• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.196-206
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• 2024

Background: Most of the biomass equations were developed using sample trees collected mainly from pan-tropical and tropical regions that may over- or underestimate biomass. Site-specific models would improve the accuracy of the biomass estimates and enhance the country's measurement, reporting, and verification activities. The aim of the study is to develop site-specific biomass estimation models and validate and evaluate the existing generic models developed for pan-tropical forest and newly developed allometric models. Total of 140 trees was harvested from each diameter class biomass model development. Data was analyzed using SAS procedures. All relevant statistical tests (normality, multicollinearity, and heteroscedasticity) were performed. Data was transformed to logarithmic functions and multiple linear regression techniques were used to develop model to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB). The root mean square error (RMSE) was used for measuring model bias, precision, and accuracy. The coefficient of determination (R² and adjusted [adj]-R²), the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and the Schwarz Bayesian information Criterion was employed to select most appropriate models. Results: For the general total AGB models, adj-R² ranged from 0.71 to 0.85, and model 9 with diameter at stump height at 10 cm (DSH₁₀), ρ and crown width (CW) as predictor variables, performed best according to RMSE and AIC. For the merchantable stem models, adj-R² varied from 0.73 to 0.82, and model 8) with combination of ρ, diameter at breast height and height (H), CW and DSH₁₀ as predictor variables, was best in terms of RMSE and AIC. The results showed that a best-fit model for above-ground biomass of tree components was developed. AGB_Stem = exp {-1.8296 + 0.4814 natural logarithm (Ln) (ρD²H) + 0.1751 Ln (CW) + 0.4059 Ln (DSH₃₀)} AGB_Branch = exp {-131.6 + 15.0013 Ln (ρD²H) + 13.176 Ln (CW) + 21.8506 Ln (DSH₃₀)} AGB_Foliage = exp {-0.9496 + 0.5282 Ln (DSH₃₀) + 2.3492 Ln (ρ) + 0.4286 Ln (CW)} AGB_Total = exp {-1.8245 + 1.4358 Ln (DSH₃₀) + 1.9921 Ln (ρ) + 0.6154 Ln (CW)} Conclusions: The results demonstrated that the development of local models derived from an appropriate sample of representative species can greatly improve the estimation of total AGB.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.112-117
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• 2019

Herbal medicines are widely used as therapeutic products in many countries. Corni fructus (CF), the dried ripe sarcocarp of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc (Cornaceae), has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and has been reported to be effective for the prevention and treatment of various diseases, such as kidney diseases and diabetes. Recent research on CF has documented a wide spectrum of therapeutic properties, which include anti-inflammatory, ant-oxidative, immunomodulatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, there is no information on its safety. Therefore, in this study, the toxicity of water extract of CF to ICR mice was investigated. The mice received a single dose of water extract of CF (1,000, 2,000, and 5,000 mg/kg of body weight) via the oral route. Mortality, clinical signs, body weight changes, gross findings, and weights of the principal organs after 14 d were then assessed. The results revealed no adverse effects of CF as determined by clinical signs, body weights, or organ weights and no gross pathological findings in any of the treatment groups. These results suggest that the 50% lethal dose and approximated lethal dose of CF extract is over 5,000 mg/kg. The findings provide scientific evidence for the safety of CFs.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.28 no.12
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• pp.1507-1515
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• 2018

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by prostatic hypertrophy mainly in the elderly. Corni Fructus is reportedly effective in the prevention and treatment of various diseases, but its efficacy on BPH has not been previously studied. In the present study, we investigated whether or not a Corni Fructus water extract (CF) could prevent testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. To induce BPH, castrated rats were subcutaneously injected with testosterone propionate (TP). CF was administered daily by oral gavage, along with the TP injections, and finasteride, a selective inhibitor of $5{\alpha}$-reductase type 2, was used as a positive control. The results show that CF significantly reduces prostate weight and histopathologic changes while also decreasing levels of serum dihydrotestosterone, similar to the finasteride-treated group. CF also suppresses TP-induced $5{\alpha}$-reductase expression and concentration in prostate tissue and serum, respectively. Furthermore, CF markedly inhibited TP-induced expression of the androgen receptor (AR) and the steroid receptor coactivator 1, an AR coactivator, which was associated with a decrease in prostate-specific antigen levels in both serum and prostate tissue. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that CF weakens BPH status by inactivation of $5{\alpha}$-reductase and AR.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.18-26
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• 2020

Echinosophora koreensis (Nakai) Nakai an endemic plant with limited distribution in some parts of the Korean Peninsula, is designated as "Endangered" species on the IUCN Red List. The species is under the threat of deterioration in nature due to various environmental changes causing loss of natural habitats. We investigated the distribution pattern and population structure of E. koreensis to serve as a basic reference for identifying the dynamics and persistence of natural populations of this species in the future. To determine the characteristics of the E. koreensis population, we laid two to three large plots sized 20m×30m on the ridgeline as the reference in Yanggu, Chuncheon, and Hongcheon and laid four to seven small quadrats sized 1m×1m on the transect. A total of 530 plots were laid, 10 each at 2m interval, to measure the number of the stems, the number of fruiting, height, and other factors. The collected distribution information was compared with the existing IUCN assessed categories by applying IUCN Red List ver 3.1 Criteria B. The average population density of the three surveyed areas was 3.47 stem/㎡; the density of each area was 3.95 stems/㎡ in Yanggu, 3.37 stems/㎡ in Chuncheon, and 2.87 stems/㎡ in Hongcheon. The number of fruiting per stem was 0.0038, indicating only 7 fruits out of 1,837 stems and that vegetative reproduction is likely to be more dominant than sexual reproduction. The distribution tendency of population density in the small plots in three surveyed areas showed that the density of E. koreensis tended to decrease toward the center of the forest with low crown openness and around the mountain ridge with high crown openness. It indicated that the quantity of light could be a very important factor for the growth of individuals of this species. The analysis of the heights of individuals present in the surveyed plots showed a range of 2.3 ~ 68.5cm and an average of 20.1cm. An analysis on the stage-structure of the E. koreensis population based on the sieve height found that the appearance frequency decreased with increasing height above 15 ~ 20cm and that the percentage of individuals lower than 10cm, which were presumed to be seedlings, was severely low, indicating a necessity of study on the population sustainability based on the monitored data. The occupied area calculated with the collected species distribution information was 200㎢, indicating the EN category according to the IUCN Red List Reference B.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.303-312
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• 2018

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the decrease of forest biomass by forest thinning and the change of temperature in the natural forest by measuring forest biomass and temperature before and after forest thinning in the Pusan National University forest where afforestation had been carried out. We intended to investigate the relationship between the forest biomass, estimated by calculating the Basal area, Crown area and Crown volume using the same formula to the same quadrat before and after forest thinning, and the forest temperature. Temperature measurement was carried out on April 20, 2016 through 28 before forest thinning, July 26, 2016 through November 4 around the time of forest thinning, and April 15, 2017 through May 8 after forest thinning. A temperature data logger was installed to point north at the height of 2.0 m above the ground in the center of the quadrat to record data every 10 minutes during the measurement periods. We used the AWS (Automatic Weather Station) data of the Dongnae-gu area located in the nearby city because it was difficult to set the control group since the whole forest was the subject to the forest thinning. The analysis of the relationship between forest biomass change and temperature showed that the change in temperature inside the forest was the greatest in the midday (12:00 - 15: 00) and was highly correlated with the Crown volume in the forest biomass. The temperature increase was much larger (average $1.91^{\circ}C$) 1 year after forest thinning than immediately after forest thinning (average $0.74^{\circ}C$). The comparison of the decrease rate of Crown volume and the increase in temperature showed that the Pitch pine community, which showed the highest decrease of Crown volume by 15.4%, recorded the highest temperature rise of $1.06^{\circ}C$ immediately after forest thinning and $2.49^{\circ}C$ 1 year after forest thinning. The Pitch pine-Korean red pine community, which showed the lowest Crown volume reduction rates with 5.0%, recorded no significant difference immediately after forest thinning but a temperature rise of $0.92^{\circ}C$ 1 year after forest thinning. The results confirmed that the decrease of forest biomass caused by forest thinning led to a rapid increase of the internal temperature. The fact that the temperature increase was more severe after 1 year than immediately after forest thinning confirmed that the microclimate changes due to the removed biomass cannot be recovered in a short time.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.1-17
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• 2012

This study was carried out to propose the improved method by analyzing the change of green space arrangement and planting structure of apartment complexes in Seoul. 12 survey sites, which have obvious differences, were selected by reflecting the change of floor area ratio, underground parking place, and green space ratio. We divided the survey sites into four types that high green ratio(over 40%) apartment on natural ground, low green ratio(under 40%) apartment on natural ground, low green ratio(under 40%) apartment on artificial ground, and high green ratio(over 40%) apartment on artificial ground each period based on green space ratio and ground structure, plant crown volume, planting density, and planting pattern. The main factors of change of green space arrangement were green space ratio and ground structure. The Green space ratio was changed by the floor area ratio with constructing underground parking place and floor area ratio was adjusted by government policy and economic status. Average width of front green area has been changed from 10.0m in high green ratio apartment on natural ground for 3.5m, 2.7m, and 4.5m each period. The average width of the buffer green area has been changed from 15.0m in high green ratio apartment on natural ground of 7.7m, and 2.7m by extending parking place in the low green ratio apartment of artificial ground, so buffer green areas have been reduced and disconnected. So buffer green area in apartment complexes has been extended that the average width of the buffer green area was 3.8m caused by growing recognition of green since 2001. The ratio of native plant in canopy layer was increased from 45.1 % in the case of the high green ratio apartment of natural ground in 1980~1983 to 55.6%. Average plant crown volume increased from $1.27m^3/m^2$ in high green ratio apartment on natural ground for $3.47m^3/m^2$ in a low green ratio apartment on natural ground. But average plant crown volume is $0.27m^3/m^2$ in the high green ratio apartment of the artificial ground plant density of canopy layer was changed from 5 individuals per $100m^2$ to 14.5 individuals per $100m^2$. We should construct the buffer green area with natural ground and get the function of ecological and beautiful environment regarding to garden concept in case of front green area, width 4.5m. We should get the function of increasing green volume by multi-layer planting with shade woody species and flower woody species in case of back-side green area, width over 5.0m. We should get the function of covering the wall and increasing green landscape by planting with high woody species in case of side green area. We should apply the ecological planting technique to buffer green area and connect buffer green area to inner green area in apartment complexes.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.274-281
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• 2020

This study aimed to investigate the autumn spawning by bitterling (A. rhombeus) inside mussel (Unio douglasiae) and the adaptation characteristics at the Bongseocheon Stream of Mankyeonggang River. The survey was carried out between August 2015 and July 2016. The spawning season was from September to November, and 17-75 (36.2 ± 16.44) eggs were found from mature females. During the survey period, 476 mussels were collected, 129 (27.1%) of spawned A. rhombeus. Mussels that spawned eggs, embryos, and larva of A. rhombeus (46.3 ± 4.55 mm, n = 129) were larger than than those that did not spawn (42.6 ± 8.51 mm, n = 347). The appearance frequency of A. rhombeus larva before and after the formation of lens was 99.8% (n = 597) vs. 0.2% (n = 1) from October 2015 to March 2016, 25.6% (n = 23) vs. 74.4% (n = 67) in April 2016, 0% (n = 0) vs. 100% (n = 40) on May 2016. The number of eggs, embryos, and larvae of A. rhombeus inside the mussels were 1-18 (5.6 ± 3.81). The number and appearance frequency of A. rhombeus eggs, embryos, and larvae inside the mussel according to mussel gill demibranchs position were 1 (0.01 ± 0.09, n = 1) and 0.78% in the left outer demibranch, 1-18 (2.33 ± 3.31, n = 63) and 48.84% in the left inner demibranch, 1-15 (2.97 ± 3.79, n = 76) and 58.91% in the right inner demibransh, and 1-12 (0.33 ± 1.71, n = 7) and 5.43% in the right outer demibransh. The highest frequency of the developmental position of eggs, embryos, and larvae occurred 71.8% (n = 445) in lower part 3 (L3) before formation lens and 94.4% (n = 102) in L3 after formation lens, indicating that L3 was dominating position for eggs, embryos, and larvae. More eggs, embryos, and larvae of A. rhombeus were found more often in the inner demibranshs than outer demibranchs. Since A. rhombeus is a species that spawn in the autumn and thus avoids the competition with interspecific and glochidia. However, they have to spend the winter in low water temperature. Consequently, we assume that A. rhombeus have evolved toward embryonic diapause under the low water temperature before the formation of lens and spawning inside the supracranchial cavity to save the transit energy from the water space to the suprabranchial cavity after the achieving movement ability with the formation of lens.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.219-232
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to find characteristics of $Pinus$ $densiflora$ forests in previous records and cultural landscape regions and to establish a management method for recovery of $P.$ $densiflora$ landscape. A total of 16 landscape paintings were analyzed to study $P.$ $densiflora$ forests in Inwangsan(Mt.) shown in figure data. As a result of analyzing figure data, $P.$ $densiflora$ $forests$ were found to be distributed mainly in the ridge line of east slope side of Inwangsan(Mt.) from landscape paintings of Jung Seon, Jang Si Heung and Gang Hee Un. In order to analyze the landscape of $P.$ $densiflora$ forests shown in photograph data on Inwangsan(Mt.), photographs of Inwangsan(Mt.) since late 1800s were searched and a total of 24 photographs were used for analysis. As a result of photographic analysis, $P.$ $densiflora$ forests were found to be distributed mainly in the low area and ridge line of western slope side of Inwangsan(Mt.). As a result of analyzing the distribution status of 10 cultural heritages of Inwangsan(Mt.), cultural heritages in the mountain were mainly established with rocks and $P.$ $densiflora$ forests as the background and are establishing their landscape not only as a form of cultural heritage but also including the natural landscape in the background. A method of restoring cultural landscape of P. densiflora forests was necessary. As a result of analyzing 26 rock beds of Inwangsan(Mt.), most of $P.$ $densiflora$ forests were distributed nearby rock beds since the past. Among such regions, restoration and management of introduced species in the accumulated soil regions to $P.$ $densiflora$ forests were deemed necessary. As a result of analyzing current vegetation of $P.$ $densiflora$ forest areas of the past, 51.87% of areas maintained $P.$ $densiflora$ forest and 25.80% were changed to artificial forests. Most of low areas of the mountain were turned into urban area (10.16%). Management type for restoration of $P.$ $densiflora$ landscape of Inwangsan(Mt.) was classified into preservation, $P.$ $densiflora$ restoration and maintenance. Preservation management was configured as $P.$ $densiflora$ distribution and rocky area distribution. The targets of $P.$ $densiflora$ restoration were indigenous broad-leaf trees, vegetation areas with introduced species and damaged regions within the mountain. The targets of maintenance were urban area in the low area of Inwangsan(Mt.) and military base at the top of the mountain.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.767-786
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• 2011

This study analyzed and compared characteristic of vegetation structure in Bonghwa mountain, the base Mt. outside urban area, and Hakseoung neighborhood park, Ilsan neighborhood park and Musil neighborhood park, disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area of Wonju. Regarding vegetation of urban forest in Wonju, Quercus mongolica forest and Robinia pseudo-acacia forest were widely distributed in the base Mt. outside urban area. Quercus acutissima forest and Robinia pseudo-acacia forest were widely distributed in the disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. Forests in both areas were managed as part of forest management campaign. Analysis on importance value of a community classified by DCA and DBH class categorized communities into three groups according to the expected ecological succession. Community B was the one to be maintained as Pinus densiflora community. Community A, D and d were expected to be maintained as Quercus spp. Community. Community C, E, F, e, f and g were classified as exotic plant community. Ecological succession was suspended in both base Mt. outside urban area and disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. However, importance value of Quercus spp. which appeared in the understory layer and shrub layer and their DBH class showed that the potential for ecological succession of exotic plant community was higher in base Mt. outside urban area than disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area. According to the analysis on number of species and individuals and species diversity, understory and shrub layer were reduced due to Forest Management campaign and plant species which appear at an earlier stage of succession varied as time went by since the campaign began. Species diversity comparison between natural and artificial forest showed no clear difference in both base Mt. outside urban area and disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area due to man-made disruption such as thinning and brush cutting. Six communities in base Mt. outside urban area had 17.76~52.22% of similarity index. Four communities in disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area showed 13.34~37.01% of similarity index, which was lower than base Mt. outside urban area. Among naturalized plants, Tupatorium rugosum and Phytolacca americana appeared more in disconnected residual Mt. inside urban area.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-112
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• 2013

This study aims to show the changes of characteristics of vegetation structure for 20 years(1991~2010) in Naejangsan National Park. As a result of analysis of actual vegetation, the mixed community of Quercus variabilis and Quercus serrata was distributed with 56.1%, and Q. variabilis community showed in southern steep slope with 17.6%. Pinus densiflora community(5.8%) was observed on the ridge and Carpinu tschonoskii community distributed in the slope of the valley with 6.6%. Zelkova serrata and Prunus sargentii community were distributed in valley. The classification by TWINSPAN, ordination by DCA considering importance percentage and property of vegetation class were divided into 4 communities, which are community I(P. densiflora-Q. variabilis community), community II(Q. variabilis community), community III(C. tschonoskii community) and community IV(Mixed deciduous broad-leaved trees community). The age of Pinus densiflora was 32years old and Q. serrata was 36 years old in the community I, that of Q. variabilis was 64 years old in the community II, Q. serrata was 46 years old and C. tschonoskii was 45 years old in the community III, and Acer palmatum was 54 years old and Cornus controversa was 47 years old in the community IV. As the result of Shannon's index of species diversity, the community Iwas ranged from 0.9751 to 1.4199, community II was ranged from 1.0765 to 1.3278, community III was ranged from 1.0353 to 1.2881, and community IV was ranged from 1.1412 to 1.3807. The change of vegetation structure analyzed through the comparison with results of studies carried out 20 years ago were natural selection of P. densiflora, expansion of Quercus spp. and increase of C. tschonoskii. Especially, A. palmatum is dominated by Q. variabilis in canopy layer like the result of study 20 years ago. A. palmatum was analysed by 14.6% in the canopy layer of only mixed deciduous broad-leaved trees community. As a result of analysis of habitat property of Q. variabilis and A. palmatum, Q. variabilis was distributed in dry area with the low value of pH, O.M., exchangeable cations and Avail. P, and A. palmatum was located in the wet valley with huge value of nourishment. The tendency of reduction of bio-diversity by Sasa borealis is same as previous study but, the distributed areas were reduced in Naejangsan area.