m$ PE film zipper bags in which five apples were placed. Absorption potential of oak charcoal was $58.4{\mu}L/100g$ charcoal for ethylene and 583 mg/100 g charcoal for carbon dioxide. Effects of enclosing a 100 g-charcoal packet inside a MA package seemed not to last long enough for quality maintenance of 'Fuji' apples stored at $0^{\circ}C$ for three months. During extended storage, ethylene and $CO_2$ levels were not significantly reduced by charcoal treatment. Nevertheless, absorption of carbon dioxide appeared to alleviate the incidence of $CO_2$-related internal browning disorder. Modelling study of practical storage and marketing procedure indicates that 0.19 kg charcoal/day is required to offset $CO_2$ production from 15 kg of apples at $0^{\circ}C$. The amount of charcoal should be increased to 3.10 kg/day if ethylene is a target gas. From the practical point of view, the results suggest that charcoal could be used only for small unit packages for a short period.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.139-149
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• 2013

Anthropogenic increases in greenhouse gas concentrations, primarily through radiative forcing from carbon dioxide, continue to challenge earth's climate. This study quantified $CO_2$ storage and uptake by dominant forest types and age classes in the middle region of Korea. In addition, the role of forest landscapes in reducing atmospheric $CO_2$ against $CO_2$ emissions based on energy consumption was evaluated. Mean $CO_2$ storage and uptake per unit area by woody plants for three forest types and four age classes were estimated applying regression equations derived to quantify $CO_2$ storage and uptake per tree; and computations per soil unit area were also performed. Total $CO_2$ storage and uptake by forest landscapes were estimated by extrapolating $CO_2$ storage and uptake per unit area. Results indicated mean $CO_2$ storage per unit area by woody plants and soils was higher in older age classes for the same forest types, and higher in broadleaved than coniferous forests for the same age classes, with the exception of age class II (11-20 years). $CO_2$ storage by broadleaved forests of age class V (41-50 years) averaged 662.0 t/ha (US$331.0 hundred/ha), highest for all forest types and age classes evaluated. Overall, an increased mean $CO_2$ uptake per unit area by woody plants was evident for older age classes for the same forest types. However, decreased $CO_2$ uptake by broadleaved forests at age class V was observed, compared to classes III and IV with an average of 27.9 t/ha/yr (US$14.0 hundred/ha/yr). Total $CO_2$ storage by woody plants and soils in the study area was equivalent to 3.4 times the annual $CO_2$ emissions, and woody plants annually offset the $CO_2$ emissions by 17.7%. The important roles of plants and soils were associated with 39.1% of total forest area in South Korea, and $CO_2$ emissions comprised 62.2% of the total population. Therefore, development of forest lands may change $CO_2$ sinks into sources. Forest landscape management strategies were explored to maintain or improve forest roles in reducing atmospheric $CO_2$ levels.

• Journal of the Korean earth science society
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.30-40
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• 2022

Wildfires, which occur sporadically and irregularly worldwide, are distinct natural disturbances in combustible vegetation areas, important parts of the global carbon cycle, and natural disasters that cause severe public emergencies. While many previous studies have investigated the variability and changes in wildfires globally based on fire emissions, burned areas, and fire weather indices, studies on East Asia are still limited. Here, we explore the characteristics of variability and changes in wildfire danger over East Asia by analyzing the fire weather index for the 40 years-1981-2020. The first empirical orthogonal function (EOF) mode of fire weather index variability represents an increasing trend in wildfire danger over most parts of East Asia over the last 40 years, accounting for 29% of the total variance. The major contributor is an increase in the surface temperature in East Asia associated with global warming and multidecadal ocean variations. The effect of temperature was slightly offset by the increase in soil moisture. The second EOF mode exhibits considerable interannual variability associated with the El Nino-Southern Oscillation, accounting for 17% of the total variance. The increase (decrease) in precipitation in East Asia during El Nino (La Nina) increases (decreases) soil moisture, which in turn reduces (increases) wildfire danger. This dominant soil moisture effect was slightly offset by the temperature increase (decrease) during El Nino (La Nina). Improving the understanding of variability and changes in wildfire danger will have important implications for reducing social, economic, and ecological losses associated with wildfire occurrences.