• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.241-248
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• 1998

A result of national malaria surveillance in Korean civilians was described. Since a case of indigenous vivax malaria was detected in 1993, a total of 2,198 cases was confirmed by blood smear up to 1997. Of them, 1,548 cases were soldiers serving in the demilitarized zone (DMZ), while 650 cases were civilians. Number of civilian cases was 3 in 1994, 19 in 1995, 71 in 1996, and 557 in 1997. Of them, 239 were ex-soldiers who discharged after military service in the prevalent areas such as Paju, Yonchon, Kimpo, Kangwha, Tongduchon in Kyonggi-do and Chorwon in Kangwon-do while 308 patients were civilian residents in the prevalent areas. Seventy-two patients, living nationwide, had a history of visiting the prevalent areas during transmission season. Only 32 civilian patients denied any relation with the prevalent areas. As a whole, a half of the civilian cases was diagnosed when living in non-prevalent areas. Male patients in their twenties was the highest in number. Annual parasite index is steadily elevated in residents living in the prevalent areas. Monthly incidence showed an unimodal distribution, forming a peak in August. Ex-soldiers exhibited a delayed incubation ranging from 153 to 452 days ($279{\pm}41$ days). The time required for diagnosis was shortened from 23.6 days in 1995 to 13.7 days in 1997. Although the current epidemic of vivax malaria started as a border malaria, it seems highly probable that vivax malaria is established in the local areas and responsible for at least a part of transmission.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Geographic Information Studies
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.12-24
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• 2013

Eradication of endemic malaria was declared in mid 1980's in Korea, but the number of malaria cases has been oscillating for the past 10 years since the reemergence of the disease in early 1990's. The occurrence of malaria has been concentrated near the demilitarized zone(DMZ), and the regional characteristics of the disease are evident. Considering the spatial variations of malaria incidence across the high-risk areas, the hotspot of the disease, it seems that the occurrence of the disease is influenced by the natural and human environment in the region. Malaria is an infectious disease that is transmitted to humans by the bites of vector-mosquitoes carrying malaria parasites, and it depends on specific climatic and sociodemographic factors. Malaria transmission is highly climate-sensitive, and temperature is the most important component. In addition, human contacts with vector-mosquitoes and the distance between human residence and mosquito habitats are crucial conditions determining malaria incidence rates. The present study aimed to test a hypothesis that the spatial characteristics of malaria incidence depended on local climatic conditions, relative proportions of mosquito habitats, and the distance between mosquito habitats and human residence using meteorological and satellite-based land cover data.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.237-243
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• 2010

Comprehensive quarterly serosurveillance on scrub typhus in small mammals collected from military training sites located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), northern Gyeonggi-do (Province), ROK was conducted to determine the potential rodent-borne and associated ectoparasite disease risks to military personnel. A total of 1,196 rodents and insectivores representing 8 species, Apodemus agrarius (87.3%, n = 1,044), Mus musculus (5.4%, n = 65), Crocidura lasiura (3.3%, n = 40), Microtus fortis (2.6%, n = 31), Micromys minutus (0.3%, n = 4), Tscherskia triton (0.3%, n = 4), Rattus norvegicus (0.3%, n = 4), and Myodes regulus (0.3%, n = 4) were assayed for the presence of antibodies to Orientia tsutsugamushi. O. tsutsugamushi antibodies were detected in 6 of 8 species and seroprevalence determined; A. agrarius (45.6%), M. musculus (23.1%), M. fortis (48.4%), M. minutus (50.0%), T. triton (50.0%), and R. norvegicus (25.0%). A total of 31,184 chigger mites collected from 508 rodents and insectivores were slide-mounted and 10 species belonging to 4 genera were identified. Leptotrombidium pallidum (53.4%) was the most frequently collected, followed by L. pal pale (15.7%), Neotrombicula tam/yai (14.3%), L. orientate (10.7%), L. zetum (3.1%), Walchia fragilis (2.1%), and L. gemiticutum (0.8%), while the remaining 3 species, L subintennedium, N. gardellai, and Euschoengastia koreaensis were rarely observed (prevalence < 10%). In contrast to previous surveys, higher chigger indices of the primary scrub typhus vectors, L. pallidum (165.4), L. orientale (45.0), and L. palpate (21.4), were observed during the spring season.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.38-50
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• 2015

Appearance patterns of freshwater fish were investigated in the western Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) adjacent areas near Imjin River in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, of 2014. A total of 61 species belonging to 14 families were found in the river during the survey. The dominant and subdominant species were Zacco platypus (Relative abundance, 20.3%) and Zacco koreanus (12.6%), respectively. Other abundant species include Rhinogobius brunneus (9.2%), Pungtungia herzi (4.4%), Acheilognathus yamatsutae (4.4%), and Pseudogobio esocinus (4.0%). Among the residing species, 24 species (39.3%) were endemic to Korea; and 1 species, Carassius cuvieri, was non-indigenous species. Hemibarbus mylodon is a natural monument, and Lethenteron reissneri, Acheilognathus signifer, Pseudopungtungia tenuicorpa, Gobiobotia brevibarba, G. macrocephala, and G. naktongensis are endangered species in Korea. In addition, Anguilla japonica and Plecoglossus altivelis are catadromous and amphidromous species, respectively. Among the investigated sites, the lower part of Sami Stream (St. 5, 6) and Gunnarm-dam region (St. 11, 14) are particularly valuable for the conservation of species diversity, because many fish species (33~42 species) including a natural monument and several endangered species inhabit in these regions.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.210-217
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• 2011

In an effort to isolate novel bacteria for the bioremediation of over-fertilized soils, we identified 135 denitrifying cells out of 3,471 oligotrophic bacteria pools (3.9%) using a denitrification medium supplemented with potassium nitrate as the sole nitrogen source. Soil samples were taken from ecologically well-conserved areas, including a mountain swamp around the demilitarized zone (Yongneup), two ecoparks (Upo and the Mujechi bog), and ten representative islands around the Korean peninsula (Jejudo, Daecheongdo, Socheongdo, Baekryeongdo, Ulrungdo, Dokdo, Geomundo, Hongdo, Huksando and Yeonpyeongdo). All of the 135 bacteria produced nitrogen gas from the denitrification medium, and were proved to be nitrate reductase positive by API-BioLog tests. Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rDNA sequences revealed that the 135 bacteria consisted of 44 different genera. Along with the most prominent, Proteobacteria (87.4%), we identified denitrifying bacteria from Firmicutes (9.4%), Actinobacteria (2.4%), and Bacteroidetes (0.8%). Physiological analyses of the 44 representative denitrifying bacteria, under various pH levels, growth temperatures and salt stresses, revealed 12 favorable denitrifying strains for soil bioremediation.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2017

Gwangchiryeong, located adjacent to the Korean DMZ, is a mountain pass connecting Yang-Gu, Gangwon-do with In-je. It reaches a height of 800m (2,624ft) and stands on the flank of Mt. Daeam-san, which has an elevation of 1,304m (4,278ft). It is important to survey the flora of Gwangchiryeong in that not only the area encompassing the waterfall and the valley along with dense old-growth forest has various plant species but also it is a way to make out what kind of plant species exist in the DMZ due to the geographical characteristics of Gwangchiryeong adjacent to the Korean DMZ. Therefore, this study was conducted to elucidate the distribution of vascular plants and their value in Gwangchiryeong. The vascular plants that were collected 9 times from April 2014 to September 2015, and consisted of a total of 513 taxa: 88 families, 297 genera, 441 species, 4 subspecies, 62 varieties and 6 forms. Among those observed species, the rare plant species designated by Korea Forest Service were 22 taxa including Hanabusaya asiatica, Paeonia japonica, Saxifraga octopetala, etc. Endemic species were 22 taxa containing Cirsium setidens, Heloniopsis koreana, Salvia chanryoenica, etc. 18 taxa were recorded as naturalized plants and their naturalized rate and urban index were noted as 3.5% and 5.6%. Among the surveyed 513 taxa, edible, medicinal, pasturing, ornamental, timber, dye, fiber and industrial plants were 197 taxa, 154 taxa, 180 taxa, 49 taxa, 24 taxa, 8 taxa, 4 taxa and 3 taxa, respectively.

• Hwankyungkyoyuk
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.112-137
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• 1993

As the concern with the creation of environmental problems and regulations about them becomes internationally growing, environmental cooperations with countries concerned are emerging as the first item on the political agenda. In case of South Korea, cooperations with countries in the Asian region is needed urgently. In particular, cooperations with North Korea will be an important factor to reunify the Korean peninsula as well as to solve environmental problems in South Korea. Accordingly, it is necessary to seek feasible alternatives and possibilities of coping with international environment in South and North Korea. This study is limited to literature study based on collecting materials and the testimony of former residents in North Korea. The period of study ranges from May to December in 1992. The research findings show the following environmental problems and alternatives : It is recognized in South Korea that the creation of environmental problems is product of economic development. Currently, the Korean government makes an effort to revise environmental administration and law, to encourage environmental education, and to proceed with environmental technology policies by establishing environmental policies together with economic development plans. North Korea ascribes the cause of environmental problems to colonial exploitation by Japan and the U.S. Environmental pollutants in North Korea is relatively less than South Korea, provisions such as environmental conservation movement, environmental education, and environmental administration and law are not well organized in the country. However, North korea will speed up its economic development to solve economic crises. Therefore, it is expected that industrial wastes, corrosion of nature, and water pollution will result in serious environmental problems. The fields expected to cooperate with South and North Korea are in the following : South Korea may adopt the model of the former East and West Germany and proceed to cooperate with North Korea in public sector as well as private sector. The possible programs are such as academic exchange to conserve environment, joint research in the area of the Demilitarized Zone, conservation of ecosystems around Imjin and Pukhan Rivers, South Korea's support of advanced environmental technology and industrial and financial aid to North Korea. Conflicts between countries concerned in the North East Asian region will be caused by the responsibilities of pollutions because of the seashore development of the Yellow Sea by South Korea and increasing seashore industrial complexes around the Yellow Sea in China, Therefore, it is desirable that the two countries will participate in organizations related to environment. Joint projects between South and North Korea will be as follows : 1. Construction of long-range monitoring system : 2. Investigation of the state of pollutions around the Yellow Sea and alternatives : 3. Construction of joint monitoring system to regulate the movement of pollutants : 4. Cooperation of environmental technology and exchange of information ; and 5. Support of Cooperation of environment in private sector. Efforts to cooperate with North korea is expected to overcome differences between the two countries as well as to encourage unification of the korean peninsula, which will lead to reducing the cost of environmental recovery. These efforts will also contribute to the maintenance for peace and stability on the korean peninsula as well as in the North East Asian region.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
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• 2019.04a
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• pp.25-25
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• 2019

1953년 7월 27일 정전협정 이후 한반도를 가로지르는 DMZ (Demilitarized zone: 비무장지대)가 설정되었다. DMZ에 출입은 군사정전위원회의 허가가 있어야 가능하기에 군사시설 및 군작전지역을 포함하여 DMZ 및 민간인통제선 이북은 민간인 접근의 제한으로, 단절된 공간으로 변모하였다. DMZ는 우리나라의 대표적인 동고서저의 지형 및 다양한 생태환경을 두루 갖추고 있어 중요한 생태적 요충지로 평가받고 있다. 산림지역은 민간인통제지역까지 합치면 40여개의 산지가 분포하고 있으며, 하천은 크게 15개의 크고 작은 하천이 위치하고 있다. 남방한계선 수계를 따라 일부지역들은 하천 배후습지, 묵논습지 등 습원형태로도 많이 발견되고 있다. 이런 습원지역들은 대부분 미확인 지뢰지대로 접근이 제한적인 만큼 지난 세월의 흔적들을 고스란히 담고 있다. 1965년 한국자연보존연구회는 30여명의 국내학자를 동원하여 서울에서 가까운 DMZ 인접지역에 대한 예비적인 학술조사를 실시하였으며, 이를 계기로 1966년 10월부터 1968년 9월까지 2년간에 걸쳐 한국자연보존위원회 34명의 국내학자와 미국 스미소니언연구소(Smithsonian Institution) H. K. Buechner 박사를 대표로 5명의 국외학자가 공동으로 종합적인 학술조사를 수행하였다. 이는 DMZ 연구의 시작을 알렸으며, 이후 남북관계나 시대여건에 맞추어 간헐적으로 다양한 조사 및 연구들이 이어져오고 있다. 2015년부터 2018년까지 DMZ 철책주변 현장조사를 통해 확인된 식물현황은 964분류군이다. 군시설로 인해 식물서식환경이 제한적인 상황이지만 척박한 환경에 적응하고 있는 식물은 다양하다. DMZ와 맞닿아 있는 7개 지역에 대한 식물현황은 철원 638분류군, 연천 631분류군, 양구 525분류군 순으로 나타났다. 대부분 중동부 지역에 높은 식물종수가 나타났으며, 서부와 동부의 식물들이 고르게 나타나는 결과로 보인다. 큰잎쓴풀, 봉래꼬리풀 등 희귀식물도 있는 반면, 잠재적으로 생태계에 영향을 줄 수 있는 침입외래식물도 다수 포함되어 있어서, 지속적인 모니터링 및 관리가 필요하다. 그 중에서도 양구지역에 새롭게 발견된 Macleaya cordata (Willd.) R.Br.(양귀비과)는 독성이 포함된 식물이며, 인제에서 2014년에 발견된 미역취아재비는 DMZ일원에 제한적으로 분포하는 종이였으나 현재 연천에서 발견되는 등 확산에 대한 관리방안이 필요하다.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.45 no.3
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• pp.105-116
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• 2021

Background: The creation of the National Institute of Ecology began as a national alternative project to preserve mudflats instead of constructing the industrial complexes by reclamation, and achieve regional development. On the other hand, at the national level, the research institute for ecology was needed to cope with the worsening conditions for maintaining biodiversity due to accelerated climate change such as global warming and increased demand for development. In order to meet these needs, the National Institute of Ecology has the following objectives: (1) carries out studies for ecosystem change due to climate change and biodiversity conservation, (2) performs ecological education to the public through exhibition of various ecosystem models, and (3) promotes regional development through the ecological industry. Furthermore, to achieve these objectives, the National Institute of Ecology thoroughly followed the basic principles of ecology, especially restoration ecology, in the process of its construction. We introduce the principles and cases of ecological restoration applied in the process. Results: We minimized the impact on the ecosystem in order to harmonize with the surrounding environment in all the processes of construction. We pursued passive restoration following the principle of ecological restoration as a process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem degraded for all the space except in land where artificial facilities were introduced. Reference information was applied thoroughly in the process of active restoration to create biome around the world, Korean peninsula forests, and wetland ecosystems. In order to realize true restoration, we pursued the ecological restoration in a landscape level as the follows. We moved the local road 6 and high-voltage power lines to underground to ensure ecological connectivity within the National Institute of Ecology campus. To enhance ecological diversity, we introduced perch poles and islands as well as floating leaved, emerged, wetland, and riparian plants in wetlands and mantle communities around the forests of the Korean Peninsula in the terrestrial ecosystem. Furthermore, in order to make the public aware of the importance of the intact nature, the low-lying landscape elements, which have disappeared due to excessive land use in most areas of Korea, was created by imitating demilitarized zone (DMZ) landscape that has these landscape elements. Conclusions: The National Institute of Ecology was created in an eco-friendly way by thoroughly reflecting the principles of ecology to suit its status and thus the impact on the existing ecosystem was minimized. This concept was also designed to be reflected in the process of operation. The results have become real, and a result of analysis on carbon budget analysis is approaching the carbon neutrality.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.609-617
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• 2020

Plasmodium vivax reemerged in 1993. It has been sustained for more than 25 years and become one of the important indigenous parasitic diseases in northern and western parts of the Republic of Korea near the demilitarized zone. In particular, relapse is a significant concern for the control of malaria, as short- and long-term incubation periods vary among those infected in Korea. In this study, the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers was examined among residents of high endemic areas of vivax malaria during nonseasonal transmission of mosquitoes. Blood samples from 3 endemic regions in northwestern Korea were evaluated by microscopic examination, rapid diagnostic testing, and nested PCR to identify asymptomatic patients carrying malaria parasites in the community. However, no positive malaria case among residents of endemic areas was detected. Additionally, serological analysis was carried out to measure antibodies against 3 antigenic recombinant proteins of P. vivax, merozoite surface protein 1-19, circumsporozoite surface protein-VK210, and liver-stage antigen (PvLSA-N), by the protein array method. Interestingly, seropositivity of sera between previous exposure and samples without exposure to malaria was significantly higher using the PvLSA-N antigen than the other antigens, suggesting that PvLSA-N can be used as a serological marker to analyze the degree of exposure for malaria transmission in endemic areas. This indicates a very low asymptomatic carrier prevalence during the nonmalaria season in the endemic areas of Korea.