Comprehensive Regional Strategy Research Articles

Ambient volatile organic compounds in the Seoul metropolitan area of South Korea: Chemical reactivity, risks and source apportionment

The chemical reactivity, contribution of emission sources, and risk assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere of the Seoul metropolitan area (SMA) were analyzed. Datasets collected from 6 photochemical assessment monitoring stations (PAMS) of SMA from 2018 to 2021 were used. Alkenes and aromatics contributed significantly to ozone formation relative to the emission concentrations, and aromatics accounted for most of the secondary organic aerosols (SOA) formation in the SMA. The contributions of ozone and SOA formation were found to be notably higher at measurement stations in residential areas such as Guwol (GW) and Sosabon (SS) compared to other measurement stations. From the results of an emission source analysis, it was confirmed that anthropogenic sources such as combustion sources, vehicle exhaust, fuel evaporation, and solvent use had a significant effect at all measurement stations. Assessing the health risk, non-carcinogenic compounds were at acceptable level at all measurement stations. On the other hand, carcinogenic compounds were approaching risk level (10−4), thereby demanding immediate attention. The level of exposure to carcinogenic compounds increased by age group, and male was more vulnerable than female. It was found that SS had the highest level of exposure to carcinogens in the atmosphere of the population ages 60 or older. The health threat of the SMA population is expected due to direct exposure from inhalation of ambient toxic compounds and indirect exposure from ozone and PM2.5 formations through oxidation of VOCs. This study emphasizes the importance of addressing specific emission sources within the metropolitan area and developing comprehensive regional strategies to mitigate VOCs.

Replicable Methodology for Transportation Agencies to Identify Priority Areas for First and Last Mile Solutions at the Regional Level

First and last mile (FLM) solutions that enhance connections to fixed-route transit offer multifaceted benefits, yet relatively few transportation agencies have developed comprehensive regional strategies or plans to support implementation. There is a lack of guidance and replicable methodologies that transportation agencies can use to conduct regional spatial analysis or screening for priority areas to invest in FLM solutions at a regional scale. This paper presents a replicable, step-by-step methodology and accompanying visual aids for metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), transportation management associations (TMAs), and transit agencies to identify priority areas for investment in FLM solutions. This methodology was developed through two related studies conducted in 2021 by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the MPO for the 13-county northern New Jersey region. This methodology can be replicated using readily available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and transit agencies, along with simple analytic processes in geographic information systems (GIS) software including buffers, spatial difference, intersection, and filtering. Agencies can tailor this methodology based on the types of fixed-route transit facilities under consideration, the distances that FLM solutions may cover, and whether agencies are seeking to prioritize employment clusters, residential clusters, and/or transit hubs for future investment. The paper concludes with a discussion of the various applications and limitations of regional analyses and planning for FLM solutions.

, (Russia-Eurasia, Turkey-Eastern Europe)

Korean Abstract: 2016 전략지역 심층연구 논문집은 신흥지역에 대한 국내연구를 활성화하기 위해 대외경제정책연구원(KIEP)이 수행한 2016년 ‛전략지역 심층연구 사업’의 일환으로 발간되었습니다. 본 논문집에는 러시아·유라시아, 터키·동유럽 지역에 대한 이해의 폭을 넓히고 인식의 지평을 확대하는 데 기여하는 정치, 경제, 사회, 문화에 대한 10편의 논문이 수록되어 있습니다. English Abstract: 2016 Studies in Comprehensive Regional Strategies was published as part of the Research Program for Strategic Areas conducted by the Korea Institute for International Economic policy (KIEP) to stimulate domestic research in the emerging regions. This paper covers 10 articles on politics, economy, society and culture that contribute to broaden understanding of Russia-Eurasia, Turkey-Eastern Europe and broaden the horizons of perceptions.

, , (Latin America, Africa, Middle East)

Korean Abstract: 2016 심층연구 논문집은 신흥지역에 대한 국내연구를 활성화하기 위해 대외경제정책연구원(KIEP)이 수행한 2016년 전략지역 심층연구 사업의 일환으로 발간되었습니다. 본 논문집에는 중남미, 아프리카, 중동 지역에 대한 이해의 폭을 넓히고 인식의 지평을 확대하는 데 기여하는 정치, 경제, 사회, 문화에 대한 10편의 논문이 수록되어 있습니다. English Abstract: 2016 Studies in Comprehensive Regional Strategies was published as part of the Research Program for Strategic Areas conducted by the Korea Institute for International Economic policy (KIEP) to stimulate domestic research in the emerging regions. This paper covers 10 articles on politics, economy, society and culture that contribute to broaden understanding of Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East and broaden the horizons of perceptions.

Studies in Comprehensive Regional Strategies Collected Papers (International Edition)

Following the 2008 global financial crisis, uncertainty is escalating in the world economy amid disruptions in the financial and foreign exchange markets of emerging economies, mounting geopolitical instabilities triggered by the spread of international terrorism, and rising protectionism in advanced countries. While the term BRICs signaled the emergence of new markets in the early 2000s it has since become associated with pessimistic views regarding the future of emerging markets as growth falters in Brazil and Russia. However, emerging markets are vastly outpacing advanced economies in terms of their contribution to global economic growth. In response to protectionism and isolationism in the sluggish global economy, Korea should act as a mediator between the advanced and emerging countries, providing the momentum for sustainable development. Thus, comprehensive and in-depth research is needed for better understanding about emerging economies. Despite increasing demands for Area there is still a lack of systematic and insightful research on emerging markets. In this regard, Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) launched the in Comprehensive Regional Strategies project in 2009 with the aim of providing readily applicable international economic policy recommendations for policy makers, as well as the public, and to expand the promotion of Area Studies across the spheres of economics, politics, society, and culture. KIEP carries out a mixed bag of projects as it strengthens networks with regional experts, publishes research papers, jointly holds the international conference KIEP and Associations of Area Studies, and invites prominent scholars from around the world. In particular, we annually call for research papers from regional experts in Area Studies and publish these papers in a single volume. This year, for the first time, nine prominent scholars across the world have conducted their own research in the areas of Russia-Eurasia, South East Asia, India-South Asia, and Turkey-Eastern Europe. It is our hope that this informative body of research will prove useful to broadening readers' understanding and knowledge of Area Studies. We also hope these research papers will contribute to the lively overseas expansion of Korean enterprises and the establishment of trade policies by the Korean government, and suggest ways to overcome challenges that trouble emerging economies. On behalf of KIEP, I would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the referees for their rigorous and helpful reviewing of the papers, as well as the authors for their endeavors to create considerable merit in the papers. The opinions expressed in the papers are the author's own and do not represent the official views of KIEP. We sincerely look forward to your continued interest in and encouragement of in Comprehensive Regional Strategies and KIEP.

The Balancing Act: The Next President's Strategy in the Middle East

This piece is dedicated to the late Samuel R. (Sandy) Berger who read and commented on successive drafts earlier this year. A cherished friend and mentor, the world is a better and safer place for all the work he gave to it. Please consider giving today to the Samuel R. Berger Humanitarian Fund to support the work of the World Food Program.While Barack Obama still has a year left in his presidency, and significant changes and diplomatic initiatives could yet unfold, the next President will come into office facing a profound Middle East crisis. As such, Obama’s successor should deploy a comprehensive regional strategy encompassing three mutually reinforcing dimensions: 1) strategic political and diplomatic initiatives focused on fostering regional partnerships; 2) limited and targeted military engagement in support of those initiatives; and 3) development assistance aimed at strengthening state institutions and building new leadership.

Condemned to Eternal Confrontation? Beyond the Indo-Pakistani Nuclear Conundrum

The inability of the South Asian nuclear rivals to resolve their disputes is more than a tragic failure. Their nuclear weaponry changes the nature of their disputes and makes them a global concern. The three books reviewed here stress different aspects of the India–Pakistan nuclear challenge and reveal a new wave of creativity in assessments of the causes and most promising solutions to restraining regional nuclear dangers. They do not advocate the subcontinent's denuclearization, but they make an important contribution to our understanding of the India–Pakistan nuclear conundrum, a prerequisite to bring South Asia's nuclear arms control back to the international agenda. All agree that solutions must be based on domestic willingness, but they see vital roles for elevated international pressure. Cohen and Riedel examine the potential role of China in the settlement of Indo-Pakistani disputes, and all agree that China's nuclear and missile assistance to Pakistan has had a negative impact on Indo-Pakistani relations. They all show growing interest in rethinking United States policy toward South Asia, looking at the region as a whole and integrating China into the picture, in order to adopt a comprehensive regional strategy to prevent a nuclear Armageddon in South Asia.

Bioaccumulation of metals in fish species from water and sediments in macrotidal Ennore creek, Chennai, SE coast of India: A metropolitan city effect

Accumulation of trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cd) were investigated in water, sediment (n=20) along with six fish of diverse feeding guilds (Sillago sihama, Liza parsia, Etroplus suratensis, Oreochromis mossambicus, Arius parkii and Gerres oyena) from the Ennore creek, northern part of Chennai metropolitan megacity, southeast coast of India. Dissolved trace metals (DTMs) in surface water samples and total trace metals (TTMs) in surface sediments (top 0–10cm) indicate that concentration pattern of metals was higher in the discharge point of the river/channels entering the main creek. The maximum mean values of DTMs exhibited the following decreasing order (expressed in µg/L): Fe (1698)>Mn (24)>Zn (14.50)>Pb (13.89)>Ni (6.73)>Cu (3.53)>Co (3.04)>Cr (2.01) whereas the trend is somewhat different in sediments (µgg−1): Fe (4300)>Mn (640)>Cr (383)>Zn (155)>Cu (102)>Ni (35)>Pb (32)>Cd (0.51) are mainly due to the industrial complexes right on the banks of the river/channels. Species-specific heterogeneous patterns of tissue metal loads were apparent and the overall metal enrichment exhibited the following decreasing order (expressed in µgg−1): Cu (7.33)>Fe (6.53)>Zn (4.91)>Cr (1.67)>Pb (1.33)>Ni (0.44)>Mn (0.43)>Co (0.36)>Cd (0.11). This indicates that metals are absorbed onto the different organs, which is also endorsed by the calculated values of bioaccumulation factor (BAFs) (avg. muscle 117, gill 126, liver 123, intestine 118) in fishes. The high calculated biota sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) (0.437) for the species Arius parkii is considered to be a potential bioindicator in this region. The enrichment of trace metals is also supported by the association of metals in water, sediments and different body organs (muscle, gill, liver, intestine) of fish samples. Comparative studies with other coastal regions indicate considerable enrichment of DTMs & TTMs in sediments as well as in various organs of fish samples. Holistic spatial, temporal monitoring and comprehensive regional strategies are required to prevent health risks and ensure nutritional safety conditions.

Challenges and Strategies for Climate Change Adaptation Among Pacific Island Nations

Few regions of the world are at higher risk for environmental disasters than the Pacific Island countries and territories. During 2004 and 2005, the top public health leadership from 19 of 22 Pacific Island countries and territories convened 2 health summits with the goal of developing the world's first comprehensive regional strategy for sustainable disaster risk management as applied to public health emergencies. These summits followed on the objectives of the 1994 Barbados Plan of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States and those of the subsequent Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action for a Safer World. The outputs of the 2004 and 2005 Pacific Health Summits for Sustainable Disaster Risk Management provide a detailed description of challenges and accomplishments of the Pacific Island health ministries, establish a Pacific plan of action based upon the principles of disaster risk management, and provide a locally derived, evidence-based approach for many climate change adaptation measures related to extreme weather events in the Pacific region. The declaration and outputs from these summits are offered here as a guide for developmental and humanitarian assistance in the region (and for other small-island developing states) and as a means for reducing the risk of adverse health effects resulting from climate change.