Characteristic Changes Defined via Comparison of the Big-Five Personalities in Japanese University Freshmen from Years 2000 to 2016

Introduction: With the arrival of the 21st century, drastic worldwide changes to natural, economic and social events have occurred. These include the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the global financial crisis. Furthermore, Japan experienced the introduction of a specific education system. In this study, we traced and compared the psychological characters of university freshmen for 16 years (years 2000-2016) using Big-Five personalities inventory (Japanese version). Methods: A total of 1189 physically and mentally healthy university freshmen participated in this study. They were divided into four groups according to the year they entered university. They completed a self-filled questionnaire, Big-Five personalities inventory, which consists of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Neuroticism, Conscientiousness and Openness. Result and Discussion: Compared with the year 2008, Extraversion nominally increased in 2012, however, it statistically significantly decreased in 2016. Agreeableness notably decreased from 2000 to 2008, then showed an increase in 2012. Compared to 2000, Neuroticism was statistically significantly lower in 2008 and 2016. Such statistically significant differences were not observed in the other two personalities. The personalities of university freshmen have changed in the last 16 years, which may be been caused by drastic changes. However, further research (e.g., larger-scale studies or studies including other university students) is required to support the current findings.

Large-scale experimental study on scour around offshore wind monopiles under irregular waves

The Keulegan-Carpenter(KC)number is the main dimensionless parameter that affects the local scour of offshore wind power monopile foundations.This study conducted large-scale(1:13)physical model tests to study the local scour shape,equilibrium scour depth,and local scour volume of offshore wind power monopiles under the action of irregular waves with different KC numbers.Systematic experiments were carried out with the KC number ranging from 1.0 to 13.0.With a small KC number(KC<6),and especially when the KC number was less than 4,the scour mainly occurred on both cross-flow sides of the monopile with a low scour depth.When the KC number exceeded 4,the shape of the scour hole changed from a fan to an ellipse,and the maximum scour depth increased significantly with KC.With a large KC number(KC>6),the proposed method better predicted the equilibrium scour depth when the wave broke.In addition,according to the results of three-dimensional terrain scanning,the relationship between the local equilibrium scour volume of a single offshore wind power monopile and the KC number was derived.This provided a rational method for estimation of the riprap redundancy for monopile protection against scour.

Dual Torch Plasma Arc Furnace for Medical Waste Treatment

In this paper, characteristics of a treatment and operated at atmospheric pressure dual torch plasma arc used for hazardous waste are studied, and also compared with those of the multi-torch plasma arc and the single torch plasma arc. The dual torch plasma arc is generated between the cathode and anode with argon as the working gas. The temperature distributions of the plasma arc are measured using a spectroscope and line pair method with the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium （LTE） for the DC arc current I=100 A and argon flow rate Q = 15 slpm. The measurements show that the temperatures of the dual torch arc plasma in the regions near the cathode, the anode and the center point are 10,000 K, 11,000 K and 9,000 K, respectively. And the high temperature region of the multi torch plasma arc is of double or much wider size than that of a conventional dual torch plasma arc and single plasma torch. Based on the preceding studies, a dual torch plasma arc furnace is developed in this study. The measured gas temperature at the center region of the argon arc is about 11,000 K for the case of I=200 A and Q=30 slpm operated in atmosphere.

Regional Differences in Specific Health Examination Utilization and Medical Care Expenditures in Japan

Background: Despite having one of the most successful health systems in the world, annual medical expenditures in Japan have been increasing year to year. We sought to clarify regional differences in medical expenditures by analyzing the relationship between the specific health examination coverage and medical care expenditure by prefecture of Japan. Methods: We used data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups (NDB) Open Data Japan (2015) and Overview of 2015 National Medical Expenses to compare medical care expenditure per capita and proportions of persons receiving specific health examination between Japan nationally and individual prefectures. Results: National medical expenditures were 42.3 trillion Japanese yen (JPY) (3851 hundred million dollars), with a national per capita rate of JPY347,219 (USD3156). Per capita medical expenditure rates by prefecture ranged from JPY290,900 (USD2645) in Saitama Prefecture to JPY 444,000 (USD4036) in Kochi Prefecture. The proportion of persons receiving specific health examinations was 49.0% for Japan overall and ranged from 39.3% in Hokkaido Prefecture to 63.4% in Tokyo Prefecture. We observed a significant negative correlation between per capita medical expenditures and the proportion of persons receiving specific health examinations (R = 0.553, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found a significant negative correlation between per capita medical expenditures and the proportion of persons receiving health examinations: prefectures with lower expenditures tended to have higher rates of medical examinations. Interventions to increase the proportion of persons receiving specific health examinations by prefecture could reduce per capita medical expenditures and reduce prefectural disparities in expenditures.

The Straightness Backstroke Kick Makes Fast Speed and Increased Lactate Acid. A Case Study Using 3-Times Olympian

In this study, we assess the effectiveness of utilizing a straight knee kick in the backstroke with regard to the overall time, max speed, and distance per stroke when using a straight knee butterfly technique. We analyzed freestyle kick of knee angles from 7-Olympic medalists, 1970＇s S-shaped pulling pattern stroke was used with a bending knee freestyle kick. The straight knee kick used in butterfly competitions resulted in improvements from 54.74 to 51.00 in Men＇s 100-meter butterfly and fi＇om 23.43 to 23.02 in Men＇s 50-meter butterfly. Using a straight knee kick in backstroke competitions resulted in improvements from 1：01.74 to 1：00.55 in the 100-meter backstroke event. Increases in performance speed, max speed and distance per stroke among three elite level swimmers are highly correlated to duration of the kick resistance, and straight knee kick in backstroke. The straight knee kick also resulted in an increase in lactate acid.

Blood Pressure Balance as a Marker for Early Detection of Cerebral Infarction and a Criterion for Inclusion/Exclusion from Acupuncture Treatment

Background: Early detection of cerebral infarction (CI) by home acupuncturists might be helpful in reducing stroke mortality. We compared vital signs of patients who developed CI and those who did not to ascertain if blood pressure balance is a useful marker for the early detection of CI and for distinguishing cases with potentially effective/ineffective acupuncture treatment. Methods: In this retrospective study, vital signs such as body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure, were simultaneously obtained from the right and left arms of patients who received weekly acupuncture treatment. We focused on the differences between values obtained from the right and left arms (the balance) and compared the values of patients who developed CI [CI (+)] (n = 18) and those of age-/gender-matched patients who did not [CI (−)] (n = 18). Results: Left/right blood pressure was significantly more unbalanced in the CI (+) group than in the CI (−) group, especially immediately before the onset of CI. Moreover, all CIs occurred on the side with a lower blood pressure. Discussion and Conclusions: Blood pressure balance might aid in the early detection of CI and to determine whether treatment with traditional or modern medicine is more appropriate. Acupuncture may thus help maintain patients’ quality of life.

In Search of the Cretaceous-Tertiary Boundary in Heilongjiang River Area of China

A new geological section recognized in Baishantou of Jiayin,Heilongjiang Province,China,was studied preliminarily in searching for the K/T boundary.An early Paleocene florule characrerized by abundant Tiliaephyllum tsagajanicum leaves and its associated plants,was collected from the Baishantou Member(new member representing the lower part of the Paleocene Wuyun Formation)overlying the possible K/T boundary.A tuff bed was found from the upper part of the Furao Formation(uppermost Cretaceous)in this section.The new findings imply that the K/T boundary is probable lying in the interval between the base of the Baishantou Member and the tuff bed,based on the correlation of the present strata with the stratotype of the Tsagajan Group spanning the K/T boundary in"Belaya Gara"of the Bureya Basin,Russia.The early Paleocene florule from the Baishantou Member and the early-middle Maastrichtian dinosaurs found from the Yuliangzi Formation underlying the Furao Formation suggest that the Baishantou section is more promising for searching for the K/T boundary in this area.Further studies of the section is needed,integrating paleontological,biostratigraphic,geochemical,paleomagnetic,and sedimentary research would benefit our understanding the mass extinction event and biotic recovery in the Heilongjiang River area,China,and even all of northeast Asia during the K/T boundary interval.

Fossil woods from the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene of Heilongjang(Amur)River area of China and Russia

Fossil woods were collected from the Upper Cretaceous to Paleocene beds distributed around Heilong- jang （Amur） River area of China and Russia. A total of 43 specimens were collected from Baishantou, Long- gushan, and Yong＇ancun in Jiayin, China, and 85 specimens from Zeya-Bureya Basin lying southeast of Blagoveshchensk in Russia. Selected specimens were sectioned and studied anatomically. The source deposits of almost all identifiable specimens belong to the Upper Cretaceous （Campanian） Taipinglinchang Formation and the Paleocene Wuyun Formation in China, and the Paleocene Upper Tsagayan Formation in Russia. Al- though the results obtained are still far from complete, the taxonomic composition of the fossil woods show marked stratigraphic differences between the two horizons beyond the K/T boundary in China. There is also a strong similarity in wood flora between the Wuyun Formation of China and the Upper Tsagayan Formation of Russia. All identified specimens from the Taipinglinchang Formation are Xenoxylon latiporosum, This is one of the stratigraphically younger records of Xenoxylon, which is a conifer morphogenus of uncertain affinity most common in the Triassic to Early Cretaceous. Only one specimen with possible derivation from either the Wuyun or the Maastriehtian Furao Formation in China was identified as Taxodioxylon sp. The Wuyun Formation yielded both conifers and dicotyledonous woods. The conifers include Taxodioxylon sequoianum of the Taxodiaceae, and Protopiceoxylon amurense, which is attributable to the extant genera Keteleeria or Nothotsuga of the Pinaeeac, both are at present endemic to China. At least two morphotypes of dicotyledonous woods were recognized, with one identified as el. Hamamelidoxylon , and the other diffuse porous wood is characterized by numerous heterogeneous rays. From the Zeya-Buleya Basin of Russia, Taxodioxylon sequoianum and cf. Hamamelidoxylon sp. were identified from the Upper Tsagayan Formation. The similarity of wood composition in both Wuyun and Upper Tsagayan Formations support lithological as well as biostratigraphic correlations proposed for the two formations.

Late Cretaceous biota and the Cretaceous-Paleogene(K--Pg)Boundary in Jiayin of Heilongjiang,China

An international cooperative study of the Late Cretaceous biota and non-marine strata including the Cretaceous-Paleogene(K--Pg) boundary in Jiayin near the Heilongjiang River,China during 2002-2010,is summarized in this paper. The strata includes the Upper Cretaceous Yong'ancun-,Taipinglinchang-,Yuliang-zi-,and Furao formations,and the Paleocence Wuyun Formation consisting of Baoshantou Member and a Coalbearing Member. Seven palynological assemblages from Santonian to Paleocene are recognized,which is used for definition of the K--Pg boundary. Through the palynological analysis of three drilled boreholes (XHY-2005,2006,2008) in Xiaoheyan of western Jiayin,the K--Pg boundary is defined within 20. 00-20. 05 m in the borehole XHY-2006 (as a standard boundary) which is just between the top of Furao Formation (late Maasterichtian) and the base of Baishantou Member (early Danian) . These new research results are supported by paleo- magnetic,geochemical and other analyses,also. On the other hand,the presence of eight taxa of Maasterichtian dinosaurs (mostly hadrosaurids) have been recognized by the authors; and two mega-plant assemblages from the Yong'ancun Fm (Santonian) to Taipinglinchang Fm (Campanian) are confirmed. These research a-chievements indicate that the Upper Cretaceous-Paleocene in Jiayin can be well correlated to the strata in the neighboring Zeya-Bureja basin,Russia. The K--Pg boundary definited in Jiayin is the first well documented non-marine K--Pg boundary in China. Also the related paleoclimate,paleoenvironment and the mass extinctions in this area during the Cretaceous-Paleocene transition are also discussed.

Shearing Mechanism of Straight Thin Copper Wires at Connecting Terminal due to Lightning Current

When a lightning current is impressed through a copper wire, the copper wire would be melted. A straight thin copper wire with a diameter of 0.1 mm,~ is melted due to the specific melting Joule heating （j^2t）m in an adiabatic condition. However, it has been recognized in the experiment that the thicker copper wires of φ1 mm are not completely melted, but sheared mainly at the connecting terminal by a relatively low impulse current. Electro-magnetic mechanical shearing stress, etc. are discussed in addition to the conventional Joule heating. New broken mechanisms were presumed and proved in the additional experiments.

Effects of Mild Hyperthermia Treatment Using Nano-Mist Sauna on Blood Gas Parameters and Skin Appearance

Physicians often observe patients’ complexion (their natural skin color) as an indicator of health. The complexion may depend on the internal environment, however, very few researchers studied its evidence. We previously reported various benefits of a mild hyperthermia treatment on human health using the nano-mist sauna (NMS), including acceleration of gas exchange (O2 and CO2) in the venous blood, enhancement of immunity, and the modulation of autonomic nervous system. However, the effects of NMS on skin appearance are unknown. There is a historical and widespread belief that mild hyperthermic treatments such as hot springs are good for improving skin appearance. However, the effect of NMS on the skin appearance has not been examined. In the present study, we examined the color of venous blood using the CIELAB (a color space specified by the French Commission internationale de l’éclairage) method, and then compared the color changes before and after NMS stimulation. Next, we examined correlations of blood gas parameters with color elements of the venous blood, which are highly dependent on oxygen. Our results suggest that the colors and appearance of the face depend on the internal environment, because there are numerous vessels under the skin. Thus, the color of the venous blood may provide medical evidence of changes in complexion. This new method may be useful for assessment of medical complexion by physicians, for use in determining internal health based on skin color information.

Sustainable Post-Disaster Solutions--London 1666, Lisbon 1755 and Japan 2011reLearning from the Past

Natural disasters have impacted human settlements throughout the centuries, imparting lessons as new ways and strategies to avoid or minimize the damage inflicted by the natural processes. This on-going process has created new landscapes instrumental to man＇s balance of the use of the land by taking into account the probability of further natural disasters. This paper discusses the responses to disaster challenges taking past experiences on ＂after disaster decisions＂ in London 1666, in Lisbon 1755 as a framework to analyse the more recent Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. The concept of sustainability which adds a new perspective to the subject of more resistant solutions and strategies as the opportunity for a new design is presented by the destruction. Sustainable environmental, social and cultural issues improvements are important goals introduced in the 20th century and enrich long-term human adaptations to natural processes. They are also considered in this analysis as an evolving final product of the human adaptation that results in more durable cultural landscapes.

Goodwin Accelerator Model Revisited with Piecewise Linear Delay Investment

It is well-known that Goodwin’s nonlinear delay accelerator model can generate diverse oscillations (i.e., smooth and sawtooth oscillations). It is, however, less-known what conditions are needed for these dynamics to emerge. In this study, using a piecewise linear investment function, we solve the governing delay differential equation and obtain the explicit forms of the time trajectories. In doing so, we detect conditions for persistent oscillations and also conditions for the birth of such cyclic dynamics.

Factors Associated with District Tsunami Victim Rate by Age Class in Ishinomaki City： 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami

This paper analyzes the factors associated with the district tsunami victim rate in 2011 by age class/group in Ishinomaki city, Japan. Sea or river visibility and evaluation potential from the temporary facilities to higher hills are factors associated with victim rate in addition to tsunami depth. In addition, victim rate, especially for elder people, is low in the districts that have higher aging rate. The characteristics of these districts are： （1） many people are engaged in fishery related jobs and know each other and （2） higher hills are behind the beach.

Re-Formulation of Mean King’s Problem Using Shannon’s Entropy

Mean King’s problem is formulated as a retrodiction problem among noncommutative observables. In this paper, we reformulate Mean King’s problem using Shannon’s entropy as a first step of introducing quantum uncertainty relation with delayed classical information. As a result, we give informational and statistical meanings to the estimation on Mean King problem. As its application, we give an alternative proof of nonexistence of solutions of Mean King’s problem for qubit system without using entanglement.

Relationship between the Career Selection Process and Happiness among Japanese School Teachers, Office Workers, and Nurses

Background: Happiness varies across the life course in a U shape, with the least happiness in mid-life during the working years. Therefore, choosing a career may be an important factor in life’s happiness. However, the relationship between the career selection process and happiness remains unclear. Methods: We surveyed 805 schoolteachers, office workers, and nurses from an available marketing database using an ad hoc questionnaire assessing happiness and career selection type. Results and Discussion: We found that happiness was significantly greater among schoolteachers and nurses than for office workers in Japan. Furthermore, among schoolteachers and office workers, an evasive/avoidance type of career-selection process had an unfavorable effect on happiness. However, among nurses, no such association was observed. Conclusion: Paying attention to the career-selection process may be helpful to improve happiness.

Physical and Psychological Effects of the Shiatsu Stimulation in the Sitting Position

Purpose: In this study, we investigated physical and psychological effects of the shiatsu (finger pressure) stimulation in a sitting position. Subjects and Methods: A crossover test was conducted on 20 subjects (average 34.5 ± 7.6 years old;male = 10, female = 10). First they were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (shiatsu stimulation/control) and group B (control/shiatsu stimulation). They had shiatsu stimulation (Namikoshi basic methods in the sitting position, five minutes). At the same time, POMS (profile of mood states), SBP (systolic blood pressure, DBP (diastolic blood pressure) and HR (heart rate) were measured. Results: Physical result—Compared to the baseline, the shiatsu stimulation showed statistical decreased SBP and HR while the control (no shiatsu stimulation) did not. Psychological result (POMS)— Compared to the baseline, the stimulation showed significant change in all six mood states (Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Fatigue and Confusion decreased while Vigor elevated). Male showed statistical decrease in Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger, Fatigue and Confusion as well as significant increase in Vigor. Female only showed decrease in Depression-Dejection and Anger. Discussion and Conclusion: The shiatsu stimulation in the sitting position could modulate autonomic nerve system and it could affect human body. Gender differences were found in physiological effect.

Effects of Facial Isometric Exercise on Antioxidant Capacity

Background: Facial isometric exercise is a static contraction of facial muscles without any visible movement in the angle of the joints. To examine the effects of facial isometric exercise on subjective stress and oxidative stress/antioxidant capacity. Methods: In this study, we included 13 participants (6 males, 7 females;average age, 44.8 ± 19.6 years;age range: 20 - 74 years) who were exposed to constant temperature and humidity in a room. Fifteen minutes after entering the room, the force was measured before and after facial isometric exercise of the target muscles: upper lip levator, small zygomatic, large zygomatic, levator animus, laughing, buccal, muzzle, mental, temporal, masseter, and cervical muscles), and further evaluated by comparing the facial isometric exercise group and control (non-facial isometric exercise) group (crossover test). Results: Subjective stress significantly improved by 8.7 ± 16.3 in the facial isometric exercise group, and no significant difference in oxidative stress level was observed in both the groups. However, the antioxidant capacity significantly increased by 126.8 ± 168.1 μmol/l in the facial isometric exercise group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that facial isometric exercise is an exercise therapy that can provide mental stability and antiaging effects due to improvement in subjective stress and biological antioxidant potential.