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First Person is a series of interviews with the first authors of a selection of papers published in Journal of Cell Science, helping researchers promote themselves alongside their papers. Toan Le is first author on ‘A ubiquitin–proteasome pathway degrades the inner nuclear membrane protein Bqt4 to maintain nuclear membrane homeostasis’, published in JCS. Toan is a PhD student in the lab of Yasushi Hiraoka at the Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Japan, investigating protein degradation at the inner nuclear membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Area studies is an interpretive research field, and fieldwork is a key enabler for area studies research projects. However, field research also results in some fundamental challenges, which are described in the varied literature available for scholars of anthropology, geography, social sciences and various other fields. Within area studies literature, there is little which deals with how to manage fieldwork without being present on the field. This paper reflects upon my experience of being on fieldwork in Japan during the global COVID-19 pandemic. It shares my experiences during 2020 and early 2021 and discusses how COVID-19 affected various aspects of fieldwork in Japan, including unexpected challenges, new opportunities, institutional support and accessing academic texts. The paper aims to give a concrete picture of fieldwork in Japan for other scholars who are yet to conduct research in the COVID-19 context. The paper maps out how the pandemic has affected the field, why it is so, and future implications while also decoding field research challenges and offering achievable solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the usefulness of an extended input–output table (EIOT) incorporating the heterogeneity of Japanese firms based on differences in ratios of imported intermediate goods to total output. Using an EIOT, the vertical specialization indicator of Japan was calculated, which corresponds to the foreign value added included in exports. In this process, differences in intermediate input ratios were measured examining different types of firms using firm-level microdata from the Basic Survey of Japanese Business Structure and Activities. The results indicate that distinguishing between exporting and non-exporting firms is relevant for assembly industries such as electronics and automobiles, as widely discussed in the literature. In contrast, for primary materials industries, such as paper, chemical, and metal industries, other distinctions appear to be more relevant. For example, for the chemical industry, wherein firms tend to have large, integrated manufacturing plants, the differences in intermediate import ratios are largest when distinguishing large firms from small and medium firms. For paper and metal industries, which rely on foreign raw materials, the difference is largest when distinguishing between firms with and without foreign affiliates. By incorporating such heterogeneity, the vertical specification indicator increases by 70%; thus, the EIOT captures the foreign value added more comprehensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assesses leading Japanese philosophical thought since the onset of Japan's modernity: namely, from the Meiji Restoration (1868) onwards. It argues that there are lessons of global value for AI ethics to be found from examining leading Japanese philosophers of modernity and ethics (Yukichi Fukuzawa, Nishida Kitaro, Nishi Amane, and Watsuji Tetsurō), each of whom engaged closely with Western philosophical traditions. Turning to these philosophers allows us to advance from what are broadly individualistically and Western-oriented ethical debates regarding emergent technologies that function in relation to AI, by introducing notions of community, wholeness, sincerity, and heart. With reference to AI that pertains to profile, judge, learn, and interact with human emotion (emotional AI), this paper contends that (a) Japan itself may internally make better use of historic indigenous ethical thought, especially as it applies to question of data and relationships with technology; but also (b) that externally Western and global ethical discussion regarding emerging technologies will find valuable insights from Japan. The paper concludes by distilling from Japanese philosophers of modernity four ethical suggestions, or spices, in relation to emerging technological contexts for Japan's national AI policies and international fora, such as standards development and global AI ethics policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism behind the dispersion of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant on March 2011 is investigated using a numerical model. This model is a Lagrangian particle tracking -- ocean circulation coupled model that has the capability of solving the concentration of radionuclides for those dissolved in seawater and those adsorbed in particulates and bottom sediments. Model results show the radionuclides dispersing rapidly to the interior of the North Pacific along the Kuroshio Extension once they enter a meso-scale eddy. However, radionuclides are also found to remain near the coast with their spatial pattern depending strongly on the oceanic circulation during the first month of the release. This is when most of the adsorption to bottom sediments occurs. If the offshore advection were weak during this period, many radionuclides will be adsorbed to bottom sediments and remain on the coast for some time. If vertical mixing is weak, less radionuclide reach the sea floor and get adsorbed to bottom sediments. More radionuclides will then disperse to the open ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to analyze the China and Japan rivalry on economic assistance policy in Africa using a qualitative method and national interest as the conceptual framework. The land of Africa has abundant reserves of natural resources, such as dense forestry and mineral resources which naturally will attract foreign investors. The first foreign investors in Africa were westerners. Within the grip of their iron fists, Africa experienced a bitter history of slavery and colonialization. This rooted problem remains unresolved and causes a significant political atrophy until this day, and has resulted in the incapability of the Africa nations to resolve their own respective problems. Given such a state of affairs, these former colonies in Africa have always been longing for foreign assistance, especially after the post-Cold War Era. Thus, the abandonment of former colonies gave the opportunity for the Eastern powers, such China and Japan to establish a foothold in Africa, namely Japan with its Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and China its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through the TICAD, Japan emphasizes the importance of "Africa's Ownership" in all its infrastructure development cooperation initiatives. On the other hand, Chinese assistance can be characterised as indiscriminate, reciprocal, and non-interference in internal affairs. This paper suggests that both China and Japan have their own respective agenda on how to conduct diplomacy in Africa. They even share the same goals vis-a-vis Africa, which are economic and political domination and a keen interest in exploiting the available natural energy resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to illustrate the crucial role of preserving, protecting and managing the environment by Indigenous Peoples in Japan and India. Traditional Knowledge has provided the ability to detect, understand and respond to environmental changes. However, modern science and applied technology often fall short of sustainable practices, acquired through 'centuries of local observation'. Our consumer-centric world has unravelled a sad situation that has contributed to an irretrievable climate crisis. Multilateral instruments, however, have come to the rescue. In this journey, Japan and India have shown the world some constructive initiatives with positive outcomes which could go a long way in achieving the UN-SDGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the utilization of the mantra of light and its associated maṇḍala practices by Wang Hongyuan 王弘願 (1876–1937), a Chinese Buddhist during the Republican Period, and his adherents, which has not yet been noticed by previous scholars. With the import of esoteric Buddhist doctrines and practices from Japan, the mantra of light, which was a rarely used mantra in pre-modern China, gained renewed significance. This led to the widespread adoption of the ritual practices of this mantra by Wang Hongyuan and his surrounding Buddhist groups in early modern China. The rituals of this mantra were used as a supplement or substitute for near-death Pure Land practices. This paper presents Pure Land Buddhist practices intertwined with esoteric Buddhist elements or "esoteric" approaches to Pure Land rebirth in modern Chinese Buddhism which have been overlooked by previous scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Japan, the final tightening of bolts in the bolt-tightening operations is guaranteed to have been performed correctly by visually determining the change in markings during the temporary tightening operation performed by the technician. However, the engineer must confirm many bolts; further, the amount of time needed for the confirmation work and the inability to keep an objective record of the confirmation results present problems. To solve these problems, we developed a system for automating the final tightening of bolts using deep learning-based image-processing technology. The proposed system takes as input videos of bolt fastening points, extracts individual bolts, extracts markings on the extracted bolts, and makes fastening decisions based on the markings. In the judgment stage, the system processes information on each bolt where a marking is detected; thus, it is possible to leave this information as objective data. In this paper, we evaluated the accuracy of each automated step using an actual bridge video. We also compared the confirmation time with human confirmation. As a result of the confirmation, our proposed method reduces the confirmation time by about 33% in comparison to human confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality-assured preparation of crushed and diluted preparations for children is a challenge. In this study, a multicenter study was conducted to validate the preparation method for the quality assurance of baclofen powder, clonidine powder, and hydrocortisone powder prepared from tablets according to a previously established method. In-hospital preparations were prepared at five medical facilities under different crushing and mixing conditions. After storage in closed bottles, in-use bottles, and laminated paper for 120 days, ingredients stability, drug elution, and content uniformity after packaging were evaluated. All three ingredients were maintained at between 90% and 110% of their initial content for 120 days under packaging conditions of 25 ± 2 °C and 60 ± 5% relative humidity, with no change in dissolution in all formulations made at all five facilities. The content uniformity was also acceptable. The established method may contribute to quality-assured pediatric dosage form modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper addresses esoteric Buddhist rituals in Japan, with special focus on the changes that happened in its practice in the first couple of centuries after its initial arrival to the country. Although esotericism originated in India, it was the brief spotlight it gained in China during the Tang Dynasty (especially in the 8th century) that determined its transmission to Japan in the beginning of the 9th century, where it spread rapidly and reached a particular culmination within the same time period, i.e., the Heian Period (794 to 1185/1192). On the one hand, the Shingon school, established by the monk Kūkai (774-835), was essentially the first time the esoteric Buddhist teachings were systematised, and although the founder's person and teachings are still very much revered to this day, changes have begun right after his death in 835. On the other hand, the Tendai school, a rival for imperial recognition and support and also established (or rather introduced) in the beginning of the 9th century by the monk Saichō (767-822, a contemporary of Kūkai) included some esoteric teachings, and with the practices introduced by later Tendai monks, such as Ennin (794-864) or Enchin (814-891), this school cultivated esoteric practices that are still extant in Japan today. Firstly, the meaning and usage of the honzon (an icon of a deity) in esoteric Buddhist rituals is clarified in the paper, while later the evolution of two specific icons that were used during the Fugen Enmei rituals of both the Shingon and Tendai schools is introduced, with explanations as to why there are two different types of iconographies extant for the same kind of ritual. The paper contributes to the study of those esoteric practices that were created and developed in a locally recognized Buddhist milieu that served specific purposes in Japan and are found in no other Buddhist cultures in Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Daochuo 道綽 (562-645) is revered as a patriarch of both the Pure Land and the True Pure Land schools of Buddhism in Japan. In his Anleji 安楽集 he makes a variety of arguments about the necessity and importance of relying on the 'path of easy practice' whereby one aspires to enlightenment through birth in the Amituo's Pure Land based on the working of the other power of Amituo's vows. Daochuo's prioritization of the Pure Land teachings is well know both inside and outside of Japan, but previous scholarship has focused particularly on Daochuo's arguments that the Pure Land teachings should be taken as the centerpiece of Buddhism due to the degenerate nature of the age and the inferior capacities of the people. Therefore, previous scholarship in both Japanese and English on Daochuo has primarily characterized him as offering an easy practice for incompetent people who were unlucky enough to have been born at a time far removed from Śākyamuni. Through a careful analysis of passages in the second fascicle of the Anleji, in the first section of this paper I show that this understanding of Daochuo's view of the 'path of easy practice' fails to take into account the severity of his criticisms of the Buddhist practices that were preached in the Buddhist scriptures and prevalent at his time and therefore mischaracterizes the nature of his choice of Pure Land Buddhism as the most effective and excellent form of Buddhism and the only avenue for anyone at any time, regardless of their individual capacities or temporal relation to a Buddha, to genuinely fulfill the Mahayana ideal. Although Daochuo took a very broadminded stance toward practice, holding that any practice undertaken with a desire to be born in the Pure Land would qualify the practitioner to receive the benefits of the other power of Amituo's vows, there are also several points in the Anleji where he singles out the practice of the nianfo 念仏, particularly vocal recitation of the nianfo, as the most appropriate and effective practice for people to engage in. In the second section of this paper, I introduce the passages where Daochuo encourages the practice of the nianfo and show that he prioritized it both because he held it was most appropriate for the sentient beings of the Latter Days of the Dharma and because it afforded practitioners with a variety of benefits that were not available to those who sought after birth in the Pure Land through other practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, the prime ministers of the Nordic countries announced their joint vision of leading the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. While public opinion on EU integration has been divided in the Nordic countries, there is broad support for closer intra-Nordic collaboration. The paper asks whether this new vision is likely to lead to closer collaboration on the foreign policy front. To answer, trends in Nordic policies and strategies towards the wider world are studied and three joint initiatives centred on Japan are analysed to see how some of these policies have played out in practice. On the one hand, the cases demonstrate a variety of processes and formats for Nordic collaboration. On the other hand, they demonstrate how well Nordic collaboration can work in a remote, yet strategic market like Japan, not only as an abstract idea, but also in practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The collective memory of Korea, which has evolved through the shaping of the country's national culture and identity, has deepened Koreans' animosity toward Japan, and undermined reconciliation between Korea and Japan since the end of World War II. This paper analyzes how the collective memory of Japanese colonization of Korea has been constructed since World War II by examining the multiple narratives contained in Arirang, a popular Korean novel by Jo Jeong-rae, which has since the 1990s achieved canonical status on the basis of its nationalist perspective. For this purpose, this paper explores how Japanese colonialism is portrayed in Arirang, the pushback this portrayal has received from professional historians, and the socio-economic context in which the collective memory the novel promotes has been shaped and shared among Koreans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Ctenolepisma calvum, commonly known as the ghost silverfish, is an insect that lives in buildings, including museums, libraries, and archives. It is regarded as a pest of paper-based objects. Recently, C. calvum was discovered in several areas of Japan for the first time, and it may be a new threat to the conservation of collections that are of cultural and historical importance. Because the biological characteristics of this species in Japan are not well known, we observed their growth and reproduction. We found that eggs were laid from April to November, especially in early June, and eggs usually hatched within two months. The young insects grew through molting, and started laying eggs the next year. Females laid around 10 or more eggs at one time, and they were able to lay eggs once or more per year. Through this study, only females were found, and they were able to reproduce without male individuals. Further research on practical control methods for this species in museums and other facilities is required. Ctenolepisma calvum (Ritter, 1910) (Zygentoma: Lepismatidae) is a primitive wingless insect that causes damage to paper, and it is regarded as a pest of collections in museums, archives, and libraries. This species was recently discovered in Japan for the first time and may have already spread over large areas of Japan, but, currently, no information is available on the biological characteristics of C. calvum in Japan. In this study, we observed the processes of development and reproduction of C. calvum found in Japan at room temperature. Oviposition was observed from April to November, with a peak in early June. The average egg period was 56.9 days at average temperatures above 24.0 °C, and was 72.4 days at average temperatures below 24.0 °C. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars lasted 4.7 days, 13.2 days, and 26.1 days on average, respectively, at average temperatures above 22.0 °C. Average instar periods were 23–28 days in 4th–7th instars and tended to increase in later instars. Instar periods also increased when the average temperature was 22.0 °C or lower. In individual rearing, the longest-living individual lived for approximately two years, up to the 15th instar. The head width grew at an approximate ratio of 1.1 per molt. First oviposition occurred at the 10th or 11th instar. Individually observed females oviposited once or twice a year, laying 6–16 eggs at one time, but females at least two years old laid 78.2 eggs per year on average in a mass-culture cage. Through this study, only females were found, and the mature females produced their progenies parthenogenetically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In April 2022, a first-year PhD student published his first peer-reviewed article in the journal Qualitative Research. Less than four months later, amid viral public outrage, that article, Karl Andersson's "I am not alone – we are all alone: Using masturbation as an ethnographic method in research on shota subculture in Japan," was removed from publication and formally retracted by the Journal Editors. This paper explores the controversy surrounding the so-called "masturbation article" and its relevance to the field of publishing studies. I begin with a general overview of the shota manga genre and its legal context and provide a factual short history of the affair. I then demonstrate what a good-faith positive peer review of Andersson's article may have included and critically assess Qualitative Research's Retraction Notice, alongside other published ethical complaints. I conclude by showing how both Andersson's article and the Japanese manga he studies have been censored for the same reasons, with troubling implications for freedom of speech in the twenty-first century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese firms have historically followed a country-specific model of corporate governance. Yet, Japan has had to adapt its corporate model over the last 30 years, along with the transformation of distinctive characteristics of Japanese capitalism in the same period. We review the historical evolution of Japanese corporate governance over the last three decades with a specific emphasis on the changes in the capital structure of major companies and the efforts to correct ineffective board of directors monitoring. By doing this, we investigate to what extent specific Japanese corporate governance features may explain the nation's economic situation over this period. Thereby, we try to clarify the influences that have presided over recent corporate governance reforms in Japan despite the existence of managerial failures and corporate scandals. This paper places itself into the debate over the diversity of capitalism as it portrays the specificities, differences, and converging trends of Japanese corporate governance practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Korea's Japan policy has increasingly become inconsistent and even volatile across time. At the centre of the inconsistency is the Moon Jae-In government's GSOMIA policy. While starting his tenure by deciding to remain in the GSOMIA, the government made 180-degree turn and notified its intention not to renew the agreement when Japan announced export controls. But the decision was completely reversed within months when the government held off ending the agreement. What explains such inconsistency in Korea's Japan policy? To answer this question, the paper proposes a generic model of foreign policy inconsistency, which might be called "two-level constraint model" and applies it to the case of Korea's GSOMIA policy. The central argument of the model is that the inconsistency in the countries' foreign policy is the result of shifts in foreign policy leaders' incentives, which are affected by the changes in the level of external-and internal political constraints they face. A crucial case study of the Moon Jae-In government's GSOMIA policy finds strong evidence that lends a support for the argument. The paper concludes by offering both a short summary and policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the correlation between the evaluation of performance strategies in leading automotive organisations located in Japan during four economically significant periods. Furthermore, the article aims to determine key performance factors that have had an influence on automotive organisations in the most recent and current period. The sample group includes 14 large and very large corporations. This paper draws on both theoretical and empirical research. A questionnaire was created as part of the research and was pre-tested in order to increase its internal validity. The actual survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews with managers at the top management level. To address the aim, non-parametric statistical methods have been used (Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman correlation), mainly due to the relatively small testing sample of companies and the Shapiro-Wilk test failing at the five percent level of significance. Additionally, exploratory data analysis methods have been applied. Despite the noticeable deviation in the period of economic recession, the results indicate an increase in the significance of the individual factors in the periods in question. Another interesting finding is the growing power of factors oriented at innovation and the future environment. This means that, for the companies, measuring these factors will be crucial henceforth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to explore the global research status, hot topics, and future prospects in the field of the hypoxia inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF-PHI) by bibliometric analysis. Methods: The literatures about HIF-PHI were downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection and Pubmed database from inceptions to January.10th. 2022. The VOSviewer 1.6.18 was used to explore the bibliometric networks and research priorities of HIF-PHI. Results: A total of 409 papers about HIF-PHI were included, involving 1,674 authors from 548 institutions in 43 countries. The number of HIF-PHI literatures showed an upward trend, with steady growth from 2016 to 2020 and rapid growth in 2021. Tadao Akizawa, Masaomi Nangaku and Alexander R Cobitz published the most literatures. The United States, Japan and China contributed the most publications. The three most contributed institutions are Astellas Pharma Inc., the Showa University and Glaxosmithkline. Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis, American Journal of Nephrology and Clinical Pharmacology in Drug Development are the most productive journals. The main hot topics of HIF-PHI field are anemia, chronic kidney disease, hif-phi, epoetin and roxadustat. Conclusion: The United States and Japan are dominant in the field of HIF-PHI research. The discovery and clinical application of HIF-PHI is a great boon for patients with renal anemia. However, due to the short clinical application time of HIF-PHI, and its long-term efficacy and safety still need time to prove. In addition, more cooperation should be carried out between European and American countries and Asian countries to better prove the clinical value of HIF-PHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societies of the East are often contrasted with those of the West in their stances toward technology. This paper explores these perceived differences in the context of international ethics guidance for artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. Japan serves as an example of the East, while Europe and North America serve as examples of the West. The paper's principal aim is to demonstrate that Western values predominate in international ethics guidance and that Japanese values serve as a much-needed corrective. We recommend a hybrid approach that is more inclusive and truly 'international'. Following an introduction, the paper examines distinct stances toward robots that emerged in the West and Japan, respectively, during the aftermath of the Second World War, reflecting history and popular culture, socio-economic conditions, and religious worldviews. It shows how international ethics guidelines reflect these disparate stances, drawing on a 2019 scoping review that examined 84 international AI ethics documents. These documents are heavily skewed toward precautionary values associated with the West and cite the optimistic values associated with Japan less frequently. Drawing insights from Japan's so-called 'moonshot goals', the paper fleshes out Japanese values in greater detail and shows how to incorporate them more effectively in international ethics guidelines for AI and robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines how Japan has embraced advanced technologies to address the challenges of an aging society and shrinking labor markets. Using Japan as a case study, this paper explores the relationship between human dignity, the intrinsic value of work, and the fourth industrial revolution. The paper is divided into four sections. The first section describes the scale of aging and shrinking labor markets in Japan, and the measures that the Japanese government has used to tackle these problems. The second section offers a selection of five mini cases that show how advanced technologies are used in different sectors of the Japanese economy. The third section outlines some ethical concerns that go beyond utilitarian benefits of using advanced technologies to address the problem of aging. The perspective of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is adopted as a main advocate of a person-centered social ethics. The fourth section offers an assessment of Japan's experiment and outlines further research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The science of soft robots, or soft robotics, is currently one of the most active fields in robotics. While traditional robots consist of rigid bodies, powerful servomotors, and carefully coded programs to realize power, precision, and reliability, soft robots consist of soft and flexible bodies, actuators, and intelligence for adaptability. They are not rigid, but instead flexible toward their surroundings. These differences have the potential to make soft robotics a great new field in robotics. A JSPS KAKENHI project "Science of Soft Robots" has been in progress in Japan since 2018. Part of this special issue is made in collaboration with this project. This special issue consists of 46 works in total: 2 review papers, 29 letters, and 15 papers. One review paper, 29 letters, and 3 research papers report research activities from the JSPS KAKENHI project, and the other review paper and 12 research papers have been contributed from outside the project. As this issue will make clear, the science of soft robots is a very interdisciplinary academic field, a collaboration of many researchers from various fields, such as mechanical/electrical engineering, computer science, material sciences, biology, zoology, medicine, and nursing, among others. We believe interdisciplinary work to be a key point for the exploration of soft robotics. The editors thank all of the authors and reviewers of the contributions, and are confident that this special issue will greatly contribute to further progress in robotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a scientometric analysis for identifying major specialties of pharmacological research and the countries contributing the highest number of articles in pharmacology. According to the analysis, 1,471 research papers were published from 57 nations. The first nation with 30 percent score of total publications was the U.S. followed by Japan with 13 percent and Great Britain with 8.3 percent. About 37 nations published research papers on cellular and molecular pharmacology.

The article presents a bibliography of research papers presented at the Second Asian Pacific Interdisciplinary Research in Accounting Conference held in Osaka, Japan during August 1998. Some of the papers presented at the conference were "The Effect of Target Costing Implementation on an Organizational Culture in France"; "Public Disclosure and Decision-making: An Exploration of Possibilities for Financial, Social and Environmental Accounting"; "An Investigation of the Initial Voluntary Environmental Disclosures Made in Korean Semi-annual Financial Reports"; "The Influence of Subsidiary Strategic Context and Head Office Strategic Management Style on Control of MNCs: The Experience in Australia"; "The Effects of Personality Traits on Women's Advancement in Public Accounting Firms"; "Globalization and Nationalism in Multinational Accounting Firm: The Case of Opening New Markets in Eastern Europe"; "Phases in the Growth of an Accountancy Profession"; "Waste Accounting and Cleaner Technology: A Complex Evaluation"; "Accounting Power and Resistance in the Plant With a Problem."

Several Artemisia species are used as herbal medicines including the dried aerial parts of Artemisia capillaris, which are used as Artemisiae Capillaris Herba (known as “Injinho” in Korean medicinal terminology and “Yin Chen Hao” in Chinese). In this study, we developed tools for distinguishing between A. capillaris and 11 other Artemisia species that grow and/or are cultured in China, Japan, and Korea. Based on partial nucleotide sequences in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) that differ between the species, we designed primers to amplify a DNA marker for A. capillaris. In addition, to detect other Artemisia species that are contaminants of A. capillaris, we designed primers to amplify DNA markers of A. japonica, A. annua, A. apiacea, and A. anomala. Moreover, based on random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis, we confirmed that primers developed in a previous study could be used to identify Artemisia species that are sources of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and Artemisiae Iwayomogii Herba. By using these primers, we found that multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was a reliable tool to distinguish between A. capillaris and other Artemisia species and to identify other Artemisia species as contaminants of A. capillaris in a single PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper empirically analyses how individuals in companies evaluate the contributions of basic research by universities and public research institutes to industry from multiple perspectives: manager as a spokesperson of the company (science-based industry or others), position within the company (managers or inventors), affiliations of inventors (large pharmaceutical companies or biotech start-ups), and educational background. This paper focuses on the case of Japan. Questionnaire surveys were sent to managers and inventors in established companies and startups across several industries. This study found that, 1) the more science-oriented the company, the higher their managers evaluate academic research, 2) inventors evaluate academic research more highly than managers, 3) inventors from biotech start-ups evaluate academic research more highly than inventors from large companies in the pharmaceutical industry, and 4) the more advanced their educational background, the more highly inventors evaluate academic research. This study suggests that 'closeness to science' is an important factor for companies to evaluate contributions of basic research to innovation. The findings also suggest that problems within the current educational systemare an indirect cause of the innovation crisis in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

River water-level prediction is crucial for mitigating flood damage caused by torrential rainfall. In this paper, we attempt to predict river water levels using a deep learning model based on radar rainfall data instead of data from upstream hydrological stations. A prediction model incorporating a two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D-CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM) is constructed to exploit geographical and temporal features of radar rainfall data, and a transfer learning method using a newly defined flow–distance matrix is presented. The results of our evaluation of the Oyodo River basin in Japan show that the presented transfer learning model using radar rainfall instead of upstream measurements has a good prediction accuracy in the case of torrential rain, with a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) value of 0.86 and a Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) of 0.83 for 6-h-ahead forecast for the top-four peak water-level height cases, which is comparable to the conventional model using upstream measurements (NSE = 0.84 and KGE = 0.83). It is also confirmed that the transfer learning model maintains its performance even when the amount of training data for the prediction site is reduced; values of NSE = 0.82 and KGE = 0.82 were achieved when reducing the training torrential-rain-period data from 12 to 3 periods (with 105 periods of data from other rivers for transfer learning). The results demonstrate that radar rainfall data and a few torrential rain measurements at the prediction location potentially enable us to predict river water levels even if hydrological stations have not been installed at the prediction location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While research has explored the risk of periodontal disease in various eye conditions, the link between dry eye and periodontal disease remains underexplored, especially in Japanese adults. This study aims to investigate the association between dry eye and periodontal disease in community-dwelling Japanese adults. Methods: This study is a subset of the Uonuma cohort study, which includes Japanese adults aged 40 years and older residing in the Uonuma area of Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Participants completed a self-administered, paper-based questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including the chi-square test, independent t test, ANOVA test, and logistic regressions, were employed to assess the association of periodontal disease with independent variables. Results: Among 36,488 participants (average age 63.3 years, 47.4% men), 39.3% had a history of periodontal disease, and gender differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between periodontal disease and dry eye diagnosis or symptoms. Univariable logistic regression revealed links between periodontal disease and age, gender, living status, alcohol consumption, remaining teeth, bite molar availability, and history of dry eye disease or symptoms. Multiple-adjusted regression found that doctor-diagnosed dry eye was associated with a higher likelihood of periodontal disease (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.22). Participants who never experienced dryness or foreign body sensation had lower ORs of periodontal disease than those who always experienced such symptoms across all models. Conclusion: A significant correlation was found between dry eye and periodontal disease in Japanese adults. Regular check-ups, early detection, and effective management of both conditions are strongly recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: During Japan's initial pandemic prevention and control period, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan (MEXT) issued several notifications to ensure students' continuous learning according to the "leave no one behind" philosophy. This study focused on the comprehensive measures comprising top-level arrangements to implement the "suspending classes without stopping learning" initiative. Design/Approach/Methods: The study reviewed MEXT's guide on ensuring learning for Japanese primary and secondary school students during the pandemic. Findings: The pandemic has accelerated the development of the information and communications technology educational environment and the implementation of the Global and Innovation Gateway for All (GIGA) schools initiative. These developments laid the foundation for the evolution of diverse pedagogical models and feasible methods for promoting equity. The home schooling experience during the pandemic provided a natural base for students to practice and foster survivability. Originality/Value: This paper provides scholars with an understanding of the opportunities and challenges encountered in educational innovation in Japan. It provides insights into the future direction of pedagogical development, capability development, and effective educational arrangements for extraordinary circumstances to facilitate educational development from a broader perspective, particularly under the new normal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SDG target 12.3 calls for halving food waste in retail, food service, and households by 2030. The food waste index developed for this purpose includes parts attached to food that are usually removed intentionally ("unavoidable food waste") and counts conversion into animal feed and utilisation as biomaterial as a means of reduction. In Japan, the "Food Waste Recycling Law", which has been in effect since 2001, promotes the recycling of food waste generated from businesses, designating feed conversion as a top priority. On the other hand, based on the more recent "Food Loss Reduction Promotion Act" of 2019, the government is currently promoting reduction in avoidable food waste to meet the SDG target. Based on statistical sources and interviews with ministry officers, this paper explains the history and achievements of Japan's 23-year policy based on the Food Recycling Law, as well as the tension between the two legislations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fukushima power station in Japan was affected by a major earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, inspecting the primary containment vessel remains difficult due to high radioactivity. Long-reach robot arms are useful in inspecting such hazardous environments, and a coupled tendon-driven mechanism enables realizing a long, light-weight, and thin manipulator. However, high elastic elongation of tendons due to gravity may lead to unstable joint control. In this paper, we introduce dynamics-based control as a feasible strategy for a long-reach tendon-driven robotic arm. Additionally, a planning method to identify the joint angle path ensuring stability is proposed. Considering stability analysis, the potential due to the tendon elasticity and gravity is evaluated and used as an index of joint stability. The rapidly exploring random tree is used as the planning algorithm. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated through the successful manipulation of a 5-kg payload by a 10-m long robotic arm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]