Soka University Repository / 創価大学機関リポジトリ
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Aiming to Develop a Curriculum for Language Activities “Presentations” in Special Japanese Language Training Courses ―Presentation Classes Using Visual Materials―
Get PDF日本語教育の参照枠で新たに示された「発表」の言語活動に注目し，留学生教育における発表能力の伸長を目的としたカリキュラム構築のために，視覚資料を使用したプレゼンテーション授業のカリキュラムを検討した。B2 レベルにおける発表構成や表現、語彙等の具体例を示すことにより，段階的な発表能力の伸長が可能となるカリキュラムの開発を目指した。departmental bulletin pape
Impact of impeller rotational seed on sludge velocity distribution in a double helical ribbon reactor: A CFD-based study
No full textThis study employs three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the influence of impeller rotational speed on sludge velocity distribution, dead zone formation, and overall mixing behavior in a Double Helical Ribbon Impeller (DHRI) reactor.The investigation also explores the scale-up implications of DHRI configuration from laboratory to pilot scale (scale up). CFD simulations were performed using ANSYS Fluent 22R2, where the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations were solved using the finite volume method.A single-phase, non-Newtonian rheological model was applied to simulate high-solid anaerobic digestion sludge with a total solid concentration of 12%. Simulations were conducted for both a 10 L lab-scale reactor and a scaled-up (270 L) reactor at impeller speeds of 50, 100, and 150 rpm. The results indicate that increasing impeller rotational speed significantly enhances sludge distribution, leading to improved mixing efficiency and reduced formation of dead zones. At 50 rpm, 15% of the reactor volume remained poorly mixed, especially in the conical bottom zone. This was significantly reduced to less than 2% at 150 rpm. However, the most effective balance between mixing performance, shear stress, and energy consumption could be considered at 100 rpm. Beyond this threshold, further increasing the rotating speed of the impeller will have almost no effect on mixing performance but rather necessitates share stress and more energy consumption. The scale-up simulations demonstrated that the hydrodynamic mixing characteristics observed in the laboratory-scale DHRI reactor were largely preserved in the scale up (270 L) reactor. This consistency in flow dynamics across scales can be attributed to the application of geometric similarity and consistent sludge rheology, which might ensure comparable Reynolds numbers between the two onfigurations. These findings suggest that, unlike many conventional impeller systems which suffer from performance degradation upon scale-up, the DHRI reactor retains its superior mixing capability even at larger volumes. Moreover, the DHRI configuration showed clear advantages over conventional impeller designs reported in previous literature, particularly in handling high-solids substrates such as chicken manure slurry. Its unique geometry might had promoted strong axial and radial flow components, ensuring uniform sludge distribution throughout the reactor volume, indicating the tendency to minimize sedimentation or scum layer formation. This performance is crucial for enhancing mass transfer, maintaining microbial activity, and supporting stable and efficient biogas production in high-solids anaerobic digestion systems. Overall, this study contributes to the understanding of fluid flow and mixing dynamics in DHRI reactor, offering fundamental insights and practical design guidelines for effective scale-up. It underscores the importance of optimizing impeller speed not only for improved mixing but also for minimizing energy use and mechanical stress. The results affirm that DHRI reactor is a promising design for high-solids anaerobic digestion applications and presents a scalable mixing solution for industrial bioreactor configurations. Future research should incorporate experimental validation and extend investigations to assess the impact of mixing on microbial kinetics and methane yield under varying operational conditions like rpm.departmental bulletin pape
Can zooplankton be cultivated in space? ~Ingestion rate of copepods under microgravity environment~
No full textFor the long-term human habitation planned on the Moon and Mars, efficient recycling and supply of essential life-supporting materials will be crucial. Fish aquaculture has been proposed as a potential source of animal protein in such closed environments. One proposed approach involves utilizing the nutrients in aquaculture wastewater to cultivate microalgae, which serve as feed for zooplankton, which in turn become food for fish. To implement this food chain in a closed space environment, it is critical to determine whether the feed organisms can grow and reproduce normally under microgravity conditions. Previous studies have investigated the swimming behavior of the zooplankton Daphnia magna under various gravity conditions using parabolic flight experiments. The present study aims to clarify how microgravity affects the feeding rate̶an important factor influencing reproduction and growth̶of marine zooplankton. Feeding experiments were conducted using the two marine copepods, Acartia steueri and Tigriopus japonicus. Zooplankton samples were collected using a plankton net from Manazuru Port, located in the western part of Sagami Bay. Adult females of Acartia steueri were identified and selected for use in the experiments. The microalga Thalassiosira weissflogii, cultured in f/2 medium, was used as the food source at concentrations sufficient to saturate the feeding rate. Two treatments were prepared: an experimental group containing both algae and copepods, and a control group containing only algae. These were incubated for 24 hours under two gravity conditions: normal Earth gravity (1 g) and simulated microgravity (1/1000 g, equivalent to that on the International Space Station). Microgravity conditions were simulated using a 3D clinostat, which rotates the sample in three dimensions to cancel the gravity vector. For the 1 g condition, the containers were kept stationary in an incubator and manually agitated every 4 hours. After incubation, changes in algal cell density were measured and feeding rates were calculated. Additionally, chlorophyll a content in the guts of the copepods was extracted using N,N-dimethylformamide and measured. Adult female Acartia steueri and Tigriopus japonicus fed on T. weissflogii and produced fecal pellets under both gravity conditions. Comparison of ingestion rates of A. steueri and T. japonicus revealed no significant differences between the 1 g and simulated microgravity conditions (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found in the gut chlorophyll a content of A. steueri at the end of the experiment (t-test, p > 0.05). These results suggest that, under the conditions tested, A. steueri and T. japonicus can maintain feeding activity comparable to that under Earth gravity even in a 1/1000 g microgravity environment. Future studies should assess how microgravity affects other biological processes such as reproduction and growth rates.departmental bulletin pape
Hypocrisy and the Crisis of the Liberal International Order
No full textThe Liberal International Order (LIO) is currently in a deep legitimacy crisis. Not only is it losing support in the liberal core countries, including abandonment in the US, it has come under unprecedentedly fierce criticism from the Global South where many are frustrated by what they perceive as liberal hypocrisy. This frustration has become particularly palpable since the outbreak of Israel’s war in Gaza which has highlighted glaring inconsistencies in liberal states’ attitudes on human rights. This article explores the relation between the LIO and hypocrisy. It argues that any order based on secular values is prone to hypocrisy, but also that the LIO has become more hypocritical than necessary due to a tendency among liberal intellectuals to downplay the hypocrisy problem. It concludes that, in a world that is moving toward multipolarity and increased alignment options for the Global South, the LIO’s legitimacy crisis will continue to worsen as long as liberal states fail to rectify the hypocrisy problem, potentially leading to the complete breakdown of the liberal order.departmental bulletin pape
Enhancing Psychological Support for Children with Intellectual Disabilities:Study on Role of School Counselors In Special Needs Schools
Get PDFIn this study, we explored the use of school counselors (SCs) in special needs schools through three case studies involving children with intellectual disabilities and their parents. Our analysis focused on effective methods of psychological support tailored to the unique psychological characteristics of these children and on optimizing the utilization of SC within special needs schools. As a result, for providing psychological support, the following key approaches were identified: (1) Establishing a trusting relationship with children with intellectual disabilities is essential. This includes engaging them in a manner that helps them recognize the benefits of counseling. (2) When having conversations, it is crucial to go beyond spoken language. Using various means of communication, such as illustrations and letters, can help clarify the true intent of conversations. (3) Sharing information between homeroom teachers and SCs is vital to create an effective support plan and fostering cooperation with other departments. To enhance SC utilization in special needs schools, the following three points were identified: (1) Clear delineation of the roles between teachers and SCs is necessary to ensure effective collaboration. (2) SCs should be given opportunities to play an active role not only for students but also in a wide range of activities, such as providing support for parents. (3) Employment conditions should allow for regular attendance, ideally at least once a week and over multiple years of service. Thus, in order to better meet the psychological and emotional needs of the students, there is a need to increase the number of SCs assigned to special needs schools.departmental bulletin pape
Current Educational and Support Systems for Elementary and Junior High School Students with Special Needs in Regular Classrooms:Toward Effective Interprofessional Collaboration
Get PDFRecently, the Japanese educational system for students with disabilities in elementary and junior high schools has been modified to promote inclusive education. Professionals like psychologists and social workers have started working with teachers at schools to solve student problems and reduce the burden on teachers. However, the roles of teachers and professionals are becoming more complex in special education at regular schools. To collaborate effectively, teachers and other professionals must comprehend each others’ roles and expertise. This paper began by describing the current educational and support systems for students with or who have a tendency of learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder in regular elementary and junior high school classrooms. Then, the previous studies about the practices of psychologists involved with students with special needs were reviewed. Lastly, the challenges of effective interprofessional collaboration, particularly school counselors and visiting psychologists in their work with teachers, were discussed.departmental bulletin pape
“Right to Advice from a Defense Counsel” of Suspects During Voluntary Investigations
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Personal Learning Environments of Japanese EFL University Students
Get PDFThis research paper attempts to explore the Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) of Japanese EFL university students, with a focus on the usage of digital tools for language learning. This research, which is based in the context of a private university in Japan, utilises qualitative research instruments, viz., visual narratives and individual interviews with students, to investigate how students create and manage their PLEs, as well as their attitudes and intent towards using digital tools. Results from the study reveal that the PLEs of Japanese university students pertaining to English language learning feature a multitude of digital tools that serve a variety of language-learning purposes. In addition, these students display positive attitudes toward using technology and intend to continue to use digital tools. Teachers may leverage the concept of PLEs to promote effective use of technology, self-regulated learning, and collaboration. Finally, there are several opportunities for further research into PLEs in the EFL context.departmental bulletin pape
吉蔵における十如是の解釈の特徴
Get PDF吉蔵における十如是の解釈の特徴について、『法華義疏』、『法華統略』、『法華論疏』の解釈を比較、考察した。『法華義疏』、『法華統略』における十如是と『法華論疏』における五何法の解釈で共通している点は、『大智度論』巻第三十二に説かれる「九種」が類似の概念として挙げられることである。また、方便品に説かれる「法」、「諸法」について関係のある十如是と五何法が、一切法を収めるものであり、仏の智慧の特徴を表す項目であると解釈している点である。departmental bulletin pape
フォトクロミックナノデバイスで修飾された制御因子GAPを用いた低分子量Gタンパク質Rasの光制御
Get PDF創価大学博士（理学）Ras, a small GTPase, is central to the regulation of diverse cellular processes, including transcription, cell cycle progression, growth, migration, cytoskeletal reorganization, apoptosis, cell survival, and senescence. Ras activation is mediated by GTP binding, whereas its inactivation occurs via GDP binding, which is tightly controlled by guanine nucleotide exchange factors and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). GAPs accelerate GTP hydrolysis, playing a crucial role in modulating Ras signaling to prevent excessive or prolonged activation. Here, we investigated monofunctional azobenzene derivatives as photochromic modulators to control the Ras GTP-GDP exchange in a light-dependent and reversible manner. Three thiol-reactive azobenzene derivatives with distinct electrostatic properties were synthesized and incorporated into GAP functional sites to modulate Ras activity. GAP mutants containing a single cysteine residue at the functional site were generated using an Escherichia coli expression system. Our results showed that modifications near the GAP “arginine finger”—a critical region for stabilizing the GTP hydrolysis transition state of Ras—induced significant light-dependent changes in GTPase activity. We achieved photoreversible control over the interaction between Ras and its effector Raf using these azobenzene derivatives. These findings suggest that Ras function can be precisely modulated using photochromic molecules, providing a novel light-based approach for controlling Ras activity.doctoral thesi