• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.660-670
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• 2014

The Korean plum yew (Cephalotaxus koreana Nakai) is a shade-tolerant, coniferous shrub. The seeds have been used as a folk medicine in Korea, and an alkaloid extract (HTT) is known to have anticancer properties. We estimated the genetic diversity of 429 trees in 16 populations in South Korea using 194 polymorphic amplicons from seven combinations of AFLP primer-restriction enzymes. The average number of effective alleles and the percentage of polymorphic loci were 1.37 and 79.4%, respectively. Shannon's diversity index and the expected heterozygosity were 0.344 and 0.244, respectively. We divided 16 populations into four groups on the UPGMA dendrogram and the PCA biplot. The first two principal components explained 84% of the total genetic variation. Genetic differentiation between populations explained 14% of total genetic variation, and the remaining 86% came from difference between individuals within populations, as determined by an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). However, the genetic differentiation did not correlate with the geographic distance between populations from the Mantel test. The Bayesian statistics, which are comparable to Wright's $F_{ST}$ and Nei's $G_{ST}$, were ${\theta}^I=0.406$ and ${\theta}^{II}=0.172$, respectively. The population genetic diversity was slightly lower, and the strength of genetic differentiation was much weaker, than the average of those plants having similar life histories, as assessed using arbitrary marker systems. We discuss strategies for the genetic conservation of the plum yew in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Community Nutrition
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.422-432
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• 2019

Objectives: The purposes of the study were to assess wastes generated in school foodservice and to identify factors influencing the generation of plate waste. Methods: A survey was administered from November 18-30 in 2015 to dietitians and nutrition teachers that were employed in schools located in Gyeonggi province. A questionnaire file and on-line survey site link were sent to the dietitians and nutrition teachers by e-mail. A total of 622 dietitians and nutrition teachers responded and 594 responses were used for data analysis after excluding 28 responses with significant missing data. Results: Plate waste was the major part of food waste generated in school foodservice. Vegetable menus and soup/stews were discarded the most as plate waste. The dietitians and nutrition teachers perceived students' unbalanced diet and lack of appreciation of food as causes of the plate waste. Regarding waste management, they were concerned about environmental contamination by food waste and felt uncomfortable about discarding food. No plate waste day was the most frequently used plate waste reduction activity, followed by newsletters on plate waste reduction. Difficulty in getting teachers' support for dietary education during meal time was rated the greatest barrier to implementing the activities. To reduce plate waste, they perceived that students should understand the importance of environment conservation, teachers should supervise students' eating during meal time, students should be educated about proper portion, and foodservice staff should improve food quality. Conclusions: To improve students' intake and reduce plate waste in school foodservice, foodservice staff need to involve students in school foodservice and improve the palatability of meals, especially vegetable dishes. School nutrition teachers and dietitians should educate students about healthy eating and environment conservation and the school community needs to understand and support plate waste reduction and healthy eating in schools.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.123-141
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• 2022

Wetland also known as "Jheelon" in Hindi language is one of the most important natural resources, contributing various economic and ecological benefits. The study gave a short review of the current status of Ramsar wetlands in India. The wildlife species, conservation measures, and their significance in Indian wetlands were also explored in this review paper. As of 2022, there are 49 Ramsar sites in India covering approximately 1,09363.6 km² of land. The largest Ramsar wetland is Sundarbans, while the smallest is Chandertal. It was found that preventing wetland loss is important even though studies about wetland degradation in various nations including India, caused directly by human activities is still limited. Since Monitoring and protecting natural wetlands, supporting scientific studies on preservation and restoration of wetlands, demand on imposing regulations for limiting pollutant discharges were recommended allowing researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to better maintain wetland and its ecosystem services.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.29-42
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• 2023

As the destruction of habitats due to recent development continues, there is also increasing interest in endangered species. Mankyua chejuense is a vulnerable species that is sensitive to changes in population and habitat, and it has recently been upgraded from Endangered Species II to Endangered Species I, requiring significant management efforts. So in this study, we analyzed the potential habitats of Mankyua chejuense using MaxEnt(Maximum Entropy) modeling. We developed three models: one that considered only environmental characteristics, one that considered artificial factors, and one that reflected the habitat of dominant tree species in the overstory. Based on previous studies, we incorporated environmental and human influence factors for the habitats of Mankyua chejuense into spatial information, and we also used the habitat distribution models of dominant tree species, including Ulmus parvifolia, Maclura tricuspidata, and Ligustrum obtusifolium, that have been previously identified as major overstory species of Mankyua chejuense. Our analysis revealed that rock exposure, elevation, slope, forest type, building density, and soil type were the main factors determining the potential habitat of Mankyua chejuense. Differences among the three models were observed in the edges of the habitats due to human influence factors, and results varied depending on the similarity of the habitats of Mankyua chejuense and the dominant tree species in the overstory. The potential habitats of Mankyua chejuense presented in this study include areas where the species could potentially inhabit in addition to existing habitats. Therefore, these results can be used for the conservation and management planning of Mankyua chejuense.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.159-176
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• 2023

The conservation of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in South Korea requires the protection and preservation of natural habitats while additionally ensuring coexistence with human activities. Applying habitat map modeling techniques provides information regarding the distributional patterns of raccoon dogs and assists in the development of future conservation strategies. The purpose of this study is to generate potential habitat distribution maps for the raccoon dog in South Korea using geospatial technology-based models. These models include the frequency ratio (FR) as a bivariate statistical approach, the group method of data handling (GMDH) as a machine learning algorithm, and convolutional neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) as deep learning algorithms. Moreover, the imperialist competitive algorithm (ICA) is used to fine-tune the hyperparameters of the machine learning and deep learning models. Moreover, there are 14 habitat characteristics used for developing the models: elevation, slope, valley depth, topographic wetness index, terrain roughness index, slope height, surface area, slope length and steepness factor (LS factor), normalized difference vegetation index, normalized difference water index, distance to drainage, distance to roads, drainage density, and morphometric features. The accuracy of prediction is evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The results indicate comparable performances of all models. However, the CNN demonstrates superior capacity for prediction, achieving accuracies of 76.3% and 75.7% for the training and validation processes, respectively. The maps of potential habitat distribution are generated for five different levels of potentiality: very low, low, moderate, high, and very high.

• Proceedings of the National Institute of Ecology of the Republic of Korea
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.10-20
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• 2024

The study investigated species diversity, relative abundance, and decline of flying insects and plants within a fragmented forest in the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria. It is known that habitat fragmentation can reduce biodiversity. Thus, it is important to perform comprehensive assessments to understand implications of the habitat fragmentation for flora and fauna. Species richness and abundance of flying insects and plants across fragmented forest patches were quantified using field surveys and taxonomic identification. This study revealed shifts in species diversity, with fragmented areas exhibiting reduced biodiversity compared to contiguous forest ecosystems. Flying insects crucial for ecosystem functioning and pollination services demonstrated decreased species richness and relative abundance within fragmented habitats. This decline was attributed to habitat loss, altered microclimates, and limited movement pathways known to hinder insect dispersal. Similarly, plant species richness and abundance showed decline in fragmented forest due to disrupted mutualistic interactions with pollinators, altered nutrient cycling, and increased competition among plant species. This study underscores the importance of maintaining intact forest habitats to sustain healthy ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. Effective conservation strategies should focus on habitat connectivity, reforestation efforts, and protection of essential ecological corridors to mitigate effects of fragmentation. In conclusion, this investigation provides empirical evidence for effects of habitat fragmentation on flying insects and plants in a forest ecosystem in FUTA Akure, Nigeria. Findings emphasize an urgency of adopting conservation measures to safeguard these invaluable components of biodiversity and ecosystem stability in the face of ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.888-901
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• 2020

Objective: A set of microsatellite markers with high polymorphism from Tsaiya duck were used for the genetic monitoring and genetic structure analysis of Brown and White Tsaiya duck populations in Taiwan. Methods: The synthetic short tandem repeated probes were used to isolate new microsatellite markers from the genomic DNA of Tsaiya ducks. Eight populations, a total of 566 samples, sourced from Ilan Branch, Livestock Research Institute were genotyped through novel and known markers. The population genetic variables were calculated using optional programs in order to describe and monitor the genetic variability and the genetic structures of these Tsaiya duck populations. Results: In total 24 primer pairs, including 17 novel microsatellite loci from this study and seven previously known loci, were constructed for the detection of genetic variations in duck populations. The average values for the allele number, the effective number of alleles, the observed heterozygosity, the expected heterozygosity, and the polymorphism information content were 11.29, 5.370, 0.591, 0.746, and 0.708, respectively. The results of analysis of molecular variance and principal component analysis indicated a contracting Brown Tsaiya duck cluster and a spreading White Tsaiya duck cluster. The Brown Tsaiya ducks and the White Tsaiya ducks with Pekin ducks were just split to six clusters and three clusters when K was set equal to 6 and 3 in the Bayesian cluster analysis. The individual phylogenetic tree revealed eight taxa, and each individual was assigned to its own population. Conclusion: According to our study, the 24 novel microsatellite markers exhibited a high capacity to analyze relationships of inter- and intra-population in those populations with a relatively limited degree of genetic diversity. We suggest that duck farms in Taiwan could use the new (novel) microsatellite set to monitor the genetic characteristics and structures of their Tsaiya duck populations at various intervals in order to ensure quality breeding and conservation strategies.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.208-223
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• 2023

This article was prepared for the purpose of reviewing maintenance plans and strategies for designating the celadon kiln site in Banam-ri, Gochang, a monument designated by the city and province as a historical site. Prior to the discussion, the high academic potential of this site, which is attracting attention as a main point of early celadon main point, was explained, and expectations for the future designation of the monument were reviewed. Next, the current status of preservation and maintenance plans of the celadon kiln site in Banam-ri, Gochang were examined. In particular, the current preservation situation was reviewed through an on-site survey on how the ruins, which have not been designated as a monument, should be maintained for historical designation in the future. Above all, it was argued that it was necessary to conduct excavation and literature surveys to clarify the characteristics of the ruins, investigate the surrounding areas, improve information facilities for visitors, and carry out promotion in connection with them. Finally, the definition of historical sites and the status of historical designation of ceramic kilns, along with the strategies necessary for designation, were presented. In particular, the examples of the existing historical designated celadon kiln site in Dotong-ri, Jinan, and Buncheong Kiln Site in Undae-ri, Goheung were reviewed, and three types of excavation surveys, literature surveys, and academic conferences were presented as the target directions for historical designation. The result of the excavation survey is the basis for suggesting that it has cultural property values with completeness, authenticity, and identity. The literature survey is the basis for supplementing the historical and cultural character of the remains that have not been revealed by excavation. The academic conference explained that it is an opportunity to understand the nature and value of cultural assets, such as the location of cultural assets, the status of relics, and events related to relics.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.893-902
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to survey structures and growth conditions of Pinus densiflora village groves, and to establish management strategies for their desirable growth and conservation. Twelve village groves were selected in western Gangwon province for the study. The age of the study groves ranged from 50 to 200 years. Average dbh (diameter at breast height) and density of trees for each study grove were 27~52cm and 0.5~9.3 trees/$100m^2$, respectively. Soil environments were favorable to Pinus densiflora growth in the majority of the study groves, but 2 study groves with sandy soils showed considerably poor nutrient contents. Low tree vitality was found in some of the study groves due to poor conditions of root growth from soil fill and trampling. There were detachment of cambial tissue and damage of stem cavity at 6 study groves, which were caused by artificial injury, careless pruning, and frost damage. Light disease damage by Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii and phomopsis blight were found at 6 study groves. Light pest damage by Thecodiplosis japonensis was also found at 6 study groves, but the pest damage at 2 study groves was relatively considerable. Thus, major factors limiting normal growth of Pinus densiflora village groves were infertility, soil fill and trampling, stem damage, and disease and pest. Desirable management strategies were explored to solve growth-related problems and to conserve the study groves. The management strategies included fertilization of organic matter and lime, removal of soil fill, soil plowing and graveling, wood-trail installation or woodchip mulching, supply of wood fences and protective frames, surgical operation for damaged stems, vitality enhancement, and trunk injection to improve growth environments or control stem damage and disease/pest.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.303-321
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• 2011

The availability and efficient use of the feed resources in Asia are the primary drivers of performance to maximise productivity from animals. Feed security is fundamental to the management, extent of use, conservation and intensification for productivity enhancement. The awesome reality is that current supplies of animal proteins are inadequate to meet human requirements in the face of rapidly depleting resources: arable land, water, fossil fuels, nitrogenous and other fertilisers, and decreased supplies of cereal grains. The contribution of the ruminant sector lags well behind that of non-ruminant pigs and poultry. It is compelling therefore to shift priority for the development of ruminants (buffaloes, cattle, goats and sheep) in key agro-ecological zones (AEZs), making intensive use of the available biomass from the forage resources, crop residues, agro-industrial by-products (AIBP) and other non-conventional feed resources (NCFR). Definitions are given of successful and failed projects on feed resource use. These were used to analyse 12 case studies, which indicated the value of strong participatory efforts with farmers, empowerment, and the benefits from animals of productivity-enhancing technologies and integrated natural resource management (NRM). However, wider replication and scaling up were inadequate in project formulation, including systems methodologies that promoted technology adoption. There was overwhelming emphasis on component technology applications that were duplicated across countries, often wasteful, the results and relevance of which were not clear. Technology delivery via the traditional model of research-extension linkage was also inadequate, and needs to be expanded to participatory research-extension-farmer linkages to accelerate diffusion of technologies, wider adoption and impacts. Other major limitations concerned with feed resource use are failure to view this issue from a farming systems perspective, strong disciplinary bias, and poor links to real farm situations. It is suggested that improved efficiency in feed resource use and increased productivity from animals in the future needs to be cognisant of nine strategies. These include priorities for feed resource use; promoting intensive use of crop residues; intensification of integrated ruminant-oil palm systems and use of oil palm by-products; priority for urgent, wider technology application, adoption and scaling up; rigorous application of systems methodologies; development of adaptation and mitigation options for the effects of climate change on feed resources; strengthening research-extension-farmer linkages; development of year round feeding systems; and striving for sustainability of integrated farming systems. These strategies together form the challenges for the future.