Jung-Im Park

Economic load dispatch for piecewise quadratic cost function using Hopfield neural network

The authors present a new method to solve the problem of economic power dispatch with piecewise quadratic cost function using the Hopfield neural network. Traditionally one convex cost function for each generator is assumed. However, it is more realistic to represent the cost function as a piecewise quadratic function rather than one convex function. In this study, multiple intersecting cost functions are used for each unit. Through case studies, the possibility of the application of the Hopfield neural network to the economic load dispatch problem with general nonconvex cost functions was shown. The proposed approach is much simpler and the results are very close to those of the numerical method. >

An effective transplanting technique using shells for restoration of Zostera marina habitats.

Significant declines in seagrass coverage have occurred in many parts of the world. In recent decades, transplanting projects for seagrass restoration at die-off areas have been attempted, but most current seagrass transplanting techniques are cost and labor intensive. We have developed a new seagrass transplanting method in which oyster shells are used as an anchoring device, and does not require SCUBA diving for sub-tidal planting. Here, we tested the shell method for feasibility and efficiency in large-scale seagrass restoration. Planting units consisting of two Zostera marina shoots anchored to one oyster shell were dropped from a boat to settle on the sediment at the test site. Four transplanting trials were conducted throughout the experimental period (December 2003, January, February, and November 2004) in Koje Bay on the southern coast of Korea. Eelgrass shoots planted using the shell method successfully established at the test areas, and the survival rates of transplants were comparable to those obtained using other common planting techniques. The transplant shoot density declined during the first 2-3 months following transplantation due to the initial transplant shock, and then surviving shoots became established at the sites and produced new lateral shoots after these periods. Plant size and leaf productivity of transplants 7 months post-transplanting were similar to or exceeded those of pre-existed shoots, suggesting that the physiological status of transplants is similar to that of natural population after 7 months. Because the shell method did not require workers to be in the water, the method was cost and labor effective. Additionally, given that shells originate from marine environments, the shell method did not leave any hazardous materials in the transplanting areas after restoration.

Growth dynamics of eelgrass, Zostera marina, in the intertidal zone of Seomjin Estuary, Korea

To examine the growth dynamics of eelgrass, Zostera marina, in the intertidal zone of Seomjin Estuary, Korea, we surveyed environmental factors such as water temperature, underwater irradiance, tidal exposure, and nutrient concentrations in the water column and sediment pore water in relation to the shoot density, biomass, morphological characteristics, and growth of Z. marina inhabiting the upper and lower intertidal zones. The survey was conducted monthly from January 2003 to December 2004. The water temperature of the two areas displayed seasonal fluctuations. Underwater irradiance was significantly higher in the upper intertidal zone than in the lower intertidal zone. Tidal exposure was also markedly longer in the upper intertidal zone than in the lower intertidal zone, whereas tidal exposure was highest in the spring and lowest in the summer in both areas. Water column NH4+ and sediment pore water NO3−+NO2− concentrations were significantly higher in the upper intertidal zone than the lower intertidal zone. The eelgrass shoot density, biomass, morphology, and leaf productivity were significantly higher in the lower intertidal zone than in the upper intertidal zone. Both areas displayed a clear seasonal variation depending on changes in water temperature. However, leaf turnover time was significantly shorter in the upper intertidal zone than in the lower intertidal zone, with a higher turnover rate in the upper intertidal zone. Compared to the seagrasses in the lower intertidal zone, those in the upper intertidal zone showed more effective adaptations to the stress of long tidal exposure through downsizing and increased turnover time. These results suggest that tidal exposure, coupled with desiccation stress, can be a limiting factor for seagrass growth in the intertidal zone, along with underwater irradiance, water temperature, and nutrient availability.

Production Ecology of the Seagrass Zostera marina in Jindong Bay, Korea

Production dynamics of eelgrass, Zostera marina was examined in Jindong Bay on the south of the Korea peninsula. Eelgrass leaf productivities and environmental factors such as underwater photon flux density, water temperature, and nutrient availabilities in the water column and sediments were monitored from March 2002 to December 2003. While water temperature exhibited a distinct seasonal trend, underwater irradiance and nutrient availabilities exhibited high degree of fluctuation, and did not show a seasonal trend throughout the experimental periods. Eelgrass leaf elongation and production rates showed significant seasonal variations. Leaf productivity was highest in May (30.0 mg dry wt sht d or 3.7g dry wt md) and lowest in November (3.2 mg dry wt sht d or 0.12 g dry wt m d). Eelgrass leaf productivities did not show a strong correlation with underwater irradiance or environmental nutrient availabilities. The production rates, however, were positively correlated with water temperature during spring periods, and were correlated negatively at high water temperature exceeded 20℃ during summer months. While relative growth rates were highest in spring and lowest in high water temperature periods, plastochrone interval was longest during summer and shortest during spring. These results imply that seasonal growth dynamics of eelgrass, Z. marina was mainly controlled by water temperature.

Seasonal growth dynamics of the seagrass Zostera caulescens on the eastern coast of Korea

Zostera caulescens is an endemic seagrass species in Northeastern Asia. Estimated distributional area of this species is approximately 1–5 km2 on the coasts of Korea. Because Z. caulescens has a very limited distribution, the growth dynamics of Z. caulescens is little known in the coastal waters of Korea. In the present study, we investigated the growth dynamics of Z. caulescens in relation to coincident measurements of environmental factors, such as underwater irradiance, water temperature, and nutrient availability. The study was conducted on a monotypic meadow of Z. caulescens in Uljin on the eastern coast of Korea from September 2011 to September 2012. Shoot density and biomass of Z. caulescens showed distinct seasonal variations, and exhibited strong correlations with water temperature suggesting that the seasonal growth of this species was regulated by water temperature. Shoot density and biomass rapidly decreased during the high water temperature period in summer, and thus Z. caulescens is considered a cold water adapted species like other temperate seagrass species on coasts of Korea. Biomass of photosynthetic leaf tissues on reproductive shoots was approximately 4 times higher than that on vegetative shoots. The height of reproductive shoots ranged from 1.2 m in February 2012 to 3.2 m in August 2012, whereas the height of vegetative shoots was usually less than 1.0 m. Leaf tissues on reproductive shoots probably received much more light for photosynthesis than those on vegetative shoots. Thus, reproductive shoots may play an important role in total production of Z. caulescens.

Selection of the Optimal Transplanting Method and Time for Restoration of Zostera marina Habitats

【Seagrass bed is an important component in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and shelter to a wide variety of fauna. Recently, seagrass coverage has declined significantly due to anthropogenic influences such as reclamation, dredging, and eutrophication and consequently, necessity of seagrass habitat restoration is rising. Transplantation experiments with Zostera marina using TERFS, staple method, and shell method have been conducted at Dadae Bay, Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay on the south coast of Korea to select an optimal transplanting method for restoration of Z. marina habitat. Three experimental sites located at the vicinity of natural Z. marina beds with an average water depth of about 4m. Z. marina plants, which were collected from donor bed in Koje Bay were also transplanted at 7 different time from October 2003 to July 2004 to find appropriate transplanting time. Density of Z. marina was monitored monthly at both transplanted areas and natural beds. Transplantation using the staple method showed the highest survival rate of transplant. Shell method was also an effective transplanting method at muddy areas in Kosung Bay and Jindong Bay, but not suitable at sandy areas in Dadae Bay. These results suggest that sediment composition of transplanting areas should be considered for the selection of the optimal transplanting method. Z. marina transplanted during fall usually showed the highest survival rate, while most Z. marina plants transplanted in summer died due to high lethal temperature during this period.】

Germination rate of Phyllospadix japonicus seeds relative to storage methods and periods

To determine the optimal storage method and longest possible storage period of Phyllospadix japonicus seeds, we examined post-storage germination rates using different storage methods and periods for P. japonicus seeds harvested in Korean coastal waters. P. japonicus seeds are classified as recalcitrant seeds with an average moisture content of 45.4%. Germination rates of P. japonicus seeds stored in seawater at 4 °C, seawater at room temperature with air supply, and an aquarium with continuous seawater circulation ranged from 35.0% to 43.5%, whereas seeds stored in seawater at 30°C, a refrigerator at −20°C, and a desiccator at room temperature did not germinate. Seeds stored at 4°C maintained germination rates of 72.5∼73.0% until 30 days of storage, but showed rapidly decreasing germination rates after 60 days and no germination after 180 days. Since few studies have investigated seed storage of P. japonicus, these results will serve as useful data for seed-based P. japonicus habitat restoration.

An experimental transplantation to select the optimal site for restoration of the eelgrass Zostera marina in the Taehwa River estuary

AbstractsTo select the optimal site for the restoration of seagrass habitats in the Taehwa River estuary, we transplanted the eelgrass Zostera marina to three potential candidate sites in March 2007 and monitored the transplanted seagrass and associated environmental factors for six months. In all three sites, the transplanted seagrasses exhibited no initial morphological loss due to transplanting stress. The transplanted seagrass communities at sites 2 and 3 showed more than a 180% increase in density over the entire survey period. In contrast, despite a density increase in the first month after transplantation, most of the transplanted seagrasses at site 1 died. This may be due to the large decrease in underwater irradiance reaching the seagrass leaves at site 1 for two months during June and July, which fell below the level of compensation irradiance. The growth rate and size of the seagrass shoots were also larger at sites 2 and 3 compared with site 1. This is probably due to higher nutrient concentrations in the sediment pore water at sites 2 and 3 compared with site 1, although water depth, salinity, and the nutrient concentrations in the water columns from the three sites were similar. Therefore, for the restoration of seagrass habitats in the Taehwa River estuary, sites 2 and 3 were preferable to site 1 as transplantation sites.

Effects of the Loess Coating on Seed Germination and Seedling Growths of the Eelgrass, Zostera marina

Seagrass bed is an important component in coastal and estuarine ecosystems, providing food and habitats to a wide variety of marine organisms. Recently, seagrass coverage has declined significantly due to anthropogenic impacts such as cultural eutrophication and reclamation, and thus efforts are under way to prevent further losses and restore disturbed seagrass habitats worldwide. Seagrass transplantation techniques for habitat restoration include vegetative and seed-based methods. Seagrass seeds can be collected easily, and sowing seeds is an economically effective method for large-scale restoration. However, large numbers of seed can be lost by seed predation and physical disturbance in the planting areas. In the present study, Zostera marina seeds were coated with loess to reduce seed loss by predation and sweeping away by the water currents, and germination rates of coated seeds and seedling growth were examined to assess the feasibility of the seed-coating method for large-scale restoration. Germination rate of the coated seeds with loess was significantly higher than that of the uncoated seeds. Additionally, seedling growths were not significantly different between the coated and the uncoated seeds. These results suggest that coating of eelgrass seeds with loess enhances success of seed germintion with no harmful effects on seedling growth. Therefore, the seed coating method using loess may be an effective and applicable seedbased transplanting technique for large-scale restoration.

Growth dynamics of the deep-water Asian eelgrass, Zostera asiatica, in the eastern coastal waters of Korea

Among the seagrasses that occur along the coast of Korea, Zostera asiatica inhabits the deepest depth; however, to date, there is limited information on its ecology. This study presents the first quantitative data on the seasonal growth dynamics of Z. asiatica in Korea. We measured seasonal growth and morphological characteristics, as well as environmental factors, including underwater irradiance, water temperature, salinity and nutrient concentrations of the water column and sediment pore water, bimonthly from July 2012 to May 2015. Underwater irradiance showed clear seasonal trends, increasing in the spring and summer and decreasing in the fall and winter, ranging from 2.4 ± 0.2 mol photons m-2 d-1 in November 2012 to 12.8 ± 1.3 mol photons m-2 d-1 in July 2014. Water temperature also followed a strong seasonal trend similar to underwater irradiance, ranging from 9.8 ± 0.1°C in January 2013 to 20.5 ± 0.2°C in September 2013. Nutrient availability fluctuated substantially, but there was no evidence of distinct seasonal variations. Shoot density, biomass, leaf productivity, and morphological characteristics of Z. asiatica exhibited significant seasonal variations: maximum values of these variables occurred in summer, and the minima were recorded in winter. Total shoot density was highest (218.8 ± 18.8 shoots m-2) in July 2012 and lowest (106.3 ± 6.3 shoots m-2) in January 2013. Total biomass ranged from 182.6 ± 16.9 g dry weight (DW) m-2 in January 2015 to 310.9 ± 6.4 g DW m-2 in July 2014.Areal leaf production was highest (4.9 ± 0.0 g DW m-2 d-1) in July 2012 and lowest (1.4 ± 0.2 g DW m-2 d-1) in January 2013. The optimum water temperature for the growth of Z. asiatica was between 16-19°C. Growth of Z. asiatica was more strongly correlated with underwater irradiance than water temperature, suggesting that light is the most important factor determining seasonality of Z. asiatica at the study site.