Improving method of listener monitoring by elucidator in the face-to-face explanation

In this study, we have developed teaching methods to improve transmission efficiency of messages in face-to-face explanation. In the current school education system, to improve communication skills of students, the opportunities for students to carry out group work and class presentations are increasing. In general, imparting information is easier with face-to-face communication than in the situations where one cannot see the face of the listener. However, in face-to-face communication, it has been reported that it is possible that the degree of understanding has been overestimated, based on the face of listener. Therefore, it is considered that the efficiency of communication improves by directly asking the degree of the listener's understanding, regardless of the listener's face. In this paper, we used a task which listener draws a geometric figure by listening elucidator's verbal explanation and studied teaching methods improving the metacognitive monitoring of elucidator, especially confirmation to the listener. In the experiment, participants were divided into two groups. One group performed reflection of their explanations by using the checklist for metacognitive monitoring after explaining, and repeating the explanation. Another group repeated explanations without reflection of their explanations. We compared the two groups about their frequency of confirmation to the listener in the second explanation. As a result, the frequency of confirmation increased with reflection with the checklist. This result suggested that using the checklist as a teaching method is effective for improving the efficiency of communication

Investigation on Ignition Coil Specification for Dilution Combustion System

To improve thermal efficiency of internal combustion engine, dilution combustion system, such as lean burn and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, have been developed with spark ignition coils generating large discharge current and energy. Several researches have clarified that large discharge current increases discharge channel stretch and decreases possibility of discharge channel blow-off and misfire. However, these investigations don\u27t mention effect of discharge current profile on combustion speed and discharge channel behaviour enough. Purpose of this research is to investigate relation among dilution rate, combustion speed, discharge channel behaviour and discharge current. To achieve this purpose, five coils having different current profiles were evaluated by combustion test and in-cylinder optical measurement test with research single cylinder engine. The combustion test results showed a correlation between dilution limit and initial combustion period. And optical measurement test results showed a correlation of initial combustion period with discharge channel stretch. Moreover, saturation of discharge channel stretch were observed from a certain discharge current value on up. Based on these results, adequate coil for dilution system was selected. Finally, the coil was equipped on a vehicle and performance test was conducted. The vehicle with LP-EGR system was stably driven with 18% of EGR rate, and 2.3% of fuel reduction rate were verified in the WLTC mode. The selected high energy ignition coil was contributing reduction of misfire during EGR operation

Bombyx Vasa sequesters transposon mRNAs in nuage via phase separation requiring RNA binding and self-association

Bombyx Vasa assembles Vasa bodies, the site of transposon silencing by Siwi and Ago3-piRISC formation. Here, the authors show Vasa sequesters transposon mRNAs in Vasa bodies via phase separation requiring RNA binding and self-association of Vasa

Estimation of Forest Residual Biomass for Bioelectricity Utilization towards Carbon Neutrality Based on Sentinel-2A Multi-Temporal Images: A Case Study of Aizu Region of Fukushima, Japan

Forest biomass is expected to remain a key part of the national energy portfolio mix, yet residual forest biomass is currently underused. This study aimed to estimate the potential availability of waste woody biomass in the Aizu region and its energy potential for local bioelectricity generation as a sustainable strategy. The results showed that the available quantity of forest residual biomass for energy production was 191,065 tons, with an average of 1.385 t/ha in 2018, of which 72% (146,976 tons) was from logging residue for commercial purposes, and 28% (44,089 tons) was from thinning operations for forest management purposes. Forests within the biomass–collection radius of a local woody power plant can provide 45,925 tons of residual biomass, supplying bioelectricity at 1.6 times the plant’s capacity, which could avoid the amount of 65,246 tons of CO2 emission per year by replacing coal-fired power generation. The results highlight the bioelectricity potential and carbon-neutral capacity of residual biomass. This encourages government initiatives or policy inclinations to sustainably boost the production of bioenergy derived from residual biomass

Antibacterial effect of bactericide immobilized in resin matrix

OBJECTIVE: Biomaterials with anti-microbial properties are highly desirable in the oral cavity. Ideally, bactericidal molecules should be immobilized within the biomaterial to avoid unwanted side-effects against surrounding tissues. They may then however loose much of their antibacterial efficiency. The aim of this study was to investigate how much antibacterial effect an immobilized bactericidal molecule still has against oral bacteria. METHODS: Experimental resins containing 0, 1 and 3% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) were polymerized, and the bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against Streptococcus mutans were determined. Adherent S. mutans on HAp was quantitatively determined using FE-SEM and living cells of S. mutans were quantified using real-time RT-PCR. The amount of CPC released from the 0%-, 1%- and 3%-CPC resin sample into water was spectrometrically quantified using a UV-vis recording spectrophotometer. RESULTS: UV spectrometry revealed that less than 0.11 ppm of CPC was released from the resin into water for all specimens, which is lower than the minimal concentration generally needed to inhibit biofilm formation. Growth of S. mutans was significantly inhibited on the surface of the 3%-CPC-containing resin coating, although no inhibitory effect was observed on bacteria that were not in contact with its surface. When immersed in water, the antibacterial capability of 3%-CPC resin lasted for 7 days, as compared to resin that did not contain CPC. SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrated that the bactericidal molecule still possessed significant contact bacteriostatic activity when it was immobilized in the resin matrix.status: publishe

Use of nutritional supplements by elite Japanese track and field athletes

Background While scientific evidence supports the efficacy of only limited nutritional supplements (NS) on sports performance, the use of NS is widespread in athletes. Given the serious issues of health damage or unintended Anti-Doping Rule Violations due to ingestion of contaminated NS in sports, accurately understanding NS practices by athletes is crucial. This study therefore elucidated the use of NS by elite Japanese track and field (TF) athletes. Methods The subjects were 574 Japanese TF athletes, including 275 junior athletes (under 20 years) and 299 senior athletes, who participated in international competitions from 2013 to 2018. Data on NS use were collected through pre-participation medical forms obtained from all entrants before their participation in competitions. NS users were requested to report the product names and primary components of all NS they were taking. Results The overall prevalence of NS use was 63.9%. The mean number of NS products used per athlete was 1.4. The prevalence was significantly higher in women (69.2%) than in men (59.6%) (p = 0.018) and significantly higher in senior athletes (68.9%) than in junior athletes (58.9%) (p = 0.012). The prevalence of NS use was higher in long-distance runners (75.8%) and lower in jumpers (52.3%) and throwers (49.2%) than other disciplines (p < 0.001). The most prevalent components were amino acids (49.3%), followed by vitamins (48.3%), minerals (22.8%), and protein (17.8%). Conclusions Approximately two-thirds of elite Japanese TF athletes reported the use of NS, and NS practices varied by gender, age, and discipline