• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.554-562
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• 2020

Tremex fuscicornis (Siricidae), known as the xylophagous horntail, and Leucospis japonica (Leucospidae), known as the parasitoid wasp, are wood-boring wasps belonging to the order Hymenoptera. These insects are interesting sources of biological inspiration for the development of drilling mechanisms. To study the biomimicry aspects, the morphological characters of the ovipositor of T. fuscicornis and L. japonica were analyzed using a stereoscopic microscope, a field emission scanning electron microscope, and an optical microscope. There were many differences in the ovipositors between the two species, such as shape, length, surface structure, and arrangement of the teeth. Evenly arranged teeth were developed at the tip of both the dorsal valve and the ventral valve of the ovipositor of T. fuscicornis and looked like a rotating drill bit. In contrast, in L. japonica, the teeth, which looked like a saw, were found only on the ventral valve. Moreover, the tip of the ovipositor of T. fuscicornis was symmetrically divided into four parts, while that of L. japonica was divided into three parts having a 2:1:1 ratio. However, in the case of T. fuscicornis, after the 14th tooth, four parts melded into three parts maintaining a 2:1:1 ratio, and a dovetail joint was found on the horizontal cross-section of the ovipositor that allowed vertical movement for making a hole. These morphological differences of the ovipositor may be due to the insects' lifestyles and phylogenetic distance. Finally, zinc was commonly found at the tip of the ovipositors of both species, a probable result of ecological adaptation created by drilling wood.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.130-138
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• 2016

The use of antibiotics in aquaculture raises environmental and food safety concerns because chronic exposure of an aquatic ecosystem to antibiotics can result in the spread of antibiotic resistance, bioaccumulation of antibiotics in the organisms, and transfer of antibiotics to humans. In an attempt to overcome these problems, high-concentration red clay was applied as an alternative antibiotic against the following common fish pathogens: Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio alginolyticus, and Streptococcus equinus. The growth of A. salmonicida and V. alginolyticus was retarded by red clay, whereas that of S. equinus was promoted. Phase contrast and scanning electron microscopy analyses confirmed the attachment of red clay on cell surfaces, resulting in rapid gravitational removal and cell surface damage in both A. salmonicida and V. alginolyticus, but not in S. equinus. Different cell wall properties of grampositive species may explain the unharmed cell surface of S. equinus. Significant levels of oxidative stress were generated in only the former two species, whereas significant changes in membrane permeability were found only in S. equinus, probably because of its physiological adaptation. The bacterial communities in water samples from Oncorhynchus mykiss aquacultures supplemented with red clay showed similar structure and diversity as those from oxytetracycline-treated water. Taken together, the antibiotic effects of high concentrations of red clay in aquaculture can be attributed to gravitational removal, cell surface damage, and oxidative stress production, and suggest that red clay may be used as an alternative for antibiotics in aquaculture.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.19-30
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• 2016

The projection of climate-related range shift is critical information for conservation planning of Korean fir (Abies koreana E. H. Wilson). We first modeled the distribution of Korean fir under current climate condition using five single-model species distribution models (SDMs) and the pre-evaluation weighted ensemble method and then predicted the distributions under future climate conditions projected with HadGEM2-AO under four $CO_2$ emission scenarios, the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 2.6, 4.5, 6.0 and 8.5. We also investigated the predictive uncertainty stemming from five individual algorithms and four $CO_2$ emission scenarios for better interpretation of SDM projections. Five individual algorithms were Generalized linear model (GLM), Generalized additive model (GAM), Multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), Generalized boosted model (GBM) and Random forest (RF). The results showed high variations of model performances among individual SDMs and the wide range of diverging predictions of future distributions of Korean fir in response to RCPs. The ensemble model presented the highest predictive accuracy (TSS = 0.97, AUC = 0.99) and predicted that the climate habitat suitability of Korean fir would increase under climate changes. Accordingly, the fir distribution could expand under future climate conditions. Increasing precipitation may account for increases in the distribution of Korean fir. Increasing precipitation compensates the negative effects of increasing temperature. However, the future distribution of Korean fir is also affected by other ecological processes, such as interactions with co-existing species, adaptation and dispersal limitation, and other environmental factors, such as extreme weather events and land-use changes. Therefore, we need further ecological research and to develop mechanistic and process-based distribution models for improving the predictive accuracy.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.223-234
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• 2017

Background: Spatial structure of plants in a population reflects complex interactions of ecological and evolutionary processes. For dioecious plants, differences in reproduction cost between sexes and sizes might affect their spatial distribution. Abiotic heterogeneity may also affect adaptation activities, and result in a unique spatial structure of the population. Thus, we examined sex- and size-related spatial distributions of old-growth forest of dioecious tree Torreya nucifera in extremely heterogeneous Gotjawal terrain of Jeju Island, South Korea. Methods: We generated a database of location, sex, and size (DBH) of T. nucifera trees for each quadrat ($160{\times}300m$) in each of the three sites previously defined (quadrat A, B, C in Site I, II, and III, respectively). T. nucifera trees were categorized into eight groups based on sex (males vs. females), size (small vs. large trees), and sex by size (small vs. large males, and small vs. large females) for spatial point pattern analysis. Univariate and bivariate spatial analyses were conducted. Results: Univariate spatial analysis showed that spatial patterns of T. nucifera trees differed among the three quadrats. In quadrat A, individual trees showed random distribution at all scales regardless of sex and size groups. When assessing univariate patterns for sex by size groups in quadrat B, small males and small females were distributed randomly at all scales whereas large males and large females were clumped. All groups in quadrat C were clustered at short distances but the pattern changed as distance was increased. Bivariate spatial analyses testing the association between sex and size groups showed that spatial segregation occurred only in quadrat C. Males and females were spatially independent at all scales. However, after controlling for size, males and females were spatially separated. Conclusions: Diverse spatial patterns of T. nucifera trees across the three sites within the Torreya Forest imply that adaptive explanations are not sufficient for understanding spatial structure in this old-growth forest. If so, the role of Gotjawal terrain in terms of creating extremely diverse microhabitats and subsequently stochastic processes of survival and mortality of trees, both of which ultimately determine spatial patterns, needs to be further examined.

• Human Ecology Research
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.141-154
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• 2016

This study examined the nature of multi-cultural families' housing problems living in South Korea. A qualitative research was conducted through in-depth interviews with immigrant women from three Southeast Asian countries. The subjects of this study were 15 married immigrants from the Philippine, Cambodia, and Vietnam living in Seoul. The major findings were as follows: firstly, reciprocity for the in-between person and environment: the preferred to blend into Korean society instead of making a community based on national origin. Secondly, intention to housing: all participants were passive about moving and the Vietnamese and Cambodians placed more importance on the family community than the Filipinas. Thirdly, meaning of housing and interaction: for the most important area in the house, the Vietnamese and Cambodians stated that rooms were for a couple and treated family space more importantly than Filipinas who pursuit personal comfort. Fourthly, housing adaptation process: adapting to climate difference between home countries and Korea was the biggest difficulty. Fifthly, residential satisfaction/dissatisfaction: mostly satisfied with housing facilities; however, they were dissatisfied with the number of rooms and house size due to a necessity for personal space. In conclusion, ideas implied from native country of married immigrants in multicultural families did not change significantly in preference of the current environment. The needs for an ethnic community was not great, because they seemed able to assimilate positively by living with a Korean husband and relatives. Gradual assimilation through a cultural acculturation process can be considered desirable.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.54-62
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• 2011

Fast industrialization caused from Descartes' dichotomy has enormously developed our world, but endangered the ecosystem. In this study, the ecosystem aesthetics is not only a critique against existing growth-ideology and technical civilization, but also the art pursuing the life as an artistic state and achieving the dream for qualitatively different new future. Lao-tzu's Natural Beauty assumes that the adaptation to natural laws can lead every purpose's achievement. Based on such theoretical alternative, the earth construction as a medium for coexisting mankind, nature and construction interacts with the other objects through the natural affinity, the energy efficiency, the material generation. The earth construction provides the images of naivety, naturalness, folk as well as emotional stability in cultural terms. This study's direction and method are as follows. First, it researches the ecosystem aesthetics from the Taoism viewpoint, the alternative for environmental healing based on theoretical reviews about the ecosystem aesthetics. Second, it researches the earth construction's ecosystem aesthetic features and construction features from the low-tech aspect in continual construction genealogy. Third, it analyzes some cases targeting domestic buildings by drawing out expression methods and features through the connectivity of earth construction and ecosystem aesthetics. The earth construction lies between the heaven and the earth, but coexists in natural cycle. The earth construction caused from ecosystem aesthetics will be a future alterative, and various studies about its features and methods should be continued.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.1483-1496
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• 2001

Small ruminants form an important economic and ecological niche in small farm systems and agriculture. Their current low level of contribution is dismal, and is not commensurate with the potential capacity for higher levels of production. The context for productivity enhancement and increased socio-economic contribution relates to large sizes of small ruminant populations; wide distribution across various agro-ecological zones and production systems; and diversity of breeds, where 66% of all goat and 57% of sheep breeds in Asia are found in China, India and Pakistan. The advantages and disadvantages of small ruminants over larger ruminants are enumerated with reference to adaptation and environment, small size, production systems and products and interactions with the environment. Discussion focuses especially on efficiency of meat production and niche markets for higher-priced goat meat, and inefficient marketing systems given an estimated 40-45% loss of income to farmers presently. Increasing the quantity of meat produced is related to live weight and the total number of animals at Slaughter, which in turn, depend on the total number of offsprings weaned and lifetime productivity. At the national level, priority attention is essential to build up numbers in concerted breeding programmes, selection for efficiency of reproduction and meat production, and improvements to make traditional markets and marketing systems to respond to the changing environmental and consumer preferences. Post-production systems are neglected and improvements are associated with collection, handling, marketing, slaughter facilities and consumer requirements. Potential opportunities to expand and benefit from integrating small ruminants into annual and perennial cropping systems remain largely unexplored. Important development imperatives include choice of species and better use of available breeds, appropriate production systems that match available feed resources, and linkages between production, products and by-products to markets. Affirmative action is necessary, backed by official policy support, institutional commitment and increased resource use, that can target poverty and directly benefit the poor, and shift subsistence production to a more market-oriented opportunity. These efforts together constitute the challenges for both the owners and producers of small ruminants in the immediate future, as also the will to accelerate increased productivity, improve their livelihoods and promote rural growth.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.281-287
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• 2014

An olfactory organ in Scartelaos gigas, so-called mudskipper known as adaptation to an amphibious lifestyle, was investigated anatomically and histologically. S. gigas possessed the paired olfactory organ comprising respectively the one elongated canal and two nasal sacs, lacrimal and ethmoidal nasal sac. The sensory epithelium developed partly in the canal contained four distinct types of cells: (1) receptor cell with 3 to 4 cilia in number, (2) supporting, (3) basal, (4) mucus cell. The sensory epithelium was also of transitional layer as multi cellularity structure. The non-sensory epithelium had no sensory elements. The two nasal sacs possessed typically a lot of mucin droplets. These results might be considered that anatomical structure and histological characters of the olfactory organ showing in S. gigas is adapted to semi-aquatic life associated with its ecological habit and habitat.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.250-258
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• 2022

Background: To assess the carbon sequestration capacity and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) of Quercus glauca forests, we analyzed the net primary productivity (NPP), carbon storage, and carbon emission of soil in a Q. glauca forest on Jeju Island (South Korea) from 2016 to 2018. Results: The average carbon stock in the above- and below-ground plant biomass was 223.7 Mg C ha^-1, while the average amount of organic carbon fixed by photosynthesis was 9.8 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1, and the average NPP was 9.6 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1. Stems and branches contributed to the majority of the above- and below-ground standing biomass and NPP. The average heterotrophic carbon emission from the soil was 8.7 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1, while the average NEP was 1.1 Mg C ha^-1 yr^-1. Although the carbon stock, carbon absorption, and soil respiration values were higher than those reported in other oak forests in the world, the NEP was similar or lower. Conclusions: These results indicator that Q. glauca forests perform the role of a large carbon sink through the CO₂ absorption in the plants in terms of carbon balance. And it is judged to be helpful as data for assessment of carbon storage and flux in the forests and mitigation of elevated CO₂ in the atmosphere.

• Ocean and Polar Research
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.57-69
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• 2023

Growth responses along the gradient of water temperature, salinity, and light intensity and cytotoxicity against Artemia nauplii were explored using Ostreopsis sp. and Coolia canariensis strains, representing the two potentially toxic epiphytic dinoflagellate (EPD) species from Jeju coastal waters of Korea. Variation in maximum growth rate (GRmax) and maximum biomass yield (Ymax) along the environmental gradients was quite contrasting between the two strains, which appears to be reflected in the in situ abundance distribution of the corresponding genera. The more eurythermal characteristics of Ostreopsis sp. strain were in good agreement with the relative distribution of Ostreopsis spp. and Coolia spp. in 520 macroalgal samples collected from 6 stations. The more stenohaline C. canariensis strain was well matched by a markedly narrower range of salinities in the in situ distribution of Coolia spp. than the salinity range for Ostreopsis species. The differences in light adaptation between the high light-preferring Ostreopsis sp. strain and the more euryphotic C. canariensis strain were remarkably consistent with the distinct vertical profiles of Ostreopsis spp. and Coolia spp. abundance in the red alga Amphiroa sp. off Moom-seom. Cytotoxicity against Artemia nauplii in the Ostreopsis sp. preparation with 1000 cells ml^-1 was similar to that in C. canariensis preparation with 12000 cells ml^-1, which is noteworthy. Thus, the new potential cytotoxicity risks from C. canariensis along with the well-known toxic genus Ostreopsis may be introduced to Jeju coasts, which necessitates further exploration into the contrasting ecological niches occupied by EPD species in relation to their cytotoxicity.