Contact Analysis and Simulation of Rolled Plastic Film Used for Roof Ventilation in Japanese Greenhouses

Greenhouses are capable of producing a variety of high-value crops year-round. A novel Japanese greenhouse design is gaining popularity because of its automated roll-up ventilation system that is integrated into the roof. However, due to the frequent movement of the roll-up system, the plastic film deteriorates rapidly and typically lasts for only three or four months. In order to better understand the film deterioration, we studied the mechanics involved at the point of contact between the film and the metal greenhouse frame. We found that film deformation and failure were closely related to stretching and creasing, and these processes were observed at the microscopic level. An experimental device was developed to further study the damage to greenhouse film due to the roll-up movement. We concluded that the reduction in film thickness due to static loading or rolling contact was the best predictor of future film damage

Non-Pharmacological Management of Neurocardiogenic Syncope

AbstractNeurocardiogenic syncope is a common disorder. It is diagnosed by obtaining a detailed history and performing a head-up tilt test, with or without drug provocation. Several studies have been performed pertaining to its management. However, no treatment, whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological, except for counterpressure maneuvers and daily orthostatic tilt training, has been proven effective. Randomized studies of therapies for neurocardiogenic syncope are needed

Rolling contact fatigue simulation used for full-open type greenhouse

The green house is often used to add the quality and value of agricultural products. Newly developed full open type green house has a lot of attracted attention whose roof opens and closes automatically in order to control the temperature. However, since the roof opens and closes very often, the cover sheet can be used only for 3-4 months. This is because the plastic film is damaged between the support pipe and rolling pipe during opening-closing affected by fatigue and wear. In this study, the damage mechanism is investigated for the several plastic films used for the full open type green house. In the first place, FEM analysis is performed to evaluate the damage of plastic film between pipes under different film materials. Here, the maximum contact pressure and thickness reduction are analysed under static contact analysis and rolling contact analysis as the most important factors. Finally, rolling fatigue experiment is performed to investigate the damage with changing plastic films. Then, the results are compared with the FEM analysis.3rd International Conference on Fracture Fatigue and Wear, FFW2014, Kitakyushu, Japan, 1-3 September 201

Nurse-led group cognitive behavioral therapy for major depressive disorder among adults in Japan: A preliminary single-group study

Objectives: The prevalence and burden of disease of depression necessitates effective and accessible treatment options worldwide. Since April 2016, Japanese national health insurance has covered nurse-administered cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for mood disorders. However, empirical support for nurse-led CBT for depression in Asian countries, especially in Japan, is still lacking. This preliminary study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of nurse-led group CBT for Japanese patients with depression. Methods: In this single-arm study, we evaluated the effects of a 6-week group CBT, led by trained nurses, on patients with major depression. The primary outcome was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Assessments were conducted at the beginning and end of the intervention. Results: Of 25 participants screened, 23 were eligible for the study (of these, three dropped out during the trial but were included in the analysis). Nurse-led group CBT led to significant improvements in the severity of depression (BDI-II, P < 0.001). The mean total BDI-II score improved from 23.1 (SD = 7.56) to 12.4 (SD = 8.57), and the pre-to post-effect size was large (Cohen's d = 1.33). After CBT, 45% of the participants were judged to be treatment responders, and 34% met the remission criteria. Conclusions: Our preliminary findings indicate that 6 weeks of nurse-led group CBT produced a favorable treatment outcome for individuals with major depression in a Japanese clinical setting. The results of this study might encourage more Asian nurses to provide CBT as a part of their nursing practice. Further controlled trials that address the limitations of this study are required. Keywords: Behavior therapy, Cognitive therapy, Depressive disorder, Group psychotherapy, Nursing car