• The Korean Journal of Ecology
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.153-166
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• 1983

The distribution of beech species (Fagus) and beech-dominated forests along climatic gradients in the Northern Hemisphere was studied by use of taxonomic and ecological literature. The genus Fagus as a whole occurs over the range of 4.5 to 20.0。C mean annual temperature and 600 to 1000 mm in lower limit, mean annual precipitation. At the higher end of the temperature range, beech occurs in zones with relatively high growing-season precipitation. Edaphically, beech species and beech-dominated forests tend to occur on mesic, moderately fertile sites. Beech-dominated forests occur in a limited portion of the climatic range of the genus with sensitive responses to other environmental factors. The distributional range of beech-dominated forests on a global scale depends more on climatic factors and geological events than on soil conditions or other factors, summarizing the facts obtained by many researchers on beech dominated forests.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.211-219
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• 2006

A random forests classifier is applied to multi-sensor data fusion for supervised land-cover classification in order to account for the importance of variable. The random forests approach is a non-parametric ensemble classifier based on CART-like trees. The distinguished feature is that the importance of variable can be estimated by randomly permuting the variable of interest in all the out-of-bag samples for each classifier. Two different multi-sensor data sets for supervised classification were used to illustrate the applicability of random forests: one with optical and polarimetric SAR data and the other with multi-temporal Radarsat-l and ENVISAT ASAR data sets. From the experimental results, the random forests approach could extract important variables or bands for land-cover discrimination and showed reasonably good performance in terms of classification accuracy.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.113-121
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• 2020

This study was carried out in degraded and non-degraded community forests (CF) in the Terai region of Kanchanpur district, Nepal. A total of 63 concentric sample plots each of 500 ㎡ was laid in the inventory for estimating above and below-ground biomass of forests by using systematic random sampling with a sampling intensity of 0.5%. Mallotus philippinensis and Shorea robusta were the most dominant species in degraded and non-degraded CF accounting Importance Value Index (I.V.I) of 97.16 and 178.49, respectively. Above-ground tree biomass carbon in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 74.64±16.34 t ha^-1 and 163.12±20.23 t ha^-1, respectively. Soil carbon sequestration in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 42.55±3.10 t ha^-1 and 54.21±3.59 t ha^-1, respectively. Hence, the estimated total carbon stock was 152.68±22.95 t ha^-1 and 301.08±27.07 t ha^-1 in degraded and non-degraded community forests, respectively. It was found that the carbon sequestration in the non-degraded community forest was 1.97 times higher than in the degraded community forest. CO₂ equivalent in degraded and non-degraded community forests was 553 t ha^-1 and 1105 t ha^-1, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between degraded and non-degraded community forests in terms of its total biomass and carbon sequestration potential (p<0.05). Studies indicate that the community forest has huge potential and can reward economic benefits from carbon trading to benefit from the REDD⁺/CDM mechanism by promoting the sustainable conservation of community forests.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.63-74
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of 3 day Forests healing programs for cognitive improvement, which consists of helpful contents of Korean medicine. Methods : This study examined the effects of forests healing for mild cognitive impairment patients, who visited a Korean medicine hospital neuropsychiatry clinic for outpatients. The Forests healing programs for cognitive improvement was run with 24 participants, in which 9 of them quit in the middle of the program, so excluded in data analysis. The Forests healing programs for cognitive improvement was consisted of 3 day helpful Korean medicine contents. The primary outcome measurement was a Computerized Neurocognitive Test (CNT), which measured the cognitive functions with computer programs. Results : The results of this study showed that CNT scores were not significantly changed after 3 day forests healing. General psychological states, including depression, anxiety, and anger, were also checked. Among them, depressive mood significantly improved. Quality of life (QOL) was also enhanced after 3 day program. These results indicate that the 3 day Forests healing programs for cognitive improvement was effective for depressive mood and QOL of mild cognitive impairment patients, but not enough for cognitive functions directly. Conclusions : The 3 day Forests healing programs for cognitive improvement were shown to be an effective intervention in improving some aspects of mild cognitive impairment patients, including depressive mood, and QOL. We suggest that repeated participation of this program can enhance cognitive function of mild cognitive impairment patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.41-51
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• 2001

'The Ecological Forest' in Youido Park was intended to be an artificial forest in urban center, following the form of natural forests in central Korea. This study was to investigate the planting plan and the vegetation change of 'the Ecological Forest' and to compare it with natural forests of similar plant composition. The natural forests had slopes between $12^{\circ}$ and $21^{\circ}$, whereas 'the Ecological Forest' had slopes between $2^{\circ}$ and $6^{\circ}$. It was unlikely that the slope condition was adequate to show 'toposequence succession' at 'the Ecological Forest'. The soil bulk density and soil hardness of 'the Ecological Forest' were higher than those of the natural forests. The soil pH of 'the Ecological Forest' was 7.45, which was greater than that of the natural forests. There were some changes in plant composition and amounts 2 years after the construction : the number of conifers was reduced from 383 to 338 ; the number of deciduous trees was reduced from 4717 to 1158. It was because of the young trees dead in the sub-tree layer. The herbaceous species planted were 14 families, 31 species, which increased to 37 families, 93 species after 2 years. In case of horizontal structure of vegetation, trees and shrubs were distributed evenly in the natural forests, whereas 'the Ecological Forest' showed uneven distribution with higher total density. In case of vertical structure of vegetation, the natural forests had distinctive layers with dominant species distributed in each layers. In 'the Ecological Forest', however, dominant species were only in tree layer. The natural forests had greater average tree height, tree density, however, and basal area than 'the Ecological Forest'. The results showed that there were some differences in the structure between 'the Ecological Forest' and natural forests. The management plan should be applied in order that the natural condition be restored in 'the Ecological Forest' by competition between plant species and natural processes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.87 no.3
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• pp.372-382
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• 1998

This study aims to reveal the dissolving process around the customary common right to forest utilization through a series of policies consolidating the modern forest ownerships in Korea under the rule of Japanese Imperialism. The existence of the customary common right to forest utilization has been widely recognized since the old time. Common profitable actions in a certain area have been given to village residents to gain useful materials such as forage, timber, fuelwood, wild animals, soil, grazing, and quarry in forest, which were necessarily required for their own daily life as customary commodities. This right was divided into the right around common forests and special easement in forests. Therefore, the common forests applicable of these rights were classified into village common forests and special easement forests. Especially, General-Government granted the national forests in pre-emption to a private(88.6%, 2,463,555chungbo) or public(12.1%, 299,050chungbo). After all, most of the common forests were transferred into national forests in earlier stage and then later into public ar private forests by Japanese Imperialism.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.481-489
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• 2018

In this study, the succession and stand dimension attributes related to the disaster prevention function of Pinus thunbergii coastal forests were examined after damage from Diplodia tip blight. In 2015, 101 years after the Taisho eruption, field investigations were performed on the vegetation, soil thickness, and pH of surface soil of P. thunbergii coastal forests in western Sakurajima (Hakamagoshi plot) and Taisho lava flows in southeastern Sakurajima (Seto plot). The Hakamagoshi plot had more woody plant species with larger basal areas than that in the Seto plot. The mean age and height, maximal age and height of plant species, and H/D ratio were all larger in the Hakamagoshi plot than in the Seto plot. These results may be explained by the relatively smaller effect of volcanic ash and gas on forests in the Hakamagoshi plot compared to the Seto plot, resulting in a more suitable environment for many plant species. Although P. thunbergii coastal forests in Sakurajima are currently recovering from damages owing to Diplodia tip blight, there has not yet been a sufficient recovery compared to the results from a 1997 study. Furthermore, the results of assessment based on the H/D ratio and abundance of trees in P. thunbergii forests indicate that both regions are not yet effective in disaster prevention. Thus, it is necessary to establish Pinus trees, which can adjust to harsh environments like coastal areas and are resistant to volcanic ash and gas, to enhance the disaster prevention function of P. thunbergii coastal forests in volcanic regions. It may also be helpful to establish coastal forests with ectotrophic mycorrhizal fungi and organic matter coverage. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure the continuous maintenance of stand density and soil quality, and further develop efforts to prevent Diplodia tip blight and promote forest recovery.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.233-242
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• 2020

The Lake (Victoria) zone of Tanzania, which has the least forest resources in the country, is a potential economic growth zone in the country. Therefore, this study analyses the impact of implemented forest policies on the status of forest resources in the area, given the unique features. The study identifies the status of forested lands in the area, and then fits binary logistic regression to identify the impact of policies related elements (i.e. type of forest, type of management) on the status; forest area and location (region) are used as control variables. Results show that 63% of the forested land in the area is destructed; main activities being agriculture, residential, firewood, and charcoal burning activities. Logistic results showed natural forests, forests located in Geita region, forests managed by municipal councils are more likely to be destructed; while plantation forests, forests located in Kagera region, privately managed forests are less likely to be destructed. Thus, the study concludes that policies and measures are not enough for the preservation of forest resources in the area; some of the economic activities in the area are occurring at the expenses of the forests; hence recommend more sustainable development plans and incorporating different crossing cutting sectors in the policies.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.297-304
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• 2019

Background: The growing wild boar population has become a social issue and its feeding characteristics could affect the physical condition and the plant species composition in the South Korean forests. We aimed to reveal the preference of the wild boar on forest type and site condition as feeding grounds in two cool-temperate forested national parks, Odaesan and Seoraksan, in order to provide information to manage the growing population. Results: The 75 plots (53.6%) out of 140 plots were used as feeding grounds by the wild boar, implying a considerably large population. Especially, the observation frequency as feeding ground was the highest in Quercus forests (73.3%), and it was significantly more preferred than deciduous forest type (44.2%) and coniferous forest type (32.4%) (${\chi}^2=17.591$, p < 0.001). Significantly more and deeper pits were found in Quercus forests. Moreover, high elevation and gentle slope ridge were relatively preferred regardless of forest distribution. Conclusions: South Korean forests are growing qualitatively and quantitatively. Particularly, Quercus forest area has increased markedly, while coniferous forest area has decreased. Since the Quercus forest provides rich food sources for the wild boar, the enlargement of this forest type is expected to increase the wild boar population. The forests located at high elevations have high species diversity, and it is expected that these forests will be greatly affected by the increase in the wild boar population as preferred feeding grounds.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.298-310
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• 2020

Fuel management can play enormous role in fire management in tropical dry forests. However, unlike the temperate forests, knowledge on implications of different fuel management methods in tropical forests is often inadequate. In this study, the implications of prescribed burning and hand thinning treatments on implementation cost, fuel loading and post-treatment fire behaviour were tested and compared in degraded forests and teak plantations in two forest reserves of different levels of dryness in Ghana. The study found that prescribed burning was less expensive (62.02 US Dollars ha-1) than hand thinning (95.37 US Dollars ha-1). The study also indicated that the two fuel management methods were able to reduce fuel loading in degraded forests and teak plantations. However, prescribed burning was more effective in reducing fuel loading than hand thinning. While the relative change of fuel reduction was 13% higher in prescribed burning than the hand thinning in degraded forest, it was 41% higher in prescribed burning than hand thinning in teak plantations. The fire behaviour of post-treatment experimental fire was also lower in prescribed burning than the hand thinning and control plots. Fuel management, therefore, has a great potential in fire management in degraded forests and teak plantations in Ghana.