International Cooperative Program Research Articles

Личный бренд студента-спортсмена как инструмент публичной дипломатии

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need and expediency of supplementing the competence of international activities with the competence of public sports diplomacy of specialists in physical culture and sports for productive participation in the implementation of international sports cooperation programs. The article complements the political, humanitarian, cultural prerequisites for the implementation of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture at the level of mass and amateur sports, recorded in international and Russian documents. The goals of public diplomacy in the field of youth policy and student sports are clarified, aimed at creating a positive image, business reputation and a productive personal and corporate brand. Based on the concept of “sports well-being”, the structure of its components and their content, the content of the phenomenon “personal brand of a student-athlete” is substantiated. The structure of the components of the personal brand of a student-athlete as an actor of public diplomacy was modeled. Methodology for designing a personal brand of a student-athlete is presented. Recommendations have been formulated for designing the content of the educational program of additional education, the advanced training course “Strategies, tactics and techniques of public diplomacy in the field of physical culture and sports”, integrating knowledge in the field of foreign policy, world sports, sociology, social psychology, intercultural communication, public relations and journalism, collectively necessary and sufficient to assume the social role of “actor of public sports diplomacy”.

Effects of climate trends and variability on tree health responses in the Black Sea and Mediterranean forests of Türkiye

To adapt forest ecosystems and forest management to climate change, it is essential to know which forest regions and which tree species are resilient to climate variability and which ones are possibly affected most by past and anticipated future changes. In this contribution, for the main forest regions of Türkiye and six tree species, recent climate variability and trends were quantified and statistically correlated to record tree defoliation and vitality. Climate variables considered are maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), mean temperature (Tmean), and total precipitation (Prcp), which are compared to forest health responses recorded as part of the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests) on 277 plots across forests along the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. In addition, long-term data on satellite measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were extracted for the same 277 plots for the period 2008–2020. Firstly, 30 years (1991–2020) of reanalysis of climate variables from ECMWF were extracted for all plots; secondly, individual correlations and cross-correlations of climate variables and tree health and vitality were computed for the period 2008–2020 (significance level of 95%) for the four most dominant species from the Black Sea forests (F. orientalis, Q. cerris, P. sylvestris, P. orientalis) and two species from Mediterranean forests (P. brutia and C. libani). Temperature showed a stronger effect on most species than precipitation. Finally, time-lagged correlations were analyzed for seven-time lags (significance level of 95%) to evaluate legacy effect. The analysis revealed that different tree species from the two regions show different responses to climate variables. Species in the Mediterranean region are more resistant to droughts and climatic variations. Legacy effects of defoliation and NDVI have lasted for at least 2 years.

Assessment of Atmospheric Deposition of Potentially Toxic Elements in Macedonia Using a Moss Biomonitoring Technique

This study aims to investigate the changes in atmospheric deposition trends in Macedonia, using a moss biomonitoring technique. This technique has been used to assess the content of potentially toxic elements in Macedonia in 2002, 2005, 2010, and 2015, within the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. The content of 42 elements was analyzed using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry (ICP–AES), and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), on 72 moss samples collected in the summer of 2015. The median values of the elements studied were compared with data from previous years and with median values obtained from comparable studies in Norway and the neighboring countries. Through factor and cluster analysis, three geogenic factors were identified: Factor 1, which includes the elements Al, Ce, Fe, Hf, La, Li, Na, Sc, Sm, Tb, Ti, Th, V, and U; Factor 4, which includes As, Cl, and I; and Factor 5, which includes the elements Ba and Sr. In addition, one geogenic-anthropogenic factor containing Co, Cr, and Ni (Factor 2), was identified, and one anthropogenic factor containing Cd, Pb, Sb, and Zn (Factor 3). The lead and zinc mines near the towns of Kriva Palanka, Probištip, and Makedonska Kamenica in the eastern region of the country, the former lead and zinc smelter in the town of Veles, and the ferronickel smelter near Kavadarci, have continuously had the greatest anthropogenic impact on the atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements during the time period of the study. In addition to the human influences, the lithology and the composition of the soil continue to play a significant role in the distribution of the elements.

Tree crown defoliation in forest monitoring: concepts, findings, and new perspectives for a physiological approach in the face of climate change

Abstract Recurrent climate-driven disturbances impact on the health of European forests that reacted with increased tree dieback and mortality over the course of the last four decades. There is therefore large interest in predicting and understanding the fate and survival of forests under climate change. Forest conditions are monitored within the pan-European ICP Forests programme (UN-ECE International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) since the 1980s, with tree crown defoliation being the most widely used parameter. Defoliation is not a cause-specific indicator of tree health and vitality, and there is a need to connect defoliation levels with the physiological functioning of trees. The physiological responses connected to tree crown defoliation are species-specific and concern, among others, water relations, photosynthesis and carbon metabolism, growth, and mineral nutrients of leaves. The indicators to measure physiological variables in forest monitoring programs must be easy to apply in the field with current state-of-the-art technologies, be replicable, inexpensive, time efficient and regulated by ad hoc protocols. The ultimate purpose is to provide data to feed process-based models to predict mortality and threats in forests due to climate change. This study reviews the problems and perspectives connected to the realization of a systematic assessment of physiological variables and proposes a set of indicators suitable for future application in forest monitoring programs.

Reforming and innovating the talent development model for international cooperation program in engineering management under the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals in China

Reforming and innovating the talent development model for international cooperation program in engineering management under the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals in China

Программа «Официальная помощь в целях безопасности» Японии: цели и перспективы в условиях новой геополитической реальности

The article analyzes the new program of the Government of Japan – “Official Security Assistance” (OSA). Its key concepts were published in April-July 2023. The purpose of the implementation of the OSA program is to create a group of ‘like-minded countries’, which share foreign policy priorities of Japan, primarily regarding China and Russian Federation, bilateral relations of Japan with these countries have deteriorated in the second decade of the 21th century. Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Fiji were selected as OSA recipient countries in 2023. The author analyzes numerous national security-related international cooperation programs of Japan, and compares OSA with the similar program aimed at socio-economic support for developing countries – “Official Development Assistance” (ODA). The author also determines the level of participation of Southeast Asian and Oceania countries in the above-mentioned international programs of Japan. The analysis of the socio-political discourse shows that the implementation of the OSA program may be held at the same time with the revision of the basic documents restricting the export of weapons from Japan. Other negative outcome is connected with strengthening of global negative perceptions of Japan as a country that has departed from the former principles of pacifism. The negative consequences of the OSA for the Russian Federation include the potential expansion of the pro-Japanese bloc in terms of number of member state, as well as the decision to include Ukraine as OSA recipient country.

The fingerprint of tropospheric ozone on broadleaved forest vegetation in Europe

Tropospheric ozone (O3) increased globally in the 20th century, contributes to climate change and can have adverse effects on terrestrial ecosystems. The response of forest vegetation to ozone is modulated by species- and site-specific factors and visible foliar symptoms (VFS) are the only direct evidence of ozone effects on vegetation. VFS have been observed and reproduced under (semi-) controlled conditions and their field assessment has been largely harmonized in Europe. We analyzed ozone concentration and VFS data as measured at (respectively) 118 and 91 intensive monitoring sites of the International Co-Operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests) spanning over five European biogeographic regions from 2005 to 2018. Average values for VFS were calculated accounting for the number of species present and their observed frequency. Spatial and temporal variation of ozone concentrations, VFS, and their relationships across Europe were then investigated by applying Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMMs) and combined GLMMs. Ozone concentrations exceeded 40 ppb on 37.3 % of the sites and were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the Alpine and the Mediterranean regions. Over the 2005–2018 period there was a substantial stagnation of ozone concentrations with a tendency towards decreasing values in the Alpine-Boreal sites and increasing values in the Atlantic sites. Ozone left a “fingerprint” in terms of VFS on 38 % of the observed broadleaved woody species across Europe, with no significant difference among biogeographic regions. Overall, and again with the exception of an increase at the Atlantic sites, the frequency of VFS remained unchanged or has been slightly declining over the investigated period. We found positive relationship between ozone concentrations and VFS across Europe (p < 0.05), while their temporal trends (both insignificant) were not related. The species with the highest frequency of VFS were those classified as sensitive species under controlled/semi-controlled experimental conditions. Frequency of VFS tends to be modulated by vegetation traits such as specific leaf area and leaf thickness (p < 0.10). Our results showed that, although ozone levels suggested a North-to-South gradient of increasing potential risk to vegetation with hot spots in the Alps and in the Mediterranean, VFS observed on the actual species assemblage at the sites modifies this picture. According to frequency of VFS, ozone risk for vegetation may be higher in parts of the Alpine and Continental Europe than in the Mediterranean region.

Academician Zarifa Aliyeva – 100

In 2023, the 100th anniversary of the outstanding Azerbaijani ophthalmologist, Honored Scientist, laureate of the M. Averbakh Prize, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, was celebrated. A significant chapter of academician Zarifa Aliyeva's illustrious scientific career, revealing her innate talent and unwavering dedication, is intrinsically linked to the Abdulla Garayev Institute of Physiology. In 1979, Zarifa khanum initiated and saw through the establishment of the laboratory “Physiology of the Visual Organ and Occupational Pathology." Her transition from an accomplished ophthalmologist to a pioneering theoretical scientist was a testament to her vision and leadership. The laboratory's early research focused on the topic of “Clinical-physiological and morphohistochemical characteristics of the visual organ in individuals working under the influence of various chemical factors." As a scientist, Zarifa khanum was committed to addressing the most pressing and significant issues of her era, particularly those concerning human well-being. At the time, Azerbaijan was considered a hub of the chemical industry in the former USSR. Consequently, her laboratory sought to comprehensively analyze the long-term, chronic impact of various chemical agents used in industrial settings on the visual organ, with a keen focus on early detection of associated changes. This pioneering work laid the foundation for a new direction in ophthalmology, not only in Azerbaijan but throughout the former Soviet Union, focusing on innovative approaches to studying and preventing occupational eye diseases. In recognition of her contributions, academician Zarifa Aliyeva was honored with the M.I. Averbakh Prize by the USSR Academy of Medical Sciences in 1981. This research unfolded on a grand scale, encompassing over 4,000 workers and approximately 500 agricultural specialists who participated in ophthalmological examinations. This exemplified the close alignment of science and production, a cornerstone of modern scientific inquiry, in the work conducted by Zarifa khanum five decades ago. Zarifa Khanum was an innovative scientist ahead of her time who introduced electrophysiological methods alongside extensive ophthalmological examinations in her research. Her studies delved into the effects of toxic substances on the functional state of the retina, free radical processes, and neurotransmitter levels. The results of her pioneering work continue to captivate and inspire numerous scholars in modern times. A special area of Zarifa khanum's scientific inquiry was the study of age-related changes in the visual organ. Her book, “Age-Related Changes of the Eye and Optic Nerve Tract," marked the genesis of a new field within ophthalmology, known as ophthalmological gerontology. This work remains highly pertinent today, especially in the context of ongoing gerontological research at our institute. It's worth noting that her laboratory's staff continued research in this vein after her passing. In the late 1980s, the laboratory's ophthalmologists actively participated in international scientific expeditions both in Azerbaijan and in regions of the former USSR, including Crimea, as part of the “Longevity Phenomenon” international cooperation program. They studied age-related changes in the visual organ among 900 individuals over 90 years of age, publishing several highly significant scientific articles that remain relevant to specialists today. In the 1990s, due to the challenging socio-political factors, Zarifa khanum's laboratory faced an unfortunate hiatus. In 2016, we took the initiative to reestablish this laboratory. A research group called “Physiology of Vision” was formed under the directorate to continue Zarifa khanum's legacy in the realm of physiology and age-related visual pathology. This group achieved remarkable scientific success in a short time, exploring intricate links between neurodegenerative diseases and the visual system's structures. With support from the Science Development Fund, the group launched international cooperation programs, enhancing its team and, ultimately, establishing the “Physiology of Vision and Neurodegenerative Processes” laboratory in 2021. Today, the laboratory is intently focused on studying the neurophysiological mechanisms of visual impairment during neurodegenerative diseases and pioneering innovative rehabilitation methods. The scientific ideas of academician Zarifa Aliyeva grow in relevance with time. Her scientific legacy perseveres, serving the cause of a healthier society. It is incumbent upon all of us to support this legacy and carry forward the scientific traditions of this eminent scientist. The International Conference "Physiology of vision and occupational pathologies: fundamental and applied aspects" and the 6th Congress of Azerbaijan Physiologists held on October 30-31, 2023, in Baku were dedicated to the 100th anniversaries of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the outstanding scientist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. The current issue of the journal is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the academician Zarifa Aliyeva.

Science and Engineering Undergraduates’ Attitudes and Perceptions of English-Mediated Instruction – A Case Study in A Chongqing International Cooperative Program

This research sought to investigate the perspective of science and engineering students at Chongqing universities towards English-medium instruction (EMI) delivered by foreign instructors. The participants were 156 undergraduate students who studied at a Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programme in Chongqing University of Technology (CQUT). In this study, data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The research indicates that most students have a high regard for English-medium instruction and have found that taking Science and Engineering classes instructed by foreign teachers in English has been beneficial in terms of enhancing their English language skills and developing their understanding of the subject. Nevertheless, some students with limited English proficiency encountered difficulties understanding specialized knowledge. They found that full English instruction from foreign teachers did not improve their English language skills. Therefore, this study suggested that China’s Sino-foreign Cooperation Programmes should consider the divergences in students’ English proficiency and vocational objectives and offer differentiated instruction, mentoring, and professional English language training.

Monitoring of the health status of Castanea sativa in the Belasitsa mountain, southwest Bulgaria

In the period 2017-2023, a survey for the assessment of the phytosanitary condition of sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa) was conducted in a permanent sample plot (PSP) Belasitsa, which is part of the European large-scale network for monitoring the health status of forest ecosystems under the International Co-operative Program &amp;lsquo;Forests&amp;rsquo;. The PSP is set in a natural chestnut stand in Belasitsa mountain at an altitude of 643 m. Data collected from the first years of the monitoring determined a slight deterioration in the health status of the chestnut trees caused by an infection with the fungal pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica. An improvement in trees&amp;rsquo; vitality and lack of active necrosis were observed in 2022-2023. On the wounds, initiation of callus along the wounded edges was reported. Currently, the introduction of new and dangerous invasive insect pests Dryocosmus kuriphilus, Corythucha arcuata, etc., has not been detected. Attacks of both pests could further deteriorate the health status of the sweet chestnut in Belasitsa.

Adaptation of corporate model of ukrainian aircraft product life cycle to the international methodology of systems engineering

Problems. Under the present-day conditions, the preservation of competences of Ukrainian aircraft construction enterprises will be determined by the possibility of enterprises attracting to participation in international cooperation programs and projects. But this is possible only on the condition of prior harmonization of the product development methodology adopted in Ukrainian aircraft construction to that used in the international aircraft construction projects. Purose. The main goal of this article is to determine the ability and ways of adapting the corporate model of life cycle of aircraft engineering projects by Ukrainian aircraft construction enterprises to modern global aircraft construction practices. Implementation methodology. The research methodology predicted the identification of the main modern trends in the field of system engineering for the creation of a science-intensive product, as well as the analysis of concepts of presenting the life cycle of complex technical systems in international regulatory documents, industry regulations, guidelines and other information sources. Criteria for perspective of using the identified informational and normative sources as close analogues for the development of one's own corporate model of life cycle of an aircraft construction product were identified. On the basis of the criterion analysis of researched concepts of the life cycle of complex technical systems representing, the requirements were formed, which formed the basis of the concept of one's own corporate model of life cycle of the aircraft construction product. The results. The result of conducted research was the proposed concept of a corporate model of the life cycle of an aircraft construction product manufactured in Ukraine, which takes into account the international experience and best practices of leading aircraft construction companies, including focusing on the experience accumulated by domestic aircraft manufacturers. Conclusions. According to the results of analysis of advanced world practices in the field of creating a science-intensive product, an own corporate model of the life cycle of an aircraft product manufactured in Ukraine was proposed. In the future, on the basis of this model, a system for creating an aircraft product can be built and developed, which will be harmonized with existing world practices and will allow the domestic aircraft construction enterprises to fight for participation in international programs and projects.

The role of international cooperation in the development of vocational education in Ukraine

AbstractSince gaining independence, Ukraine has recognised the need to reform its vocational education and training (VET) system to better align with new economic realities. This necessity was largely driven by the country's increasing openness to the world and its desire to integrate with the European Union, which became especially pronounced after the Euromaidan protests in 2014. As a result, the government has pursued policies that are more closely aligned with the European Union. This led to greater international cooperation in the sphere of VET in Ukraine. The study on which this article reports analyses the impact of international organisations and cooperation programmes, as well as actions, initiatives and projects, on the changes and reforms in the Ukrainian VET system from 2013 to 2022 on normative and institutional levels. We adopt a theoretical framework that explains the areas and instruments of influence on policymaking in education used by international organisations. The method applied in the study is interviews with experts from international projects and initiatives currently active in Ukraine. Our findings indicate that international cooperation programmes have had a significant impact on the development of vocational education in Ukraine, particularly in areas such as the governance of the VET system, public‐private partnerships, quality assurance, qualifications frameworks, and digitalisation.

Designing Self-Enforcing Programs Embedded in the Local Economy: The Key for Successful International Cooperation of Vocational Education

International education cooperation is conducive to promoting the cross-border circulation of advanced educational experiences and enhancing global human capital. China has become the main destination for students from developing countries, and how to better carry out international cooperation programs in Chinese education has become an important issue. This paper focuses on international cooperation in the field of vocational education and takes a vocational college in China as a case to explore the performance of different international cooperation modes between China and developing countries. The study did a within-case design, and three projects representing three modes of cooperation were selected for comparison. The article believes that the key to success lies in the design of cooperation, and those projects which closely integrate local industries, colleges and students will thrive and prosper. The article answers the question of how international cooperation in vocational education should be carried out.

FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACQUISITION OF TRAINING KNOWLEDGE BY VIETNAMESE UNIVERSITY LECTURERS THROUGH INTERNATIONAL JOINT TRAINING PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Exploring the factors affecting the acceptance of training knowledge by lecturers through international training programs will shed light on how teachers can receive the most knowledge. Knowledge acquisition will be most effective when the stakeholders increase the factors that have a positive impact and minimize the factors that have a negative effect on lecturers’ knowledge acquisition. When the majority of faculty in the international cooperative education program receive effective international training, knowledge and learning will spread throughout the university, moving toward increasing the overall level of teaching capacity of the teaching school. Since then, the quality of education at the school has improved, which meets both the desire for innovation in society's education and the needs of international integration of Vietnam's higher education. Theoretically, research on knowledge acquired through international collaboration in Vietnam and around the world focuses on organizational-level acquisition rather than individual learning. Some test results on the influence of individual factors on knowledge acquisition are inconsistent, suggesting the possibility of a moderating variable for this effect. In addition, previous studies have examined the influence of two groups of individual and social factors on knowledge acquisition separately, without taking into account the regulatory relationship between these two groups of factors. Research fills this theoretical gap.

Analysis of Specific Ecological and Genetic Soil Properties for the Forest Ecosystem Monitoring in the Zone of Coniferous–Broadleaved Forests

A reliable assessment of the composition and properties of soils in forest ecosystems is the basis for environmental monitoring, including monitoring of carbon pools and fluxes, which is of particular importance in the context of global changes in the environment and climate. The specific ecological and genetic features and classification of soils are analyzed at permanent monitoring sites in the main types of forest ecosystems of the Zvenigorod Biostation of Moscow State University and the Sima Quarry state nature reserve (Moscow oblast, Russia). Soil monitoring is organized and conducted on the basis of national experience and recommendations of the International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests). The eluvozems and soddy eluvozems on two-layered deposits predominate in the soil cover of the nature reserve; these soils have a loamy sandy texture (content of clay fraction of <0.002 mm is 3.3–7.0%), acidic media ({text{p}}{{{text{H}}}_{{{{{text{H}}}_{{text{2}}}}{text{O}}}}} 4.6–5.7), low cation exchange capacity, low content of exchangeable bases (30–52 cmolс/kg in organic and 0.6–7.5 cmolс/kg in mineral horizons), and low base saturation (49–67 and 11–51%, respectively). The contents of potentially toxic metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn) in the soils of the nature reserve do not exceed background levels. The ecological state of soils assessed according to their chemical and physical properties improves in the following order: contact-bleached eluvozem—pseudofibrous soddy eluvozem—ferruginous soddy eluvozem. This determines the functioning and stability of forest ecosystems to external impacts under increasing anthropogenic pressure and climate change.

Quantifying the Potential Co-Benefit of Air Quality Improvement on Cultural Heritage in China

Atmospheric pollutants can corrode heritage materials, especially stone, which can cause a great loss that goes far beyond the economic losses of the degraded materials. Over the past decades, conventional air pollutants have been slashed owing to clean air actions in China, which produces a significant co-benefit for heritage conservation. However, the benefits may be offset by increases in the photochemical oxidants in smog, such as ozone, which damage heritage materials. This study employed dose–response functions to quantify the impacts of air pollutants on the surface recession of the limestone of heritage structures in China, and assessed the potential benefits of air quality improvement for heritage conservation. The results show that the annual recession rate decreased from 9.69 μmy−1 in 2006 to 6.71 μmy−1 in 2020, resulting in a 41.4% increase in the number of heritage sites meeting the ICP Materials (International Co-operative Program on Effects on Materials including Historic and Cultural Monuments) control target of 8 µmy−1 for 2020. The air quality improvement avoided CNY 136.2 million in heritage site maintenance costs. The recession risk shows distinct regional differences; the southern and northwest regions are still at a higher material corrosion level than the northern and Qinghai–Tibet regions. Nationwide, PM10 (particles with aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm) is the main risk factor responsible for the surface recession of limestone material of heritage structures in China. The study provides evidence for the benefits of air quality improvement for heritage conservation. Further, the study also puts forward policy recommendations for heritage conservation, including assessing pollution risk, promoting heritage conservation through social sustainability, and implementing differentiated conservation strategies.

Judicial Practice of the Republic of Moldova in the Sphere of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs, Psychotropic Substances and their Analogies

The topicality of the subject is terminated by the fact that in recent years the illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and their analogues of concern. The extent is particularly, consumption, the number of those killed by drugs and demoralising on people’s conscience and behaviour. The social alarm born from the unprecedented proliferation of drugs leads to the idea, not at all satisfactory, that the battle strategies adopted against this phenomenon by the Republic of Moldova and foreign countries have proven to be ineffective. Therefore, the primary task of international conventions in the field of control over the circulation of narcotic and psychotropic substances is to ensure the legal needs of health protection by simultaneously counteracting the inclusion of dangerous substances in the illicit circuit and to create a system of administrative regulation regarding the legal use of substances narcotics and establish the measures directed against their illicit use. Because drug use represents one of the challenges facing humanity and worthy of consideration in international cooperation programs in the field of criminal law.

Mapping the Species Richness of Woody Plants in Republic of Korea

As climate change continues to impact the planet, the importance of forests is becoming increasingly emphasized. The International Co-operative Program on the Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (ICP Forests) has been monitoring and assessing forests in 40 countries since 1985. In Republic of Korea, the first Forest Health Management (FHM) survey was a nationwide sample point assessment conducted between 2011 and 2015. However, there are limitations in representing the health of forests that occupy 63.7% of Korea’s land area due to the nature of sample point surveys, which survey a relatively small area. Accordingly, a species richness map was created to promote species diversity in forest health evaluations in Republic of Korea. The map was created using data from the first FHM survey, which examined 28 factors with 12 survey indicators in four categories: tree health, vegetation health, soil health, and atmospheric health. We conducted an ensemble modeling of species distribution for woody plant species that are major habitats in Republic of Korea. To select the species, we used the first FHM survey data and chose those with more than 100 sample points, resulting in a total of 11 species. We then created the species richness map of Republic of Korea by overlaying their distributions. To verify the accuracy of the derived map, an independent verification was conducted using statistical verification and external data from the National Natural Environment Survey. To support forest management that accounts for climate change adaptation, the derived species richness map was validated based on the vegetation climate distribution map of the Korean Peninsula, which was published by the Korea National Arboretum. The map confirmed that species richness is highest around the boundary of the deciduous forest in the central temperate zone and lowest around the evergreen and deciduous mixed forest in the southern temperate zone. By establishing this map, it was possible to confirm the spatial distribution of species by addressing the limitations of direct surveys, which are unable to represent all forests. However, it is important to note that not all factors of the first FHM survey were considered during the spatialization process, and the target area only includes Republic of Korea. Thus, further research is necessary to expand the target area and include additional items.

Environmental and pedological factors influencing organic carbon storage in Italian forest soils

As a large and persistent carbon sink, forest soils have an essential role in the carbon cycle, thus performing valuable services to society. This paper aims to investigate the role of several environmental factors in driving soil organic carbon (SOC) storage variability in forest soils. The Italian ICP-Forests (International Co-operative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests) dataset provides an excellent opportunity to analyse an extensive range of variables in a land spanning different ecological regions and climatic gradients, thus being a case of broad interest. We estimated SOC storage for mineral forest soils, considering the topsoil (0–20 cm; SOCM02) and the whole soil profile (0–80 cm; SOCM08). Boosted regression trees (BRTs) were applied to explore the relative influence of environmental predictors and to model SOC storage responses. The reference soil groups (RSG-WRB) and the total subsoil phosphorus (P) content were the factors with the highest performance in explaining SOC storage for both models (SOCM02-SOCM08). Parameters related to vegetation, such as tree species, biodiversity and plant traits, clearly influenced topsoil SOC storage, while their impact was reduced with depth. Climate directly controls SOC storage, but indirect influences via plant or soil characteristics were also identified. Interactions between different environmental factors were discussed to elucidate and analyse SOC responses evidenced by the models. Our results highlighted how soil types (RSGs) can be an effective environmental factor in explaining SOC storage variability, which would likely improve SOC models on national and global scales. Interactions between different environmental factors were seen to be most important, pointing out the strong links between SOC storage and the general ecological context.

The Impact of a donor’s domestic political economy on its policy and practice of development cooperation comparing to the impact of international norms and principles

International norms and principles are considered as the main basement for the international development cooperation programs. Developed countries are thought that they are the leader of humanitarian aids and they do this just for the sake of developing and underdeveloped countries. However, the policy and practice of development cooperation are affected mainly by domestic political economy of donor nations. The international principles, non-government organizations (NGO) and other international organizations have less impact on the donors’ action in international arena. Meanwhile, it is the domestic political economy and national interests of donor countries that influence their endeavor in the international development cooperation projects. The author of this paper will discuss how national political aims are stronger than international norms and principles when it comes to international cooperation.