• Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.45 no.3
• /
• pp.97-104
• /
• 2021

Background: Asarum sieboldii Miq., a species of forest understory vegetation, is an herbaceous perennial belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. The metapopulation of A. sieboldii is distributed sparsely and has a short seed dispersal distance by ants as their seed distributor. It is known that many flowers of A. sieboldii depend on self-fertilization. Because these characteristics can affect negatively in genetic structure, investigating habitat structure and assessment of genetic structure is needed. A total of 27 individuals in a valley were sampled for measuring genetic diversity, genetic distance, and genetic differentiation by RAPDPCR. Results: The habitat areas of A. sieboldii metapopulation were relatively small (3.78~33.60 m²) and population density was very low (five to seven individuals in 20×20 m quadrat). The habitat of A. sieboldii was a very shady (relative light intensity = 0.9%) and mature forest with a high evenness value (J = 0.81~0.99) and a low dominance value (D = 0.19~0.28). The total genetic diversity of A. sieboldii was quite high (h = 0.338, I = 0.506). A total of 33 band loci were observed in five selected primers, and 31 band loci (94%) were polymorphic. However, genetic differentiation along the valley was highly progressed (G_st = 0.548, N_m = 0.412). The average genetic distance between subpopulations was 0.387. The results of AMOVA showed 52.77% of variance occurs among populations, which is evidence of population structuring. Conclusions: It is expected that a small-scale founder effect had occurred, an individual spread far from the original subpopulation formed a new subpopulation. However, geographical distance between individuals would have been far and genetic flow occurred only within each subpopulation because of the low density of population. This made significant genetic distance between the original and new population by distance. Although genetic diversity of A. sieboldii metapopulation is not as low as concerned, the subpopulation of A. sieboldii can disappear by stochastic events due to small subpopulation size and low density of population. To prevent genetic isolation and to enhance the stable population size, conservative efforts such as increasing the size of each subpopulation or the connection between subpopulations are needed.

• Journal of the Economic Geographical Society of Korea
• /
• v.24 no.3
• /
• pp.243-258
• /
• 2021

By using the trade in value-added(TiVA) database and employing social network analysis, this paper analyzes changes in global trade to be triggered by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the US-China trade war. The main results are summarized as follows. First, the BRI will help maintain China's core position as the world's manufacturing hub, and will strengthen Europe's service industry capabilities within the global value chain(GVC) network. Second, the US R&D industry, US wholesale and retail industries, and Germany's automobile industry were considered the most influential industries in the GVC network during the 1995-2011 period, and will retain their status until 2049, when the US-China trade war and the BRI are reflected. Third, the increase of the number of communities shows that the BRI might spur fragmentation of the production process. Finally, community structures of inter-industry trade relations, including China's electronics industry, Germany's automobile industry, and US R&D, show important features that are related to the competiveness of each country's service industries.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
• /
• v.31 no.1
• /
• pp.25-40
• /
• 2021

As the era of Industry 4.0 arrives, the researches using artificial intelligence in the field of rock engineering as well have increased. For a better understanding and availability of AI, this paper analyzed the types of algorithms and how to apply them to the research papers where AI is applied among domestic and international studies related to tunnels, blasting and mines that are major objects in which rock engineering techniques are applied. The analysis results show that the main specific fields in which AI is applied are rock mass classification and prediction of TBM advance rate as well as geological condition ahead of TBM in a tunnel field, prediction of fragmentation and flyrock in a blasting field, and the evaluation of subsidence risk in abandoned mines. Of various AI algorithms, an artificial neural network is overwhelmingly applied among investigated fields. To enhance the credibility and accuracy of a study result, an accurate and thorough understanding on AI algorithms that a researcher wants to use is essential, and it is expected that to solve various problems in the rock engineering fields which have difficulty in approaching or analyzing at present, research ideas using not only machine learning but also deep learning such as CNN or RNN will increase.

• Korean Journal of Metals and Materials
• /
• v.50 no.12
• /
• pp.931-937
• /
• 2012

The microstructure of Cu-15 wt%Ag composites fabricated by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with intermediate heat treatment at $320^{\circ}C$ was investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Ag precipitates with a thickness of 20-40 nm were observed in the eutectic region of the Cu-15 wt%Ag composite solution treated at $700^{\circ}C$ before ECAP. The Cu matrix and Ag precipitates had a cube on cube orientation relationship. ECAPed composites exhibited ultrafine-grained microstructures with the shape and distribution dependent on the processing routes. For route A in which the sample was pressed without rotation between each pass, the Cu and Ag grains were elongated along the shear direction and many micro-twins were observed in elongated Cu grains as well as in Ag filaments. The steps were observed on coherent twin boundaries in Cu grains. For route Bc in which the sample was rotated by 90 degrees after each pass, a subgrain structure with misorientation of 2-4 degree by fragmentation of the large Cu grains were observed. For route C in which the sample was rotated by 180 degrees after each pass, the microstructure was similar to that of the route A sample. However, the thickness of the elongated grains along the shear direction was wider than that of the route A sample and the twin density was lower than the route A sample. It was found that more microtwins were formed in ECAPed Cu-15 wt%Ag than in the drawn sample. Grain boundaries were observed in relatively thick and long Ag filaments in Cu-15 wt%Ag ECAPed by route C, indicating the multi-crystalline nature of Ag filaments.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.53 no.4
• /
• pp.408-426
• /
• 2020

This study aims to establish the national strategy for biodiversity conservation by analyzing the current status of ecodiversity as the foundation of biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, this study has another purpose of preparing the measures for conservation and restoration of biodiversity. Ecodiversity was discussed as the basis for conserving biodiversity. Five climate zones and 14 climatic regions, eight plant geographic regions, three massifs and major geologic series, horizontal and vertical topographic conditions, 16 ecoregions, major ecosystems including forest, river and streams, wetlands, coast and marine, agriculture, and urban esosystems, and land use types were discussed as the element of the ecodiversity. In terms of biodiversity conservation, the actual conditions of each ecological unit were reviewed and measures were proposed to reduce biodiversity loss. Destruction and fragmentation of habitat, poor ecosystem management due to socioeconomic changes, the effects of exotic species and chemicals, and climate change were discussed as the major factors causing biodiversity loss. Systematic monitoring based on scientific principles and ecological restoration based on those monitoring results were recommended as measures for biodiversity conservation.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.97-104
• /
• 2021

Male infertility has a complex etiopathology, which mostly remains elusive. Although research has claimed that oxidative stress (OS) is the most likely underlying mechanism of idiopathic male infertility, the specific treatment of OS-mediated male infertility requires further investigation. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a vitamin-like substance, has been found in measurable levels in human semen. It exhibits essential metabolic and antioxidant functions, as well as playing a vital role in mitochondrial bioenergetics. Thus, CoQ10 may be a key player in the maintenance of biological redox balance. CoQ10 concentrations in seminal plasma directly correlate with semen parameters, especially sperm count and sperm motility. Seminal CoQ10 concentrations have been shown to be altered in various male infertility states, such as varicocele, asthenozoospermia, and medical or surgical regimens used to treat male infertility. These observations imply that CoQ10 plays an important physiological role in the maintenance and amelioration of semen quality. The present article thereby aimed to review the possible mechanisms through which CoQ10 plays a role in the regulation of male reproductive function, and to concisely discuss its efficacy as an ameliorative agent in restoring semen parameters in male infertility, as well as its impact on OS markers, sperm DNA fragmentation, pregnancy, and assisted reproductive technology outcomes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.23 no.6
• /
• pp.1-14
• /
• 2020

Under the 「National Land Planning and Utilization Act」, Development Restriction Zones(DRZ) is one of the designated use district where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport deems it necessary to control urban development in order to prevent urban sprawl and conurbation and ensure a healthy living environment for citizens by conserving the natural environment surrounding metropolitan cities. DRZ was first designated around the Seoul Metropolitan city in 1971, and had been expanded to the 14 metropolitan areas across the country since 1977. The designated areas were accounted for about 5.4% of the total national land and its importance was demonstrated by contributing to control urban sprawl, curbing real estate speculation, and providing green space to citizens. However, DRZ has been repeatedly relaxed its regulations and allowed development under government. As a result, much of the green areas was damaged and several cities were merged and extended(conurbation). In particular, deregulation implemented for the purpose of securing land as part of national projects and local outstanding business(i.g. constructions of national rental housing, industrial complex, and international stadium) have caused continuous environmental damage around the metropolitan cities. In addition, the habitat fragmentation is in serious situation. Thus, the systematic plans for managing DRZ are necessary, since it is concerned that urban environment become deteriorate in the mid- to long-term. This study aims to continuously protect the urban environment from lifting DRZ. Therefore, firstly, we examined the environmental status through analyzing DRZ Management Plan which shall be drawn up by the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, the Metropolitan City Mayor or the Mayer/Do governor having jurisdiction, every five years to collectively manage DRZ. Secondly, we investigated the actual condition in DRZ based on the case study of Management Plan in Metropolitan areas(i.e. Seoul Metropolis, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon Metropolis). Finally, we suggested the seven feasible improved political plan for managing DRZ.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
• /
• v.45 no.4
• /
• pp.163-170
• /
• 2020

Background: Gut microflora contributes to the nutritional metabolism of the host and to strengthen its immune system. However, if the intestinal barrier function of the living body is destroyed by radiation exposure, the intestinal bacteria harm the health of the host and cause sepsis. Therefore, this study aims to trace short-term radiation-induced changes in the mouse gut microflora-dominant bacterial genus, and analyze the degree of intestinal epithelial damage. Materials and Methods: Mice were irradiated with 0, 2, 4, 8 Gy X-rays, and the gut microflora and intestinal epithelial changes were analyzed 72 hours later. Five representative genera of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes were analyzed in fecal samples, and the intestine was pathologically analyzed by Hematoxylin-Eosin and Alcian blue staining. In addition, DNA fragmentation was evaluated by the TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results and Discussion: The small intestine showed shortened villi and reduced number of goblet cells upon 8 Gy irradiation. The large intestine epithelium showed no significant morphological changes, but the number of goblet cells were reduced in a radiation dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the small intestinal epithelium of 8 Gy-irradiated mice showed significant DNA damaged, whereas the large intestine epithelium was damaged in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the large intestine epithelium showed less recovery potential upon radiation exposure than the small intestinal epithelium. Analysis of the intestinal flora revealed fluctuations in lactic acid bacteria excretion after irradiation regardless of the morphological changes of intestinal epithelium. Altogether, it became clear that radiation exposure could cause an immediate change of their excretion. Conclusion: This study revealed changes in the intestinal epithelium and intestinal microbiota that may pave the way for the identification of novel biomarkers of radiation-induced gastrointestinal disorders and develop new therapeutic strategies to treat patients with acute radiation syndrome.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.91-103
• /
• 2021

We conducted an analysis of agroforestry system efficiency to conserve biodiversity in the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve (MFR) between March 2018 and June 2018. A synthesis of forest fragmentation data observed on multiple strata and scale satellite imageries over 31 years, between 1987 and 2018 as well as, the use of both a floristic and a faunal surveys, revealed that although 29.28% of natural forests was fragmented and converted to agroforests landscapes, banana and cocoa based agroforest appeared to perform the most relevant records in carbon storage and to attract wild terrestrial and avifauna. Analysis of NDVI, NDWI and Iron Oxyde helped monitor the vegetation cover of the reserve, and differentiate natural and fragmented classes, majority of conserved forest wetlands and agroforestry systems, and a minority of natural dryland forest. Further analysis also revealed significant correlations between NDVI and Shannon Index, and between NDVI and carbon stock. Based on the NDVI value and the equation Y=3.827×X-1.587 (where Y for the carbon stocks and X for NDVI value), we estimated the total carbon stock of the forest reserve at about 99557.6 tonnes, and its mean value at about 8.491 tons/ha. Nevertheless, environmental efforts to sustainably manage agroforestry landscape appear to be a relevant key to conserve wild biodiversity and mitigate climate change at the level of the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve. If anthropogenic activities have deeply changed the reserve's natural landscape, reduced its carbon sequestration performance, and wildlife conservation status, forest wetlands appear to remain its most conserved places and the best refuge for wild fauna still occurring in diverse strata of the MFR.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.41 no.5
• /
• pp.869-882
• /
• 2021

Sodium chloride (NaCl) replacement with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) effect on protein solubility, proteolytic enzyme and quality characteristics of a chicken soup prepared from spent hen (SH) chicken were investigated. By means of immerse marination prior to cooking, a total of 60 skinless SH breast meat were randomly allocated into ten groups admitted to treatments with marinade solution containing sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) and reduced percentage of NaCl with CaCl₂ at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% at 4±2℃ for 20 h. STPP was adjusted to 0.5% for all treatments and NaCl replacement at 0% was used as control. The different methods, particularly boiling at 100℃ and retorting at 121℃, 1.5 kgf/cm² for 60 minutes, were applied following marination. An upregulation of cathepsin-B and caspase-3 enzymes were a consequences from a higher percentage of CaCl₂ within meat environment. Accordingly, modified the protein solubility in particular the myofibrillar and total protein solubility. In addition, a significant increase in water holding capacity (WHC), pH value, myofibril fragmentation index (MFI), and moisture content was obtained due to salt replacement (p<0.05). Limited effect was observed for shear force value, collagen content and cooking yield. Eventually, this study implied that although protelytic enzyme and protein solubility was upregulated by the replacement of NaCl with CaCl₂ at >75%, extensive effect on texture properties was not observed. Therefore, NaCl replacement at 75% could be a promising strategy for quality improvement of SH chicken soup.