• Title/Summary/Keyword: Ecological data

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HOW TO DEFINE CLEAN VEHICLES\ulcorner ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT RATING OF VEHICLES

  • Mierlo, J.-Van;Vereecken, L.;Maggetto, G.;Favrel, V.;Meyer, S.;Hecq, W.
    • International Journal of Automotive Technology
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    • v.4 no.2
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    • pp.77-86
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    • 2003
  • How to compare the environmental damage caused by vehicles with different foe]s and drive trains\ulcorner This paper describes a methodology to assess the environmental impact of vehicles, using different approaches, and evaluating their benefits and limitations. Rating systems are analysed as tools to compare the environmental impact of vehicles, allowing decision makers to dedicate their financial and non-financial policies and support measures in function of the ecological damage. The paper is based on the "Clean Vehicles" research project, commissioned by the Brussels Capital Region via the BIM-IBGE (Brussels Institute for the Conservation of the Environment) (Van Mierlo et at., 2001). The VriJe Universiteit Brussel (ETEC) and the universite Libre do Bruxelles (CEESE) have jointly carried out the workprogramme. The most important results of this project are illustrated in this paper. First an overview of environmental, economical and technical characteristics of the different alternative fuels and drive trains is given. Afterward the basic principles to identify the environmental impact of cars are described. An outline of the considered emissions and their environmental impact leads to the definition of the calculation method, named Ecoscore. A rather simple and pragmatic approach would be stating that all alternative fuelled vehicles (LPG, CNG, EV, HEV, etc.) can be considered as ′clean′. Another basic approach is considering as ′clean′ all vehicles satisfying a stringent omission regulation like EURO IV or EEV. Such approaches however don′t tell anything about the real environmental damage of the vehicles. In the paper we describe "how should the environmental impact of vehicles be defined\ulcorner", including parameters affecting the emissions of vehicles and their influence on human beings and on the environment and "how could it be defined \ulcorner", taking into account the availability of accurate and reliable data. We take into account different damages (acid rain, photochemical air pollution, global warming. noise, etc.) and their impacts on several receptors like human beings (e.g., cancer, respiratory diseases, etc), ecosystems, or buildings. The presented methodology is based on a kind of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in which the contribution of all emissions to a certain damage are considered (e.g. using Exposure-Response damage function). The emissions will include oil extraction, transportation refinery, electricity production, distribution, (Well-to-Wheel approach), as well as the emission due to the production, use and dismantling of the vehicle (Cradle-to-Grave approach). The different damages will be normalized to be able to make a comparison. Hence a reference value (determined by the reference vehicle chosen) will be defined as a target value (the normalized value will thus measure a kind of Distance to Target). The contribution of the different normalized damages to a single value "Ecoscore" will be based on a panel weighting method. Some examples of the calculation of the Ecoscore for different alternative fuels and drive trains will be calculated as an illustration of the methodology.

Distribution of Sedimentation Environments and Benthic Macro-fauna Communities in Habitats and Non-habitats of Zostera marina on the Yeongheung-do Tidal Flats, West Coast of Korea (한국의 서해안 영흥도 조간대의 거머리말(Zostera marina) 서식지와 비서식지에서 퇴적환경과 대형저서동물군집의 분포)

  • Bae, Jong Il;Shin, Hyen Chul;Hwang, Sung Il;Lee, Jeng Ho
    • Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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    • v.36 no.2
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    • pp.107-116
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    • 2018
  • In this study, the distribution of sedimentary environment and benthic macro-fauna in habitats and non-habitats of Zostera marina were investigated. The purpose of this study was to obtain basic data about the sedimentary environment and benthic macro-fauna in the habitats and non-habitats of Z. marina. Sand was dominant within habitat environments, whereas the non-habitats were predominantly composed of silt. As a result, the habitats of Z. marina have a different grain size and organic matter content compared to the non-habitats. These differences in the sedimentary environment were expected to influence the species composition of benthic animals. Benthic communities in the habitats of Z. marina showed a higher density and a greater number of species than in the non-habitats. As a result of an ecological index evaluation, the species diversity index (H') was $3.44{\pm}0.10$ for the habitat; the non-habitat was analyzed as $2.34{\pm}0.35$. It was also found that the stability of community in the habitats was higher than that in the non-habitats. The cluster analysis also clearly showed that habitats and non-habitats of Z. marina have distinct characteristics.

A Study on Detection of Deforested Land Using Aerial Photographs (항공사진을 이용한 훼손 산지 탐지 연구)

  • Ham, Bo Young;Lee, Chun Yong;Byun, Hye Kyung;Min, Byoung Keol
    • Journal of Korean Society for Geospatial Information Science
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    • v.21 no.3
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    • pp.11-17
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    • 2013
  • With high social demands for the diverse utilizations of forest lands, the illegal forest land use changes have increased. We studied change detection technique to detect changes in forest land use using an object-oriented segmentation of RED bands differencing in multi-temporal aerial photographs. The new object-oriented segmentation method consists of the 5 steps, "Image Composite - Segmentation - Reshaping - Noise Remover - Change Detection". The method enabled extraction of deforested objects by selecting a suitable threshold to determine whether the objects was divided or merged, based on the relations between the objects, spectral characteristics and contextual information from multi-temporal aerial photographs. The results found that the object-oriented segmentation method detected 12% of changes in forest land use, with 96% of the average detection accuracy compared by visual interpretation. Therefore this research showed that the spatial data by the object-oriented segmentation method can be complementary to the one by a visual interpretation method, and proved the possibility of automatically detecting and extracting changes in forest land use from multi-temporal aerial photographs.

Structure and Distribution of Vegetation and Their Implications for the Conservation in the Gonggeomji Wetland Protection Area, South Korea (공검지 습지보호지역의 식생 구조와 분포 및 보전을 위한 제안)

  • Lee, Cheolho;Kim, Hwirae;Park, So Hyun;Chu, Yeounsu.;Yoon, Jungdo;Cho, Kang-Hyun
    • Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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    • v.6 no.4
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    • pp.267-276
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    • 2019
  • The Gonggeomji Reservoir is a historical irrigation facility built in the 8th century and designated as a wetland protected area by Ministry of Environment, Korea. In order to collect the baseline data necessary for developing a sustainable conservation strategy, we investigated the classification of actual vegetation, the vegetation distribution and the floristic structure of the vegetation in the Gonggeomji Wetland Protection Area. In the whole protection area, a total of 26 plant communities were classified including the wetland, riparian, grassland, forest, farmland, and orchard vegetation. According to the results of detrended correspondence analysis, the structure of wetland vegetation was mainly affected by water depth and human disturbance. In reservoir wetlands, floating vegetation such as Utricularia vulgaris var. japonica, Trapa japonica, and emergent vegetation such as Nelumbo nucifera, Typha spp. completely covered the water surface. Since 2014, the reservoir wetland has been terrestrialized with the expansion of emergent and hygrophytic plants. For the sustainable conservation and restoration of wetland protected areas, it is necessary to naturalize the topography and wetland vegetation, recovery the hydrologic system, and restore ecosystem connectivity from wetlands to forests.

Selecting Plants for the Extensive Rooftop Greening Based on Herbal Plants (초화류를 중심으로한 관리조방적 옥상녹화용 식물 소재 선정)

  • Lee, Eun-Heui;Cho, Eun-Jin;Park, Min-Young;Kim, Dong-Wook;Jang, Seong-Wan
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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    • v.10 no.2
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    • pp.84-96
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    • 2007
  • The purpose of this study was to select herbaceous plants that can be used for presenting various views and biodiversity on the extensive rooftop greening. Experiment plots were constructed in July 2005 on the rooftop of the Administration Building in the Seoul Women's University. For this experiment, planters were used to design rooftop greening. The size of a planter is 500mm${\times}$500mm${\times}$100mm and each planter has the water storage plate in the lower part of it. The soil was constructed by mixing pearlite, vermiculite, cocopeat, and leaf mold in the ratio of 6 : 2 : 1 : 1. The plot was divided into the watered plot and the dry plot. Since each plot was constructed 2 times, finally 4 planters were constructed in total. One hundred species were used for the experiment and 9 plants per species were planted in each planter. Plants were organized according to types of plants and the experiment used 86 native herbaceous plants, 6 herbs, and 8 foreign plants. The plots were monitored once a month, from July to November 2005. The length and width of plants were tape-measured and covering rate was calculated by CAD program. "SPSS 10.1" was used for a statistical analysis. The result showed no significant difference between the watered plots and the dry plots. In cases of some plants, there were statistically significant differences between the watered planter and dry planter such as follows : Astilbe chinensis and Polygonatum odoratum which are shade plants were measured as the highest value on the watered pots, and Aquilegia buergeriana, Chrysanthemum zawadskii, Calendula arvensis and Gypsophila cerastioides D.Don which are sunny plants were measured as the highest value on the dry plots. According to the final analysis of the data collected and observed for growth condition during the first year of the research, 51 species including Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina and Veronica linaiaefolia in native herbaceous plant, 5 species with Lavandula angustifolia in herbs, and 3 species with Lantana camara and Muscari armeniacum in foreign plants showed the highest growth condition. In conclusion, it is suggested that various plants including sedums could be effectively used for extensive rooftop greening to improve landscape(a view) of the rooftop and increase ecological values.

A Study on the Characteristics of Spatial and Landscape Composition in Jangneung, Paju (파주 장릉(長陵)의 공간 및 경관구성의 특성에 관한 연구)

  • Lee, Chang-Hwan;Kim, Du-Gyu
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
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    • v.38 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2020
  • This paper investigates spatial composition and landscape characteristics of the royal tomb(Jangneung in Paju) where the 12th King(Injo) and the Queen(InnYeol) of the Joseon Dynasty are buried. Based on the investigations, the study suggests the management plan of the Royal tomb at the end. The study includes research on ancient literature and the on-site survey to estimate the ancient landscape architecture of the Royal tomb. Thereby, it is intended to provide the basic data for the identification, preservation, and restoration of the landscape architecture. As a result of the study, first, Jangneung is confirmed that it is a typical formal landscape structure of the Royal tomb in the Joseon Dynasty. Second, Ecological resources around the royal tombs are consistent with previous records and current field research. Third, although the Japanese colonial rule damaged much of the Royal tomb, it preserves much of its core facilities. However, the restoration of ancillary facilities is required, and a World Heritage Conservation Management Plan is required that complies with the ICOMOS Charter.

Features of Foreign Marine Debris on the Dune Beach of U-i Island, Korea (우이도 사구 해안의 외국기인 해양쓰레기 특성)

  • Lee, Jong-Myoung;Jang, Yong-Chang;Hong, Sun-Wook;Choi, Hyun-Woo
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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    • v.18 no.2
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    • pp.167-174
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    • 2012
  • Transport of marine debris between countries is a potential source of diplomatic conflicts. U-i Island in Shinan County, Jeonnam Province has been reported by media as being damaged by marine debris from foreign countries. However, scientific researches on those marine debris have not been published. So, the features of foreign marine debris on Seongchon Beach in U-i Island were surveyed on Feb. 2012. The ratio of marine debris from foreign countries was 34.7% by number of items, 56.3% by weight, and 48.5% by volume in $200m^2$ transacts. Most of them, 98.9% in number, were inferred to be originated from China. The most abundant items were plastic beverage bottles and black floats. The total number of black floats was 539 within the 1,100m beach. Fifteen of them had information on manufactured locations, of which 87.6% were Liaoning Province in northern China. As domestic policy cannot prevent the inflow of the marine debris from foreign countries, countermeasures should be sought out from the international cooperation with the neighboring countries. For the black floats, recycling method should be developed as lots of the same types of black floats are drifted ashore in winter. And, as the U-i Island is a National Park with its valuable natural heritages, methods should be designed to minimize impacts on dune topography and ecology.

A Vertical Survey on the Change of Environmental Awareness of Elementary School Students (초등학생의 환경 의식 변화에 관한 종단적 조사 연구)

  • 최영분;정완호
    • Hwankyungkyoyuk
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    • v.11 no.2
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    • pp.118-129
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    • 1998
  • This survey is made to offer the fundamental data for the establishment of practical environmental education plan based on understanding of the change of the environmental awareness of elementary school students under the longitudinal-sectional research design. In this research, the questionnaire made by Kim Jong-ki in 1988 and by Kim Hak-Bong in 1993, is amended and filled up, which is used to the 624 numbers of fifth and sixth grade students lived in Seoul, Pyungtaek and Yangjugu. This research ares are devided into 5 ares which are the environmental general, environmental pollution, living environment, environmental education and consciouness of environmental crisis to humen beings. First, it is grasped general tendency and then is compared and analyzed the level of awareness by residence, sex, grade. stsdard of living parental academic, the background variation of parental job with the status in 1988 and 1933. The results are as follows: 1) The rate of interest for environmental pollution and population is reduced but the rate of interest for animal protection is increased. 2) In spite of reinforcement of environmental education In school, the numbers of the students who became to know some information about that from the class are diminished. 3) Even if the children are aware of sewage seriousely, the numbers of the students who answer it is caused by domestic sewage are a few. 4) On the environmental education area, the various materials of the are not utilized well in a class. 5) On the environmental crisis to the human beings the rate is much increased in 1993 ttan that of 1988 environmental contamination is the important cause of the human beings' crises but now the rate is reduced again. In other variables except the environmental contamination, it is increased the that of 1993 on the war, on population it is showed a tendency of reduction. The results of this study are as follows : 1) It is supposed that the education should be done only not for the knowledge of environmental education but for the practice of that - animal breeding, field experience of the ecological destruction places. 2) The various environmental education materials such as TV, VTR are demanded to give the students proper information about that and to educate sufficently. 3) The course of fields exploration for environmental education should be prepared under cooperation of the authorities concerned. 4) It has to be groped for an epoch-making teaching method and the training and the practice of teachers in order to reform environmental pollution.

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Ecological Notes on Narcissus Flycatcher, Musciapa narcissina zanthopygia HAY - With special reference to the breeding process and feeding habits of nestlings during their nesting period- (흰눈섭황금새(Muscica narcissina zanthopygia HAY)의 생태-특히 번식경과와 육령기의 식습성)

  • WON, Pyong-Oh;RHEE, Kyung-Jho
    • The Korean Journal of Zoology
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    • v.8 no.2
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    • pp.89-127
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    • 1965
  • 1. This report is on the outcome of observation made up the breeding process of Narcissus flycatcher, Muscicapa narcissina zanthopygia, using 15 ness-boxes at Seoul and Kwang Nung Experimental forest in 1964, and the relevant feeding habit was studied by the collar method of wrapping the necks of thenestlings for 50-60 minutes or more in some cases from 1963 to 1964. 2. The Narcissus flycatcheris a common summer resident throughout Korea arriving at the end of April. The earliest data of arrival of this species in Seoul, is April 26, 1964. They migrate southward from the later part of September to early part of October. 3. In a week after their arrival , they start to build nest after a brief courtship. Male and female prepare their nest ina nestboxes in 4 or 5 days. Nests are usually found in the moss, which provide definite frame-work. The inner side of the nest is usually composed of roots of Gramineae or leaves of pine, oak or other broad leave tree. 4. The laying period is generally from the later part of April to the middle of June : and the number of eggs laid is from 3 to 8 , therefore 5 in average : eggs are pink with traces of milky yellow blending of light auburn and orange red spots and chicken-egg-like in shape. 5.The incubation takes place for 7-12 days from the middle part of May to the middle of June, in the order of male and female . The hatching rate tends to increase in proportion to clutch size. 6. The feeding period usually lasts 15 days in average from the early part of June to the middle of July and the feeding urge tends to increase in proportion to brood size. 7. The animals invading into their nest-boxes are red ants, chipmunks, bees , barkbeetles and philippine red-tailed shirkes, etc. 8. On the basis of analysis covering 714 birds in 31 nests, the food they consumed during the nesting period of nestlings were mostly of animal matters composing of : insect larvae form-39. 88% insect adult form 36.26%, insect pupae-0.19%, spider-17.75% and other animal matters 5.92% , Besides a small amount of plant pieces were found . As to the insect larvae, Lepidoptera was the largest in the content followed by Hymenoptera , Orthoptera and Coleoptera. As to the insect adult, Diptera was the largest in the content followed by Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. In view of forest protection, noxious insect was of 69.38%, useful insect 4.39%, and spider 17.75%. 9. The rich assortment of its food, the ability of acquiring various insect (adults as well as larvae), its destruction of great numbers of harmful insects , and its quick assimilation artificial nesting with the nest-boxes of 2.5-3cm entrance hole employed, allow us to conclude that the flycatcher may be successfully employed in the elimination of fores pests. The above results are only that part obtained near Seoul in the middle of Korea, however, if we would extend the scheme to other broad areas using similar techniques, the nest-boxes could not only be well used by the birds, but also it would help to prevent the increase of harmful. insects.

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Genetic diversity and structure of Pulsatilla tongkangensis as inferred from ISSR markers (ISSR 표지자에 의한 동강할미꽃(Pulsatilla tongkangensis)의 유전다양성과 구조)

  • Kim, Zin-Suh;Jo, Dong-Gwang;Jeong, Ji-Hee;Kim, Young-Hee;Yoo, Ki-Oug;Cheon, Kyoung-Sic
    • Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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    • v.23 no.4
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    • pp.360-367
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    • 2010
  • The genetic diversity and structure of P. tongkangensis in 5 populations from 3 regions was investigated using 56 markers derived from 6 ISSR primers. Genetic diversity at the species level (P=94.6, SI=0.377, h=0.240) was substantial considering the limited distribution and small size of populations. Genetic differentiation among regions (12%) and among populations (13%) in the region was not clearly evident, which suggested a moderate level of gene flow among adjacent populations. The Mantel test revealed a significant correlation between genetic differentiation (${\Phi}_{ST}$) and geographic distance among populations. This was supported by cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). The significant difference in marker band frequency at many loci and their fixation in opposite directions in the smallest and most isolated population SC were considered due to genetic drift. Therefore, the genetic diversity of P. tongkangensis could be compromised if the distribution area or the size of the population was further reduced. In particular, small and isolated populations could be at great risk of extinction. Considering this, the unique habitats of P. tongkangensis should be protected and the reduction of population size should be closely monitored. Conservation efforts including the seeding and planting of seedlings should be done carefully based on their genetic and ecological traits. Our data support the argument that establishing an integrated management system for the efficient conservation of P. tongkangensis is critical.