• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.65 no.3
• /
• pp.511-518
• /
• 2023

This study examined the association between functional sequence variants (FSVs) of myosin heavy chain 3 (MYH3) genotypes and collagen content in a Landrace and Jeju native pig (JNP) crossbred population. Four muscles (Musculus longissimus dorsi, Musculus semimembranosus, Musculus triceps brachii, and Musculus biceps femoris) were used for the analysis of meat collagen content, and the same animals were genotyped for the FSVs of the MYH3 gene by using PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism). Three FSVs of MYH3 genotypes were identified and had genotype frequencies of 0.358, 0.551, and 0.091 for QQ, Qq, and qq, respectively. QQ animals for the FSVs of the MYH3 genotypes showed higher collagen content in their M. longissimus dorsi (p < 0.001), M. semimembranosus (p < 0.001), M. triceps brachii (p < 0.001), and M. biceps femoris (p < 0.001) than qq homozygous animals. After the validation of this result in other independent populations, the FSVs of MYH3 genotypes can be a valuable genetic marker for improving collagen content in porcine muscles and can also be applied to increase the amount of collagen for biomedical purposes.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.39-43
• /
• 2024

Little research has been done on investigating the specific characteristics of Jeju Ponies (Korean native horse) and Jeju Pony crossbreds. The authors performed evaluation of skin thickness of the skin of these breeds (n=205) at Jeju Race Park as a way of find of hippological difference. Results of this study showed that the Jeju Pony's skin were thicker than the Jeju Pony crossbred. The male's skin were thicker than the female's skin in two breeds respectively. Especially, in the Jeju Pony show significant differences (P < 0.05). In Jeju Pony crossbreds, as the skin thickness were thinner with age increase. 2-year-old group's skin significantly thinner than 3 and over 4-year-old groups. However, the Jeju Pony's skin were not significantly different by age. In conclusion, the authors thought that causes of the difference of the breeds were origin and genetic differences among the horse and the pony. Furthermore, the modified umbilical herniorrhaphy with rubber rings must be used cautiously in the Jeju Pony. It should be taken into account the animals' skin thickness when the leather goods created by using their skin.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
• /
• v.55 no.4
• /
• pp.317-338
• /
• 2022

Physicochemical characteristics and evaluation were studied by subdividing the concretes, bricks and earth pipes on the site of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty, known as modern architecture, into three periods. Concretes showed similar specific gravity and absorption ratio, and large amounts of aggregates, quartz, feldspar, calcite and portlandite were detected. Porosity of the 1907 bricks were higher than those of 1910 and 1950 bricks. All earthen pipe is similar, but the earlier one was found to be more dense. Bricks and earthen pipes are dark red to brown in color within many cracks and pores, but the matrix of the earthen pipe is relatively homogeneous. Quartz, feldspar and hematite are detected in bricks, and mullite is confirmed with quartz and feldspar in earthen pipes, so it is interpreted that the materials have a firing temperature about 1,000 to 1,100℃. Concretes showed similar CaO content, but brick and earthen pipe had low SiO₂ and high Al₂O₃ in the 1907 specimen. However, the materials have high genetic homogeneity based on similar geochemical behaviors. Ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness of the concrete foundation differed due to the residual state, but indicated relatively weak physical properties. Converting the unconfined compressive strength, the 1st extended area had the highest mean values of 45.30 and 46.33 kgf/cm², and the 2nd extended area showed the lowest mean values (20.05 and 24.76 kgf/cm²). In particular, the low CaO content and absorption ratio, the higher ultrasonic velocity and rebound hardness. It seems that the concrete used in the constructions of the Japanese Ministry of General Affairs in Joseon Dynasty had similar mixing characteristics and relatively constant specifications for each year. It is interpreted that the bricks and earthen pipes were through a similar manufacturing process using almost the same raw materials.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.57 no.2
• /
• pp.102-110
• /
• 2024

This study presents a fine scale distribution of the endangered species, Odontobutis obscura, through field surveys and literature reviews. Using the mark-recapture method, the population size in major habitats was determined. Field surveys conducted on 18 streams in Geoje Island revealed that the O. obscura was only found in the main streams and tributaries of the Sanyang, Gucheon, and Buchun Streams, which are part of the Sanyang Stream watershed. The O. obscura exhibited relative abundances ranging from 0.5% to 35.3% at different locations, with certain spots showing higher relative abundances (18.8% to 35.3%), indicating major habitat areas. A review of six literature studies confirmed the presence of the O. obscura, although there were differences in occurrence status depending on the purpose, scope, and duration of the studies. Combining the results of field and literature surveys, it was found that the O. obscura inhabits the main and tributary streams of the Sanyang, Gucheon, and Buchun Streams, from the upper to lower reaches. Currently, the O. obscura population in the Sanyang Stream watershed maintains a stable habitat, but its limited distribution range suggests potential issues such as genetic diversity deficiency in the long term. The population size of the O. obscura was confirmed at two specific locations, with densities of 0.5 to 1.5 individuals per m². The average movement distance from the release point was 13.1 m, indicating the limited mobility characteristic of ambush predators. Understanding the distribution and population size of endangered species is the first step towards their conservation and protection. Based on this information, further research could significantly contribute to the conservation of the O. obscura.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.74-82
• /
• 1979

Pinus densiflora S. et Z. which has the widest distribution and highest stock at present in Korea and has used as materials for fuel, house construction, furniture and many other purposes for several hundred years, is considered as one of major species of economic importance, although there are a few epidemic insect injuries and silvicultural difficulties in regeneration. However, since disorderly cutting has been conducted for long time, the valuable local stands have disappeared. Therefore immediate attempts should be taken on the gene conservation and genetic studies including heritabilities and genetic gains of desirable characters. One hundred and twently five plus trees have so far been selected from the nationwide area and kept for the purpose of seed orchard establishment and other theoretical studies. In this study, the wind pollinated seeds of grafted stocks of 13 plus trees in clone bank located in Suweon and the seeds of 4 Japanese plus trees were collected and their progenies were used for heritability study. As indicated in figure 1, thirteen plus trees are from the middle part of Korea and two experimental plantations were laid out in ]972 (1-1 stock) by the randomized block design with five replications, consisting of 10 trees line plots of each family in each replication. Tree height, root collar diameter and branch diameter at 1cm apart from the main stem were measured. The results are summarized as follows 1. The rank of height growth of each plus tree progenies by age was greatly changed under age 3 and it was affected more in poor site than good site. 2. The heritabilities of height growth were estimated to be 7.2% at age 3, negative sign at age 4, 9.4% at age 5, 13.0% at age 6, 8.1% at age 7 and abrupt increase of 63.8% at age 8. The heritabilities were generally increased with increase of age. 3. The heritabilities of root collar diameter and branch diameter (average of the three biggest branches) was 3.2% and 11.8% at age 8 respectively. 4. The genetic gain was largest at age 8 and it was 46.6% when a selection intensity, 1/500 was taken. It, therefore, seems to be reasonable that selection should not be made under age 7.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Marine Environment & Energy
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.335-340
• /
• 2010

The paper describes the objectives of Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME) project, focusing on procedural and practical aspects. YSLME is a highly productive sea yet possibly one of the most impacted large marine ecosystems, in terms of anthropogenic stressors, due the enormous coastal population. The aim of the YSLME project is the reduction of ecosystem stress through identification of the environmental problems in the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis (TDA) that are then addressed in the Strategic Action Programme (SAP). One of the major problems found to be affecting biological diversity is habitat modification through wetland reclamation, conversion and degradation. Since the early 1900's more than 40% of intertidal wetlands have been reclaimed in Korea, and 60% of Chinese coastal wetlands have been converted or reclaimed. Damaging fishing practices, pollution and coastal eutrophication have further degraded the coastal environment reducing the biological diversity. To combat this loss, the YSLME project has mounted a public awareness campaign to raise environmental consciousness targeted at all different levels of society, from politicians at parliamentary workshops, local government officer training events, scientific conferences and involvement of scientists in the project research and reporting, to university and high school students in our visiting internship programmes and environmental camps. We have also built networks through the Yellow Sea Partnership and by liaising and working with other environmental organizations and NGOs. NGO's are recognised as important partners in the environmental conservation as they already have extensive local networks that can be lacking in international organisations. Effective links have been built with many of these NGOs through the small grants programme. Working with WWF's YSESP project and other academic and research institutions we have conducted our own biodiversity assessments that have contributed to the science-based development of the SAP for the YSLME. Our regional targets for biodiversity outlined in the SAP include: Improvements in the densities, distributions and genetic diversity of current populations of all living organisms including endangered and endemic species; Maintenance of habitats according to standards and regulations of 2007; and a reduction in the risk of introduced species. Endorsement of the SAP and its successful implementation, during the proposed second phase of the YSLEM project, will ensure that biological diversity is here to benefit future generations.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.316-335
• /
• 2021

This study reviewed the change of theory of ecological niche(concepts and definitions) over time to provide a theoretical basis for habitat-related studies of animals and plants. Accordingly, it analyzed and summarized the major discussion trends of ecological niche worldwide in each period from the 1900s to the present. Countries advanced in ecological studies, such as the EU and the USA, have conducted theoretical and empirical studies on the ecological niche since the early 1990s. The concept of the ecological niche was introduced in the early 1900s, developed in the mid-1900s, and advanced from the mid-1900s to the late 1900s. Since the 2000s, the advanced concept has diversified with new developments in technologies and research methods. The factors suggested by theoretical and empirical studies in defining the ecological niche of a species include 1) population dynamics of the target species, 2) all biotic conditions to sustain a population (food relationship and material flow in the food chain), 3) all non-biotic conditions to sustain a population (physical environmental conditions), 4) all direct and indirect interactions between these environmental factors, and 5) response and adaptation mechanisms that include the migratory ability of the target species or genetic diversity and adaptability to change. Unlike such international advancement, there have not been sufficient theoretical, philosophical, and empirical studies of ecological niche in Korea. The concepts and definitions by Greennell, Elton, and Hutchinson were selectively and partially borrowed for empirical studies without full description. Considering that the theory of ecological niche becomes the foundation for habitat-based species conservation and restoration, it is necessary to seek diversification and advancement of theoretical and empirical research and research methods and technological development. It will provide an important foundation for the academic advancement of ecology and for establishing and implementing policies to preserve and restore ecology and biodiversity effectively and successfully in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.35 no.1
• /
• pp.48-67
• /
• 2021

Plant species exhibit current characteristics as a result of interactions with environmental conditions. The plants of Viola sp. have selected chasmogamous flowers with vigorous vegetative propagation or development of cleistogamous flowers as an adaptation strategy. Viola websteri is distributed on the Korean peninsula and the eastern part of Jilin Province, China. The center and edge of the distribution are expected to exhibit different population-dynamics. It is necessary to investigate the cause of its current limited distribution even though V. websteri has a mixed-mating strategy. Firstly, We examined the vegetation environment of habitats and evaluated its characteristics. Growth characteristics were examined through plant phenology. We then evaluated the population structure, characteristics of chasmogamous flowers, and productivity of cleistogamous flowers. Moreover, we compared population sizes between 2014 and 2018. Most habitats were located in deciduous broadleaf mixed forests adjacent to valleys. V. websteri produced chasmogamous flowers with self-incompatibility in April-May and cleistogamous flowers in June-September. The cleistogamous flower production is a strategy ensuring seed production under uncertain environmental fluctuations; these were approximately twice as numerous as chasmogamous flowers. The population structure was distinguished into stable and very unstable regions. There were sites where the population experienced a sharp decline in the 2018 compared to that of 2014. This large decline was found in the edge populations. The habitats had different microsites depending on the natural disturbances of drought and the matrix constituting the habitat, thus supporting various plants. Ensuring the production of seeds through cleistogamous flowers, it was determined that rapid seedling re-establishment and population replenishment were possible when the natural disturbance factor was removed. Environmental factors did not equally affect all populations or individuals. Therefore, it was expected that it would be able to persisted in a long time, despite the rapid decrease in the number of individuals in the population regionally. Local extinction and re-establishment are likely to repeat according to environmental change. We propose the additional population investigation based on this works are required. We also suggest a need to assess the long-term population dynamics and the genetic characteristics of chasmogamous flowers and cleistogamous flowers to establish and implement effective conservation strategies.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
• /
• v.30 no.2
• /
• pp.109-114
• /
• 2015

Cryopreservation of boar semen is continually researched in reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking in breed conservation. For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility (MOT) is an important parameter because the movement of spermatozoa indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Various researches have been trying to improve the quality of semen post-thawed in boar. Recently, polymorphism (g.358A>T) of cluster-of-differentiation antigen 9 (CD9) gene reported to be significant association with MOT. Also, CD9 gene was expressed in the male germ line stem cells is crucial for sperm-egg fusion, and was therefore selected as candidate gene for boar semen. This study was conducted to evaluate the pig SNP (g.358A>T) of CD9 gene as a positional controlling for semen parameters of post-thawed boar semen. To results, the g.358A>T SNP of the CD9 gene was significantly associated with the traits such as MOT, curve linear velocity, straight line velocity, average path velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement. Particularly, the g.358A>T SNP significantly has the highest association with MOT and animals with AA genotype (p<0.001). Therefore, we suggest that the g.358A>T in the intron 6 region of the porcine CD9 may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar Post-thawed semen quality, although its functional effect was not defined yet.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.35 no.2 s.121
• /
• pp.71-80
• /
• 2007

Korea began preserving and managing natural monuments in 1933 under Japanese Colonization, but North Korea and South Korea were forced to establish separate natural monument management policies because of the division after the Korean Independence. The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the natural monument management policies of both south and North Korea between 1933 and 2005 to introduce new policies for Korea unification. The following are the results: First, South Korea manages every type of cultural asset, including natural monuments, through the 'Cultural Heritage Protection Act,' whereas North Korea managing its cultural assets through the 'Cultural Relics Protection Act' and the 'Landmark/Natural Monument Protection Act.' Second, South Korea preserves and utilizes natural monuments for the purpose of promoting the cultural experience of Korean people and contributing to the development of world culture, whereas North Korea uses its natural monuments to promote the superiority of socialism and protect its ruling power. Third, North and South Korea have similar classification systems for animals, plants, and geology, but North Korea classifies geography as one of its natural monuments. Unlike South Korea, North Korea also designates imported animals and plants not only for the preservation and research of genetic resources, but also for their value as economic resources. Fourth, North Korea authorizes the Cabinet to designate and cancel natural monuments, whereas South Korea designates and cancels natural monuments by the Cultural Heritage Administration through the deliberation of a Cultural Heritage Committee. Both Koreas' central administrations establish policies and their local governments carry them out, while their management systems are quite different. In conclusion, it is important to establish specified laws for the conservation of natural heritages and clarified standards of designation in order to improve the preservation and management system and to sustain the diversity of natural preservation. Moreover it is also necessary to discover resources in various fields, designate protection zones, and preserve imported trees. By doing so, we shall improve South Korea's natural monument management policies and ultimately enhance national homogeneity in preparation for the reunification of the Koreas in the future.