Korean Regions Research Articles

Genetic Diversity and Genotype Distribution of Erwinia amylovora in Korea

<i>Erwinia amylovora</i>, first identified in 1793 in Hudson Valley (New York, USA), has a genome size of 3.7-4.0 Mb. <i>E. amylovora</i> bacterial strains are classified based on the infecting hosts: the <i>Amygdaloideae</i>-infecting (AI) group, targeting apple and pear trees, and the <i>Rubus</i>-infecting group, affecting berry trees. Since the AI-group strains display high genetic similarity (˃99.7%), it is challenging to characterize their genotypes. This study investigated the genetic diversity of <i>E. amylovora</i> isolates in Korea and the regional distribution patterns of genotypes using a multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). Four specific primers were used to amplify and sequence tandem repeats in the <i>E. amylovora</i> genome, and a distribution map of <i>E. amylovora</i> was created using MLVA genotypes. Thirty-two types of MLVA patterns were identified in Korean strains, and RV19 was the dominant type identified in all South Korean regions. According to the minimal spanning tree, genotypes were differentiated into RV7, RV14, RV20, RV22, and RV27 types, originating from the RV19 type. This finding suggests that the RV19 type, introduced to Korea for the first time, spread to other regions from Anseong-si, Cheonan-si, Chungju-si, and Jecheon-si, depending on the type. We determined the MLVA genotypes of <i>E. amylovora</i> isolates and distribution patterns by region from 2019 to 2023. The distribution of these genotypes by year and region provides basic information for the genetic diversity and spread of <i>E. amylovora</i> in Korea.

CO2 Emissions Associated with Groundwater Storage Depletion in South Korea: Estimation and Vulnerability Assessment Using Satellite Data and Data-Driven Models

Groundwater is crucial in mediating the interactions between the carbon and water cycles. Recently, groundwater storage depletion has been identified as a significant source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Here, we developed two data-driven models—XGBoost and convolutional neural network–long short-term memory (CNN-LSTM)—based on multi-satellite and reanalysis data to monitor CO2 emissions resulting from groundwater storage depletion in South Korea. The data-driven models developed in this study provided reasonably accurate predictions compared with in situ groundwater storage anomaly (GWSA) observations, identifying relatively high groundwater storage depletion levels in several regions over the past decade. For each administrative region exhibiting a decreasing groundwater storage trend, the corresponding CO2 emissions were quantified based on the predicted GWSA and respective bicarbonate concentrations. For 2008–2019, XGBoost and CNN-LSTM estimated CO2 emissions to be 0.216 and 0.202 MMTCO2/year, respectively. Furthermore, groundwater storage depletion vulnerability was assessed using the entropy weight method and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) to identify hotspots with a heightened potential risk of CO2 emissions. Western South Korean regions were particularly classified as high or very high regions and susceptible to groundwater storage depletion-associated CO2 emissions. This study provides a foundation for developing countermeasures to mitigate accelerating groundwater storage depletion and the consequent rise in CO2 emissions.

Pace of heavy metal pollution in the anthropogenically altered and industrialized Nakdong River Estuary, South Korea: Implications for the Anthropocene

Estuaries, vital coastal ecosystems, face growing threats from industrialization. To understand the pace of sedimentary changes and heavy metal pollution at the anthropogenically altered and industrialized Nakdong River Estuary in South Korea, we used sediment coring to reconstruct environmental change. Estuarine dam construction in 1934 shifted the sedimentary system from sand to mud, coinciding with a post-1930s mercury increase due to coal burning. Mercury concentrations in other South Korean regions surged in the 1970s, indicating proximity to emission sources matters. However, most heavy metal levels (Cu, Cd, Zn, Ag) sharply rose in the 1960s and 1970s with regional industrialization. Modern heavy metal concentrations doubled pre-industrial levels, underscoring human activities as the primary driver of Nakdong Estuary environmental changes. This emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to development and environmental preservation.

호서지역 초기 고인돌의 지역성과 문화성격

The early times of dolmens in the Hoseo region were characterized by gradual clustering and centralization through Garakdong-type settlements in the late period in the eastern region of the Korean peninsula. This regional character was further strengthened during the Songguk-ri culture period. The main reason behind this was likely the need to display their identity or class stratification within the community. Dolmens appear to have been used as markers of the group's advancement to a certain social stage or as a way to show off to the outside world, spreading like a fashion within a relatively short period of time. In the Hoseo region, these conditions seem to have been proactively fulfilled in the latter half of the Garakdong-type village period, where cultural exchanges with the Liaodong and Northwest Korean regions played a significant role in various interactions and competitions with neighboring villages. This, in turn, is expected to have resulted in the Hoseo region's participation in a broader ritual ceremony system, based on the psycho-cultural networks already established in the Liaodong and Northwest Korean regions.

Temporal and spatial effects of manufacturing agglomeration on CO2 emissions: evidence from South Korea

Studies have shown that industrial agglomeration has a facilitating effect on carbon emission reduction. However, discussions on the impact of manufacturing agglomeration on emission reduction have not simultaneously considered spatial correlation and temporal continuity. Addressing this gap, this study develops a dynamic spatial econometric model rooted in agglomeration economic theory to simultaneously assess the spatial and temporal impacts of manufacturing agglomeration on carbon emission reduction. Utilizing panel data from 17 major South Korean regions from 2013 to 2019, the research investigates the internal mechanisms and spatial effects of manufacturing agglomeration on reducing carbon emissions. The findings reveal that the relationship between manufacturing agglomeration (specialization and diversification) and carbon emissions in South Korea shows an inverted U-shape. Moreover, regarding the temporal continuity of carbon emissions, in the short term, specialized agglomeration is beneficial to reduce local and neighboring carbon emissions. In the long run, the effect of specialized agglomeration on the overall carbon emission reduction is still obvious. However, diversified agglomeration can only reduce local carbon emissions in the short term, but the spillover effect on neighboring areas is not obvious. In the long run, diversified agglomeration can effectively reduce local carbon emissions, but the spillover effect on neighboring areas is still not obvious. These nuanced insights are crucial for policymakers aiming to leverage industrial agglomeration for carbon emissions reduction effectively.

Assessing the determinants of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine co-administration decisions in the elderly

ABSTRACT This research examines the low rate of co-administration of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines among seniors aged 65 and older in Korea, despite recommendations from authorities and academia worldwide. The study aimed to understand the influence of general characteristics and health beliefs on the vaccination choices of seniors, who were categorized into four groups based on their vaccination status: influenza only, COVID-19 only, both, or neither. A total of 400 participants, aged 65 and above, were selected through proportional stratified random sampling from five major Korean regions for a survey conducted between November 24th and December 15th, 2023. The results indicated no significant differences in general characteristics across these groups. However, regarding the health beliefs showed significant differences in perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy between the influenza-only and co-administration groups. Higher levels of perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy were associated with choosing co-administration. Contrary to previous studies focusing on safety concerns as a primary factor in vaccine hesitancy, this study highlights the role of individual health-related beliefs, particularly perceived susceptibility and self-efficacy, as critical in influencing the decision for co-administration among the elderly in Korea.

Modification of Hybrid Receptor Model for Atmospheric Fine Particles (PM2.5) in 2020 Daejeon, Korea, Using an ACERWT Model

Hybrid receptor models overestimate the contribution of background areas (no specific emission sources), like the Yellow Sea in Korea. This study aimed to improve model performances using Advanced Concentration Emission and Retention Time Weighted Trajectory (ACERWT). ACERWT was combined with a positive matrix factorization (PMF), back trajectory, and Regional Emission Inventory in Asia (REAS). The PMF receptor model used one year of data from Korea’s Central Air Environment Research Center. In the PMF receptor model, eight sources (dust/soil, secondary nitrate, biomass burning, vehicles, secondary sulfate, industry, coal combustion and sea salt) influenced PM2.5 pollution at the receptor site (Daejeon, Korea). Secondary sulfate was the most dominant source, followed by secondary nitrate and vehicle sources. ACERWT results showed high contributions from China, Japan, and Korean regions, while the contribution from the Yellow Sea was significantly lower. Several regions, such as the eastern and south-eastern areas of China, the southern area of Taiwan, the western area of Tokyo, and the central area of Korea, showed high contributions due to large-scale emission facilities and industrial complexes. In this study, the ACERWT model significantly improved its performance regarding regional contributions to PM2.5 pollution at the receptor site.

Copy Number Variation Frequency Analysis by Regions of Hanwoo (Korean Native Cattle) Using Hanwoo SNP 50K Chip

Recently another type of genetic polymorphism, called copy number variation (CNV), has been discovered in the whole genome variation. SNP chips have also been used for CNVs analysis, making them a useful analytical tool. In this study, we evaluated CNVs and identified the relationship between CNV regions (CNVRs) in Hanwoo (n=1500) using the Illumina Hanwoo SNP 50K BeadChip in four South Korean regions. PennCNV software was used to identify CNVs, followed by CNV Ruler software to locate diverse CNVRs. We identified 8686 CNVs (6666 gains; 2020 loss), with lengths varying from 2,182 to 2,957,803 bp. Additionally, 689 CNVRs (480 gains; 153 losses; 56 both) were identified, with lengths varying from 2,820 to 2,957,803 bp, with an average of 124,881 bp, encompassing 86,042,896 bp (3.48%). Bioinformatic analysis was conducted using Biomart tools, gene ontology analysis, and the DAVID program. We identified 27 genes that were associated with IGF2, INS, SOCS3, and TH and found that they were related to insulin (GO:0046626, GO:1900076, bta04917). In conclusion, CNVs were identified using the HanwooSNP50k chip, CNVR with characteristics for each region was identified, and a part overlapping with the gene was verified. It is essential to verify that insulin-related genes differ by region and to understand the relationship between regional economic traits and CNV.

Explaining regional productivity difference by export variety: evidence from South Korea

ABSTRACT Regional productivity differences and their determinants have long been key issues for regional researchers and policymakers. This study considers regional export variety as a factor determining regional productivity differences. Using a panel dataset covering 16 South Korean regions from 2000 to 2015, we find that export variety in South Korea accounts for 28.1% of cross-region productivity differences and 47.6% of within-region productivity growth. Export varieties are important in determining the cross-region differences and time-series variations in productivity. This study highlights the importance of export variety as a mechanism by which trade affects regional productivity.

Energy demand analysis of a lettuce growing plant factory: A case for Indonesian and Korean regions

Energy demand analysis of a lettuce growing plant factory: A case for Indonesian and Korean regions

Neuroprotective Effects of Geopung-Chunghyuldan Based on Its Salvianolic Acid B Content Using an In Vivo Stroke Model.

Geopung-Chunghyuldan (GCD) has neuroprotective properties. Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix plays an essential role in GCD's effect. The Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix marker compound is salvianolic acid B; however, its content is not uniform among samples. This study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of GCD based on salvianolic acid B content. The neuroprotective effects of GCD based on the salvianolic acid B content were evaluated by measuring infarct volume 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in an in vivo stroke model. For the experimental group, each GCD was administered immediately before surgery. The control groups were administered distilled water and aspirin (30 mg/kg) in the same way. The salvianolic acid B content in five types of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (two Chinese and three Korean regions) based on different cultivation regions was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Three samples met the Korean and Chinese Pharmacopeia standards for salvianolic acid B. However, two samples did not. GCDs with high salvianolic acid B showed marked neuroprotective effects compared to the control groups, whereas GCDs with low salvianolic acid B did not. The salvianolic acid B content of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix affects the neuroprotection effect of GCD. Stable, raw Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix is essential for GCD homogenization.

A New Improvement Proposal to Estimate Regional Input–Output Structure Using the 2D-LQ Approach

The use of location quotients for the estimation of regional input–output tables has been found to be a useful and efficient tool to estimate intraregional production coefficients and multipliers. This paper considers some regionalisation methodologies based on location quotients for the estimation of input–output tables—some of which have hitherto not been analysed at the regional level—and studies which one provides the best estimation (best goodness of fit). We focus the analysis mainly on the accuracy of Flegg’s location quotient (FLQ) and two-dimensional location quotient (2D-LQ). The analysis makes use of the multiregional input–output table for Korea for the year 2015 to evaluate the accuracy of the 2D-LQ method against FLQ. A novel proposal for the determination of the parameters corresponding to the 2D-LQ method is presented. This proposal is evaluated in Korean regions and is also applied to Spanish regions. The results obtained from the research conclude the general superiority of the 2D-LQ method, thus corroborating the results of other studies at the national level as well as the validity of our proposal.

Energy Balance Data-Based Optimization of Louver Installation Angles for Different Regions in Korea

A louver is a traditional environmental control device and passive architectural element based on an ecofriendly concept. Louvers are architectural elements that can be used to regulate natural lighting, thermal environment, and building energy use. To realize these integrated functionalities of louvers, they must be designed considering the climate and geographical characteristics of the target region. However, these aspects are typically not considered during building design in Korea, resulting in lovers being used as design elements with simple natural lighting control functions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to promote the integrated use of louvers by optimizing the louver angle according to the microclimate in Korea from the viewpoint of thermal energy use. We performed load and energy simulation planning and calculation and conducted optimization studies for the louver angle and range of motion for each region. The energy consumption in central and southern Korean regions was minimized when the angles of the fixed louvers were 45°–75° and 60°–90°, respectively. Kinetic louvers could enhance thermal energy management when installed at 30°–75° in spring, 135°–165° in summer, 75°–165° in autumn, and 45°–75° in winter. These findings can promote the realization of integrated functionalities of louvers from the perspective of indoor environment comfort based on the microclimates of the Korean regions.

Assessing regional economy in North Korea using nighttime light

North Korea is one of the most restrictive countries in terms of data accessibility, especially at the regional level. This research assesses the regional economy in North Korea using the nighttime light data. It estimates GRDP per capita at the county level in 2012–2020, the Kim Jong-Un era, and assesses the inequality of North Korean regions. The results reveal that cities such as Sinuiju have a comparable level of GRDP per capita with Pyongyang and that the spatial distribution of low-income counties changes from regions near South Korean borders to regions near Chinese borders as sanctions are implemented. Also, it appears that substantial county-level inequality exists. It calls for a need for the county-level economic research of North Korea despite the lack of regional data.

Heterogeneous welfare gains from import variety across regions: evidence from South Korea

ABSTRACT Globalization has differential impacts on trade patterns and welfare gains across regions within a country. Using panel data on 16 South Korean regions over the period 2000–2015, this study shows that new import varieties led to lower regional import prices, which in turn yielded positive welfare gains. However, both the uneven growth of import varieties and different degrees of product differentiation led to heterogeneous effects on import prices and welfare gains across regions. Regional differences in import prices and welfare gains are impacted more by variety growth than by product differentiation.

A new proposal to model regional input–output structures using location quotients. An application to Korean and Spanish regions

AbstractThis paper is based on the use of Flegg's location quotients (FLQ) and proposes a novel procedure for the estimation of the unknown parameter δ in regions with and without input–output frame availability. Applied to data for the Korean regions for the year 2015, firstly the determination of the optimal δ is addressed by solving a general optimization problem and, secondly, a regression equation is proposed to estimate the value of δ from the explanatory variables of interregional road freight transport (IRFT) and imports from the rest of the world (IROW). The results obtained show a lower bias in regard to the true values of the regional inputs coefficients in relation to other methods based on location quotients.

Phylogenetic relationships and genetic variations among cinereous vultures Aegypius monachus in South Korea

Mature individuals of the cinereous vulture, Aegypius monachus, number 15,600–21,000 birds worldwide and population size of the bird has been in decline due to poisoned baits and the decreasing availability of food. Approximately 12–16% of the global population of cinereous vultures spend their winters in Korean regions that are hence important areas. In this study, the population structure and genetic diversity of the cinereous vulture in South Korea were evaluated to clarify the relationships between the Mongolian and South Korean populations with genetic diversity assessed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and microsatellite markers. In the South Korean population, two unique haplotypes (Hap8 and Hap9) were newly discovered in their mtDNA, with three polymorphic sites and low-level genetic diversity. Most of the cinereous vultures in South Korea were represented by a single haplotype, Hap8, and analyses of phylogenetic trees and the haplotype network illustrated that Hap8 was clustered in Lineage D (Mongolia). Notably, the other haplotype, Hap9, was only identified in one individual in South Korea with an unexpected clustering in Lineage C (Caucasus region, Armenia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan populations), which indicated that it might have been a vagrant bird. The microsatellite loci ( n = 21) isolated from South Korean cinereous vultures indicated comparatively lower genetic variation, with a K value of 1. These results indicate that the origin of the South Korean population is most likely from one source population of the Far Eastern cluster (Mongolian population), which was also supported by the outcome of mtDNA analysis. This study improves our understanding of the population structure and genetic diversity between the Mongolian and South Korean cinereous vulture populations.

First Record of Colonial Ascidian, Botrylloides diegensis Ritter and Forsyth, 1917 (Ascidiacea, Stolidobranchia, Styelidae), in South Korea

Botrylloides species are important members of the fouling community colonizing artificial substrates in harbors and marinas. During monitoring in 2017–2020 of non-indigenous species in Korea, one colonial ascidian species was distinctly different from other native colonial ascidians, such as B. violaceus and Botryllus schlosseri, in South Korea. This species was identified as B. diegensis. DNA barcodes with mitochondrial COI were used to identify one-toned and two-toned colonies of B. diegensis. Intraspecific variations between Korean and other regions of B. diegensis from the NCBI ranged from 0.0% to 1.3%. The Korean B. diegensis was clearly distinct from other species of Botrylloides at 15.8–24.2%. In phylogenetic analysis results, Korean B. diegensis was established as a single clade with other regions of B. diegensis and was clearly distinct from Korean B. violaceus. After reviewing previous monitoring data, it was found that two-toned B. diegensis was already found in six harbors by July 2017. It has now spread into 14 harbors along the coastal line of South Korea. This means that B. diegensis might have been introduced to South Korea between 1999 and 2016.

A new approach to modelling the input\u2013output structure of regional economies using non-survey methods

This paper proposes a new approach to the regionalization of national input–output tables where suitable regional data are scarce and analysts are considering using location quotients (LQs). We focus on the FLQ formula, which frequently yields the best results of the pure LQ-based methods, and develop an enhanced way of implementing this approach. We use a modified cross-entropy (MCE) method, along with a regression model, to estimate values of the unknown parameter δ in the FLQ formula, specific to both region and country. An analysis of survey-based data for 16 South Korean regions reveals that the proposed FLQ+ approach yields more accurate estimates of both input coefficients and sectoral output multipliers than those from simpler LQ-based methods or the MCE approach alone. Sectoral outputs (or employment) are the only regional data required. The MCE method also clearly outperforms GRAS.

유리건판으로 보는 북한 지역의 조선 후기 범종과 향로

Gelatin dry plates produced in Korea during the colonial era by the Japanese Government-General show some late-Joseon Buddhist craftworks at temples currently in North Korea, such as Buddhist temple bells and incense burners. These include five bells from the seventeenth century, one from the eighteenth century, another from the nineteenth century, and the Jade Gui-shaped Incense Burner and Gilt-bronze Ding-shaped Incense Burner at Yujeomsa Temple.<BR> Among the late-Joseon Buddhist temple bells depicted in gelatin dry plates are the Bell with Inscription of the Sixth Year (1633) of the Reign of Emperor Chongzhen and Bell with Inscription of the Fifth Year of the Reign of Emperor Shunzhi at Seokwangsa Temple; Bell with Inscription of the Tenth Year of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi and another bell from the late seventeenth century at Gwijusa Temple; the Bell with Inscription of the Thirtieth Year(1691) of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi at Seongbulsa Temple; Bell with Inscription of the Forty-seventh Year (1708) of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi at Jangansa Temple; and Bell with Inscription of the Tenth Year (1830 or Gyeongin Year) of the Reign of Emperor Daoguang. The artisans who produced them can be identified based on the inscriptions and styles of these bells. For example, Cheonbo (天宝) participated in the production of the Bell with Inscription of the Sixth Year of the Reign of Emperor Chongzhen at Seokwangsa Temple; Jijun (智俊) and Taehaeng (太行) worked on the Bell with Inscription of the Thirtieth Year of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi at Seongbulsa Temple; Sain (思印) was involved in the creation of the bell from the late seventeenth century at Gwijusa Temple; Yi Hae-jun (李海俊) and Keukryeon (剋連) created the Bell with Inscription of the Forty-seventh Year of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi at Jangansa Temple; and Yi Man-uk (李萬郁) and Jang Min-cheol (張敏喆) were connected to the Bell with Inscription of the Tenth Year of the Reign of Emperor Daoguang.<BR> As for other bells whose inscriptions do not include the names of the artisans involved, stylistic characteristics can be applied to suggest artisans who might have participated in their production. The creation of the Bell with Inscription of the Fifth Year of the Reign of Emperor Shunzhi at Seokwangsa Temple is likely connected to Jeongu (淨祐), Sinwon (信元), Woneung (元應), and Jijun, all of whom were active in the early and mid-seventeenth century. In the case of the Bell with Inscription of the Tenth Year of the Reign of Emperor Kangxi at Gwijusa Temple, Daehwasa Chwicheong (大化士 醉淸) is presumed to have participated in its production. According to the “List of Properties in Gwijusa Temple Based on the Revised Temple Law,” Chwicheong is recorded as the maker of its bell. However, whether or not he was a monk artisan is unclear.<BR> The gelatin dry plates of these Buddhist temple bells are significant in that they reveal that many seventeenth-century bell-casting artisans, including Cheonbo, Jijun, Taehaeng, and Sain, were active in a broader area than had been previously known as they participated in the creation of bells for temples in both present-day South and North Korea. It is also meaningful that works by these artisans have been identified beyond those known from written historical records.<BR> The gelatin dry plates from North Korean regions show only two incense burners: the Jade Gui-shaped Incense Burner and the Gilt-bronze Ding-shaped Incense Burner. Both were used at Yujeomsa Temple. The late-Joseon royal court imported these Ming and Qing copies of Chinese ancient bronze or jade vessels and bestowed them on the royal temple Yujeomsa. The Ding-shaped Incense Burner that King Jeongjo bestowed upon Yongjusa Temple is a classic example of the offerings given by the royal court to its temples during the late Joseon period. These two incense burners at Yujeomsa Temple are also noteworthy in that they demonstrate the use of copies of ancient Chinese bronze or jade vessel imported by the Joseon royal court before the reign of King Jeongjo.