Reconsidering Aging and Financial Markets in East Asia

Amid the concern over detrimental effects of rapid aging in East Asia, estimations of the impacts of the region’s demography on macroeconomic variables have been conducted since the early 2000s. A recent example is IMF (2017), which estimated several macroeconomic variables using panel data of demographic variables and a number of newly introduced explanatory variables, such as “financial openness” and expected “aging speed.” IMF (2017), however, defines the range of ages in the “working age population” differently from those commonly used. In this chapter, we estimate macroeconomic and financial variables by using explanatory variables similar to those of IMF (2017), but with commonly used demographic definitions, and with an increased number of countries during extended periods. The results of the estimations are different from those of IMF (2017) but similar to those of previous literature. “Youth dependency ratio,” “old-age dependency ratio” and “expected aging speed” have significant impacts on interest rates and stock return, the impacts of which, however, can be mitigated by increased “financial openness.” Empirically revealed relationships between “aging speed” and savings as well as financial variables is a “conundrum” which is not consistent with the Life Cycle/Permanent Income hypothesis, but can be explained using “behavioral economics.” The resulting shortage of savings after retirement can be rectified by introducing “Saving More Tomorrow” type pension plans which incorporate behavioral economics and are widely available in the United States. Similar plans may provide solutions against the expected shortage of savings in East Asia, including Japan

The current state and problems regarding teacher training in Japan as seen from the point of view of fostering practical teaching performance

This study aimed to clarify the teacher education status and problems of Japan seen from the point of view of fostering practical teaching abilities based on the results of questionnaires and interviews targeting teachers of faculty members of training organizations that offer elementary school and Lower Secondary PE teacher education courses. The results of our questionnaire indicate that the following five points can be presented as future tasks for fostering practical teaching performance through practical training in Japan. The first challenge is extending the period of student teaching. The second challenge is establishing cooperation between student teaching schools and universities. The third challenge is to solidify an assessment system for student teaching. The fourth challenge is to nurture the instruction abilities of student teaching school teachers. The last challenge is to hire university teachers who are capable of giving student teachers appropriate instructions and advice

The effects of repeated thermal therapy for two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract Objective: This paper describes the successful treatment of two patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using repeated thermal therapy. Methods: Two patients with CFS underwent treatment with prednisolone (PSL), with no satisfactory effect. They were subjected to thermal therapy that consisted of a far-infrared ray dry sauna at 60 8C and postsauna warming. The therapy was performed once a day, for a total of 35 sessions. After discharge, these subjects continued the therapy once or twice a week on an outpatient basis for 1 year. Results: Symptoms such as fatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and low-grade fever were dramatically improved after 15 to 25 sessions of thermal therapy. Although PSL administration was discontinued, the subjects showed no relapse or exacerbation of symptoms during the first year after discharge. The patients became socially rehabilitated 6 months after discharge. Conclusions: These results suggest that repeated thermal therapy might be a promising method for the treatment of CFS.

クルマイス タイオウ センメンダイ ノ サイテキ チ センメン ジッケン ニヨル サイ ヒョウカ

The specifications of washstand for wheelchair were re-examined to help materialize more smooth and comfortableness. The face washing activities in sitting positions were recorded with 3-D motion capture system.The experiments were run for different heights, sizes, and shapes of washstands, and also for different distances between the washstand and the seat. The captured motions were analyzed to identify inconveniences and difficulties during the activities.As the results, the optimum difference of height between the top of washstand and the seat is in the range of 250-300mm. The optimum distance from the front edge of washstand to greater trochanter is around 250mm. It is important to form the front of shape of washstand in order not to hamper the movement of upper extremity. Based on the results, the current height of standard washstand for wheelchair (750mm) should be lowered

Effect of Zinc Acetate Dihydrate (NobelzinR) Treatment on Anemia and Taste Disorders in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease with Hypozincemia

Some patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving hemodialysis develop erythropoietin-resistant anemia, possibly due to zinc deficiency. The frequency of zinc deficiency in CKD (stages 1-5 and 5D) and CKD improvement via zinc supplementation are not completely verified. Here 500 CKD patients (Stage 1/2, n=100; Stage 3, n=100; Stage 4, n=100, Stage n=5, 100; Stage 5D, n=100) will be recruited to determine the frequency of serum zinc deficiency at each CKD stage. Patients with serum zinc concentrations <80 μg/dL will be treated with zinc acetate dihydrate (NobelzinR) to evaluate its effects on hypozincemia, taste disturbances, and anemia