• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.505-518
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• 2023

The key to invasive pest management lies in preemptive action. However, most current research using species distribution models is conducted after an invasion has occurred. This study modeled the potential distribution of the globally notorious sweet potato pest, the sweet potato weevil(Cylas formicarius), that has not yet invaded Korea using MaxEnt. Using global occurrence data, bioclimatic variables, and topsoil characteristics, MaxEnt showed high explanatory power as both the training and test areas under the curve exceeded 0.9. Among the environmental variables used in this study, minimum temperature in the coldest month (BIO06), precipitation in the driest month (BIO14), mean diurnal range (BIO02), and bulk density (BDOD) were identified as key variables. The predicted global distribution showed high values in most countries where the species is currently present, with a significant potential invasion risk in most South American countries where C. formicarius is not yet present. In Korea, Jeju Island and the southwestern coasts of Jeollanam-do showed very high probabilities. The impact of climate change under shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios indicated an expansion along coasts as climate change progresses. By applying the 10th percentile minimum training presence rule, the potential area of occurrence was estimated at 1,439 km² under current climate conditions and could expand up to 9,485 km² under the SSP585 scenario. However, the model predicted that an inland invasion would not be serious. The results of this study suggest a need to focus on the risk of invasion in islands and coastal areas.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.184-195
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• 2023

To develop an effective management plan for Ambrosia trifida L., an invasive alien plant in Korea, we assessed the potential of Ophraella communa LeSage as a biological control agent. This involved investigating the host specificity of the herbivore Ophraella communa LeSage, its annual travel distance, and the impact of this insect on the fitness of Ambrosia trifida L. We confirmed the host plant preference of Ophraella communa LeSage. The travel distance of this insect was determined by monitoring its appearance in selected Ambrosia trifida L. communities without these insects at distances of 10, 20, 30, and 100 meters, based on the locations where the presence of Ophraella communa LeSage was observed. The growth, reproductive, and physiological responses of Ambrosia trifida L. were measured according to feeding by Ophraella communa LeSage. As a result, Ophraella communa LeSage fed on only three taxa and moved short distances within a radius of 30 m per year from the host. The feeding behavior of the herbivore had a negative impact on the growth, reproductive, and physiological responses of Ambrosia trifida L. And the plant's growth and reproduction improved with increasing distance from the herbivore. Furthermore, the introduction of herbivores was able to control over 90% of Ambrosia trifida L. when the coverage of the Ambrosia trifida L. group was below 50%. However, the effectiveness of the removal decreased when the coverage exceeded 90%. These results are likely to be utilized by Ophraella communa LeSage as an ecological control agent. It is advantageous to introduce them in spring (May) when the coverage is low to maximize the effectiveness of control.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Applied Microbiology Conference
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• 2000.04a
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• pp.3-6
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• 2000

Antimicrobial resistance has been a well-recognized problem ever since the introduction of penicillin into clinical use. History of antimicrobial development can be categorized based on the major antibiotics that had been developed against emerging resistant $pathogens^1$. In the first period from 1940 to 1960, penicillin was a dominating antibiotic called as a "magic bullet", although S.aureus armed with penicillinase led antimicrobial era to the second period in 1960s and 1970s. The second stage was characterized by broad-spectrum penicillins and early generation cephalosporins. During this period, nosocomial infections due to gram-negative bacilli became more prevalent, while those caused by S.aureus declined. A variety of new antimicrobial agents with distinct mechanism of action including new generation cephalosporins, monobactams, carbapenems, ${\beta}$-lactamase inhibitors, and quinolones characterized the third period from 1980s to 1990s. However, extensive use of wide variety of antibiotics in the community and hospitals has fueled the crisis in emerging antimicrobial resistance. Newly appeared drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum ${\beta}$-lactamase-producing Klebsiella, and VRSA have posed a serious threat in many parts of the world. Given the recent epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance and its clinical impact, there is no greater challenge related to emerging infections than the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Problems of antimicrobial resistance can be amplified by the fact that resistant clones or genes can spread within or between the species as well as to geographically distant areas which leads to a global concern$^2$. Antimicrobial resistance is primarily generated and promoted by increased use of antimicrobial agents. Unfortunately, as many as 50 % of prescriptions for antibiotics are reported to be inappropriate$^3$. Injudicious use of antibiotics even for viral upper respiratory infections is a universal phenomenon in every part of the world. The use of large quantities of antibiotics in the animal health industry and farming is another major factor contributing to selection of antibiotic resistance. In addition to these background factors, the tremendous increase in the immunocompromised hosts, popular use of invasive medical interventions, and increase in travel and mixing of human populations are contributing to the resurgence and spread of antimicrobial resistance$^4$. Antimicrobial resistance has critical impact on modem medicine both in clinical and economic aspect. Patients with previously treatable infections may have fatal outcome due to therapeutic failure that is unusual event no more. The potential economic impact of antimicrobial resistance is actually uncountable. With the increase in the problems of resistant organisms in the 21st century, however, additional health care costs for this problem must be enormously increasing.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2017

The study was carried out to understand the inhabiting status and biological features of nutria (Myocastor coypus) in the Jeju Island from May, 2013 to August, 2016. Five individuals were captured by traps and two individuals were collected in dead. Of the 7 individuals, those whose bio-information could not be known were excluded to perform autopsy of the rest of them. The results from morphological, cranial and anatomical analyses, it was found that the females achieved sexual maturation but had no breeding experience. An adult male showed similar sizes to those found in the Korean Peninsula. After collecting the 7 individuals in 2013, 1 nutria individual was filmed by the scouting camera in May, 2014 but not captured. The long-term investigation of the research area found no inhibiting individual. It is deemed the nutria was either died of natural death or migrated. In order to establish a proper nutria control, the environmental characteristics of Jeju Island should be considered where indigenous and introduced species coexist in a limited space. Our findings will provide helpful information for understanding biological features of nutria and planning protection program of natural ecosystems of Jeju Island.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.51-65
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• 2015

The flora distributed around Mt. Hwangseok were summarized as 495 taxa including 97 families, 295 genera, 394 species, 4 subspecies, 80 varieties and 17 forms. In the component ratio of taxa, pteridophyta was 4.2%, 1.2% of gymnospermae, 78.8% of dicotyledonae and 15.8% of monocotyledonae. The rare plants were 9 taxa including Aconitum chiisanense, Eranthis stellata, Aristolochia contorta, Viola albida and so forth. The Korean endemic plants were 13 taxa including Populus tomentiglandulos, Pseudostellaria coreana, Aconitum pseudolaeve, Thalictrum actaefolium var. brevistylum and so forth. The specific plants by floristic region were 16 taxa including Cimicifuga heracleifolia, Sanguisorba longifolia, Symplocarpus renifolius, Betula davurica and so forth. The plants adaptable to climate change were 11 taxa including Aconitum pseudolaeve, Ajuga spectabilis, Carex okamotoi, Rhynchosia volubilis and so forth. The naturalized plants were 20 taxa including Fallopia convolvulus, Rumex crispus, Phytolacca amrericana, Robinia pseudoacacia and so forth. The invasive alien plant was Aster pilosus. The emergence of local ecologically important species, set the correct range for the core and buffer zone, transition zone, coded will be necessary, the distribution of the specialty plant areas and rare plants, an area management plan should be organized by nature. In addition, a variety of assessment techniques and accurate data to establish the validity of the core area is also set to acquire.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.231-244
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to offer the basic information for the rational management plan in construction and running of eco-forest by analyzing the vascular plant of the constructreserved site of eco-forest in Mt. Daeun, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The vascular plants were 280 taxa; 75 families, 179 genera, 245 species, 3 subspecies, 28 varieties and 4 forma. The Korean endemic plants were 6 taxa including Pseudostellaria coreana, Stewartia pseudocamellia, Primula modesta var. hannasanensis and so forth. The rare plants were Juniperus chinensis var.sargentii, Prunus yedoensis, Primula modesta var. hannasanensis, Chionanthus retusus and Scopolia japonica. The naturalized plants were 14 taxa including Rumex acetosella, Lepidium apetalum, Trifolium repens, Oenothera biennis, Veronica persica and so forth. The invasive alien plants were Rumex acetosella and Ambrosia artemisiifolia. Specific plant species by floristic region were total 24 taxa; Prunus yedoensis and Primula modesta var. hannasanensis in class V, Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii and Acer pictum subsp. mono in class IV, 5 taxa including Dryopteris bissentiana, Scolopolia japonica and so forth in class III, Pseudostellaria coreana, Potentilla dickinsii and Chionanthus retusus in class II, 12 taxa including Acotinum jaluense, Clematis patens and so forth in class I.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.246-262
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• 2024

The survey conducted from 2018 to 2020 aimed to investigate the changes in fish fauna and community characteristics in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, Korea. During the survey period, 35 sites were selected, resulting in the collection of 7,817 fish belonging to 12 families and 40 species. The dominant species was Zacco koreanus, with a relative abundance of 34.5%, followed by Z. platypus at 28.7%. Other significant species included Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (10.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.3%), and Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.3%). Notably, four protected species - Acheilognathus signifer, Gobiobotia brevibarba, and Cottus koreanus, designated as class II endangered wildlife by the Ministry of Environment- were identified. These species predominantly inhabit the middle and lower reaches, except for Gobiobotia brevibarba, which is found in the upper reaches. Nineteen species, accounting for a 47.5% endemism rate, were endemic to Korea. The study also noted the presence of one climate-sensitive species, Cottus koreanus, and two exotic species, Carassius cuvieri and Micropterus salmoides. Community analysis indicated a trend of decreasing dominance and increasing diversity and richness from upstream to downstream, with a distinct division into uppermost reaches, upper reaches, middle and lower reaches, and lakes. The construction of the Hwaseong Dam has had a significant direct and indirect impact on the fish community. The habitat and abundance of endangered species such as R. pseudosericeus, A. signifer, and G. brevibarba decreased dramatically immediately after the dam's construction, transforming the submerged area from lotic to lentic environments. Approximately 20 years later, the habitats have stabilized, leading to an increase in the fish population and a recovery of the previously diminished endangered species. The river health (FAI) was also evaluated, with 27 sites rated as very good (A), seven as good (B), and one as fair (C). However, endangered species such as A. signifer continue to face threats from dam and river construction, while C. Koreanus has experienced a severe population decline due to river works. Additionally, the presence of the ecosystem-disrupting species M. salmoides in Hwaseong Lake raises concerns. To ensure a stable habitat for fish in the upper reaches of the Seomgang River, it is crucial to avoid indiscriminate river construction, urgently implement restoration policies for endangered species such as A. signifer, and develop management strategies to control the spread of invasive species such as bass.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.347-376
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• 2021

Investigating and evaluating regionally distributed plant resources provide fundamental information (inventory) to conserve plant diversity in target areas. Nevertheless, the examination of inventory to collect information in areas with little interest has been insufficient. In this study, the vicinity of Mt. Baegamsan(1,004m) was investigated for plant resources in the central and southern part of the Korean peninsula, which has received low interest. Nine surveys identified a total of 638 taxa consisting of 108 families, 339 genera, 572 species, 12 subspecies, 49 varieties, and 5 forms. One taxon was designated to be the endangered wild plant by the Ministry of Environment, and a total of 29 taxa were designated to be endemic species in Korea. Floristic target species identified by the surveys included 1 taxon for grade V, 13 taxa for grade IV, 36 taxa for grade III, 29s taxa for grade II, and 34 taxa for grade I. A total of 38 taxa were identified to be naturalized plants, and 3 of them were designated as invasive alien plants by the Ministry of Environment. There was a difference in plant distribution between western and eastern areas of Mt. Baegamsan. The endangered and valuable plants for conservation were mainly identified from Mt. Baegamsan peak area, the ridge, and the western area. Considering the plant distribution, the Mt. Baegamsan region, located on Nakdong-jungmaek, was estimated to be dispersal routes for plant expansion and retreat.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.38 no.4
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• pp.96-105
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to offer raw data on managing naturalized plants and the ecological characteristics of urban streams by researching the naturalized plants distributed in Naedong Stream, Changwon-si. The results are as follows. The numbers of naturalized plants were summarized as 45 taxa: 18 families, 38 genera, 43 species and 2 varieties. There were 3 taxa of invasive alien plants: Rumex acetocella, Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior and Sicyos angulaus. In an analysis of life forms, there were 2 taxa of megaphanerophytes, 1 taxa of nanophanerophytes, 3 taxa of chamaiphytes, 7 taxa of hemicryptophytes, 1 taxa of geophytes and 31 taxa of therophytes. The urbanized and naturalized indices were 16.6% and 25.1%, respectively. The results of an analysis by vertical structures showed that naturalized plants included 30 taxa upstream, 42 taxa midstream and 32 taxa downstream. For the urbanized index, upstream was 11.1%, 15.5% in midstream and 11.8% in downstream. For the naturalized index, upstream was 21.7%, 33.3% in midstream and 37.2% in downstream. An analysis of crossing structures showed at taxa of 39 naturalized plants on bank. 30 taxa along the riverside and 7 in the water. For the urbanized index, banks were 14.4%, riverside 11.1% and waterside 2.6% while the naturalized index included 30.5% on the banks, 30.6% along the riverside and 20.0% in the water. As regards the management of naturalized plants, because Remex acetocella, Ambrosia artemisiifolia var. elatior and Sicyos angulaus have a negative impact on the ecosystem, they need to be efficiently controlled.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.241-254
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• 2020

Three introduced fish species, Japanese white crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri Temminck and Schlegel, 1846), bass (Micropterus salmoides Lacepède, 1802) and bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus Rafinesque, 1819), are dominant fishes in Korean freshwater ecosystem. In this study, we analyzed habitat environment conditions of these three species and their impacts to fish communities in streams across South Korea. Fish community data were obtained from the database of the Stream/River Ecosystem Survey and Health Assessment program maintained by the Ministry of Environment and the National Institute of Environmental Research, Korea. Our results showed that species richness and Shannon diversity of fish were higher at the presence sites of introduced fish than at the absence sites. However, when the abundance of these introduced fish species was increased, the species richness and abundance of fish were decreased. An association analysis showed that the introduced fish species had a low similarity in their appearance with some indigenous fishes such as Siniperca scherzeri and Channa argus and some endemic fishes of Korea such as Zacco koreanus, Sarcocheilichthys variegatus wakiyae, and Acheilognathus yamatsutae. In addition, the introduced fish species had a low appearance similarity with a large number of fishes in their association networks. Finally, our results presented that these introduced fish species influenced the negative impacts to the stream fish communities, and they were potential risk factors for fish community in Korean freshwater ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary that continuous monitoring and establishment of management strategy for introduced fish species to preserve fish resource and biodiversity in the Korean streams.