• Environmental and Resource Economics Review
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.527-556
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• 2019

In Korea, nearly 100 billion won is spent annually under the name of energy voucher on 600,000 households for the last five years, and this is a unique case and hard to monitor worldwide. Therefore, no studies have been conducted to assess impacts of the energy voucher on energy consumption and cost burden alleviation for beneficiaries. This paper aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of energy vouchers in terms of energy expense. The propensity score matching was conducted on samples of low-income households based on the Korea Welfare Panel. Then, simple Difference-In-Differences and Fixed-Effect Difference-In-Differences models were applied to estimate the effect of energy vouchers. In results, the beneficiaries of energy vouchers would spend an additional 4,371~4,870 won per month on energy consumption. The ratio is equivalent to 51.9~57.7 percent of the aid, which is also the highest when compared with 23~56 percent of U.S. Food Stamp. In terms of energy welfare, voucher payment could become one of the best management practices. However, identifying the blind spots as non-reciprocal households and expanding the differential support mechanism that reflects the energy consumption environment should be solved in the future.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.290-303
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• 2003

Modern agriculture has been heavily dependent on chemical fertilizers to meet the food demands of ever increasing population. Progressive depletion of major plant nutrients in soil due to intensive cultivation practices has also necessitated the use of higher dose of chemical fertilizers particularly in soils where the organic matter content is very low. Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and pressure on agriculturists to enhance per area crop yields has led to fast depletion of fossil fuel resources with concomitant increase in the prices of chemical fertilizers and also led to environmental pollution. Hence, the current trend throughout the world is to explore the possibility of using alternate nutrient sources or increasing the efficiency of chemical fertilizers by supplementing them with organic fertilizers and bioinoculants comprising largely microbes like, bacteria, fungi, algae etc to enhance nitrogen and phosphates in the soil thus creating a sustainable agricultural environment. Among the different microbial inoculants or biofertilizers, Azospirillum could be a potential candidate due to its non specific host root colonization. It had the capability to fix $N_2$ in wide pH regimes and even in presence of combined nitrogen. Azospirillum inoculation can increase the crop yield to 10-25% and substitute 25% of recommended doses of nitrogenous fertilizers. Apart from nitrogen fixation, Azospirillum is also involved in the root improvement, the activity which was attributed to an increase in the rate of water and mineral uptake by roots. The ability of Azospirillum to produce phytohormones was reported to enhance the root respiration rate, metabolism and root proliferation. They have also been reported to produce polyhydroxybutyrate, that can be used as a biodegradable thermosplastic. A lot of studies have addressed improvements in enhancing its efficiency to fix nitrogen fixation and hormone production.

• Asia pacific journal of information systems
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.131-146
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• 2007

Recently, the role of IT service providers has been enlarged from managing a single function or system to reconstructing entire information management processes in new ways to contribute to shareholder value across the enterprise. This movement toward extensive and complex outsourcing agreements has been driven by the assumption that outsourcing information technology functions is a reliable approach to maximizing resource productivity. Hiring external IT service providers to manage part or all of its information-related services helps a firm focus on its core business and provides better services to its clients, thus obtaining sustainable competitive advantage. This practice of focusing on the strategic aspect of outsourcing is referred to as strategic sourcing where the focus is capability sourcing, not procurement. Given the importance of the strategic outsourcing, however, to our knowledge, there is little empirical research on the relationship between the strategic outsourcing orientation and outsourcing performance. Moreover, there is little research on the factor that makes the strategic outsourcing effective. This study is designed to investigate the relationship between strategic IT outsourcing orientation and IT outsourcing performance and the process through which strategic IT outsourcing orientation influences outsourcing performance, Based on the framework of strategic orientation-performance and core competence based management, this study first identifies core competency orientation as a proper strategic orientation pertinent to IT outsourcing and IT outsourcing process management capability as the mediator to affect IT outsourcing performance. The proposed research model is then tested with a sample of 200 firms. The findings of this study may contribute to the literature in two ways. First, it draws on the strategic orientation - performance framework in developing its research model so that it can provide a new perspective to the well studied phenomena. This perspective allows practitioners and researchers to look at outsourcing from an angle that emphasizes the strategic decision making to outsource its IT functions. Second, by separating the concept of strategic orientation and outsourcing process management capability, this study provides practices with insight into how the strategic orientation can work effectively to achieve an expected result. In addition, the current study provides a basis for future studies that examine the factors affecting IT outsourcing performance with more controllable factors such as IT outsourcing process management capability rather than external hard-to-control factors including trust and relationship management. This study investigates the major factors that determine IT outsourcing success. Based on strategic orientation and core competency theories, we develop the proposed research model to investigate the relationship between core competency orientation and IT outsourcing performance and the mediating role of IT outsourcing process management capability on IT outsourcing performance. The model consists of two independent variables (core-competency-orientation and IT outsourcing process management capability), and two dependent variables (outsourced task complexity and IT outsourcing performance). Comprehensive data collection was conducted through an outsourcing association. The survey data were analyzed using a structural analysis method. IT outsourcing process management capability was found to mediate the effect of core competency orientation on both outsourced task complexity and IT outsourcing performance. Further analysis and findings are discussed.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.441-454
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• 2018

Since the permanent shutdown of Kori Unit 1 in 2017, a full-scale decommissioning project for a commercial nuclear reactor has been approaching. It is estimated that about 160,000 t of low-activity concrete waste will be produced from decommissioning of one unit of this commercial nuclear power reactor. Accordingly, it is necessary to review whether the effectiveness of the current regulatory framework for clearance waste (i.e. waste stream that meets activity concentration guidelines or dose criteria for clearance set forth in NSSC Notice No. 2017-65) can be maintained for the clearance of a bulk amount of concrete waste. In this regard, the IAEA SRS No. 44, which was used as a basis for revision of the Korean clearance regulations, is thoroughly analyzed and the radiological effects from four different clearance scenarios, along with input values and parameters derived from industrial practices in Korea, were evaluated. Though it is shown that the maximum annual dose from most recycling scenarios will be less than the clearance dose criterion for the normal scenario (i.e. an order of magnitude of $0.01mSv{\cdot}y^{-1}$), the radiation dose, estimated with conservative assumptions for the banking scenario, may exceed the above clearance dose criteria. Therefore, for safe and sustainable clearance of the bulk amount of concrete waste, it is required to diversify the concrete waste processors, perform more detailed site-specific assessment, and apply limiting conditions to the banking scenario.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.567-575
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• 2018

The soil physical quality is a core factor in achieving two of sustainable agriculture's goals: productivity and environment. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in soil physical properties for nearly a decade through periodic monitoring of three cultivation types: upland, orchard, and paddy. Field surveys and lab analysis were conducted to determine the soils physical properties after every 4 years; upland (2009, 2013, and 2017), orchard (2010 and 2014), and paddy (2011 and 2015). In each year soil samples from 162-338 sites were collected. The bulk density of upland subsoil decreased from $1.53Mg\;m^{-3}$ to $1.50Mg\;m^{-3}$ while the plowing depth and subsoil organic matter increased from 13.7 cm to 19.5 cm and from $12.6g\;kg^{-1}$ to $18.3g\;kg^{-1}$ respectively during the period 2009-2017. Plowing depth for orchard increased from 16.7 cm to 18.9 cm. However, organic matter content decreased from $15.9g\;kg^{-1}$ to $15.4g\;kg^{-1}$ during the 2010-2014 period. For paddy, plowing depth and subsoil organic matter decreased from 17.5 cm to 16.7 cm and from $17.5g\;kg^{-1}$ to $15.8g\;kg^{-1}$ respectively. The subsoil bulk density increased from $1.47Mg\;m^{-3}$ to $1.52Mg\;m^{-3}$ from 2011-2015. Excess ratio for soil physical standards increased from 16% to 22% in orchard, 56% to 62% in paddy, and decreased from 41% to 29% in upland. The overall soil physical quality had been ameliorated for upland, but degraded for paddy. Improved tillage practices and application of appropriate organic matter is necessary to enhance the quality of soils, especially in the paddy field.

• Journal of Appropriate Technology
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.144-150
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• 2021

The purpose of this paper is to introduce representative appropriate technology research organizations operating in France. Among them, we would like to investigate and introduce five institutions that have acquired a lot of experience due to their long history. Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) is a government-funded institution that strengthens science and technology infrastructure in Africa and overseas territories with the aim of supporting and educating science communities in developing countries, and conducts collaborative research with more diverse developing countries. Antenna France is an NGO organization whose main activity is to improve malnutrition in Africa. Ingénieurs sans frontiers is an NGO organization that sets sustainable development as the main goal of the association's activities and leads various activities such as education. Terre & Humanism is an NGO organization that practices ecological agriculture and carries out a social change movement urging to respect life and land, and to constitute an alternative society. Humanitarian Design Bureau is a corporation concept company that mainly carries out R&D for environmentally friendly products necessary for NGO activities.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Crop Science Conference
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• 2022.10a
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• pp.53-53
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• 2022

Modem agricultural production needs to provide sustainable management practices that are eco-friendly and low cost. Plant extracts are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic plant growth regulators. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the effects of various plant extracts produced using different extraction methods on the vegetative growth of rice under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. For this study, seventeen plant extracts were made from plant species such as leaves of M. arvense, C. asiatica, M. oleifera, V. radiata, V. unguiculate, P. guajava, A. vera, and A. tuberosum, aboveground plant parts of C. rotundus, M. sativa, and P. frutescens, roots of R. undulatum, tubers of A. sativum, leaves and stems of G. max (cv. Taegwang) as well as rice straw and hulls (cv. Hopyeong). As a test crop, we applied these extracts to rice plants. For the purpose of making our extracts, some plant materials and species were collected in fields and others were purchased from Chonnam Hanyaknonghyup Cooperation (South Korea). Leaves, roots, and aboveground plant parts of plant species were dried, ground, extracted (water, boiling water and ethanol) and fermented. Rice growth promotion effects were determined using plant extracts at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, and 1% concentrations under petri dish conditions. Seven selected plant extracts were applied to rice seeds with soil drench application or seedling at 3-4 leaf stages with soil and foliar applications under greenhouse conditions. For comparison with extracts, we used urea at 0.6%. Of the 17 water extracts used in this study, 10 extracts reduced rice growth, but the other 7 extracts (P. guajava, A. vera, A. tuberosum, M. sativa, A. sativum, and G. max) increased growth by 40-60% on compared to the control in Petri dish bioassay. Thus, these 7 extracts were selected for further study. Under greenhouse conditions, rice growth also increased by 20-40% when the same 7 extracts were applied to rice seeds using soil drench application. Furthermore, at the 3-4 leaf stage rice growth also increased 30-80% or 30-60% when the same 7 extracts were applied using soil and foliar applications. Overall, the 7 extracts produced higher rates of growth promotion when soil drench application was used than when foliar application was used. In the case of boiling water and ethanol extracts, rice growth increased only 20% in response to both soil drench and foliar application of the same 7 extracts. Rice growth promotion was greater when extracts were produced using water extraction method than boiling water and ethanol extraction methods. Most notably, the 7 water extracts used in this study produced higher rates of growth promotion than urea at 0.6% which is typically used for crop growth promotion. Overall, the 7 water extracts when applied using soil drenching method can be used as effective growth promotors of rice in organic agriculture.

• Journal of Venture Innovation
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.95-109
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• 2023

In light of the world grappling with diverse environmental issues due to climate change, the prominence of the 'pre-cycling' movement has grown. This movement strives to curtail or eliminate waste generation even before product purchases, garnering more attention than conventional eco-friendly practices. Consequently, this study employs experiments to delve into effective message strategies for promoting pre-cycling behaviors, which serve as preventive measures against the escalating environmental challenges posed by worsening waste problems. This study investigated the effects of message framing and temporal distance on pre-cycling behavioral intention. In terms of message frame, suggestive messages increased pre-cycling behavioral intention more than coercive messages, and temporal distance had no direct effect on pre-cycling behavioral intention. Assertive messages were associated with higher pre-cycling behavioral intentions when the target was interpreted as near future and suggestive messages were interpreted as distant future. Although temporal distance did not directly affect pre-cycling behavioral intention, it positively influenced consumers' pro-environmental behavioral intention by reducing their antipathy toward assertive messages. The implications of this study extend to the realm of management, offering insights into steering consumer behavior in response to pro-environmental messages.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.47-65
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• 2023

As stakeholder demands and sustainable finance grow, ESG management and ESG evaluation are becoming important. SMEs should also prepare for the trends of ESG rating practices that affects supply chain management and financial transactions. However, SMEs have no choice but to focus on survival first, so there are restrictions on putting into ESG management. In addition, there is a lack of research on the legitimacy of ESG management by SMEs, and volatility in ESG evaluation systems and rating grades is also increasing. Accordingly, it is necessary to review ESG evaluation trends and practical guidelines along with the review of previous studies. As a result of the exploratory study, SMEs need to implement ESG management and make efforts to specialize in ESG related new businesses under conditions in which their survival base is guaranteed in terms of implementation strategies. In addition, it is necessary to focus on the strategic use of various evaluation results along with accumulating information favorable for ESG evaluation through organizational learning and software management. The implications of this study are that various studies such as the classification criteria for SMEs and the relationship between ESG evaluation grades and long-term survival rates are needed in ESG evaluation of SMEs. At the government policy level, it is time to consider the ESG evaluation system exclusively for SMEs so that ESG management can be implemented and ESG evaluation at different levels by industry and size.

• Journal of Ginseng Culture
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• v.6
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• pp.105-115
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• 2024

Wild ginseng, grown in undisturbed forest environments, has been maintained for centuriesthrough human intervention and knowledge, leading to the development of current ginseng agriculture. The practice of ginseng farming has long been established in various regions of Korea. However, the ginseng farming specifically in Geumsan was recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2018. This designation was granted after a thorough evaluation, which confirmed that Geumsan's ginseng farming met the necessary criteria, including historical importance, traditional knowledge system, agrobiodiversity, and agricultural landscape. Traditional ginseng farming in Geumsan practices the 'rotating agriculture system', a sustainable land use approach that has been developed over several cycles of long duration (10-15 years). It contains the knowledge to choose locations for cultivation that prioritize the direction of sunlight and wind circulation. Furthermore, it received significant recognition for its agricultural heritage value based on its maintenance of several traditional knowledge systems, including ancestral wisdom and knowledge regarding pre-planting field management techniques. As of December 2023, there are currently 86 locations in 26 nations that have been designated as GIAHS. Among these sites, Geumsan stands out as the first and only site in the world specifically recognized for the cultivation of ginseng crops. This historical record serves as a significant reminder of Korea's prominent position as a major producer of ginseng on a global level. This article first provides an overview of the concept of agricultural heritage, the designation criteria, and the status of the designation. It then identifies, among the GIAHS designation criteria, the agricultural heritage value of traditional ginseng farming in the Geumsan region from the perspective of local traditional knowledge systems.