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This article explores the conception and execution of paper currency schemes in Tokugawa Japan (1603–1868). Paper currency was widely used as a form of local money in early modern Japan, but has received close to no attention in Anglophone scholarship even amid a recent upsurge in interest in the global history of money. From the perspective of monetary history, Tokugawa paper currency presents an intriguing puzzle. Even as paper currencies repeatedly collapsed in value, they remained in common use as an essential component of the early modern monetary system. Using the case of Sendai domain, a large fiefdom in northeastern Japan, the article argues that the monetary practices and expectations of ordinary subjects transformed paper money, created through partnerships between the samurai ruling class and powerful merchant financiers, from a tool meant to serve the interests of state finances into a low‐denomination currency convenient for everyday transactions, resulting in the bills' surprising longevity as a form of small change. Drawing on approaches that centre the role of non‐state and marginal actors in the making of money, it sheds new light on the political economy of late Tokugawa Japan and offers new insights into the global history of money. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional papermaking was a significant innovation that intrigued the information-sharing society in a wide range of the globe. The importance of finding the historical background hidden behind the historical traditional paper is critical to understanding societies in history. Advanced molecular biological research is applied to many forensic studies to identify the origin and criminal events. Yet, biological research refrained from the heritage science of traditional papers due to its damage to the samples. The current study explores the Pearson correlation between DNA in traditional paper and non-destructive measurement of characteristics of traditional paper. DNA concentration and purity were found to have a proportional relationship based on the CIEL*a*b* color system. The color of the traditional paper was assessed assessment shows green and yellow rather than red and blue. The DNA concentration demonstrated a positive linear correlation with the peaks of 992 cm−1, 1599 cm−1, and 1628 to 1638 cm−1 region, which were lignin-specific functional groups. The presence of lignin in traditional paper defines the colors green and yellow, which is related to the presence of a cell wall. The quantity of cell walls present is linked to DNA survival during the traditional papermaking process. Furthermore, the partial least square (PLS) regression model is established. The prediction model based on DNA, paper properties, and smoothing + the second derivative preprocessed attenuated total reflection-Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectral data demonstrated valid purity predictions. The evaluation parameter of the cross-validated prediction model contains a low Root Mean Square Error of Cross-Validation (RMSECV) of 0.091 for DNA purity. The determination coefficient was close to 1. However, the further establishment of a validated DNA extraction methodology is required for the consistency of the prediction model for DNA concentration. The hierarchical clustering analysis demonstrated the agglomerative dendrogram on traditional paper samples. For the dendrogram, the Nasu paper mulberry (originating in northern Japan) was distinguished from another paper mulberry (originating in southwestern Japan) by clustering. By multivariate statistical analysis, the DNA presence and quality were predictable from the Japanese traditional papers. In addition, the clustering analysis provided the possible origin of paper mulberry materials for traditional papers. Based on the preliminary information, the need for DNA analysis on historical traditional paper can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the relative effectiveness of online and paper-based formative assessment in the learning of English as a second language. For this study, 74 Japanese university second language (L2) students took online quizzes, while 71 were given paper-based quizzes to complete. The quiz content was drawn from learning material found in the class textbook. Both groups were assigned the exercises as homework. At the end of the 15-week study period, both groups were administered a summative assessment that also covered learning points from the textbook. After controlling for the learners' L2 proficiency through their TOEIC test scores, the performance of the two groups on the formative quiz was compared through correlation and regression analysis. While there was found to be a statistically significant relationship between the online formative assessment and summative exam scores, this was not the case for the paper-based homework. When compared through an analysis of covariance, there was found to be a significant interaction between group and homework on exam scores. The online group was more affected by their homework score than the pencil and paper group. The findings from this study have implications for teachers, learners and curriculum developers.

Several researchers have compared the efficacy of digital flashcards (DFs) versus paper flashcards (PFs) to improve L2 vocabulary and have concluded that using DFs is more effective (Azabdaftari & Mozaheb, 2012; Basoglu & Akdemir, 2010; Kiliçkaya & Krajka, 2010). However, these studies did not utilize vocabulary learning strategies (VLSs) as a way to support the vocabulary development of those using PFs. This is significant because DFs often offer a range of features to promote vocabulary development, whereas PFs are much more basic; thus, learners who study via paper materials are at a disadvantage compared with those who use DFs. Given the success that VLSs have had in fostering L2 vocabulary enhancement (e.g., Mizumoto & Takeuchi, 2009), their incorporation could have influenced the previous studies. Therefore, one of the primary aims of this study was to find if there were significant differences in receptive and productive L2 vocabulary improvements between students who used PFs in conjunction with 3 VLSs -- dropping, association, and oral rehearsal -- and those who used the DF tools Quizlet and Cram. Additionally, the researchers examined the learners' opinions to see if there was a preference for either study method. A total of 52 EFL students at two Japanese universities participated in the 12-week study. Pre- and post-tests were administered to measure the vocabulary gains in the PF group (n = 26) and the DF group (n = 26). Results from a paired t-test revealed that both groups made significant improvements in receptive and productive vocabulary. However, the difference between the gains was not significant, which contrasts with past comparison studies of DFs and PFs and highlights the importance of VLSs. A 10-item survey with closed and Likert-scale questions was also administered to determine the participants' opinions towards the study methods. Higher levels of agreement were found in the experimental group, indicating that the students viewed DFs more favorably than PFs.

Since Marx reported on osteonecrosis of the jaw caused by the injectable bisphosphonates (BPs) pamidronate and zoledronate, there have been numerous reports not only in Western countries, but in Japan as well, of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) as a pathology similar to radiation-related osteonecrosis/osteomyelitis of the jaw, which is accompanied by exposure of the bone. Osteonecrosis of the jaw similar to that occurring with BPs is also produced with the anti-receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL) antibody denosumab, a bone resorption inhibitor that has a different mode of action from BPs, and there is also a report of osteonecrosis of the jaw related to bevacizumab, an angiogenic inhibitor. Because of this, in its newest position paper (2014), the AAOMS changed the nomenclature from BRONJ to "medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw" (MRONJ). This article presents an overview of the position paper on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and the current status of the MRONJ in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some macroalgae drift on the ocean and are stranded on coasts, and these stranded brown macroalgae are regarded to be degraded by organisms. Alginate is a major component of brown macroalgae. An uncovering of how carbon is cycled through brown macroalgae is needed to deeply understand coastal ecosystems. In this study, to gain insights into metabolism of brown macroalgae and alginate in the organisms, we initially confirmed that supralittoral talitrid amphipods (beach fleas or sandhoppers collected on the Shibagaki coast in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan) fed on the brown macroalgae. We then isolated bacteria such as Vibrio sp. with alginate-assimilating capability from the gut of the amphipods. Metagenomic analysis of the gut of amphipods housed in several conditions (e.g. macroalgae or paper as feed, non-sterilized or sterilized environment) showed no condition-dependent compositions of bacteria and fungi, but Vibrio sp. were detected at high frequency, in good agreement with the isolation of Vibrio sp. An intervention study using antibiotics showed that amphipods fed on algae or paper at about the same rate in the presence or absence of antibiotics, and that the antibiotics had no effects on the life span. Moreover, intervention with antibiotics completely killed Vibrio sp. and some other bacteria, and had significant effects on the composition of the flora in the gut, with elimination of the variations observed in the guts of amphipods housed without antibiotics. These data suggest that microbes that were killed by antibiotics, including Vibrio sp., in the gut of talitrid amphipods are not essential for assimilation of brown macroalgae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: The excellent physical and chemical properties of Abacá and Japan papers make them one of the most used materials in restoration of cultural assets on paper. The objective of this work is to characterize the fibers that compose them and identify plant genera or species that were used in their manufacture. M&M: Fibers from samples of each paper and previously collected reference plant material were disintegrated. The diagnostic characters of the fibers were observed with a photomicroscope and photomicrographs were taken. Subsequently, the homologous characters were compared by relating the Abacá paper fiber samples with those of Musa sp. and the Japan paper samples with Broussonetia sp. and Euonymus sp. Results: There were coincidences between the diagnostic characters of the paper fibers of Abacá and Musa sp. Regarding the Japan paper samples, there were results consistent with Broussonetia sp. but not with Euonymus sp. Conclusions: According to the results observed between the Abacá paper fibers and the samples of the collected living material, we infer that the Abacá paper contains fibers of Musa sp. In the Japan paper samples, the similarities observed between the diagnostic characters of the fibers with respect to the reference plant samples indicate the presence of Broussonetia sp. fibers. There is no evidence of fibers of Euonymus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper can be reused to efficiently manage biomass consumption, meaning that it has potential as an environmentally friendly material. On the other hand, because of high energy usage during the recycling process and transportation inefficiencies, there is a call for the development of technologies that can mitigate this environmental burden. This study evaluated, from a lifecycle perspective, a new technology that can collect and recycle paper within the office. This technology can reduce by over 90% the amount of water used compared with the conventional recycled paper that is pulped and bleached once by the dry process. It also eliminates transportation from paper collection facilities to recycling factories, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This new technology is already in use in Japan, and analyses by user data indicate that evaluation results differ greatly depending on the utilization rate of the machine. In the future, environmental information should be shared by both users and manufacturers, so that users could increase their utilization rate, and manufacturers could develop alternative bonding agents in order to further reduce the total environmental burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is applying critical discourse analysis (CDA) to mission statements of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Kansai area of Japan to examine how those texts may be reflecting their views on migration and impacting their practices related to international students. The analysis shows similarities across CSO types in choosing organizational names, using vague and bureaucratic vocabulary for formulating their mission statements, as well as confusing and contradictory style of some statements and event announcements that may be misleading or discouraging for potential members. At the same time, diversity of vocabulary referring to their target audience demonstrates shifting perspectives of CSOs on international students and more generally, on foreigners living in Japan.

Continual development necessitates innovation. One must discover seeds of innovation and then concentrate resources on these seeds. To do so, one must recognize technology trends and then adopt and execute appropriate innovation strategies. This study used advanced change point detection method to investigate leading indicators that represent changes in technology trends. We examine patents, papers, and newspaper articles in Japan and US for 55 technologies. Results suggest that patents can be more appropriate as leading indicators than either papers or newspapers. This result can contribute to appropriate innovation strategies for planning and updating, and can provide tools that are useful to decision-makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication seeks to consider statistics education in Japan while referencing a student paper. The paper to be considered is as follows: "Gakusei no Koudou ga Gakusei Seikatsu Manzokudo ni Ataeru Eikyou" (The Influence of Student Behavior on the Degree of Satisfaction Perceived in Student Life).

The increasing presence of e-books (electronic books) has become a major focus in countries around the world. In the United States, e-books represented 28% of the total book sales for 2012. In Japan, the conversion from paper books to e-books is expected to accelerate by the prevalent use of smartphones and tablet PCs. It is therefore important to quantitatively evaluate the environmental load of paper books and e-books for a sustainable society. In this study, paper books are compared to e-books read on different electronic devices (e-ink tablets, tablets, cell phones, smartphones, laptop computers, desktop computers and portable music players) through a case study on a 224-page book. The study is based on key primary data such as use time and reading speed for each device and aims to minimize assumptions made in other studies. GHG emissions for paper books are 1.24 kg-CO 2 e/book, and are reduced to 1.11 kg-CO 2 e/book when the effect of paper recycling is taken into consideration. The results for e-books under average use-time conditions range from 0.25 to 0.91 kg-CO 2 e/book with the e-ink tablet having the lowest emissions. When the average use time of each e-book device is applied, the paper book has a higher impact than all the e-books. However, sensitivity analysis shows that the impact of paper books can be lower than that of e-books for larger screen devices such as tablets, laptops and desktops when the reuse of books is considered or the e-book reading device is hardly used during its life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this case report is to describe a minimally invasive technique for non-vital tooth bleaching using traditional Japanese paper, known as washi. Non-vital tooth bleaching with a mixture of sodium perborate and 30% hydrogen peroxide rolled in Japanese paper for a traumatically injured tooth, and in-office vital-tooth bleaching for the upper front six teeth and first premolars, were performed. Five-year follow-up showed satisfactory stability in the bleaching effects and did not show any problems in the traumatically injured tooth. The use of Japanese paper for non-vital tooth bleaching may minimize damage to discolored non-vital teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nonclinical safety studies for new drug development, healthy animals have been commonly used. However, in some cases, the use of animal models of human disease is considered to be more favorable in evaluating risks in patients. To elucidate the current status of the use of animal models for nonclinical safety assessment, an internal questionnaire from the Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and surveys (questionnaire period: August 27 to September 30, 2015) of both common technical documents and review reports of approved drugs (approval period: May 1999 to May 2017) disclosed by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency were conducted. Although there were some concerns and limitations raised, the survey results revealed that animal models have been used in nonclinical safety assessment on a case-by-case basis and that nonclinical safety studies using animal models were included in the data packages of several approved drugs in Japan. The survey results also revealed that nonclinical safety studies using animal models have become more frequent in the past few years. In almost all cases, useful information, such as signs of toxicity under disease conditions and mechanisms of toxic change, was obtained from the results of nonclinical studies using animal models. Note: This is an opinion article submitted to the Toxicologic Pathology Forum. It represents the views of the author(s). It does not constitute an official position of the Society of Toxicologic Pathology, British Society of Toxicological Pathology, or European Society of Toxicologic Pathology, and the views expressed might not reflect the best practices recommended by these Societies. This article should not be construed to represent the policies, positions, or opinions of their respective organizations, employers, or regulatory agencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the prevalence of postdoctoral fellows in fast-moving and competitive scientific research. We use the results of a new and original large-scale survey of scientists in Japan and the United States for the analyses. Descriptive statistics show that, in both Japan and the United States: (1) the mean citation time lag was shorter by about 2 years in the highly cited papers (top 1 %) compared to other normal papers; and (2) the perceived degree of competitive threat was also higher for the projects producing the highly cited papers compared to those for normal papers. We also found that the likelihood of participation of postdoctoral fellows is significantly higher in research with shorter mean time lag and higher competitive threat (while that of students is not), controlling for author size, suggesting that postdoctoral fellows are especially prevalent in research efforts in fast-moving and competitive scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a summary of the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) White paper which shows developments on the radiation levels and exposure due to the nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS) in Japan since 2013. Topics discussed include the radionuclide releases to atmosphere and water, assessment of radiation doses to the public from external exposure, and radiation doses to FDNPS workers.

Background : The number of papers published by an institution is acknowledged as an easy-to-understand research outcome. However, the quantity as well as the quality of research papers needs to be assessed. Methods: To determine the relation between the number of published papers and paper quality, a survey was conducted to assess publications focusing on interventional clinical trials reported by 11 core clinical research hospitals. A score was calculated for each paper using Système d'interrogation , de gestionet d'analyse des publications scientifiques scoring system, allowing for a clinical paper quality assessment independent of the field. Paper quality was defined as the relative Journal impact factor (IF) total score/number of papers. Results: We surveyed 580 clinical trial papers. For each of the 11 medical institutions (a–k), respectively, the following was found: number of published papers: a:66, b:64, c:61, d:56, e:54, f:51, g:46, h:46, i:46, j:45, k:45 (median: 51, maximum: 66, minimum: 45); total Journal IF: a:204, b:252, c:207, d:225, e:257, f:164, g:216, h:190, i:156, j:179, k:219 (median: 207, maximum: 257, minimum: 156); relative Journal IF total score: a:244, b:272, c:260, d:299, e:268, f:215, g:225, h:208, i:189, j:223, k:218 (median: 225, maximum: 299, minimum: 189); and paper quality (relative Journal IF total score/number of papers): a:3.70, b:4.25, c:4.26, d:5.34, e:4.96, f:4.22, g:4.89, h:4.52, i:4.11, j:4.96, k:4.84 (median: 4.52, maximum: 5.34, minimum: 3.70). Additionally, no significant relation was found between the number of published papers and paper quality (correlation coefficient, −0.33, P = 0.32). Conclusions: The number of published papers does not correspond to paper quality. When assessing an institution's ability to perform clinical research, an assessment of paper quality should be included along with the number of published papers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the concurrent occurrences of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have led to global disruptions in supply chains and a surge in commodity prices. Major advanced economies have experienced an increase in inflation rates and a decline in economic activity. Against this economic backdrop, this paper aims to address the strained condition of supply chains by employing the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index (GSCPI) alongside commodity price indices. Furthermore, it seeks to examine how fluctuations in these variables affect Japan's macroeconomic landscape through local projection and structural Vector Autoregression (VAR). In the local projection analysis, it has been observed that the strain on supply chains induces sustained increases in consumer and producer prices, further contributing to long-term declines in production. Within the structural VAR model framework, the identification of structural shocks is conducted through sign restrictions, affirming the significance of supply chain shocks and energy and food price shocks as crucial factors contributing to recent price increases. This confirmation is supported by variance decomposition and historical decomposition analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to explore how researchers in general, and field researchers in particular, might respond to systems of governance of the researchers' activity in ways that can support rather than distort the quality of the research. Design/methodology/approach: We draw upon literature on serendipity to develop a framework for engaging with the positive and negative potentials of systems of governance. We ground our analysis in discussion of participation in the field comprising two parts: first, the examination of our own activities and second, the accounts of participation found in two career-autobiographical interviews with emeritus professors of management accounting from Japan. Findings: We highlight the potential for a productive tension between two contrasting perspectives that researchers might take on governance of their activity. A contractual perspective sees the value of targets and detailed pre-planning. A reflexive perspective sees the value of exploring the unexpected and considering many alternatives. We offer a framework for considering serendipity and the conditions that facilitate serendipity to help researchers maintain a productive tension between these perspectives. Research limitations/implications: We build upon retrospective accounts of two successful individuals whose careers evolved in a specific context. The intention is not to set out what might be generally achievable in a research career, nor to propose specific lines of action or planning in relation to specific systems of governance, since these vary across countries and over time. Rather, the paper draws on these materials to illuminate the more general challenge of preparing for serendipity in a way that goes beyond simple opportunism. Originality/value: We analyse how researchers' mindfulness of serendipity and the nature of contexts that facilitate serendipity can encourage a productive tension between contractual and reflexive perspectives on governance of academic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper illustrates how Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), focuses on culture and talent engineering to nurture business sustainability, innovation and growth. The authors of this paper worked directly with TMC directors, business leaders, executives, organizational architects and talent operators to determine the main components and characteristics of their talent strategy. The authors have also explored how key elements of traditional Japanese business practices were considered when developing the corporate strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On behalf of the editorial office of Neurospine, we would like to extend our appreciation to all the readers who have supported the journal throughout the year. Neurospine was established in March 2018 through a collaboration of 3 leading spinal neurosurgery societies from Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Since then, Neurospine has continued to enhance its academic impact, serving as a platform for sharing knowledge and information related to the management of spinal diseases. In this article, we aim to present the bibliometrics of Neurospine, including the submission and publication of manuscripts and the peer review process. We are looking forward to continued growth and serving the academic community to the best of our ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a super-aging society, health promotion activities in local Japanese communities are increasingly essential. Developing the health-promotion programs must include the perspective of older people residing in these communities and what they believe to be their regional strengths. This study aimed to clarify the elements of regional strengths perceived by older people living in local Japanese communities from the literature review. Using the internet edition of the Japan Medical Abstracts Society (Ichu-shi), the authors examined papers on Japanese regional residents using relevant keywords. Of 342 considered papers, 14 papers were extracted in this study. As a result, the contents related to the regional strengths perceived by the older people living in the local Japanese community were extracted, classified based on the similarity of the meanings and contents, and then summarized into the elements of the strengths. As the regional strengths, three categories were cited for individual elements: "Actions or behaviors underpinned by experience," "Continuing to live with positivity and vigor," and "Extensive support for the subject and their family." Three categories were cited for environmental elements: "A comfortable environment," "Maintaining intimate and friendly interpersonal relations," and "Support that meets the regional characteristics." Along with individual and environmental elements, support from experts in the region was cited. Hence, it was concluded that the active participation of experts is essential for promoting activities in local communities, and that deepening relationship with older people has the potential to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the sixth special issue on Design and Manufacturing for Environmental Sustainability. As the first special issue on this topic was issued in 2009, the topic has thirteen years of history in this journal. Environmental sustainability was recognized as important for manufacturing even at that time. This is why the special issue was started in this journal. The seriousness of this topic has been increasing not only in Europe but also in Japan and other countries. One critical trend as of late has been the way that the attitude of companies regarding this issue, including their positions on carbon neutrality, circular economy, and biodiversity, has come to determine the value of the company in the eyes of, for example, environment, society, and governance (ESG) finance. Nowadays, we cannot say sustainability or business; we should pursue businesses that contribute to sustainability. This sixth special issue includes eighteen well-written papers, with one more paper to follow. This series of special issues has focused on topics related to ecodesign, recycling, remanufacturing, low-energy and low-emission manufacturing, and circular economy. The papers in this special issue are also deeply related to these topics. As a result of the thirteen-year history of the special issue, we have been able to learn some viewpoints specific to the series in this journal. This has led this special issue to consist of four subcategories, although they are not explicitly represented in the table of contents. The first subcategory consists of seven papers, from the first paper by K. Halada et al. to the seventh paper by A. Yoshimura et al. These papers are related to design, including evaluation, business, remanufacturing, and materials. Among others, the important viewpoint common to these papers is the "flow" of product lifecycles and materials. The second category starts with the eighth paper by C. Ye et al. and ends with the eleventh paper by Y. Yamashita et al. These papers deal with manufacturing issues in the context of the environmental sustainability. For example, the eighth paper deals with the crushing of a photovoltaic panel, and the nineth paper by T. Cheng et al. deals with detecting lithium-ion battery fires, which are a serious problem for recycling plants. The application of additive manufacturing to remanufacturing discussed in the tenth paper by N. Sato et al. is also an important topic in the field of sustainable manufacturing. The third subcategory consists of three papers, from the twelfth paper by J.-C. Tu et al. to the fourteenth by A. Y. T. Panuju et al. These are related to consumer behavior. The fourth subcategory, from the fifteenth paper by M. Kojima to the last paper by S. Tajima, deals with issues related to developing countries and locality. These two topics of consumer behavior and developing countries are indispensable to the discussion of environmental sustainability, yet they are rarely discussed in engineering journals. The editor believes that no other journal deals with these four subcategories in a special issue. Most of the papers, revised and extended in response to the editor's invitations, were originally presented at EcoDesign 2021: the 12th International Symposium on Environmentally Conscious Design and Inverse Manufacturing, which was held online. The editor sincerely thanks the authors and reviewers for their devoted work in making this special issue possible. We hope that these articles will encourage further research into design and manufacturing for environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the restoration of painted artworks, the colour characterisation is a fundamental analysis to address the choice of suitable materials for the recovery and the consolidation of the painting layers. In this paper, we present a diagnostic study on a unique Japanese painted paper handscroll (emakimono), dated back between the late Edo (1603-1867) and the early Meiji (1868- 1912) periods, preserved at the Museum of the Civilisation- Prehistoric Ethnographic Museum "Luigi Pigorini" in Rome (Italy). The artwork required an urgent restoration and the consolidation of the entire structure. In order to define specific interventions, non-destructive measurements by means of Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS) X-Rays Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF) were carried out on the artefact. The results allowed the identification of the colour palette used for tests on the chromaticity and the efficacy of the proper consolidants to employ in the restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Although research in general medicine is important, the contributions and characteristics of general medicine physicians (GMPs) in university hospitals (UH) and community healthcare facilities (CHF) remains unclear. Therefore, this study examines the popularity of research by affiliation, characteristics of journal publication, annual trends, and differences in impact factors (IFs) of journal publications. Methods: This study is a secondary bibliometric analysis of articles in international journals published in PubMed over the past six years (2015– 2020). The analysis compared English articles published by either UH- or CHF-affiliated GMPs in Japan in terms of, among other things, article type, research field, and IF. Results: Of the 2372 articles analyzed, 1688 (71.2%) were published by physicians affiliated with UHs, 62.6% of which were original. Basic research, international collaboration, and ratio of IFs were significantly higher for such papers. In contrast, the number of CHF articles were significantly higher in the areas of clinical research and practice, with a greater proportion of case reports. There was no significant difference in IF between the disciplines within each affiliation, but the IF was the highest in experimental basic research and the lowest in medical and clinical education. In the six-year time series, the number of original papers by UHs and CHFs increased roughly twofold between 2015 and 2020, but the number of articles in the areas of medical education and healthcare quality and safety remained mostly unchanged. Conclusion: The number of international papers published by Japanese GMPs has increased since 2015, particularly in terms of original papers and clinical research from UHs. However, there was no significant difference in the IF between UH and CHF publications. Our findings can guide the development of indicators, research, and education strategies regarding Japanese GMPs' research performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, approximately 23.5 billion paper diapers are produced annually (total of diapers for infants and adults produced in 2018). The majority of used paper diapers are disposed of through incineration; in certain regions, some paper diapers are recycled, mostly by open-loop recycling or thermal recycling. To date, several methods of recycling used paper diapers have been proposed and developed, but these methods are considered to have different types and amounts of recycled materials and different environmental performances. In this study, a new technology was developed for the closed-loop recycling of used paper diapers, and the use of the recycled pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) as materials for paper diapers was evaluated via the environmental impact using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method, using data obtained from experimental facilities for recycling. The results between the comparison of the new method with the landfill and incineration processes demonstrate a greenhouse gas reduction of 47% and 39%, respectively. The results also show that such recycling is expected to reduce land-use occupation and water consumption, closely related to the pulp, main raw material of paper diapers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies have indicated that higher numbers of nurses regarding staffing ensure patient safety and a better practice environment. Using citation analysis, this study visualizes the landscape of nurse staffing research over the last two decades to show the overall publication trends, major contributors, and main research topics. We extracted bibliometric information from PubMed from January 2000 to September 2022. After clustering the network, we analyzed each cluster's characteristics by keyword. A total of 2167 papers were considered for analysis, and 14 clusters were created. The analysis showed that the number of papers published per year has been increasing. Researchers from the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Belgium have led this field. As the main clusters in nurse staffing research during the past two decades, the following five research settings were identified: nurse outcome and patient outcome research in acute care hospitals, nurse staffing mandate evaluation research, nursing home research, and school nurse research. The first three clusters accounted for more than 80% of the total number of published papers, and this ratio has not changed in the past 20 years. To further develop nurse staffing research globally, evidence from other geographic areas, such as African and Asian countries, and from long-term care or community settings is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preserving cultural artifacts while minimizing the energy consumption and costs associated with environmental control is crucial. This often requires predicting artifacts degradation caused by temperature and humidity. Here, mechanical damage can be predicted by comparing stress and damage criteria. Although the constitutive coefficients and damage criteria of various materials have been extensively studied, the mechanical properties of white clay remain unknown. This material is a crucial component of various artifacts including some important cultural artifacts and national treasures of Japan. Thus, this study aims to identify the strength and elastic properties of simulated white clay mimicking the substrate of the wall paintings Hiten at Kondo, the main hall at Horyu-ji Temple. Following existing literature, we created the simulated white clay by combining clay, paper fiber, and rice glue. We fabricated 36 distinct specimen patterns by varying the equilibrium humidity and material mixing ratios. We measured the tensile strength using splitting tensile tests and, compressive strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio using compressive tests. The tensile strength, compressive strength, Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio ranged from 0.0785–1.17(MPa), 0.358–3.67(MPa), 0.0394–0.274 (GPa), and 0.10–0.44(-), respectively, with variations depending on the equilibrium humidity and ratio of material mixing. We also formulated the results as functions that depend on the equilibrium humidity and material mixing ratios. These findings can be used to predict stress and damage to targeted wall paintings and to inform the preservation and restoration of cultural artifacts containing white clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The events of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan have garnered global concern. Despite nuclear power plants addressing numerous energy challenges, they poses substantial risks to environmental safety. The global legal basis to fulfill due regard obligations toward nuclear wastewater discharge involves international nuclear energy and marine environmental protection laws. There is substantive scope of due regard obligations toward nuclear wastewater discharge, including fulfilling international duties, prohibiting marine environmental pollution, preventing transboundary harm, and ensuring procedural obligations. The procedural obligations encompass timely notification of nuclear pollution, scientific assessment, and active consultation and cooperation with the international community. As there are still numerous obstacles to the application of due regard in the discharge of nuclear wastewater, the international marine environment frequently suffers from nuclear pollution. Considering the potential for transboundary environmental harm owing to the discharge of nuclear wastewater, this paper proposes effective solutions to this issue from the perspective of sustainable development of the marine environment. These solutions include formulating specific normative guidelines, clarifying liability for paying transboundary harm compensation, developing unified international assessment standards, and establishing an international platform for mandatory cooperation. Such solutions reinforce the national responsibility of all countries to actively fulfill their due regard obligations and effectively resolve the issue of potential irreversible damage to the marine environment. Additionally, the paper provides suggestions regarding how the international community can address the issue of Japan's nuclear wastewater discharge and other similar issues that may arise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Simple Summary: Today's zoos and aquariums claim to be shifting from being entertainment facilities to centers for the conservation of biodiversity. To make this shift, scientific research, including understanding the biology of endangered species and improving the environment of captive animals, is essential. Several studies have examined the trends in the number of research papers published by zoos and aquariums globally and indicated that this number has increased over the past few decades. In this study, we examined the trends in the number of papers published by Japanese zoos and aquariums over the past 62 years to determine whether research activities are also developing in Japan. We found that the number of research papers has significantly increased and that the research fields have diversified since around 1990. However, we also found some problems: about a quarter of the institutions have published no papers, research targets in zoos were biased toward captive mammals and that aquariums conducted little research on animal welfare. Addressing these issues, we would argue, will help Japanese zoos and aquariums to make further progress. With the shift in their social roles, modern zoos and aquariums are required to develop scientific research. Although zoos and aquariums worldwide have reported an increase in the number of papers they publish and the diversification of their fields in recent decades, the specific circumstances in Japan are slightly unclear. We listed peer-reviewed papers authored by Japanese zoos and aquariums using search engines and quantitatively evaluated the changes in the number of papers published over 62 years. Our results showed that papers published in Japan have increased remarkably since the 1990s, and research fields have diversified as in the rest of the world. In particular, joint research with research institutes has seen an upward trend, and the instances of English-language papers have increased. Meanwhile, the content of the research was biased. In zoos, research on animal welfare has been increasing, but the focus was heavily biased toward captive mammals. Aquariums contributed to the understanding of local ecosystems through the fundamental study of wildlife, but there were fewer papers on improving husbandry. Our results indicated that while research by Japanese zoos and aquariums is developing, research on welfare, conservation, and education regarding native endangered species must still be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research explores the initial skepticism and bewilderment among zoo staff about animal welfare and environmental enrichment introduced in Japanese zoos in the mid-1990s. Based on the results of a 2001 questionnaire survey conducted by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums and publicly available literature, this paper demonstrates that this skepticism and confusion are not simply due to wariness of a new initiative but to a complex combination of factors, including inadequate information, historical and cultural context, and differing perceptions of animal care in the legal system. For example, it was shown that in the early 2000s, environmental enrichment was misinterpreted as exhibit strategy, leading to resistance from zoo staff. This misinterpretation and resistance can be traced back to the post-World War II popularity of mobile zoos and the legal perception of animals as mere "living beings", not "sentient beings" under Japan's Animal Protection Law. Through the analysis of a case study in Japan in the early 2000s, this paper aims to identify some of the early challenges to introducing and practicing animal welfare and environmental enrichment in non-Western cultures and contribute to better understanding and practice. Despite regional differences, this study aims to contribute to understanding and improving the universal acceptance and application of animal welfare. This study examines the Japanese zoo staff's initial skepticism and bewilderment regarding animal welfare and environmental enrichment in the mid-1990s. Utilizing a 2001 questionnaire conducted by the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums and existing literature reveals that this resistance stemmed from inadequate information, cultural history, and legal perspectives on animal care. Specifically, environmental enrichment was initially misunderstood as an exhibition strategy, partly due to post-WWII trends in mobile zoos and legal views of animals as non-sentient under Japan's Animal Protection Law. The research highlights the early hurdles in adopting animal welfare and environmental enrichment in non-Western settings, aiming to provide insights for other regions dealing with similar transitional challenges. It also addresses misperceptions about environmental enrichment in the context of empathetic relationships and professional ethics in Japanese zoology, offering insights into regions facing similar issues. Additionally, the paper discusses the progression of animal welfare practices in Japanese zoos and related managerial challenges, acknowledging cultural and institutional factors. Despite regional differences, this study aims to contribute to understanding and improving the universal acceptance and application of animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effective tracking and analysis of moving objects within urban environments presents a complex challenge that necessitates robust geospatial data integration. Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) APIs offer standardized approaches to managing dynamic geospatial information. This paper presents a case study of real-time moving object tracking including buses and trains in the city of Munakata, Japan, utilizing two prominent OGC APIs: OGC API Moving Features and OGC SensorThings API. The study explores the implementation of both APIs, examining their strengths and limitations in handling real-time location updates and associated sensor data generated by moving buses. The research provides insights into the practical suitability of each API model for dynamic object tracking, offering valuable guidance for practitioners seeking to optimize geospatial data integration within smart cities and intelligent transportation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is one of most promising means to prevent global warming in the present Japan. Since solar panels mounted on building façades are expected to come into wide use in urban areas, accurate estimation of PV potential of building façades is necessary for urban energy management planning. Accordingly, we have developed a system to estimate PV potential of urban buildings using a 3D city model. The system has two significant features: rapid estimation of hourly solar irradiance of points densely distributed on a building surface, and more flexible estimation of PV potential considering an arrangement of solar panels on a building surface. The paper reports our newly developed method to estimate PV potential of urban buildings considering an arrangement of solar panels using dense solar irradiance distribution on a building surface. The rapid estimation of dense solar irradiance distribution on a building surface enables the system to handle more flexible arrangement of solar panels with providing width and height of a solar panel, and clearance around solar panels. Considering some restrictions such as minimum solar irradiance of a solar panel makes PV potential estimated by the system become more realistic. The paper reports experiments conducted in seven urban districts in Japan to investigate the flexibility of the method by using various settings of panel installing conditions. Experiment results indicate that our developed method can estimate PV potential flexibly considering an arrangement of solar panels corresponding to various settings of panel installing conditions such as size of a solar panel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to estimate a statistical model of the country risk determination as represented by the country price earnings ratio (PE) to identify potentially mispriced countries. It uses the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate and a dummy indicator for market-related events (i.e. financial crises), both approximating the business cycle. The model is used to compare a major Asian country's (i.e. Japan) risk with Western countries' risk. Design/methodology/approach: The model used finance variables such as the systemic, non-diversifiable, risk and foreign direct investments to characterize any country risk. A random effects model with panel data estimated the effects of macroeconomic and financial variables on PE. The simultaneity problem was checked using two stage least squares and some lagged independent variables. Findings: The results explained to investors the country risk contributing factors: PE was positively correlated with variables that may increase dividends and market risk premia similar to GDP growth rates and total risk and negatively correlated with variables that increase market risk, namely, nominal risk-free interest rates and financial crises. Japan's PE seemed to exceed most of the Western countries considered here, implying lower risks, lower interest rates and higher growth in the major Asian country Japan. Originality/value: This paper focuses on the effectiveness of country risk measures in predicting periods of intense instability, similar to financial crises. This study contributes a model to measure market risk premium, using PE (or inversely, the earnings yield) as a proxy variable. Investors can use this risk measure in picking less risky stocks to include in their portfolio, calling for liberalizing Asian countries' financial markets to improve their stock market capitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]