• Title/Summary/Keyword: Natural Ecology Center

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Use of the foraging area by captive bred oriental storks (Ciconia boyciana) in a closed semi natural paddy field

  • Yoon, Jong-Min;Na, Sang-Hee;Kim, Su-Kyung;Park, Shi-Ryong
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.35 no.2
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    • pp.149-155
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    • 2012
  • Rice paddy fields have been recognized as an alternative habitat for avian wetland foragers, and fish-rice farms have become a new tool in improving the abundance of aquatic animals. However, the use of the habitats by avian foragers, particularly by oriental storks ($Ciconia$ $boyciana$), was not well understood. In the present study, we investigated how a fish-rice farm influenced the abundance of aquatic animals and documented the foraging behavior of the two captive bred oriental storks in a closed semi-natural paddy field. Our results showed that the fish refuge pond (water depth 40 cm) had a higher abundance of fish whereas the areas planted with rice (water depth 20 cm) had more tadpoles and some aquatic insects. The two captive bred oriental storks captured mostly fish and aquatic insects in the rice-planted area and mostly fish in the fish refuge pond. The two oriental storks had higher foraging success and spent more time for foraging in the rice-planted area than in the fish refuge pond. This result suggests that the oriental storks might prefer foraging in the area with fish, aquatic insects, and amphibians under a greater success rate presumably due to shallow water depth in the paddy fields with a fish-rice farm.

Comparison of Four Multi-herbal Formulas in Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities (네 가지 처방의 항산화 및 항암 효과 비교)

  • Kim, Hong Jae;Choi, Eun Ok;Kim, Min Young;Son, Da Hee;Jeong, Jin-Woo;Lee, Sang-hyup;Park, Cheol;Choi, Yung Hyun;Hong, Su Hyun
    • Herbal Formula Science
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    • v.24 no.4
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    • pp.271-282
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    • 2016
  • Objective : In this study, we compared the antioxidant and anticancer properties of four multi-herbal formulas which were recorded in 'Dongeuibogam': Gilgyung-tang (GGT), Mokdanpi-tang (MDPT), Samso-eum (SSE), Samchulbobi-tang (SCBBT). Methods : We checked antioxidant properties of four multi-herbal formula through total phenolic content, radical scavenging activities, protective effects on genomic DNA oxidation. To investigate anticancer effects, we conducted MTT assay and analyzed morphologic change in A549 non-small lung cancer cells. Results : Total phenolic contents of four multi-herbal formulas were in a rich order of MDPT > SSE > GGT > SCBBT. Especially, MDPT revealed the highest activity than others in all antioxidant experiments. Our results indicated that treatment of those multi-herbal formulas induced growth retardation in A549 cells and MDPT also showed the highest anticancer effect ($IC_{50}=1.374mg/ml$) among them. Conclusions : Our data suggested that MDPT would be a powerful ingredient for lung cancer treatment.

The Antimicrobial Activity of the Crude Extracts from Cichorium intybus L. (Chicory) against Bacillus cereus in Various Dairy Foods

  • Jeong, Dana;Kim, Dong-Hyeon;Chon, Jung-Whan;Kim, Hyunsook;Kim, Hong-Seok;Song, Kwang-Young;Kang, Il-Byung;Kim, Young-Ji;Park, Jin-Hyeong;Chang, Ho-Seok;Seo, Kun-Ho
    • Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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    • v.34 no.4
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    • pp.239-244
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    • 2016
  • The roots of Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) have many nutritional qualities and also have been used for health promotion as traditional medicine. The antimicrobial activity of Cichorium intybus L.'s (chicory) ethanol extract on Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 were investigated using spot on lawn method in this study. Ethanol extract exhibited antimicrobial activities against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 with significance. Also, the results produced the larger zones of inhibition against Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876 tested, with increasing concentration of Cichorium intybus L.'s (chicory) ethanol extracts,. Hence, Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) could be served for keeping the safety of various dairy products as natural antimicrobial agents.

Cross-cultural Comparison of Landscape Preference for the National Park: An Approach from a Typicality of Landscape (국립공원 선호의 문화권간 비교: 경관의 전형성으로부터의 접근)

  • Lee, Duk-Jae
    • Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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    • v.20 no.4
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    • pp.482-492
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    • 2006
  • This study has a purpose of examining the relationship between visual preference and typicality of natural landscapes in view of cross-cultural comparison. Both the photographs of the Cairngorms National Park of Scotland and those of the Jirisan National Park of Korea were used for selecting typical landscape of each National Park. To measure landscape preferences, a photo-questionnaire was implemented to the visitors of each National Park. Results showed that there was a significant relationship between age and number of visits and that Cairngorms visitors had visited the Park more frequently. The high typicality of Cairngorms landscape was negatively related to visual preferences. On the other hand, in case of Jirisan visitors, the high typicality of Jirlsan landscape was positively related to visual preferences. Although there was a significant relationship between typicality and visual preference, the way in which they were related differed between the separate cultural regions.

A Study on Characteristics of Natural Organic Matter using XAD and FTIR in Yeongsan River System (XAD 및 FT-IR을 이용한 영산강수계 광주시 유역 자연유기물질의 분포특성 연구)

  • Lee, Dong-Jin;Chon, Kang-Min;Kim, Sang-Don;Jung, Soo-Jung;Lee, Kyung-Hee;Hwang, Tae-Hee;Lim, Byung-Jin;Cho, Jae-Weon
    • Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.44 no.4
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    • pp.358-363
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    • 2011
  • This study investigated the characteristics of natural organic matter(NOM) with tXAD resin and FT-IR in the Yeongsan river system of Gwangju region. NOM fractionation by XAD 8/4 resins was used to classify hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances. FTIR was applied to classify functional groups in the structure of NOM. In the XAD investigation, most of the four site-samples were mainly hydrophilic substances. In March, hydrophobic substances were dominant in the Gwangju 1 site (GJ-1), while hydrophilic substances were dominant for the other sites. In May, samples of all four sites were hydrophilic with a vigorous activity of microorganism due to increasing temperatures. The October results were very similar with those from March. In the FT-IR investigation, most of the broad and large peaks were assigned to the aliphatic group, particularly the OH group, C-H, $C-H_2$, $C-H_3$, and C-O alcohol group. All were related to hydrophilic substances. Other peaks showed the aromatic group, particularly the C=O (Ketone) Group. As a result, there is an identification of NOM in the Yeongsan river system composing mainly of hydrophilic substances and functional groups (OH, C-H etc.) of the aliphatic compound.

Vegetation structure and distribution characteristics of Symplocos prunifolia, a rare evergreen broad-leaved tree in Korea

  • Kim, Yangji;Song, Kukman;Yim, Eunyoung;Seo, Yeonok;Choi, Hyungsoon;Choi, Byoungki
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.44 no.4
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    • pp.275-285
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    • 2020
  • Background: In Korea, Symplocos prunifolia Siebold. & Zucc. is only found on Jeju Island. Conservation of the species is difficult because little is known about its distribution and natural habitat. The lack of research and survey data on the characteristics of native vegetation and distribution of this species means that there is insufficient information to guide the management and conservation of this species and related vegetation. Therefore, this study aims to identify the distribution and vegetation associated with S. prunifolia. Results: As a result of field investigations, it was confirmed that the native S. prunifolia communities were distributed in 4 areas located on the southern side of Mt. Halla and within the evergreen broad-leaved forest zones. Furthermore, these evergreen broad-leaved forest zones are themselves located in the warm temperate zone which are distributed along the valley sides at elevations between 318 and 461 m. S. prunifolia was only found on the south side of Mt. Halla, and mainly on south-facing slopes; however, small communities were found to be growing on northwest-facing slopes. It has been confirmed that S. prunifolia trees are rare but an important constituent species in the evergreen broad-leaved forest of Jeju. The mean importance percentage of S. prunifolia community was 48.84 for Castanopsis sieboldii, 17.79 for Quercus acuta, and 12.12 for Pinus thunbergii; S. prunifolia was the ninth most important species (2.6). Conclusions: S. prunifolia can be found growing along the natural streams of Jeju, where there is little anthropogenic influence and where the streams have caused soil disturbance through natural processes of erosion and deposition of sediments. Currently, the native area of S. prunifolia is about 3300 ㎡, which contains a confirmed population of 180 individual plants. As a result of these low population sizes, it places it in the category of an extremely endangered plant in Korea. In some native sites, the canopy of evergreen broad-leaved forest formed, but the frequency and coverage of species were not high. Negative factors that contributed to the low distribution of this species were factors such as lacking in shade tolerance, low fruiting rates, small native areas, and special habitats as well as requiring adequate stream disturbance. Presently, due to changes in climate, it is unclear whether this species will see an increase in its population and habitat area or whether it will remain as an endangered species within Korea. What is clear, however, is that the preservation of the present native habitats and population is extremely important if the population is to be maintained and expanded. It is also meaningful in terms of the stable conservation of biodiversity in Korea. Therefore, based on the results of this study, it is judged that a systematic evaluation for the preservation and conservation of the habitat and vegetation management method of S. prunifolia should be conducted.

Manufacture of Functional Koumiss supplemented with Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) Extract - Preliminary Study

  • Kim, Dong-Hyeon;Jeong, Dana;Oh, Yong-Taek;Kim, Hong-Seok;Kim, Yun-Gyeong;Song, Kwang-Young;Kang, Il-Byung;Kim, Young-Ji;Park, Jin-Hyeong;Chang, Ho-Seok;Lim, Hyon-Woo;Chon, Jung-Whan;Kim, Hyunsook;Jeong, Dong-Kwan;Seo, Kun-Ho
    • Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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    • v.35 no.1
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    • pp.1-7
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    • 2017
  • Made using a natural mixed starter of lactic acid bacteria and yeast, Koumiss is a slightly alcoholic fermented mare's milk beverage, and a traditional drink of the nomadic populations of Central Asia. Cichorium intybus L. (chicory) is a sedative with potential cardioactive properties, and its oligosaccharides are beneficial in maintaining healthy gastrointestinal flora. Hence, in this study, we have generated a functional Koumiss containing two different concentrations of chicory. After fermentation of the Koumiss premix, the TA increased to 0.85~0.88%, and the pH decreased to ~4.3. The addition of either concentration of chicory had no significant effect on pH and TA. However, the taste, flavor, color, texture, and overall acceptability decreased in proportion to the added amount of chicory. This study has provided the first data on Koumiss supplemented with chicory. The results could be useful in developing high-quality Koumiss with functional activity using chicory, and allowing large-scale industrial production. Further studies are needed to determine if chicory root extract is beneficial for lifestyle-related diseases.

Patterns in solute chemistry of six inlet streams to Lake Hövsgöl, Mongolia

  • Puntsag, Tamir;Owen, Jeffrey S.;Mitchell, Myron J.;Goulden, Clyde E.;McHale, Patrick J.
    • Journal of Ecology and Environment
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    • v.33 no.4
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    • pp.289-298
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    • 2010
  • A number of characteristics of the Lake H$\ddot{o}$vsg$\ddot{o}$l watershed, such as the lake's location at the edge of the Central Asian continuous permafrost zone, provide a unique opportunity to evaluate possible anthropogenic impacts in this remote area in northern Mongolia. In this study, we compared stream solute concentrations in six sub-watersheds in the Lake H$\ddot{o}$vsg$\ddot{o}$l watershed. Water samples were collected during the summer months between 2003 and 2005. Concentrations of $Cl^-$ ranged from 9.8 to $51.3\;{\mu}mol/L$; average nitrate concentrations were very low and ranged from undetectable to $1.1\;{\mu}mol/L$ and average ${SO_4}^{2-}$ concentration at sampling stations with minimal animal grazing ranged from 66 to $294\;{\mu}mol/L$. Average dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations ranged from 642 to $1,180\;{\mu}mol$ C/L. We did not find statistically significant differences in DOC concentrations among the six streams, although DOC concentrations tended to be higher in the two northernmost streams, possibly related to differences in the active layer above the permafrost. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) concentrations were correlated with DOC concentration, and followed the same spatial pattern as those for DOC. In streams in this remote watershed, total dissolved nitrogen was made up of mostly organic N, as has been found for other regions distant from anthropogenic N sources. Overall, these results suggest that future research on the dynamics of DOC and DON in this watershed will be especially insightful in helping to understand how changes in climate and land use patterns will affect transformations, retention, and export of dissolved organic matter within these sub-watersheds in the Lake H$\ddot{o}$vsg$\ddot{o}$l region.

Objective Hand of High-performance Silk Fabrics (기능성 가공된 견직물의 태)

  • Kim, Hyun-Ah;Ryu, Hyo-Seon
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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    • v.34 no.5
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    • pp.754-764
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    • 2010
  • Most silk fabrics are produced only after the degumming process to make the best use of the properties and have restricted silk processing that do not hinder their performance. However, considering the highly increased preference for natural fibers and the shortage of raw silk, high-quality upgraded silk product functions are required by the development of a processing technology and a good design. This study analyzes the changes with the samples by the functional finish such as softening finishing, wash and wear, tannin weighting by measuring the objective hand of scoured silk and three finished ones using KES-FB. As a result, the change of objective hand of finished silk fabrics that improves functionality was analyzed and compared. The increase of KOSHI after the finish became stiffer show that the silk fabric samples are appropriate for summertime clothes with the retention of a certain clothing climate for the body. The stiffness of finished fabrics for the normal had a closer relationship with the density of fabrics than the type of finishing. The samples (after the softening finishes) maintain better elasticity according to the properties of the softener and the finishing agent. Although the specimens of this study were thin fabrics, their elasticity against compression increased after the softening finishes and became softer than degummed silk. The surface properties of georgette were changed by all types of finishing.

Assessment of the Applicability of Convergence Technology for Reducing and Blocking Pollution Loads to Rivers through the Utilization of Waterfront Spaces (수변공간을 활용한 오염부하 저감 및 차단 융복합 기술의 하천 적용성 평가)

  • Kim, Bong Kyun;Seo, Dae Seuk;Oh, Jong Min;Park, Jae-Ro
    • Ecology and Resilient Infrastructure
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    • v.3 no.4
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    • pp.238-246
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    • 2016
  • Water purification facilities utilizing three technologies - a detention pond, an artificial wetland and an ecological revetment - were installed in waterfront spaces, including river embankments and watersides that have so far been left neglected, and then their water purification levels were analyzed in this study. The water purification facilities were found to show average removal efficiencies of 48.6% in suspended solid (SS), 30.5% in biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), 18.4% in total nitrogen (T-N) and 27.3% in total phosphorus (T-P) during rainfall. The removal efficiencies during non-rainfall were 33.2% in SS, 28.6% in BOD, 13.7% in T-N and 17.3% in T-P. These results showed that the water purification facilities using a detention pond, an artificial wetland and an ecological revetment can be used as a useful natural water purification technology in in waterfront spaces.