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This position paper prepared by the Japanese Working Group on Integrated Nutrition for Dysphagic People (JWIND) aims to summarize the need for nutritional management in adult patients with dysphagia, the issues that nutrition professionals should address, and the promising approaches as well as to propose a vision for the future of nutritional care for adult patients with dysphagia. JWIND is a joint certification system recognized by the Japan Dietetic Association and the Japanese Society of Dysphagia Rehabilitation; its members are mostly experts known as "Certified Specialist of Registered Dietitian for Dysphagia Rehabilitation." Malnutrition and dysphagia are associated with each other. Therefore, malnutrition detection and intervention are essential for patients with dysphagia. However, evidence on the usefulness nutritional assessment and intervention to ensure appropriate nutritional care remains insufficient. Here, we present current knowledge of the relationship between primary diseases causing dysphagia and malnutrition, the indicators used for nutritional assessment, and nutritional interventions such as texture-modified diet (TMD) quality improvement, oral nutritional supplementation, and comprehensive intervention. We also discuss the current status and issues in nutritional care for adult patients with dysphagia. Furthermore, we have proposed measures that nutrition professionals should consider based on 3 perspectives: nutritional assessment, TMD, and nutritional intervention. Individualized and specialized nutritional management by registered dietitians (RDs) through appropriate assessment of the nutritional status of adult patients with dysphagia is needed. To maintain and improve swallowing function and nutritional status, RDs should intervene from the state of risk or early dysphagia onset, providing individualized care per their expertise as part of a multidisciplinary team. However, systematic clinical practice and research regarding the association of nutrition with dysphagia are currently insufficient. Therefore, further clinical practice and evidence building, including the verification of the efficacy on nutritional support through intervention research, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

We conducted an event study on the concealment of the blending ratio of waste paper with virgin pulp in Japan. By investigating 10 companies in the paper industry between May 30, 2007 and January 18, 2008, we clearly show that stock prices of the relevant companies were affected by the news on the concealment of the blending ratio of waste paper. In addition, the impact of the second event was found to be greater than that of the first event. Therefore, the concealment of major companies negatively affects the stock prices of non-major companies, which did not conceal information during this period. Thus, bad news is negatively assessed by the market, and this influence has spread in the paper industry in general. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel carbon paper has been prepared by pyrolysis from traditional Japanese paper called washi in Japan, which is mainly composed of cellulose microfibers. The washi was iodine-treated before pyrolysis. The effect of iodine-treatment on pyrolysis of the washi was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The structural and electrical properties of the carbon papers were also investigated using Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and resistivity measurements. The iodine-treatment prevents cellulose from thermally decomposing and is effective in increasing the carbon yield and retaining its fibrillar structure. Porous carbon papers consisting of many micro and nanofibrils were prepared by the pyrolysis of the iodine-treated washi at 800°C. Those prepared at 800°C and then heat-treated at higher temperatures than 1800°C show electrical conductivities of 3Scm−1 and 24–27Scm−1. The degree of crystallinity and the electrical conductivity of the papers are improved by the heat treatment at higher temperatures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Concentrations of product gases CO, H 2 , and hydrocarbons varied by feedstock. • Concentrations of CH 4 and tar were similar for different feedstocks. • Higher ER showed lower tar concentration. It ranged 2.5–14.0 g/Nm3 -dry. • ER of 0.4 was an optimal gasification condition for a GE power generation. Energy recovery from small and medium scale waste thermal treatment facilities in the municipalities of Japan is challenging, owing to low power generation efficiency and high economic demands. Gas Engine (GE) generation is considered an efficient resource utilization method in these facilities. In this study, new and consistent feedstock, Refuse Paper and Plastic Fuel (RPF), and wood pellets were tested in an air-blown Fluidized Bed Gasifier (FBG) for syngas utilization in a GE. With temperatures ranging from 700 to 940 °C and varying Equivalence Ratios (ER) of 0.3–0.5, some of the most important product gas characteristics were analyzed, including the Lower Heating Value (LHV) and tar concentration levels. Gas composition results revealed that the concentration tendencies varied for the product gases CO, H 2 , and hydrocarbons, depending on the feedstock type, whereas the same tendencies were observed for CH 4 and tar concentrations. Through the ER range, the LHV of product gas for RPF and wood pellets was 3.4–5.9 MJ/Nm3. Tar concentrations decreased to 2.5–14.0 g/Nm3 -dry as the ER was raised. The optimal ER for LHV performance in GE generation was approximately 0.4 for RPF and wood pellets, and remaining tar concentrations were about 5.0 g/Nm3 -dry at the gasifier exit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Travertines are hot spring carbonate deposits that exhibit characteristic fabrics, including a paper-thin raft and a coated bubble formed by the calcification of water and bubble surfaces, respectively. A previous study interpreted that compared with the water surface, the bubble surface displays more active CO 2 degassing and resultant active CaCO 3 precipitation. However, considering the CO 2 partial pressure and the volumes of atmosphere and bubbles, it is possible that more active CO 2 degassing occurs on the water surface. In addition, the surfaces of water and bubbles at the travertine-depositing sites are negatively charged, but it is still unclear whether the CaCO 3 nucleation on these surfaces occurs via amorphous precursors, like the CaCO 3 nucleation on negatively charged organic matter. This study provides a solution to these uncertainties by examining the aragonitic travertines formed in the Nagayu area of Japan. Through field observations, two types of paper-thin rafts were recognized: one with a smooth surface and formed in approximately 1 h, and the other with a rough surface and formed in approximately 3 h. In addition, the bubbles generated on the microbial mat during the daytime were covered with white minerals within an hour, and with ivory-colored minerals over 8 h after sunset, forming firm coated bubbles. Microelectrode measurements revealed that the active CO 2 degassing on the water surface significantly increased the CaCO 3 saturation state to cause active CaCO 3 precipitation. In contrast, less active CO 2 degassing on the bubble surface did not increase the saturation state, and moderate CaCO 3 precipitation occurred due to the moderately high saturation state of the hot spring water. Various microscopic observations revealed that the smooth-surfaced paper-thin raft comprises a micritic layer of approximately 10–20 μm, which represents tightly arranged submicron-sized granular aragonite. At the lower surface of this layer, hemispherical aragonite partially grew toward the hot spring water. In addition, the rough-surfaced paper-thin raft and coated bubble comprise bundled and acicular aragonites arranged along the surfaces of water and bubble, from which hemispherical aragonite grew toward the hot spring water. Neither the paper-thin raft nor the coated bubble contains primary amorphous CaCO 3. These results suggest that the smooth-surfaced paper-thin raft is formed by active CaCO 3 nucleation on the water surface and subsequent crystal growth, and that the water surface is unfavorable for preserving the amorphous precursors potentially involved in the nucleation. The rough-surfaced paper-thin raft and the coated bubble could have been formed by the attachment of externally formed acicular aragonite to the water/bubble surface and subsequent crystal growth. The revealed formation processes of the paper-thin raft and coated bubble provide valuable information for interpreting their formation mechanism in other travertine deposits, including those in the geological past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous socio-legal factors make the process of surrogate decision-making for people living in dementia very complicated in Japan. In this discussion paper, we argue that the lack of early consultation between patients, surrogate decision-makers and healthcare providers and the overreliance of patients and their families on doctors to assume the decision-making role lead to healthcare practices that may not align with the patient's wishes. Further, we argue that lack of laws on surrogate decision-making, changing family structure and the liabilities associated with the care of people living with dementia contribute to the complexity of the decision-making process in Japan. Finally, given the rapidly changing social and healthcare norms in Japan, we call for greater involvement of nurses and care workers in the decision-making process to ensure patient-centric treatment and care are adopted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Abstract: Using the Kobe earthquake of 1995 and the Mid-Java earthquake of 2006 as case studies, this paper discusses the process of providing cultural recovery assistance; it also analyses the term ‘civil society’, a term that reflects efforts to make assistance activities sustainable. The Kobe earthquake should be seen as a point of departure for citizen activism by volunteers; because of it, cultural recovery support was vigorously provided. Since people influenced by those support efforts later became involved in providing Mid-Java earthquake recovery assistance, both earthquake recovery support initiatives can be seen as part of an ongoing chain of events. In analysing the Kobe earthquake, it becomes clear that while there are many semantic meanings for and usages of the term ‘civil society’, it was incorporated into policy guidelines for recovery during a period of low economic growth, and a new civil society was envisioned in this period of social transformation. Organisations participating in assistance efforts following the Mid-Java earthquake sought to make ‘civil society’ a reality; this continued after the earthquake recovery was complete, and it comprised an attempt to build the connections within a civil society by looking to overcome many persistent social problems. The power of communication that ‘culture’ holds plays a large role in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Paper sludge ash-based stabilizer (PSAS) is a new type of soil stabilizer. • The W ab and PSD of PSAS influence the change in consistency PSAS-treated soil. • The q c of PSAS-treated soil can be estimated based on its liquidity index I L. • Required PSAS amount for a specific q c of PSAS-treated soil can be estimated. Paper sludge ash-based stabilizers (PSASs) have recently been developed in Japan as sustainable construction materials for soil stabilization. PSASs are produced by the in-solubilization of heavy metals in paper sludge (PS), which is generated as a by-product of the de-inking and re-pulping of paper. PSASs can improve the stability of high-water-content clays immediately after mixing owing to their good water absorption and retention performance. However, mixture design methods that consider time variations of the water absorption and retention performance of a PSAS are lacking. Therefore, in this study, the effects of a PSAS on the physical and mechanical properties of the treated clay were experimentally investigated, considering the change in the water absorption and retention performance of the PSAS with curing time. The water absorption and retention rate, W ab , of the PSAS, is defined as the ratio of the mass of water absorbed and retained by the PSAS to its dry mass. Physical tests and cone index tests were conducted on different types of clays treated with different types of PSASs. The test results showed that different W ab values were obtained depending on the type of the PSAS and that the W ab value increased with curing time. From the experiments, it was found that the liquid limits, w L , and plastic limits, w P , of the PSAS-treated clays with different curing times could be evaluated from the W ab values of the PSAS and the particle sizes of the PSAS and untreated clays. A clear correlation was also found between the cone index, q c , and liquidity index, I L , of the treated and untreated clays. Based on the results, a new approach for mixture design was proposed. The applicability of the proposed method was investigated, and the results showed that the measured q c value of the PSAS-treated clay was close to the target q c value. The average measured q c was approximately 1.1 times the corresponding target q c. The maximum error between the measured q c and target q c values was approximately 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines consumer factors of paper recycling in Japan. The study specifically focuses on toilet paper as a paper product and attempts to reveal how individuals evaluate recycled toilet paper, howthe evaluation relates to toilet paper consumption, and why people use or do not use recycled toilet paper. The study also examines what factors influence collection recycling behavior, and what people believe as necessary to achieve a society with better recycling. Responses were obtained from 1242 respondents in Japan. Four results were found. (1) People cannot judge the raw material of virgin toilet papers correctly, while people can correctly judge the raw material of recycled toilet paper. The quality and appearance of recycled toilet paperwas not high enough to compete with virgin toilet paper. Furthermore, the image of recycled toilet paper also had negative impact on the willingness to use recycled toilet paper. (2) The primary criterion for purchasing recycled toilet paper was pro-environmental attitude. For the virgin toilet paper, it was brand. As expected, recycled toilet paper users had a positive evaluation and image of recycled toilet paper, while virgin toilet paper users had a negative evaluation and image of it. (3) Actual recycling behavior might not relate directly to consumption behavior of recycled paper. Rather, it was determined by the knowledge of waste collection system and payment system. (4) Most people have not realized that without the consumption of recycledproducts, the recycling system is not completed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper passes through many hands. In the present paper, key parts of this cycle in Japan were examined, using questionnaire surveys of households and paper makers. The study aimed to examine the paper makers' strategy for paper production and their attitude to recycling, in comparison with those of the consumers. The study especially focused on toilet paper because consumers have a lot of freedom in purchasing toilet paper. A total of 1242 consumers and 60 paper makers responded. The major findings were as follows. First, we compared the criteriaof consumers for purchasing toilet paper with the conjectures of paper makers. Brand, advertisements and the appearance of shopping displays received 60% support from paper makers, but less than 12% of consumers selected these criteria even if we exclude those who do not buytoilet paper or do not have any particular criteria. On the other hand, multiple plies and benefit to the earth were selected by moderatenumbers (between 20 and 25%) of consumers, while only 16.77 and 5.69%, respectively of paper makers marked these criteria. Paper makers strongly believe that many retailers sell toilet paper as a loss-leader. By comparing those matters considered important for recycling by consumers with those considered important by makers, it was shown thatmany makers have a clear awareness of the particular problem, the lack of used paper consumption, in the current paper recycling situation in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper compares the recycling attitudes of consumers in Germany and Japan, based on our nationwide questionnaires. We analyzed consumption behavior as well as recycling behavior in narrow sense, becauseit is important to study the former to see how the supply of recycled materials is balanced with the demand, particularly in Japan which exports little recycled materials. Toilet paper was adopted as a specific good for study, because consumers have options of buying virgin products and recycled products. It was found that German households pay for waste collection specifically and have higher recycling rates than Japanese households. On the other hand, similar figures in German and Japanese consumers were observed with regard to consumption of recycled products. Their purchasing criteria and preference on virginand recycled products of toilet paper were examined by self-report and blind test with 2x 2 experimental design for toilet paper (German versus Japanese, virgin versus recycled). Blind test showed that people prefer domestic and virgin products in both countries. Half of respondents rating virgin products guessed that the products contained recycled material. For Japanese, the material of the sample toilet paper, made from virgin pulp, seems to be a more determining factor thanthe nationality of products, i.e. made in Japan. On the other hand, for Germans, the domestic nature seems to be a more dominant factor than the material, i.e. made from virgin material. Canonical discriminant analysis in conjunction with logistic regression based on self-reporting data detected the characters `multiplied', `appearance' and `brand' as major factors making the difference in preference between the two countries. The possible reasons causing the similarity and dissimilarity between the two countries are discussed with reference to the background history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents several papers published in the 2005 issue of the journals "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering." "Effect and Behavior of Liquid Additive Molecules in Dry Ultrafine Grinding of Limestone," by M. Hasegawa et al; "Characteristics and Hydrogen Desorption Property of Nanostructured Graphite Produced by Grinding in Vacuum Atmospheres," by M. Shirahige et al; "Powder Technology and Electrostatics," by Y. Murata.

Objective: To investigate changes in the clinical state of taste disorders between 1990, 2003, and 2019 using the same methodology as that in previous studies.Materials and Methods: In June 2019, we mailed a questionnaire to 1100 otolaryngologists belonging to the Japan Society of Stomato-pharyngology and investigated three question categories: "Institution", "Number of patients for 3 months", and "Treatment". In addition, we analyzed some results by the class of institution.Results: The rate of patients who complained of taste disorders in the 2019 survey (220/100,000 persons/year) was twice that of the 1990 survey (110/100,000 persons/year), and slightly higher than that of the 2003 survey (192/100,000 persons/year). The rate of female patients was higher than that of male patients in all age groups. The number of patients was correlated with age up to 70 years of age in both genders. The rates of performing taste tests to assess taste function in the 2019 survey were significantly decreased compared with a 2003 survey (electrogustometry: p<0.001, filter paper disk method: p<0.05 in university). The rate of examination of the serum zinc in the 2019 survey was increased compared with the 1990 survey (p<0.001). Zinc oral therapy was used for the treatment of taste disorders in 239/299 (79.9%) patients/institutes for 3 months. In addition, 213 institutions (69.6%) answered that zinc oral therapy was efficacious for taste disorders.Conclusion: The patients who complained of taste disorder have increased. The zinc administration is an appropriate clinical treatment for taste disorders in Japan. To enhance treatment for taste disorders, simpler methods for assessing taste function need to be developed, and the pathological mechanisms of taste disorders other than zinc deficiency need to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study demonstrates how the environmentally weighted material consumption (EMC) indicator can be used to assess the resource efficiency of bioeconomy policies by calculating thirteen categories of environmental impacts associated with the production and the use of 146 biomass resources in Japan. The total environmental impact, expressed in the Japanese life cycle database in Japanese yen (JPY), decreased from 2,444 × 109 JPY in 1990 to 1,870 × 109 JPY in 2010. Supply chain related emissions (upstream) represented more than 98% of the impacts for all years. Land use, resource consumption, global warming, and urban air pollution were the main impact categories accounting respectively for 45%, 32%, 14% and 8% of the impacts. Ten products were found responsible for more than half of the impacts: rice, raw milk, beef cattle, painted printing paper, broiler, rolls of newsprint, hen egg, squares, common plywood and lumbers. Improvement of the production processes, reduction of consumed amounts and dietary change were identified as potential strategies for reducing the environmental impacts of these materials. Still, finding the best policy option may require the development of a life cycle assessment database able to differentiate organic and conventional agriculture and to better represent the production and environmental specificities of importing countries. • Environmentally weighted material consumption as an indicator of bioeconomy. • Detailed analysis of 146 biomass materials' environmental impacts. • Land use and resource consumption are the main impact categories. • Ten products are responsible for 50% of the total impacts. • Yield increase, diet shift, and paper recycling can reduce biomass related impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents titles of original research papers published in Japanese journals, including the "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering," as of May 2006. "Micro Discharge Welding and Joint Reinforcement by Non-Contact Welding Method," by T. Konno et al; "Evaluation of Glycemia Control in Beagle Dogs by the Administration of Insulin Encapsulated PLGA Nano-Composite Preparations," by H. Tsujimoto et al; "Kinetics of Comminution and the Grinding Probabilities," by T. Tanaka.

Lists several titles of original research papers published in the Japanese journals "Journal of the Society of Powder Technology, Japan" and "Powder Science & Engineering."

Presents the titles of the research papers published in the 2002 issues of the Japanese journals, 'Powder Science & Engineering' and the 'Journal of the Society of Powder Technology.'

The article focuses on a research paper by Mizuko Osanai-Futahashi and colleagues at the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences in Japan, which relates to genetic approaches concerning the distinctive dark brownish lilac color of the eggs and eyes of silkworms.

How does a country embark on large-scale R&D programs? Among R&D programs, this is an intriguing question for large scale Science and Technology (S&T) projects such as space programs, because of the necessity for large resource commitments, and the difficulty of being accountable to the taxpayers when the outcome is not always known. It can be assumed that engineers, scientists, bureaucrats, and politicians play respective roles. This paper aims to shed light on the specific role of politics, through the examples of policies of and decisions by NAKASONE Yasuhiro. Nakasone was the minister for science and technology (1959–1960, 1972), and later became the prime minister (1982–1987). He played a crucial role in establishing the Science and Technology Agency and the National Space Activities Council in the 1950s, which would be the foundational institutions responsible for space policy for the next half century. As prime minister, he decided to participate in the Space Station program. Within his vision for Japan for the 21st century, he emphasized the need for radical change in economic policy, education, defense and S&T investment. He was one of the few politicians that had vision to promote S&T and recognized the strategic value to the nation. He was able to explain to the nation why Japan should promote the development of a launch vehicle, when the engineers faced development difficulties in doing so. Thus, he was influential both in the policy layer and in promoting specific programs to support his national vision. Politics intersects with S&T projects because of the uncertainty and tradeoffs associated with these efforts. Japan did not address space programs for national security and commercial space for a long time. It is a politician's role to create institutions, to allocate resources and, more importantly, to explain to the taxpayers why policy measures or programs are necessary. R&D investment is a societal activity: it reflects the social, political, and economic situation, as well as being important for diplomacy and international relations. Bearing in mind that it would be misleading to attribute the initiation of largescale S&T projects to the leadership of a single individual, this paper will attempt to show the driving forces behind, and fundamental objective of Japan's space policy, in addition to the historical shift in that policy by examining the influence of this notable politician. • Nakasone played the key role in establishing institutions promoting space development in post-war Japan. • Nakasone made the best use of close relationships with the U.S. in promoting Japan's space activities. • Nakasone made decisions on space policy process, resource allocation with vision, thus integrating the stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Human resources development aided the developing space program of the Philippines. • Most of the selected personnel for training came from the academia. • Trainees taken from the industry followed later to support the push for space. • Most of trained personnel opted to stay in the country to support the space program. The Philippines has experienced a shift of interest in space technology development and utilization over the past decade, culminating with the establishment of its national space agency in 2019. In cooperation with different universities in Japan, the Philippines successfully developed and launched two microsatellites, DIWATA-1 and DIWATA-2, and six nanosatellites, MAYA-1 to MAYA-6. By sending personnel to Japan and other space-faring countries, the country was able to rapidly ramp up its satellite development and utilization capabilities. In this paper, we examine and evaluate the complex human resources development efforts conducted by the country to support the creation of a local space ecosystem and ensure its long-term sustainability. Through a careful review, we identify how many people benefited from training programs, studies abroad or other forms of capacity building, and how these skilled individuals were retained in the budding Filipino space sector. Precisely, we looked at the backgrounds of the different people trained by the country, what type of training they received (funding, location, and duration), and how they are supporting the local space ecosystem at the time of writing this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Introduction of flexible (or non-regular) work has a negative impact on productivity. • This negative impact is strongest under innovation regimes that rely on highly cumulative knowledge. • Supply-side deregulation of labor markets is likely to have contributed to a productivity growth slowdown in major OECD countries after 2004. Due to labor market reforms around 2003–4, Japan has a growing group of 'non-regular' workers who are easy to fire, and have poor carrier perspectives. This marks a break with the traditional Japanese model of life-time employment that allowed for intensive in-company training and commitment of personnel. Drawing from a national wage structure survey, we find indications that employment of non-regular workers has a negative impact on productivity (proxied by wages), this negative impact being largest under innovation regimes that require a high cumulativeness of knowledge. Our findings are consistent with neo-Schumpeterian research in Europe which concluded that certain labor market rigidities, while being un desirable from a neoclassical perspective, can be useful to innovation. Our paper confirms the impression from earlier research that structural reforms of labor markets along supply-side lines are likely to be one of the reasons for a substantial decline of productivity growth in major OECD countries since about 2004/05. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is a significant challenge that the medical community must address. Hospitals are large facilities with high water and energy consumption, as well as high levels of waste generation, which makes it important to pursue green hospital initiatives. Neurosurgery requires substantial energy for surgeries and tests. Based on the keywords "Climate change," "green hospital," "neurosurgery," "energy consumption," "environmental impact" listed in this paper, we extracted representative manuscripts, and the practices employed in the authors' hospital were assessed. The "Guidelines for Environmental Consideration in Hospitals" and "Guidelines for the Sustainability of Hospital Environments" have been developed; however, they are not implemented in most hospitals in Japan. Inhalational anesthetics were found to contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Educating patients and staff and employing the "8 Rs" (rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, research, renovation, and revolution) showed promise in achieving green hospital standards. The advent of 'green hospitals' in Japan is imminent. The active participation of neurosurgeons can play a crucial role in diminishing the environmental footprint of health care while simultaneously enhancing medical standards. Given the pressing challenges posed by climate change, there is a critical need for an overhaul of medical practices. It is imperative for neurosurgeons to pioneer the adoption of new, sustainable medical methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the COVID-19 epidemic continues, concerns about long-term health impacts, specifically long COVID, persist. While the prevalence and symptomatology of long COVID have been explored in various global contexts, large-scale cohort studies in Japan remain limited, especially after the advent of the Omicron variant. In this observational study, 4,047 residents with a history of COVID-19 living in Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture, were assessed for long COVID symptoms using the VOICE mobile application and a paper survey. Respondents provided demographic and health information, as well as information regarding COVID-19 infection and subsequent symptoms. A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95 % confidence intervals for overall morbidity of long COVID symptoms. The survey found that 5.2 % of participants reported the persistence of one or more symptoms at 30 days post-onset. Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom (1.75 %), followed by hair loss (1.41 %), and cough (1.28 %). Factors associated with an increased risk of experiencing long COVID symptoms included BMI, severe illness during the acute phase, and infection with certain COVID-19 variant strains, including Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. However, the incidence rate of long COVID appears to be decreasing with the dominance of the Omicron variant. This large-scale study from Toyonaka City suggests a 5.2 % prevalence rate for persistent COVID-19 symptoms 4 weeks post-infection, potentially indicating a lower prevalence of long COVID in Japanese populations after the rise of the Omicron variant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines whether a forced displacement of an ethnic group can lead to long-run changes to their spatial distribution and whether this shock can also lead to changes in where new migrants settle. I use the Canadian government's internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II, as well as their post-war forced resettlement, as a natural experiment. I find that the policy led to dramatic resettlement patterns; areas where Japanese Canadians were removed from had far fewer Japanese Canadians after World War II, with this effect persisting for decades. Despite these displacement patterns, I find that both the pre-war and post-war settlement patterns drive where new Japanese migrants settle within Canada, suggesting that the disruption of the connections and networks formed by Japanese migrants before World War II were not fully dismantled by the Canadian government's wartime policies. Reinforcing this mechanism, I show using Facebook's social connectedness data that Japanese population shares from both 1931 and 1951 predict whether a Canadian Census Division is more socially connected with Japan today. The results from this paper show that, despite Canada's forced dispersal of its Japanese population across the country, networks and forces that connect Census Divisions to Japan and draw in new migrants continued to persist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As medical device development becomes increasingly global, the opportunities and potential advantages offered by international clinical trial and regulatory approval strategies are also growing. In particular, medical device clinical trials involving sites in both the United States and Japan and intended to support marketing in both countries may warrant particular consideration, given the similarities in their regulatory systems, patients and clinical practice patterns, and market sizes. Since 2003, the US-Japan Harmonization By Doing (HBD) initiative has been focused on identifying and addressing clinical and regulatory barriers to medical devices access in both countries via collaboration between governmental, academic, and industry stakeholders. Through the efforts of HBD participants, US-Japanese clinical trials have been conducted and the resulting data have supported regulatory approval for marketing in both countries. Based on these experiences, this paper outlines some of the key factors to consider when developing a global clinical trial involving US and Japanese participation. These considerations include the mechanisms for consultation with regulatory authorities on clinical trial strategies, the regulatory framework for clinical trial notification and approval, recruitment and conduct of clinical sites, and lessons learned from specific US-Japanese clinical trial experiences. The goal of this paper is to promote global access to promising medical technologies by assisting potential clinical trial sponsors in understanding when an international strategy may be appropriate and successful. • Perspectives on how to maximize opportunities for global clinical trials for medical devices • US and Japanese regulatory processes for device clinical study consultations and applications • Lessons from actual US-Japanese clinical trials supporting cardiovascular device approval • Leveraging existing multi-stakeholder collaborations via Harmonization by Doing (HBD) program [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Alkannin and shikonin are enantiomeric red natural dyes of Japanese origin. • SERS analysis of alkannin and shikonin at neutral and acid pH shows differences in the spectra of both dyes. • Vibrational analysis of alkannin and shikonin were performed aided by DFT methods, allowing the assignment of the experimental bands. • Marker bands were proposed for both dyes to allow discrimination between them. • The red dye shikonin was detected for the first time in a dyed paper sample. Alkannin is the main coloring matter of Alkanet, a natural red dye extracted from the root of Alkanna tinctoria L. Shikonin, the optical isomer of alkannin, is extracted from Lithospermum erythrorhizon. As both red dyes are only slightly soluble in water, the application of ordinary Raman spectroscopy is limited. Thus, Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be successfully applied to the study of the red dyes solutions. Solid alkannin and shikonin were characterized by ordinary Raman spectroscopy. Density Functional Theory (DFT) methods were used to calculate the Raman spectrum of the dyes and to assign the experimental Raman bands to their vibrational normal modes. Different pH conditions were tested in order to determine the optimal conditions for the SERS detection of alkannin and shikonin. Based on the previous results, a perpendicular orientation of the red dyes on the Ag substrate was deducted. Finally, shikonin was identify by SERS spectroscopy in a dyed paper sample from an 8th century handscroll from Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active thin film electrochromic or thermochromic coatings have been used in smart windows. However, the current cost of active thin film windows is approximately 10 times that of passive film windows. This paper proposes an inexpensive passive thin metal film for all-season energy savings. The proposed passive thin metal film allows heat to flow preferentially in one direction. Thin metal films attached to glass indoor can absorb solar heat and the solar can radiate the heat to a room and to the glass respectively until thermal equilibrium. Because of the heated metal film against the room, as long as the temperature of the film is higher than that of the room, there is no heat flux from the room to the thin metal film which is called perfect thermal insulation. The 960m2 film was installed in an actual hotel in Japan over 10 years and contributed to reducing the energy cost of air conditioning from 54 million yen to 43 million yen, demonstrating an annual energy savings of 11 million yen (US$0.1 million). This paper briefly describes how the proposed economical passive thin metal film will provide all-season energy savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a neural network model to estimate wave spectra from wave parameters by the zero-crossing analysis, maximum, significant, and average wave heights and their corresponding wave periods. The present model was trained with the wave data in the JES (Japan/East Sea), and then applied to wave measurements in the Yellow Sea and the South Sea for its feasibility at other seas. According to the present study, the predicted wave spectra well agree with the measurements, even the wave data not in model training. This comparison shows that the accuracy of the present model is comparable to that of JONSWAP wave spectrum. Furthermore, the present model was employed to the wave hindcasting to see its applicability, while JONSWAP wave spectrum also being applied. The significant wave heights from both numerical simulations well agree with the measured ones. However, the average RMSE of significant wave period with the present neural network was 7.08 % smaller than the other, and its Pearson's correlation coefficient is 6.33 % larger on average. From this, it can be seen that the present model was well applied to the wave hindcasting without considering the local wave measurements. • This paper presents a neural network model to estimate wave spectra from wave parameters by the zero-crossing analysis, maximum, significant, and average heights and the corresponding wave periods. • The wave spectra predicted by the present model well agree with the measured ones. The accuracy of present model is comparable to that of JONSWAP wave spectrum with Hwang et al.'s (2021) peak enhancement factor, comparing them. • The present model was employed to the wave hindcasting in Young-il bay to see its applicability. The numerical simulation with incident waves by JONSWAP wave spectrum was also carried out to compare the applicability of both models. • The numerical results show that the significant wave heights from both models are similar to each other. However, the significant wave period with the present model is more accurate than the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Devising an appropriate dental treatment plan for patients with pre-existing medical conditions is a demanding task. Dentists must consider the sometimes life threatening, interactions between ongoing medical conditions and dental treatment. Stakes are particularly high for the elderly on prescription drugs and other therapies for medical conditions while they seek dental care for advanced oral diseases. Given that Japan is an ageing society, it is crucial to create avenues for medical and dental practitioners to share patient information and collaborate.to,improve care This paper examined trends from demographic data to suggest that there is an impending further rise in the number of medically compromised elderly seeking dental treatment. For patient safety and improved public health, it is important that dental practitioners evaluate the nature and ongoing treatment of pre-existing medical conditions amongst new patients and account for their impact on dedicated and dental status. This paper supports the relevance of comprehensive clinical practice guidelines and the need to train dental practitioners to adopt a multidisciplinary approach to dental care. In order to meet the future needs of an ageing population, the Japanese Society of Dentistry for Medically Compromised Patients needs to take initiative and suggest mechanisms to exchange patient information freely and encourage multidisciplinary dental practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• First characterisation of pigments used in coloured Japanese photographs. • Non-invasive infrared analysis identified various pigments used to colour the photos. • Western pigments, traditional Japanese dyes, and aniline colours were identified. • Use of a beeswax-based varnish on the photos surface was revealed. This paper describes the first systematic analysis of 19th century Japanese coloured photographs. This unique Japanese technique followed the diffusion of photography taken up by Westerners. The photos were coloured by the painters of the School of Yokohama from ukiyo-e prints ateliers and were sold to travellers returning home as a souvenir from Japan. Although there are several museum collections throughout the Western world, this artistic technique has never been thoroughly investigated, due above all to the fragility of the artworks. In this study 22 photographs and a photo album cover from the Museum of Cultures (Lugano, Switzerland) were analysed by non-invasive infrared spectroscopy in order to identify the painting materials. A preliminary survey was carried out on reference pigments used in Japan in the 19th century, some of which are the same as those used in Western Europe, but many are particular to the Japanese school of arts. The reference pigments were analysed after extraction procedures taken from traditional recipes. Modern pigments such as "aniline colours" were also considered. The results provided insights into the painting materials, for example identifying Prussian blue, gofun, yamahaji , enju , shio , and rhodamine. The data confirmed the use of albumen paper and detected the application of a beeswax-based varnish for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen energy technologies are envisioned to play a critical supporting role in global decarbonisation. While low-carbon hydrogen is primarily targeted for reducing industrial emissions, alongside decarbonising parts of the transport sector, environmental benefits could also be achieved in the residential context. Presently, gas-dependent countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom are assessing the feasibility of deploying hydrogen home appliances, as part of their national energy strategies. However, prospects for the transition will hinge on consumer acceptance, alongside an array of other socio-technical factors. To support potential ambitions for large-scale and sustained technology diffusion, this study advances a Unified Theory of Domestic Hydrogen Acceptance. Through an integrative, comparative literature review targeting hydrogen and domestic energy studies, the paper proposes a novel Domestic Hydrogen Acceptance Model (DHAM), which accounts for the cognitive and emotional dimensions of human perceptions. Through this dual interplay, the proposed framework can increase the predictive power of hydrogen acceptance models. [Display omitted] • A unified theory of domestic hydrogen acceptance is proposed. • Researchers should integrate multiple acceptance constructs into survey studies. • Comprehensive perceived risks, costs, and benefits predict attitudes toward hydrogen. • Cognitive and emotional processes influence perceptions of hydrogen homes. • Community-level factors should be incorporated into hydrogen acceptance research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to classify the types of stress experienced by women undergoing infertility treatment in Japan and to clarify the causes of such stress. To achieve this, tweets posted by infertility patients were used to identify the causes of stress through a learning model, followed by dependency analysis. A system is proposed to extract causal relations using dependency analysis, where the dependents are the causes and the leaders are the effects. The study focuses on the stress experienced by infertility patients and limits the analysis to "family issues" and "work." Consequently, the incentives for the causes were clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With rapid industrialization, rising fossil fuel consumption, and environmental concerns, developing clean and green energy is an inescapable option. Hydrogen has emerged as a significant potential energy carrier and a viable future replacement fuel for fossil fuels due to its renewable and pollution-free properties. Previous review papers have significantly contributed to the body of literature on the various technologies for producing hydrogen by revealing key insights into their working principles and conditions, as well as the economic and environmental aspects. In addition, they also highlighted the potential pathways to enable the application of these technologies in the context of carbon neutrality. However, these studies have not broken down the evolutionary patterns and developmental progress of either fossil fuel-based or renewable energy-based technologies used to produce hydrogen. In addition, the currently available literature does not contain the most recent research that focuses on the evolution and life cycle of each technology category from a chronological point of view. The key drivers, countries/regions, and their contributions to the field's development have received little attention. As a result, it is critical to monitor technological advances in hydrogen energy production and investigate the key enablers of these advancements. Against this backdrop, the current study employs patent analysis tools to achieve four primary goals: (1) to track the development trends in the field of hydrogen production from 2000 to 2019; (2) to identify and compare the recent development trends in the last five years according to the feedstock, i.e., fossil fuel, water, and biomass-based technologies; (3) to predict the technology life cycle of the two main groups of hydrogen production technologies (fossil and renewable); (4) to identify and compare the key drivers of hydrogen production technologies from a statistical standpoint. The findings of the study may aid in identifying technical prospects in the field of fossil and renewable-based hydrogen production, and decision-makers may use them as a reference in developing a strategic plan for future technological growth. • Patent review on hydrogen production technologies from 2000 to 2019. • Japan, US, China are the leading countries in the field. • Recent developments are focused on renewable energy-based technologies especially water. • Technology maturity rate of renewable-based technologies is about 57%. • R&D expenditure strongly promotes hydrogen production innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the extent to which banks use public credit guaranteed loans for distant small business borrowers. Existing studies argue that when banks offer loans for these borrowers, the information asymmetry between them is often severe. These studies then empirically demonstrate how banks can mitigate this problem. We focus instead on the role of Japan's public credit guarantee scheme in mitigating these same information problems, an approach unaddressed in the literature. If banks offer credit guaranteed loans, they suffer few losses from borrower default because the public credit guarantee corporations (not the small business borrowers) make payments to the banks. Therefore, banks can offer loans to informationally opaque and distant borrowers. To conduct the econometric analysis, we use semiannual bank-region-level data from Japan, which allows us to control for several unobserved fixed effects. The results reveal that credit guarantee loan size is larger and the default rate higher when banks offer credit guaranteed loans to distant borrowers. These findings suggest that banks successfully mitigate the losses of distant lending using the public credit guarantee scheme, thereby providing a valuable contribution to the small business finance literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper aims to explain the role of GEE in seismic anomalies detection. • Two recent powerful earthquakes in Japan (13 February and 20 March 2021) were discussed. • Time series of AOT, Chlorophyll and Ozone precursors deduced from GEE platform. • They were investigated using Median and LSTM methods. • Our satisfactory results show that we will see a significant leap forward in studies of earthquake precursors. Nowadays, satellite data is an appropriate and undeniable source for studying earthquake precursors due to their diversity, wide coverage, being up to date and low cost. Time series analysis of satellite data plays an important role in the process of detecting seismic anomalies in earthquake warning systems. But in order to reduce uncertainty during the seismic anomalies detection, it is necessary the use a variety of satellite data, although it leads to increase of data size and processing time. This paper aims to explain the role of Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform in considerable progress of seismo-Lithospheric Atmospheric Ionospheric (LAI) anomalies detection in earthquake early warning systems. Among the different studied earthquakes, for example two recent powerful earthquakes in Japan (13 February and 20 March 2021) have been discussed. Deduced time series of three precursors (i.e. Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT), Chlorophyll and Ozone) from GEE platform were investigated using Median method and a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network to detect potentially seismo-LAI anomalies. Our satisfactory results show that with the addition of other various satellite data and also known predictors intelligent algorithms such as deep learning to GEE platform, we will see a significant leap forward in studies of earthquake precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For policymakers who intend to make decisions on the policy to stimulate economic growth and enhance job opportunities, business demography statistics serve as important data sources for promoting entrepreneurship, which is a key for the policy. Business demography, which usually consists of annual demographic information such as the number of births, deaths, and survivals of businesses, can be produced from a business register in many countries. In Japan, however, it is difficult to produce business demography directly from the Japanese business resister called Establishment Frame Database because the major data source for the database is the Economic Census, conducted twice every five years. Alternatively, business demography can be estimated using the data of the Economic Census. However, it has been pointed out that short-lived births of businesses are hardly grasped by the estimation using the data of statistical surveys such as the Economic Census at intervals of more than one year. This paper introduces a stochastic model to cope with the above issue and proposes a calculation formula to estimate the number of short-lived births of businesses as well as other demographic indicators of business demography. Then the paper is followed by a numerical example, which proves to overcome the shortcomings of previous methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved understanding of the cascading structure of recycling isimportant for increasing resource productivity. The cascading theory, developed to analyze resource cascading, has two major dimensions; resource quality and resource lifetime. The latter is the only dimension for which a quantitative evaluation has been carried out in the previous research. In this study, we propose new tools to quantify both dimensions. These tools enable statistical estimation of the times of utilization of the material cascaded. The pre-circulation index (pre-CI) counts how many times the material has been utilized before consumption. For material in which quality deterioration is measurable largely on the basis of the number of utilization times, pre-CI can be an index of resource quality. The post-circulation index (post-CI) counts how many times the material will be utilized after consumption. The higher the number of utilization times, the longer the lifetimeof the material. Thus, post-CI can be an index of resource lifetime.Total-circulation index (TCI) is the sum of pre- and post-CIs. This can be an overall index of resource productivity. We apply the methodpresented herein to an analysis of the paper recycling system in Japan. Some important features of the CIs are demonstrated by the results; certain potential remains for further improvements in paper recycling in Japan. In the case that two products have the same utilizationrates, their pre-CIs can still differ according to the positions they occupy in the cascade. In the case that two recycling policies achieve the same size of primary raw material reduction, they can still differ in their impact to the whole cascade. By the method described herein, the CIs can represent the structure of a material cascade quantitatively and offer important knowledge by which to increase resource productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper studies the impact of oil shocks on systemic risk of G7 stock markets. • We construct a risk spillover network among G7 stock markets by TVP-VAR. • The results indicate that the impact of oil supply shock is insignificant. • Demand shock contributes the most to systematic risk in the short term. • G7 stock markets play a role as receiver and all oil structural shocks as emitter. In this paper, we delve into the critical role of oil shocks in influencing the systematic risk of G7 stock markets—a concern of paramount importance given the interconnectedness of global economies and the pivotal role of energy markets. We employ Delta Conditional Value at Risk (ΔCoVaR) and Marginal Expected Shortfall (MES) to measure the systematic risk of G7 stock markets due to volatility in the oil market. By decomposing oil price change into oil supply shocks, aggregate demand shocks, and oil-specific demand shocks using a structural vector autoregression model, we offer a more granular perspective to investigate the time-varying effects of oil price fluctuations on the systematic risk of G7 stock markets. The results indicate that the impact of oil supply shock is insignificant compared with aggregate demand shock and speculative demand shock. Speculative demand shock contributes the most to systematic risk in the short term, but their impact declines as the number of periods increases. In the long term, the biggest impact on systematic risk is aggregate demand shock. Additionally, we construct a network among G7 stock markets and oil structural shocks based on time-varying spillover and the empirical results show that G7 stock markets play a role as receiver and all oil structural shocks as emitter. Besides, Japan is the country in G7 countries most affected by oil shocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With tidal energy demonstration projects with one or a small number of turbines having provided very positive results, the technology is moving to the commissioning and operation of tidal energy farms. For this next step, the understanding of the wakes generated downstream of the turbines is crucial to optimize the array performance. To date, the analysis of wakes of MW-scale tidal turbines has been made by numerical methods or experimentally with downscaled rotors. However, no consensus on a methodology to characterize wakes generated by full-scale turbines based on data measured on-site has yet been reached. The present paper introduces a new method to compare current velocity data measured before and during turbine operation that minimizes the impact of the spatial and temporal variability of tidal currents, thus enabling the estimation of the velocity deficit caused downstream of the turbine. Through this method, a characterization of the near wake was possible, with velocity deficits of 0.537, 0.463, 0.469 and 0.431 at 2D, 3D, 4D and 5D from the turbine. Results from this paper present a very valuable tool for the validation of numerical models aiming to estimate the wake losses in tidal energy farms. • Wake from a 0.5 MW bottom-fixed tidal turbine in a tidal site is characterized. • A new method to calculate velocity deficit with vessel-mounted ADCP data is presented. • Velocity deficit at the rotor hub height decreases from the turbine to a 5D distance. • Farther from 5D, the turbine impact on current velocity dissipates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the depathologisation movement in 2007 to challenge the pathologisation of trans identities in Western psychiatry, significant developments have occurred, including revisions to Standards of Care and diagnostic criteria such as ICD-11's gender incongruence and DSM-5's gender dysphoria, acknowledging gender diversity as an expected part of human development. This paper argues that Japanese medical models reflect global issues but also have unique aspects shaped by cultural and linguistic nuances. Using critical discourse analysis, this paper examines how depathologisation discourses are perceived in the Japanese medical community, focusing on the term seidouitsusei-syōgai (gender identity disorder), presenting three ways in which seidouitsusei-syōgai is used: psychiatric disorder, syōgai / sikkan (impairment/disability/disorder), and diagnostic category. These uses are influenced by legal and social reforms, healthcare access and alignment with international classifications, while the medical profession's authority remains unexamined. Reflecting the structural challenges of diagnostic models in trans medicine, the interpretation of seidouitsusei-syōgai differs from the English phrase 'gender identity disorder' due to the specific connotations of syōgai in the Japanese context. By examining Japan's approach to depathologisation and medicalisation, this paper enriches the understanding of trans medicine and the impact of depathologisation discourse in Japan. • Japanese medical views on trans depathologisation through critical discourse analysis. • Focusing interpretations of seidouitsusei-syōgai(=gender identity disorder). • 3 usages, psychiatric, syōgai/sikkan and diagnostic, are influenced by social factors. • The authoritative role of the medical profession remains unexamined. • Japan sharing structural problems of diagnostic model but has specific connotations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene editing (GnEd) involves using a site-directed nuclease to introduce a double-strand break (DSB) at a targeted location in the genome. A literature search was performed on the use of GnEd in animals for agricultural applications. Data was extracted from 212 peer-reviewed articles that described the production of at least one living animal employing GnEd technologies for agricultural purposes. The most common GnEd system reported was CRISPR/Cas9, and the most frequent type of edit was the unguided insertion or deletion resulting from the repair of the targeted DSB leading to a knock-out (KO) mutation. Animal groups included in the reviewed papers were ruminants (cattle, sheep, goats, n =63); monogastrics (pigs and rabbits, n =60); avian (chicken, duck, quail, n =17); aquatic (many species, n =65), and insects (honeybee, silkworm, n =7). Yield (32%), followed by reproduction (21%) and disease resistance (17%) were the most commonly targeted traits. Over half of the reviewed papers had Chinese first-authorship. Several countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Colombia and Japan, have adopted a regulatory policy that considers KO mutations introduced following GnEd DSB repair as akin to natural genetic variation, and therefore treat these GnEd animals analogously to those produced using conventional breeding. This approach has resulted in a non-GMO determination for a small number of GnEd food animal applications, including three species of GnEd KO fast-growing fish, (red sea bream, olive flounder and tiger pufferfish in Japan), KO fish and cattle in Argentina and Brazil, and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus disease-resistant KO pigs in Colombia. • Gene editing (GnEd) can introduce useful genetic alterations in food animals • A total of 212 papers using GnEd in animals for agriculture were identified • Yield, reproduction, and disease resistance were the most commonly targeted traits • CRISPR/Cas9 was by far the most prevalent GnEd system used to edit animal genomes • Three species of GnEd fast-growing finfish have already been commercialized in Japan [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several procedures for conservation treatment were comparatively studied for degraded “Suga-fibres” made of raw silk fibres dyed black. Two traditional methods, (1) neutralization with magnesium bicarbonate, and (2) antioxidant treatment with phytic acid, originally used for paper preservation, were tried for the conservation of Suga-fibres. The influences of a single treatment, or a combination of neutralization and antioxidant treatments, for the model fibres on their tensile strength were investigated under conditions of high humidity at high temperature before and after the accelerated aging test. The effect of the novel antioxidant cysteine on the fibre degradation was also examined. For the single treatments, the neutralization with magnesium bicarbonate retarded the degradation of higher iron-content iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre, while the antioxidant with phytic acid treatment most effectively prevented the degradation of lower iron-content iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre. This may be due to the different acidity in iron/tannate-silk fibres, and thus the degradation of iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre would be caused by iron-catalyzed oxidation rather than acid-catalyzed hydrolysis because of its lower acidity. Among antioxidant treatments, cysteine more effectively retarded the degradation of the iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre, while in the case of the iron (2%)/tannate-silk fibre, phytic acid more effectively conserved its strength and breaking strain. The result suggests that the thiol group of cysteine coordinates with an excess of ferrous ions in the iron (20%)/tannate-silk fibre and quenches the production of hydrogen peroxide. This study demonstrated that phytic acid, cysteine and magnesium bicarbonate treatments are useful as effective reagents for the conservation treatment of black-dyed textiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper examines to what extent a rise in inflation expectations stimulates current household expenditure in Japan. Using matched household datasets, we find the following. First, to the extent that the rise in inflation expectations is from about 0% to the 2−10% range, durable goods expenditure is significantly stimulated. Second, total expenditure increases by 1.0% in response to a one percentage point rise in inflation expectations, about 82% of which is explained by the response of durable goods expenditure. Third, storable and non-storable non-durable goods expenditures (especially the latter) do not respond significantly to the inflation expectations. Finally, a temporary rise in inflation expectations immediately stimulates total expenditure, but produces a similar degree of decline over a few quarters, with virtually no long-run impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July 2020, the Japanese government launched the "Go To Travel" campaign, providing subsidies for domestic travel, during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. While the campaign aimed to revitalize the declining tourism industry, concerns were raised about its potential to spread infection. Although the literature indicates that the campaign increased hotel reservations, its causal effects on infection are not well-known. Using a difference-in-differences framework, this paper examines whether the campaign increased the number of domestic hotel guests and caused the virus to spread. The results show that the campaign increased the number of domestic hotel guests, as travel was not a Giffen good even at the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, the campaign did not increase infection spread in Japan, as it did not increase the transient population in the downtown areas. Moreover, this study provides a comprehensive cost–benefit analysis of the campaign. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the effects of HSR development on airport technical efficiency and the labor productivity at airports. Existing literature mainly focuses on the impacts of HSR on passenger traffic. In addition to passengers, HSR development may influence airports' other outputs such as cargo and flight movements together with various inputs. These inputs and outputs collectively determine airports' technical efficiency. With access to a dataset consisting of 46 Chinese airports and 16 Japanese airports from 2007 to 2015, the paper firstly adopts both the standard two-stage Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and double bootstrap methods to evaluate the impacts of HSR development on airports' technical efficiency. We then evaluate the effects of HSR on airport labor productivity which is measured by both work-load units per employee and aircraft movements per employee. Our main findings indicate that HSR development relates to a decline in airport efficiency. Airports located in cities that have better connectivity or accessibility in the HSR network suffer more efficiency loss than the others. It is also observed that the locational advantage of HSR stations relative to airports is negatively associated with airport efficiency. By contrast, good intermodal linkage between the airport and its nearest HSR station is positively correlated with airport efficiency. Furthermore, the study reports different results between China and Japan with respect to the effects of HSR on labor productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mobile learning (m-learning) is gaining its importance in recent years. For libraries, it is inevitable to adapt to this trend and provide various information services and support for m-learning. This paper studies the m-learning usage of Library and Information Science (LIS) students, who will be the new blood for the library in future. In this paper, we invited 267 subjects from Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan to participate in our online survey. We found that LIS students from these regions do adopt communication tools and social media for m-learning. However, they less frequently use their smartphones for academic reading. Plus, they rely more on search engines for fulfilling their information needs instead of library resources. We also found that the lack of a mobile version of the library website constitutes a significant barrier in m-learning, but the lack of mobile apps is relatively acceptable by the respondents. The result of this study shows that there are no big differences in m-learning usage among the three regions, except that LIS students from Hong Kong are accessing the learning management platforms via their smartphones more frequently compared to students from Japan and Taiwan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of dementia patients is one of the major social problems in Japan. Early detection and prevention of dementia is important. Many welfare facilities use check tests to measure the progression of dementia. However, some elderly people can be very nervous about assessment tests. In addition, the evaluation tests should be conducted regularly to assess the cognitive function of the patient over time, which can be a huge burden for medical and care providers. On the other hand, research papers have recently reported that it is possible to measure cognitive functions by focusing on brain functions and eye movements. In this paper, the authors aimed to develop a new dementia evaluation system to reduce the burden on medical staff and elderly persons. As the first step of this project, we focused on eye movement and employed a simple puzzle game to collect a patient's eye movement. Because of COVID-19, we could not conduct experiments at care houses; instead, we conducted a preliminary experiment with healthy subjects and collected eye movement data during the puzzle game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This paper develops a trust-based framework of participation in the energy transitions context. • We test the framework in the case study of a national energy deliberative polling in Japan in 2012. • We found that distrust in information, motives, and competence were three key dimensions in the trust gap. • The co-existence of the vertical, horizontal, and temporal dimensions revealed the complexity of trust gap. • The design of the deliberative principles, the distrust context, and the politics of energy policy-making were found to be the three critical factors that impeded gap-closing processes. A global decline in public trust has created a strong need for governments worldwide to engage citizens in order to enhance policy legitimacy and ensure effective post-Fukushima energy transitions. Deliberative policy-making – an advanced form of participatory policy-making that emphasises dialogue and debate – is widely regarded as an intervention that can enhance trust and subsequently legitimacy of energy transitions policies. However, the potential and limits of deliberative policy-making remain the subject of debate. This paper contributes to this debate by exploring deliberative policy-making from a trust perspective. We develop a trust-based systems framework of deliberative policy-making in the energy transitions context to understand, examine, and conceptualise the quality of such policy-making processes. Our framework is tested and applied to a case study of a national deliberative poll (DP) on energy held in Japan in 2012. This study draws on qualitative and quantitative data derived from the DP, in particular from a two-day deliberative forum involving 285 citizens. The findings indicate that the existence of a trust gap may jeopardise the quality of deliberative processes where citizen participation is considered as an input and enhanced policy legitimacy as an output of a policy-making system. We also show that the trust gap is a complicated concept consisting of three dimensions (trust in information, motives, and competence) and three types of directional dynamics (vertical, horizontal, and temporal). Our study identifies the context of public distrust as well as the broader political environment as two critical contextual conditions that may inhibit the closure of the trust gap. Our study contains rich insights on deliberative policy-making in the energy context, arguing that it carries no guarantee of enhanced policy legitimacy. Policy-makers in the energy transitions field need to focus attention on creating the conditions to build public trust in order to enhance policy legitimacy and thus realise the potential benefits of deliberative practices of policy-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]