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This study provides novel insights into the policy effects of timber legality verification methods, specifically Due-diligence (under the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR)) and Due-care (under the Lacey Act), on coniferous and non-coniferous lumber trade, highlighting their significance in the context of global lumber trade. Timber legality verification plays a pivotal role in the global timber trade. We comprehensively assess the impact of verification methods on coniferous and non-coniferous lumber trade, utilizing two decades of trade data (1997–2017) across approximately 160 countries. We employ the difference-in-differences method based on the gravity model of international trade, utilizing robust export–import data and demographic profiles. Our findings demonstrate that the effect of EUTR on coniferous lumber imports ranged between −0.32% and −0.05%, and that on non-coniferous lumber imports ranged between −0.44% and −0.05%, whereas the effect of the Lacey Act on coniferous lumber imports ranged between −0.93% and −0.09%. Non-coniferous lumber imports remained unaffected. The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) led to decreased exports to the EU and US. Our findings hold two key implications. First, Due-diligence exhibits more consistent policy effects than Due-care. Second, supporting VPA-participating countries is crucial for facilitating timber trade. These insights inform timber trade policies and sustainable practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal mine subsidence hazard can be effectively evaluated by geographic information system (GIS) analysis if sufficient data is provided. It is, however, difficult to obtain ground-based data, especially in remote and less populated mining areas. In this study, we construct and validate a coal mine subsidence hazard map in Taebaek, Korea, by integration of space-borne L-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) measurements and a fuzzy-based subsidence model. There is an approximately 15-year time interval between the radar measurements used for the subsidence hazard model and those used to validate the subsidence. A subsidence hazard map was constructed using Japanese Earth Resources Satellite (JERS-1) SAR data from the early 1990s and the subsidence model. For the coal mine subsidence hazard mapping, a certainty factor analysis was used to estimate the relative weights of four control factors influencing coal mine subsidence, and the relative weight of each factor was then integrated to produce a subsidence hazard index by a fuzzy combination operator. The predicted hazard areas were then investigated and validated by comparison with subsidence occurrences observed by Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS PALSAR) interferometry in 2007–2008. The results showed a good agreement between the predicted locations vulnerable to subsidence and the actual subsidence occurrences with a prediction accuracy of about 73% and a root mean square error of about 0.35. These results demonstrate that a map produced by integration of a subsidence model and SAR interferometry can be used to predict and monitor coal mine subsidence hazards, especially in remote regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The influence of K2O/(MgO+K2O) on some melt properties, including crystallization during cooling of melts and glass-forming ability, was investigated in the Li2O–Al2O3–SiO2 system with low Al2O3 content. The dependence of viscosity on K2O/(MgO+K2O) above 1000°C showed a monotonic decrease due to the reduction of [MgO4] concentration and the conductivity also decreased due to the larger ion radius of K. The temperature dependence of conductivity for all melts showed an abrupt change at one temperature due to crystallization in which temperature of crystallization decreases with increase of K2O. The crystallization behavior near liquidus temperature was studied quantitatively by calculating the crystal volume fraction from apparent viscosity value. The glass-forming ability of the melts was discussed by using data related with viscosity and crystallization. Finally, it was suggested that the melts with K2O/(MgO+K2O)⩾0.75 have a good glass-forming ability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The redox behavior of various elements (Fe, Sb, Ce, Ti, Zn) was investigated in alkali–alkaline earth-silica CRT (Cathode ray tube: TV panel) model glass melts using the square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The current–potential curve, so called voltammogram, was produced at temperature range of 1000–1400°C under the scanned potential between 0 and –800mV at 100Hz. The Fe, Ti and Zn doped melts exhibited one peak due to reduction reaction. In the case of the Sb doped melts, two traces doubted as peak were found in the voltammogram at low temperature while only one peak existed at high temperature. The peak potential was shifted to the negative direction with decrease of temperature, however, its temperature dependence showed linearity. On the other hand, no peak was found in voltammogram of the melts doped with Ce. Based on the temperature dependence of the peak potential, standard enthalpy (ΔH 0) and standard entropy (ΔS 0) for the reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+, Sb3+ to Sb0 and Zn2+ to Zn0 in CRT model glass melts were calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Phosphorescent materials, IR-FPPA1, IR-PPA1 and IR-TPA1 as emission dopants for electroluminescent (EL) devices were synthesized. Three types of devices such as ITO/ NPD/IR-FPPA1 (6%), IR-PPA1 (6%) and IR-TPA1 (6%) in CBP/BCP/Alq/LiF/Al were fabricated. IR-FPPA1, IR-PPA1 and IR-TPA1 exhibited 540 Cd/m2, 6600 Cd/m2 and 590 Cd/m2 with their external quantum efficiency of 1.2%, 8.9% and 3.0% in current densities of 20 mA/cm2, respectively. EL spectra of the IR-FPPA1, IR-PPA1, and IR-TPA1 devices had the band maxima at 490 nm, 535 nm and 615 nm, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel green phosphorescent materials, IR-PPA1, IR-PPA2 and IR-PPA3 were synthesized as emission dopants for electroluminescent(EL)devices. Four kinds of devices were fabricated and the structures of devices were ITO/NPD/IR-PPA1(6%), IR-PPA2(6%), IR-PPA3(6%)or IR-PPY(6%)in CBP/BCP/Alq/LiF/Al, where IR-PPY was used as a reference material for comparison. Novel phosphorescent materials, IR-PPA1, IR-PPA2 and IR-PPA3 represented the luminances of 3930  cd/m 2 , 3220  cd/m 2 and 2620  cd/m 2 , and their external quantum efficiencies, about 9.4%, 7.8%and 6.4%in 11 mA/cm 2 of current density in the EL devices, respectively. The maximum of EL spectra of novel emission dopants were detected at 532  nm in the IR-PPA1 device, and 525  nm in the IR-PPA2 device and 530  nm in the IR-PPA3 device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to define a correlation between spatial distribution of functional feeding groups of aquatic insects and their habitat types in the Geum River based on the theory of River Continuum Concept (RCC). For that object we had classified habitat types of the study area according to various environmental factors and examined closely their distribution characteristics by correlation analysis between biota community and the environmental factors. And then, a probabilistic method named Frequency Ratio Model (FRM) and spatial analysis function of GIS were applied to produce a predictive distribution map of biota community considering their distribution characteristics according to the environmental factors as related variables. As a result, 6 major environmental factors that might affect the classification of habitat types were extracted. Finally, we had compared the predicted distribution map with prior survey database from other researches and then could find out a high correlation between them. The results of this study might be used to develop a new estimation method for aquatic ecosystem with functional feeding groups of aquatic insects and also be used as preliminary data for conservation and restoration of stream habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In 2005, Korea’s first Superconducting Gravimeter (SG) was installed at MunGyung (MG). For the installation of the SG, a new measuring hut with a grounded pier was built. The SG has been successfully recording since April 2005. To monitor the groundwater level changes around the SG, a borehole was drilled in September 2005. For analyzing the gravity data, the SG calibration factor of −64.548μgal/V (μgal=10−8 m/s2) was determined by a parallel registration with an absolute gravimeter. The noise magnitude (NM) at the MG site was determined and compared with other SG stations and the New Low Noise Model. The MG site can be classified within the NM of other SG stations. Additionally, noise caused by misaligned instrumental tilt has been investigated and spectrally analyzed. Covering the instrument with a polystyrene box has resulted in a decrease of this noise. After preprocessing, the tidal analysis has been performed and compared with the Wahr–Dehant tidal model parameters. Non-tidal gravity variations, caused by atmospheric pressure and ground water level variations, were calculated. According to the FES2002 ocean tide model, the ocean loading at MG site was calculated. All known gravity effects (i.e. solid Earth tides, polar motion, atmospheric pressure and ground water level induced gravity variations, and the ocean loading gravity effect) were then subtracted from the SG measured gravity data. The remaining gravity variations (gravity residuals) were spectrally analyzed for detection of unknown gravity effects. Co-seismic gravity changes were detected by the SG for earthquakes with epicenters within a distance of about 100km from the MG station. The largest detected co-seismic gravity change was 0.06μgal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Recently, Bmi1 was shown to control the proliferation and self-renewal of neural stem cells (NSCs). In this study, we demonstrated the induction of NSC-like cells (NSCLCs) from mouse astrocytes by Bmi1 under NSC culture conditions. These NSCLCs exhibited the morphology and growth properties of NSCs, and expressed NSC marker genes, including nestin, CD133, and Sox2. In vitro differentiation of NSCLCs resulted in differentiated cell populations containing astrocytes, neurons, and oligodendrocytes. Following treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors (trichostatin A and valproic acid), the potential of NSCLCs for proliferation, dedifferentiation, and self-renewal was significantly inhibited. Our data indicate that multipotent NSCLCs can be generated directly from astrocytes by the addition of Bmi1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We previously reported that germline chimeras could be produced by transfer of chicken gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) cultured for a short term (5 days). This study was subsequently undertaken to examine whether gPGCs maintained in vitro for an extended period could retain their specific characteristics to induce germline transmission. Chicken (White Leghorn, WL) gPGCs were retrieved from embryos at stage 28 (5.5 days of incubation) and continuously cultured for 2 months in modified Dulbecco’s minimal essential medium without subpassage and changing of the feeder cell layer. After the identification of gPGC characteristics using Periodic acid-Shiff’s (PAS) reaction and anti stage-specific embryonic antigen-1 (SSEA-1) antibody staining at the end of the culture, cultured gPGCs were injected into the dorsal aorta of Korean Ogol Chicken (KOC) recipient embryos at stage 17 (2.5 days of incubation). Nineteen chickens (13 males and 6 females) were hatched, grown to sexual maturity, and subsequently subjected to testcross analysis employing artificial insemination with adult KOC. Of these, four (three males and one female) hatched chickens with white coat color. The percentage of germline chimerism was 21% (4/19). The results of this study demonstrated that gPGCs could maintain their specific characteristics for up to 2 months in vitro, resulting in the birth of germline chimeras following transfer to recipient embryos. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]