<Advanced Energy Generation Division> Advanced Plasma Energy Research Section

3-1. Research Activities in 202

How distinctive are indigenous ways of achieving influence? A comparative study of guanxi, wasta, jeitinho, and "pulling strings"

The purpose of the study was to investigate the cultural specificity of guanxi, wasta, and jeitinho, each of which has been identified as an indigenous process of informal influence. Students in Brazil, China, Lebanon, and the United Kingdom were presented with three scenarios derived from each of the nations sampled. They rated the extent to which each scenario was representative of the locally indigenous process, the typicality for their culture of the events portrayed in the scenarios, and the extent to which these interpersonal exchanges were perceived positively. While each type of scenario was perceived as representative and typical in its culture of origin, each was also perceived as somewhat typical by respondents in additional locations. Informal influence processes may vary between cultures more in frequency than in quality. Rated scenario positivity was significantly predicted by respondents’ values. The United Kingdom–based process of “pulling strings” was rated as typical in all locations and was more positively evaluated than the other influence processes by all respondents. It is concluded that in addition to the pragmatic value of these concepts locally, their comparative testing can contribute to the development of culture-general models of social influence processes

<Division of Biochemistry>Chemistry of Molecular Biocatalysts

This Annual Report covers from 1 January to 31 December 202

Bathymetric distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in deep Lake Motosu, Fuji Five Lakes, Japan

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates was studied in deep Lake Motosu (oligotrophic lake), Japan. Bathymetrical sampling surveys were carried out using a standard Ekman grab at each of 16 stations in the lake on 8 March 2013. The average densities of the benthic community for all the stations were 2185 ind./m2, comprised principally of Tubifex tubifex (Muller) 23.4%, Asellus hilgendorfi Bovallius 4.9% and chironomids 65.8%. T. tubifex and chironomids inhabited the entire lake bottom, with higher densities in the shallower region (25 m>) than in the deeper region (ca. 120 m). On the other hand, the density of A. hilgendorfi increased with water depth and was highest in the deeper regions (>70 m). The densities of chironomid larvae were lower in the deeper region, with fewer chironomid larvae located in the center of the lake (637 ind./m2). The most abundant species, Micropsectra yunoprima Sasa, exhibited the widest distribution from 10.0 m to 121.0 m (mean density 926 ind./m2), followed by Procladius choreusi (Meigen) from 10 m to 74.1 m (mean density 365 ind./m2). The results of this study were compared to previous data by Kitagawa (1973) on chironomid larvae. The densities of these chironomid larvae increased throughout the whole lake in 2013. The water quality has not undergone a major change since the 1970’s. In this study, the number of M. yunoprima larvae has shown a tendency to increase, especially in shallower regions; where they are widely distributed, suggesting the continuation of favorable bottom condition for larvae since the 1970’s.ArticleEuropian Journal of Environmental Science. 5(1):35-40 (2015)journal articl

Bathymetric distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates in deep lake Motosu, Fuji Five Lakes, Japan

The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates was studied in deep Lake Motosu (oligotrophic lake), Japan. Bathymetrical sampling surveys were carried out using a standard Ekman grab at each of 16 stations in the lake on 8 March 2013. The average densities of the benthic community for all the stations were 2185 ind./m2, comprised principally of Tubifex tubifex (Muller) 23.4%, Asellus hilgendorfi Bovallius 4.9% and chironomids 65.8%. T. tubifex and chironomids inhabited the entire lake bottom, with higher densities in the shallower region (25 m>) than in the deeper region (ca. 120 m). On the other hand, the density of A. hilgendorfi increased with water depth and was highest in the deeper regions (>70 m). The densities of chironomid larvae were lower in the deeper region, with fewer chironomid larvae located in the center of the lake (637 ind./m2). The most abundant species, Micropsectra yunoprima Sasa, exhibited the widest distribution from 10.0 m to 121.0 m (mean density 926 ind./m2), followed by Procladius choreusi (Meigen) from 10 m to 74.1 m (mean density 365 ind./m2). The results of this study were compared to previous data by Kitagawa (1973) on chironomid larvae. The densities of these chironomid larvae increased throughout the whole lake in 2013. The water quality has not undergone a major change since the 1970’s. In this study, the number of M. yunoprima larvae has shown a tendency to increase, especially in shallower regions; where they are widely distributed, suggesting the continuation of favorable bottom condition for larvae since the 1970’s.ArticleEuropian Journal of Environmental Science. 5(1):35-40 (2015)journal articl

BIO-EFFECTS OF AIRCRAFT NOISE AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF OMEGA3 ON MICE BRAIN

In order to investigate the non-auditory bio-effects of aircraft noise exposure on brain, mice in soundproof chambers were exposed to a previously recorded aircraft-related noise signal for a duration of 1,2 or 3 weeks. For comparison, unexposed control mice have been used. The work plan includes aircraft takeoff and landing noise which adjusted to a level of 100 dB forthe 4 experimental groups for 2 hours daily. The recorded noise was analyzed using Audacity software program. The levels of blood glucose and cortisol in serum were measured. Morphological changes of brain tissue were observed by light microscope. The results showed that, Takeoff frequency ranged from 3-4 KHz at 100dB, while dominant frequency for landing was 2-3 KHz. Noise of 100 dB was found to cause significant increases in plasma glucose and cortisol for exposed mice as compared to no noise exposure. Administration of omega 3 for three weeks causes a significant improvement in plasma glucose and cortisol. Histopathological changes in brain of mice exposed to aircraft noise revealed some vesicles and mild to moderate apoptosis and pyknosis of the nuclei. In conclusion the present study determined that high intensity noise has a direct and clear effect on physical, biochemical values and thus noise exposure should be well organized