• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.76-84
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• 2022

Background: Climate and livestock grazing are key agents in determining current Mongolian steppe vegetation communities. Together with plant coverage or biomass, palatability of steppe community is regarded as a useful indicator of grassland degradation, in particular, at grazing hotspots in arid and semi-arid grasslands. This study analyzed relationships between livestock grazing pressure and steppe vegetation palatability at three summer pastures with different aridity (dry, xeric, and mesic) and livestock numbers (1,100, 1,800, and 4,100 sheep units, respectively). At each site, it was surveyed coverage, biomass, and species composition of different palatability groups (i.e., palatable [P], impalatable [IP], and trampling-tolerant [TT]) along a 1-km transect from grazing hotspots (i.e., well) in every July from 2015 to 2018. Results: In results, total vegetation coverage increased with wetness, 7 times greater at mesic site than dry one in averages (33.1% vs. 4.5%); biomass was 3 times higher (47.1 g m^-2 vs. 15.7 g m^-2). Though P was the dominant palatability group, the importance of IP in total coverage increased with aridity from mesic (0.6%) to dry (40.2%) sites. Whereas, TT increased with livestock numbers across sites. Locally, IP was observed more frequently near the wells and its spatial range of occurrence becomes farther along the transects with aridity across sites from mesic (< 100 m) to dry (< 700 m from the well). Conclusions: Our results showed that the importance of IP and its spatial distribution are different at both local and regional scales, indicating that the palatability parameters are sensitive to discern balance between selective-grazing demand and climate-driven foraging supply in Mongolian rangelands.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.303-319
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• 2023

Pitfall traps that use ethylene glycol as a preservative solution are commonly used in arthropod research. However, a recent surge in cases involving damage to these traps by roe deer or wild boars owing to the sweet taste of ethylene glycol has prompted the addition of quinone sulfate, a substance with a pungent taste, to deter such wildlife interference. This study aimed to assess the effects of quinone sulfate on arthropods collected from pitfall traps containing ethylene glycol. We strategically positioned 50 traps using ethylene glycol alone and 50 traps containing a small amount of quinone sulfate mixed with ethylene glycol in a grid pattern for systematic sampling at the Gwangneung Forest long-term ecological research (LTER) site. Traps were collected 10 days later. The results revealed a notable effect on ants when quinone sulfate was introduced. Specifically, it decreased the number of ants. In a species-specific analysis of ants, only Nylanderia flavipes showed a significant decline in response to quinone sulfate, whereas other ant species remained unaffected. Additionally, among the arthropod samples obtained in this survey, we identified species or morpho-species of spiders, beetles, and ants and assessed species diversity. Consequently, the utilization of quinone sulfate should be undertaken judiciously, taking into account the specific species composition and environmental characteristics of the monitoring site. Our study also highlighted the significant response of various arthropod groups to variations in leaf litter depth, underscoring the crucial role of the leaf litter layer in providing sustenance and shelter for ground-foraging arthropods. Furthermore, we have compiled comprehensive species lists of both spiders and ants in Gwangneung forest by amalgamating data from this investigation with findings from previous studies.

• The Journal of The Korea Institute of Intelligent Transport Systems
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.182-195
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• 2023

Recently, research on traffic signal control using artificial intelligence algorithms has been receiving attention, and many traffic signal control models are being studied. However, most studies either focused on independent intersections or are theoretical studies that calculate signal cycle length according to changes in traffic volume. Therefore, this study was conducted on a signalized intersection - roundabout in Gajwa-ro. The Particle Swarm Optimization - Bacterial Foraging Optimization (PSO-BFO) algorithm was proposed, which is developed from the GA and PSO algorithms for minimizing congestion at two intersections. As a result, optimum cycle length was determined to be 158 seconds. The Verkehr In Stadten - SIMulationsmodell (VISSIM) results showed that there was 3.4% increased capacity, 8.2% reduced delay and 8.3% reduced number of stops at the Gajwa-ro signalized intersection. Additionally, at the roundabout, a 9.2% increase in capacity, a 7.1% reduction in delay, and a 27.2% decrease in the number of stops was observed.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.132-144
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• 2011

We studied the forest environment and characteristics of bird community between April and September of 2010 on the Hyangjeokbong area(A), Baekryunsa area(B) and Anseong area(C), all in the Deogyusan National Park. Hyangjeokbong area of the high latitude ridge was characterized by the Taxus cuspidata and Abies koreana etc., and deciduous broadleaf forest species, such as the Quercus mongolica, with abundance of subalpine zone coniferous trees, the Hemerocallis fulva and the Rhododendron schlippenbachii, while the areas Baekryunsa and Anseong were primarily characterized by deciduous broadleaf forests, with the valleys showing Fraxinus mandshurica colonies. In terms of the DBH(diameter at breast height) of trees, between 11 and 20cm showed the highest frequencies, while over 30cm was the highest in Baekryunsa area and the lowest in Hyangjeokbong area. Furthermore, in terms of coverage in relation to layers, in Hyangjeokbong area, the coverage volume of the lower layer was very high, in Baekryunsa area, the coverage volume of the middle layer between 8 and 12m was the highest, and in Anseong area, the coverage volume of the upper layer over 18m was the highest. A total of 53 bird species were observed during the study period at the Deogyusan National Park. The numbers of species and density of areas were 25 species and 45.20 Ind./km for Hyangjeokbong area, 50 species and 58.63 Ind./km for Baekryunsa area and 35 species and 66.89 Ind./km for Anseong area, with Baekryunsa area showing the highest number of species and Anseong area showing the highest level of density. In terms of dominant species, in Hyangjeokbong area, Cettia diphone, along with species which inhabit in grassland and shrubs, were the dominant species, and species which live in the canopy layer, including the Aegithalos caudatus, were found to be dominant in Baekryunsa and Anseong areas. For guild structure, bush nesting guild and bush foraging guild species were the highest in all areas, and the hole nesting guild and the air foraging guild species showed the lowest proportion. This seems to be the result of the low number of trees with diameter at breast height of over 30cm, which results in the lack of nesting grounds for hole nesting guild species.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.648-657
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• 2008

This research was conducted to investigate the breeding density and seasonal food items of the magpies in Jeju Island and the near-manned islets. The examination of nest distribution to determine breeding density was performed during breeding season from February 2006 to April 2008, and that of food items from May 2006 to February 2008. A total of 2,113 nests were found across Jeju Island, the average density was $1.33\;nest/km^2$, and the magpies were distributed up to 600 meters above the sea level. The nest density was the highest in the central areas of Jeju Island, with 688 nests at $3.61\;nest/km^2$, while that in the eastern areas was the lowest, with 214 nests at $0.66\;nest/km^2$. In terms of the number of nests depending on the height above the sea level, 1,172 nests, which was equivalent to the density of $1.85\;nest/km^2$, was observed below 100m and highest among the intervals of height, but 16 nests found at 500-600m were the lowest, corresponding to $0.20\;nest/km^2$. The number of nests found in the manned islets near Jeju Island was eight in Biyang-do with the density of $15.38\;nest/km^2$, nine in U-do with $1.49\;nest/km^2$, and one in Gapa-do with $1.15\;nest/km^2$, whereas none of nests were observed in Mara-do. The contents of stomach consisted of 17 types of prey sources including countless bones, eggshells, plants, and seed, most of which were the individuals of the order Coleoptera. In spring and summer, the foraging frequency for invertebrate animals such as insects was high, but less than 30% in winter. In contrast, the magpies preyed upon plants and seeds at the frequency of 10% and 30%, respectively, in spring, while the foraging frequencies for both of them were 100% in winter and higher than any of other seasons. Eggshells and bones of birds were also detected infrequently. If the density of the magpies, which may play role as the upper predator within the ecosystem, increases, it would be expected to affect directly the reduction of the number of the species and population of endemic animals such as small birds and reptiles, etc. Therefore, it is considered that long-term monitoring for the density of the magpies and precaution is prerequisite to minimize adverse effects on ecosystem.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.471-480
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• 2008

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics of breeding bird community in relation to altitude and vegetation in Jirisan National Park. The survey was carried over 4 study sites by point counts method to figure out habitat environment and breeding bird community from March to August in 2006. The study results are summarized as follows: Total 32 species were recorded, and 27 species and density of 37.31 ea/ha in low altitude mixed forest, 23 species and 34.99 ea/ha in low altitude deciduous forest, 18 species and 23.95 ea/ha in high altitude mixed forest, 19 species and 20.21 ea/ha in high altitude deciduous forest, respectively. Eleven species were observed only in the low altitude sites, 4 species were observed only in the high altitude sites. Number of species and density were high in the low altitude sites, and they were high in the mixed forests. In nesting guild analysis, the low altitude sites are similarly found species number of three types but canopy nesting species in the high altitude sites are advent less. In foraging guild analysis, the species number of canopy foraging appeared most highly in all study sites. In the difference analysis of each species density. Four species which are showed the difference in the low altitude sites, owing to vegetation. Long-tailed Tit(Aegithalos caudatus) and Great tit(Parus major) are difference because of difference in volume of canopy layer, and Coal Tit(Parus ater) was difference because of coniferous forest preference quality. Four species(Hazel Grouse, Winter Wren, Pale Thrush, Yellow-throated Bunting) which are showed the difference of the density in the high altitude sites because of thick growth of the bush layer. Ten species which are showed the difference in study sites, owing to altitude. Oriental Cuckoo(Cuculus saturatus), Winter Wren(Troglodytes troglodytes), Siberian Blue Robin(Luscinia cyane), Arctic Warbler(Phylloscopus borealis), Coal Tit(Parus ater), and Yellow-throated Bunting(Emberiza elegans) appeared highly in the high altitude sites, Pale Thrush(Turdus pallidus), Long-taild Tit(Aegithalos caudatus), Varied Tit(Parus varius), and Eurasian Nuthatch(Sitta europaea) appeared highly in the low altitude sites. It seems that bush layer coverage volume and canopy layer total coverage volume do influences on the breeding bird community, because the bush layer was thick growth, and canopy layer coverage volume was difference. It would be needed the management and maintenance of bush layer coverage volume and canopy layer with multi-layer structure to increase foliage height diversity and total coverage volume for the protection and management of bird community in Jirisan National Park.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2001

The current study was conducted to elucidate the optimum density of free-ranging ducks in a rice-duck farming system in terms of effects on duck behavior, and growth and yield of rice plants. Four paddy fields were used for this experiment, with 6, 9, 12 and 15 birds per plot, respectively. Ducklings at eight days of age were free ranged in experimental paddy plots (4.0 a each) on the 9th day after the transplantation of rice plants. Ducks were kept in the plot for seventy days, at which point rice plants reached the earing stage. Foraging, moving, working, resting, diving and pecking behaviors of the ducks were observed two times during the experimental period. Also, rice plant growth and yield according to the density of ducks per plot were examined. The foraging and moving behavior of free-ranging ducks in paddy fields for 12 hours during the daytime tended to be longer in the 12-bird plot, and working behavior was significantly (P<0.01) longer in the 12-bird plot than in the other three plots. The resting behavior was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the 9- and 15-bird plots than in the 12-bird plot. The frequency of moving behavior for 6 hours during the daytime in the 15-bird plot tended to be lower than that in the other three plots, but this difference was not significant. The amount of diving and pecking behavior in the 9-bird plot was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the other three plots, and the number of hills pecked tended to be higher with increasing of duck density. From thirty days after ducks were introduced to the paddy fields, the length of rice plants tended to be significantly (P<0.05) shorter in high free-ranging density plots as compared to low free-ranging density plots. The number of tillers per hill was not affected by the free-ranging density. The culm length of rice plants was significantly (P<0.05) shorter in the 12- and 15-bird plots than in the other two plots, however, the duck free-ranging density did not affect panicle length. The dry weight of the root of rice plants was increased with high free-ranging density, but there was no such increase in the top parts of the rice plants. The percent of rice plants badly damaged by free-ranging density tended to be lower in the order of 12-, 9-, 6- and 15-bird plots. The number of ears, ripening grains and crop yield per hill of rice plants in the 12-bird plot were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of the other three plots. Therefore, the yield of each rice plant per 10 a was significantly increased in the 12-bird plot.

• Journal of Ginseng Culture
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• v.1
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• pp.11-27
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• 2019

The Jurchens, the ancestors of the Qing Manchus, had lived scattered in Manchuria and had made their living mostly on ginseng gathering and animal hunting. Their residential areas, rich with deep forest and numerous rivers, provided great habitation for all kinds of flora and fauna, but not so proper for agriculture. Based on their activities of foraging and hunting, the Jurchens developed a unique social organization that was later transformed into the Banner System, the most distinctive Qing military institution. By the sixteenth century, that the external trade brought considerable changes to Jurchen society. A huge amount of foreign silver, imported from Japan and South America to China, first invigorated commercial economy in China proper, and later caused a huge influence on Ming frontier regions, including Manchuria. In the late sixteenth century when the tradition of foraging and hunting encountered with silver economy, the Jurchen tribes became unified after years of competition and transformed themselves into the Manchus to build the Qing empire in 1636. In 1644 the Manchus succeeded in conquering the China Proper and moved into Beijing. Even after that, the Manchu imperial court never forgot the value of Manchurii ginseng; instead, they paid great efforts to monopolize this profitable root. Until the late seventeenth century, the Qing court used the Banner System to manage Manchurian ginseng. The banner soldiers stationed in Manchuria checked unauthorized civilian entrances in this frontier and protected its ginseng producing mountains from the Han Chinese people. All the process of ginseng gathering was managed by the institutions under the direct control of the imperial court, such as the Imperial Household Department, the Butha Ula Office, and the Three Upper Banner in Shengjing. Banner soldiers were dispatched to the given mountains, collect the given amount of ginseng, and send them to the imperial court in Beijing. The state monopoly of ginseng was maintained throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries under the principle that Manchuria and its natural resources should be guarded from civilian encroachment. At the same time, Manchurian ginseng was considered as an important source of state revenue. The imperial court and financial bureau wanted to collect ginseng as much as they needed. By the late seventeenth century as the ginseng management by the banner soldiers failed in securing the ginseng tax, the Qing court began to invite civil merchants to ginseng business. During the eighteenth century the Qing ginseng policy became more dependent on civil merchants, both their money and management. In 1853 the Qing finally ended the ginseng monopoly, but it was before the early eighteenth century that wealthy merchants hired ginseng gatherers and paid ginseng tax to the state. The Qing monopoly of ginseng was in fact maintained by the active participation of civil merchants in the ginseng business.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.46-58
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• 2024

Pollinators are organisms that carry out the pollination process of plants and include Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Coleoptera. Among them, bees not only pollinate plants but also improve urban green spaces damaged by land use changes, providing a habitat and food for birds and insects. Today, however, the number of pollinating plants is decreasing due to issues such as early flowering due to climate change, fragmentation of green spaces due to urbanization, and pesticide use, which in turn leads to a decline in bee populations. The decline of bee populations directly translates into problems, such as reduced biodiversity in cities and decreased food production. Urban beekeeping has been proposed as a strategy to address the decline of bee populations. However, there is a problem asurban beekeeping strategies are proposed without considering the complex structure of the socio-ecological system consisting of bees foraging and pollination activities and are therefore unsustainable. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the socio-ecological system of honeybees, which are pollinators, structurally using system thinking and propose a green space planning strategy to revitalize urban beekeeping. For this study, previous studies that centered on the social and ecological system of bees in cities were collected and reviewed to establish the system area and derive the main variables for creating a causal loop diagram. Second, the ecological structure of bees' foraging and pollination activities and the structure of bees' ecological system in the city were analyzed, as was the social-ecological system structure of urban beekeeping by creating an individual causal loop diagram. Finally, the socio-ecological system structure of honey bees was analyzed from a holistic perspective through the creation of an integrated causal loop diagram. Citizen participation programs, local government investment, and the creation of urban parks and green spaces in idle spaces were suggestedas green space planning strategies to revitalize urban beekeeping. The results of this study differ from previous studies in that the ecological structure of bees and the social structure of urban beekeeping were analyzed from a holistic perspective using systems thinking to propose strategies, policy recommendations, and implications for introducing sustainable urban beekeeping.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.44 no.1 s.138
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• pp.21-30
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• 2005

Feeding behavior of foraging ants including visiting numbers, species, and preference on insect cadavers killed by entomopathogenic nematodes <(Heterorhabditis sp. KCTC 0991BP (He) and Steinernema carpocapsae KCTC 0981BP (Sc)> and their symbiotic bacteria was investigated in Dongrae Benest Golf Club, Anyang Benest Golf Club, Gapyung Benest Golf Club and Ulsan Golf Club. The number of ants, kinds and numbers of cadavers taken away by ants were different depending on killing method, golf club and site within the golf courses (fairway and rough). The feeding preference of ants was the lowest on cadavers killed by He. At Dongrae Benest Golf Club Lasius japonicu ($75{\pm}5\%$) and Monomorium floricola ($10\%$) took away cadavers only at the rough. The visiting rate of ants was $85{\pm}6\%$ at the rough, but none at the fairway by 16 hours. The taken rate of cadavers by ants was the lowest on He-killed cadavers representing $16.7\%$ compared with $40.0\%$ on Sc-killed cadavers, $53.3\%$ on fenitrithion-killed cadavers, and $56.7\%$ on natural dead cadavers by 12 hours. At the rough of hole 6 in Anyang Benest Golf Club, Tetramorium tsushimae ($33{\pm}12\%$), Pheidole fervida ($17{\pm}15\%$), Camponatus japonicus ($10\%$), Formica japonica ($7{\pm}6\%$), Paratrechina flavipes ($3{\pm}6\%$), and Crematogaster matsumurai ($3{\pm}6\%$) took away cadavers, but $23{\pm}15\%$ of cadavers were not visited by ants. Ants took away $40\%$ of Sc-killed cadavers, $16.7\%$ of frozen-killed cadavers, and $3.4\%$ of He-killed cadavers. The number of visiting ants was low at the hole 9 of Cherry course in Gapyung Benest Golf Club and only Tetramorium tsuhimae and Paratrechina flavipes were found from one site. The density of entomopathogenic nematodes did not influence ant visiting on cadavers, but burying affected ant visiting. Although ants took away unburied cadavers, buried cadavers were taken away at the hole 6 of Dongrae Benest Golf Club by 16 hours. Ant visiting had the same tendency on symbiotic bacterium-treated biscuit as nematode-killed cadavers. The visiting was less on biscuit inoculated by Photorhabdus sp., a symbiotic bacterium of He than on biscuit inoculated by Xenorhabdus nematophila, a symbiotic bacterium of Sc.