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14 pages, 649 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Moderating Effect of Attitudes Toward One’s Own Aging on the Association Between Body Mass Index and Executive Function in Older Adults
by Akihiko Iwahara, Taketoshi Hatta, Reiko Nakayama, Takashi Miyawaki, Seiji Sakate, Junko Hatta and Takeshi Hatta
Geriatrics 2025, 10(4), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/geriatrics10040105 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
Background: This cross-sectional study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and executive function (EF) in older adults, with a focus on the moderating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA). Method: A total of 431 community-dwelling elderly individuals from Yakumo Town [...] Read more.
Background: This cross-sectional study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and executive function (EF) in older adults, with a focus on the moderating role of attitudes toward own aging (ATOA). Method: A total of 431 community-dwelling elderly individuals from Yakumo Town and Kyoto City, Japan, participated between 2023 and 2024. EF was assessed using the Digit Cancellation Test (D-CAT), and ATOA was measured via a validated subscale of the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale. Results: Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for demographic and health covariates revealed a significant interaction between BMI and ATOA in the younger-old cohort. Specifically, higher BMI was associated with lower executive function only in individuals with lower ATOA scores. No such association was observed in those with more positive views on aging. Conclusions: These results indicate that positive psychological constructs, particularly favorable self-perceptions of aging, may serve as protective factors against the detrimental cognitive consequences of increased body mass index in younger-old populations. Full article
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13 pages, 1649 KiB  
Article
Assessing the Population Demographic History of the Tsushima Leopard Cat and Its Genetic Divergence Time from Continental Populations
by Hideyuki Ito, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Manabu Onuma, Takushi Kishida and Miho Inoue-Murayama
Biology 2025, 14(7), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070880 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 282
Abstract
The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus), an endangered feline endemic to Tsushima Island, Japan, faces critical threats due to its small and isolated population. Understanding its demographic history and genetic differentiation from continental populations is essential for conservation planning. In [...] Read more.
The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus), an endangered feline endemic to Tsushima Island, Japan, faces critical threats due to its small and isolated population. Understanding its demographic history and genetic differentiation from continental populations is essential for conservation planning. In this study, we performed whole-genome sequencing of four Tsushima individuals and applied demographic inference methods, including pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) and Sequentially Markovian Coalescent (SMC++), to reconstruct the historical effective population size (Ne) and estimate divergence times. PSMC revealed a population expansion between 200,000 and 100,000 years ago, followed by a long-term decline. SMC++ inferred a continuous decline and estimated that the divergence from the Korean leopard cat population occurred approximately 30,000–20,000 years ago. Genetic diversity analysis showed that the Tsushima population has significantly lower heterozygosity and higher inbreeding levels than continental populations. Genetic clustering based on genome-wide SNPs indicated that the Tsushima population is genetically closest to the Korean population, forming a northern cluster distinct from southern populations, such as Borneo and the Malay Peninsula. These findings provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history and genetic status of the Tsushima leopard cat and contribute critical data for the design of future conservation strategies targeting this unique insular lineage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Genetic Variability within and between Populations)
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15 pages, 1444 KiB  
Article
Touchscreen Tasks for Cognitive Testing in Domestic Goats (Capra hircus): A Pilot Study Using Odd-Item Search Training
by Jie Gao, Yumi Yamanashi and Masayuki Tanaka
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2115; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142115 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 679
Abstract
The cognition of large farm animals is important for understanding how cognitive abilities are shaped by evolution and domestication. Valid testing methods are needed with the development of cognitive studies in more species. Here, a step-by-step method for training four naïve domestic goats [...] Read more.
The cognition of large farm animals is important for understanding how cognitive abilities are shaped by evolution and domestication. Valid testing methods are needed with the development of cognitive studies in more species. Here, a step-by-step method for training four naïve domestic goats to use a touchscreen in cognitive tests is described. The goats made accurate touches smoothly after training. Follow-up tests were conducted to confirm that they could do cognitive tests on a touchscreen. In the pilot test of odd-item search, all the goats had above-chance level performances in some conditions. In the subsequent odd-item search tasks using multiple novel stimulus sets, one goat could achieve the criterion and complete several stages, and the results showed a learning effect. These suggest a potential ability to learn the rule of odd-item search. Not all goats could pass the criteria, and there were failures in the transfer, indicating a perceptual strategy rather than using the odd-item search rule. The experiment confirmed that goats could use the touchscreen testing system for cognitive tasks and demonstrated their approaches in tackling this problem. We also hope that these training methods will help future studies training and testing naïve animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal System and Management)
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17 pages, 3379 KiB  
Article
Intraspecific Evaluation of Phenotypic Variations of Caryopteris incana (Thunb. ex Houtt.) Miq. in Western Kyushu, Japan
by Masaya Ando, Takanori Kuronuma and Hitoshi Watanabe
Plants 2025, 14(12), 1840; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14121840 - 15 Jun 2025
Viewed by 422
Abstract
Caryopteris incana (Thunb. ex Houtt.) Miq., an endangered species native to western Kyushu, Japan, forms locally isolated populations. In our previous studies, we conducted a distribution survey of 109 populations across four regions and performed phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast DNA to clarify their [...] Read more.
Caryopteris incana (Thunb. ex Houtt.) Miq., an endangered species native to western Kyushu, Japan, forms locally isolated populations. In our previous studies, we conducted a distribution survey of 109 populations across four regions and performed phylogenetic analyses using chloroplast DNA to clarify their genetic structure and diversity. The primary objective of this study was to clearly compare and evaluate phenotypic differences that are considered to be genetically fixed among adaptive traits evolved in response to the native environments of each region. We evaluated morphological characteristics—such as floral parts, leaves, and plant form—under uniform cultivation conditions using seeds collected from native populations. As a result, region-specific phenotypes were identified, and diverse variations were observed both among and within regions. Furthermore, the presence of phenotypes with high coefficients of variation even within the same region suggests the existence of diverse gene pools suitable for various applications. This study not only contributes to understanding the regional adaptive strategies of C. incana, but also provides fundamental data for developing conservation plans for this endangered species. Additionally, the phenotypic information obtained is expected to be useful for breeding horticultural varieties and for setting future conservation priorities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Ecology)
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28 pages, 3296 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Neural Mechanisms of Self-Controlled and Externally Controlled Movement with a Flexible Exoskeleton Using EEG Source Localization
by Takayuki Kodama, Masahiro Yoshikawa, Kosuke Minamii, Kazuhei Nishimoto, Sayuna Kadowaki, Yuuki Inoue, Hiroki Ito, Hayato Shigeto, Kohei Okuyama, Kouta Maeda, Osamu Katayama, Shin Murata and Kiichiro Morita
Sensors 2025, 25(11), 3527; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25113527 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 657
Abstract
Background: Self-controlled motor imagery combined with assistive devices is promising for enhancing neurorehabilitation. This study developed a soft, Flexible Exoskeleton (flexEXO) for finger movements and investigated whether self-controlled motor tasks facilitate stronger cortical activation than externally controlled conditions. Methods: Twenty-one healthy participants performed [...] Read more.
Background: Self-controlled motor imagery combined with assistive devices is promising for enhancing neurorehabilitation. This study developed a soft, Flexible Exoskeleton (flexEXO) for finger movements and investigated whether self-controlled motor tasks facilitate stronger cortical activation than externally controlled conditions. Methods: Twenty-one healthy participants performed grasping tasks under four conditions: Self-Controlled Motion (SCC), Other-Controlled Motion (OCC), Self-Controlled Imagery Only (SCIOC), and Other-Controlled Imagery Only (OCIOC). EEG data were recorded, focusing on event-related desynchronization (ERD) in the μ and β bands during imagery and motion and event-related synchronization (ERS) in the β band during feedback. Source localization was performed using eLORETA. Results: Higher μERD and βERD were observed during self-controlled tasks, particularly in the primary motor cortex and supplementary motor area. Externally controlled tasks showed enhanced activation in the inferior parietal lobule and secondary somatosensory cortex. βERS did not differ significantly across conditions. Source localization revealed that self-controlled tasks engaged motor planning and error-monitoring regions more robustly. Conclusions: The flexEXO device and the comparison of brain activity under different conditions provide insights into the neural mechanisms of motor control and have implications for neurorehabilitation. Full article
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9 pages, 212 KiB  
Article
Na and K Content and Na/K Ratio of Ramen Dishes Served in Ramen Restaurants in Kyoto City, Japan
by Nagako Okuda, Hiroko Kojima, Tomomi Nagahata and Akira Okayama
Dietetics 2025, 4(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/dietetics4020021 - 3 Jun 2025
Viewed by 821
Abstract
Salt intake, specifically NaCl, should be reduced to prevent hypertension. Ramen often contains high-NaCl soup in Japan, but there are no reports of the actual sodium (Na) or potassium (K) contents. We visited ramen restaurants in Kyoto that had received high ratings on [...] Read more.
Salt intake, specifically NaCl, should be reduced to prevent hypertension. Ramen often contains high-NaCl soup in Japan, but there are no reports of the actual sodium (Na) or potassium (K) contents. We visited ramen restaurants in Kyoto that had received high ratings on review sites and sampled the soups and toppings (n = 52). The Na and K concentrations were measured using ion electrodes, and the NaCl and K contents per serving and Na/K ratio were calculated. The results were compared among different types of “tare” (thick seasonings) (salt, soy sauce, and miso) and different types of broth (chicken, pork bone, and fish). The average NaCl and K contents per serving were 6.53 ± 1.48 g and 448 ± 141 mg, respectively, and Na/K was 10.7 ± 4.3 mmol/mmol. Considering the different broths, the Na/K ratio was the lowest for fish (9.6 ± 5.2), followed by chicken (10.0 ± 3.1) and pork bone (13.2 ± 4.8). Ramen dishes were high in both Na and the Na/K ratio. The low Na/K of fish soup ramen was thought to be due to the higher K content extracted from dried fish. Depending on the broth, it is possible to reduce the Na/K ratio. Full article
20 pages, 1428 KiB  
Article
Quantifying Body Motion Synchrony in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using a Phase Difference Detection Algorithm: Toward a Novel Behavioral Biomarker
by Jinhwan Kwon and Hiromi Kotani
Diagnostics 2025, 15(10), 1268; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15101268 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 621
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Nonverbal synchrony—the temporal coordination of physical behaviors such as head movement and gesture—is a critical component of effective social communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often described as having impairments in such synchrony, but objective and scalable tools to [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Nonverbal synchrony—the temporal coordination of physical behaviors such as head movement and gesture—is a critical component of effective social communication. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are often described as having impairments in such synchrony, but objective and scalable tools to measure these disruptions remain limited. This study aims to assess body motion synchrony in ASD using phase-based features as potential markers of social timing impairments. Methods: We applied a phase difference detection algorithm to high-resolution triaxial accelerometer data obtained during structured, unidirectional verbal communication. A total of 72 participants (36 typically developing TD–TD and 36 TD–ASD) were divided into dyads. ASD participants always assumed the listener role, enabling the isolation of receptive synchrony. Four distribution-based features—synchrony activity, directionality, variability, and coherence—were extracted from the phase difference data to assess synchrony dynamics. Results: Compared to the TD group, the ASD group exhibited significantly lower synchrony activity (ASD: 5.96 vs. TD: 9.63 times/min, p = 0.0008, Cohen’s d = 1.23), greater temporal variability (ASD: 384.4 ms vs. TD: 311.1 ms, p = 0.0036, d = 1.04), and reduced coherence (ASD: 0.13 vs. TD: 0.81, p = 0.036, d = 0.73). Although the mean phase difference did not differ significantly between groups, the ASD group displayed weaker and more irregular synchrony patterns, indicating impaired temporal stability. Conclusions: Our findings highlight robust impairments in nonverbal head motion synchrony in ASD, not only in frequency but also in terms of temporal stability and convergence. The use of phase-based synchrony features provides a continuous, high-resolution, language-independent metric for social timing. These metrics offer substantial potential as behavioral biomarkers for diagnostic support and intervention monitoring in ASD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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17 pages, 4136 KiB  
Article
Simulation Study on Dose and LET of Neutron Irradiation for Biological Experiments Using Spallation, Reactor, and Compact Neutron Sources
by May Sweet, Kenji Mishima, Masahide Harada, Keisuke Kurita, Hiroshi Iikura, Seiji Tasaki and Norio Kikuchi
Quantum Beam Sci. 2025, 9(2), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/qubs9020011 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1201
Abstract
Neutron beams, being electrically neutral and highly penetrating, offer unique advantages for the irradiation of biological species such as plants, seeds, and microorganisms. We comprehensively investigated the potential of neutron irradiation for inducing genetic mutations by using simulations of spallation, reactor, and compact [...] Read more.
Neutron beams, being electrically neutral and highly penetrating, offer unique advantages for the irradiation of biological species such as plants, seeds, and microorganisms. We comprehensively investigated the potential of neutron irradiation for inducing genetic mutations by using simulations of spallation, reactor, and compact neutron sources based on J-PARC BL10, the JRR-3 TNRF, and KUANS. We analyzed neutron flux, energy deposition rates, and Linear Energy Transfer (LET) distributions. The KUANS simulation demonstrated the highest dose rate of 17 Gy/h, significantly surpassing that obtained at BL10, due to the large solid angle achieved with optimal sample placement. The findings highlight KUANS’s suitability for efficiently inducing specific genetic mutations and neutron breeding, particularly for inducing targeted mutations in biological samples, also on account of its LET range of 20–70 keV/μm. Our results emphasize the importance of choosing neutron sources based on LET requirements to maximize mutation induction efficiency. This research study shows the potential of compact neutron sources such as KUANS for effective biological irradiation and neutron breeding, offering a viable alternative to larger facilities. The neutron filters used at BL10 and the TNRF effectively exclude low-energy neutrons while keeping the high-LET component. The neutron capture reaction, 14N(n,p)14C, was found to be the main dose contributor under thermal neutron-dominated conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Quantum Beam Science: Feature Papers 2024)
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15 pages, 863 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Hand Sensorimotor Function in Individuals with Cervical Spinal Cord Injury: A Novel Tactile Discrimination Feedback Approach Using a Multiple-Baseline Design
by Ken Kitai, Kaichi Nishigaya, Yasuhisa Mizomoto, Hiroki Ito, Ryosuke Yamauchi, Osamu Katayama, Kiichiro Morita, Shin Murata and Takayuki Kodama
Brain Sci. 2025, 15(4), 352; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci15040352 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a tactile-discrimination compensatory real-time feedback device on hand sensorimotor function in cervical spinal cord injury patients. The study assessed changes in hand numbness, dexterity, and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, particularly γ-wave power in the sensorimotor area [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of a tactile-discrimination compensatory real-time feedback device on hand sensorimotor function in cervical spinal cord injury patients. The study assessed changes in hand numbness, dexterity, and electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, particularly γ-wave power in the sensorimotor area during skilled finger movements. Methods: Three patients with cervical spinal cord injury who presented with hand sensorimotor dysfunction underwent treatment with this device. All cases underwent the intervention using an AB design; A is the exercise task without the system device, and B is the exercise task under the system device. To confirm the reproducibility and minimize the influence of confounding factors, a multiple-baseline design, in which the intervention period was staggered for each subject, was applied. To determine efficacy, the hand numbness numerical rating scale, peg test, and EEG were measured daily, and Tau-U calculations were performed. Results: In two of three cases, moderate or very large changes were observed in numbness in B. In all cases, there was a large or very large change in the peg test results in the B. Regarding EEG activity, the non-skilled participants showed amplification of γ-wave power in the sensorimotor area during the B. Conversely, in the skilled participants, the γ-wave power of the sensorimotor area was attenuated during skillful movements. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the ability of the brain to compare and align predictive control with sensory feedback might be compromised in patients with damage to the afferent pathways of the central nervous system. Moreover, the use of this device appears to have played a role in supporting functional recovery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Movement Generation: Sensorimotor Processes)
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26 pages, 848 KiB  
Article
Rooftop Photovoltaic for Residential Electricity Self-Sufficiency: Assessing Potential Benefits in Major Japanese Cities
by Samuel Matthew G. Dumlao, Chuyue Yan and Seiichi Ogata
Urban Sci. 2025, 9(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci9010002 - 28 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1560
Abstract
Rooftop photovoltaic (RTPV) systems have the potential to significantly boost residential electricity self-sufficiency in urban areas. However, estimating the self-sufficiency potential of each city is challenging due to the trade-off between target accuracy and data availability, which limits the scalability of existing methods. [...] Read more.
Rooftop photovoltaic (RTPV) systems have the potential to significantly boost residential electricity self-sufficiency in urban areas. However, estimating the self-sufficiency potential of each city is challenging due to the trade-off between target accuracy and data availability, which limits the scalability of existing methods. This study aims to evaluate the potential of RTPV systems to enhance residential electricity self-sufficiency in major Japanese cities. The self-sufficiency analysis employs a balanced approach using statistical data to estimate RTPV and battery storage capacity in detached houses and hourly simulations to capture supply–demand variations. To project the penetration rate, a logistic curve is utilized to estimate the timeline for achieving a 100% installation rate in detached houses. The analysis reveals that RTPV systems could supply approximately 40% of the residential electricity demand in major cities, with some achieving self-sufficiency rates exceeding 65%. Densely populated cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kawasaki may only meet a quarter of their demand due to higher energy requirements. Including older detached houses in RTPV deployment boosted self-sufficiency by an average of 11.77%, with cities like Nagoya, Kyoto, and Kitakyushu achieving increases of 15–20%. Battery storage plays a critical role in enhancing self-sufficiency and reducing energy curtailment. Logistic curve projections suggest that most cities are unlikely to reach 100% RTPV penetration before 2050, though leading cities could achieve 75% penetration by then due to favorable growth rates. These findings reveal that while RTPV has substantial potential to improve residential electricity self-sufficiency, additional efforts are necessary to accelerate adoption. Further research is needed to refine capacity estimates, explore the socioeconomic and political context of the cities, and examine alternative pathways for cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kawasaki. Full article
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21 pages, 2401 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Transportation Choices Affected by the 2024 Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsuruga Extension
by Koki Nishioka, Makoto Fujiu and Yuma Morisaki
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 11205; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162411205 - 20 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1502
Abstract
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is among the five main Shinkansen lines in Japan. It starts from the capital, Tokyo, and passes through the Hokuriku region (Nagano City, Toyama City, and Kanazawa City) before reaching the Kansai region (Kyoto City and Osaka City). In Japan, [...] Read more.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is among the five main Shinkansen lines in Japan. It starts from the capital, Tokyo, and passes through the Hokuriku region (Nagano City, Toyama City, and Kanazawa City) before reaching the Kansai region (Kyoto City and Osaka City). In Japan, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is being developed to increase the number of visitors in the area by shortening travel times and ensuring transportation networks in the event of a disaster; the Kanazawa–Tsuruga extension was opened on Saturday, 16 March 2024. The shortened travel times with this opening are expected to increase the number of visitors to the Hokuriku region and other regions, such as the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Tsuruga extension opening will connect the Hokuriku region with the Tokyo metropolitan area through direct service; however, travel between the Kansai and Chukyo regions will require transfers at Tsuruga Station, which would reduce convenience. Consequently, the flow of people in the Hokuriku region is expected to change significantly after spring 2024. Therefore, this study conducted a questionnaire survey of Kanazawa residents in Ishikawa Prefecture prior to the opening of the Tsuruga extension to analyze its effect on the choice of modes of transportation for travel to the Kansai region. The Hokuriku Shinkansen was found to be the most popular route for travel to the Kansai region after the opening of the Tsuruga extension, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen users prioritized comfort during travel and shorter travel times. Moreover, a high proportion of Hokuriku Shinkansen users were unemployed and received pensions, whereas a high proportion of private automobile users were students, housewives, or other people with no income. Full article
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15 pages, 640 KiB  
Brief Report
Infrastructure Decommissioning: A Brief Report on Embracing Future Generations’ Perspectives to Avoid Intergenerational Procrastination
by Yoshinori Nakagawa, Masami Mori, Masahiko Yamada, Yuko Hata, Takayuki Sugimoto and Tatsuyoshi Saijo
Sustainability 2024, 16(24), 10840; https://doi.org/10.3390/su162410840 - 11 Dec 2024
Viewed by 979
Abstract
Infrastructure decommissioning refers to retiring infrastructure at the end of its useful life. Since all types of tangible infrastructure have a finite lifespan, the challenges of decommissioning are as significant as those of its creation. Despite this, there is an insufficient accumulation of [...] Read more.
Infrastructure decommissioning refers to retiring infrastructure at the end of its useful life. Since all types of tangible infrastructure have a finite lifespan, the challenges of decommissioning are as significant as those of its creation. Despite this, there is an insufficient accumulation of knowledge regarding decommissioning. Given the intergenerational nature of this issue, the current brief report explores how the methodology of Future Design and its key concept, ‘imaginary future people’, can transform the perspectives of individuals involved in infrastructure decommissioning. In 2018, Uji City Hall in Kyoto Prefecture invited 32 citizens to participate in a series of 4 workshops contemplating the future of local communities and the 132 public assembly facilities, constituting 47.3% of the city’s public facilities. Future Design methodology and the concept of imaginary future people were adopted. Then the workshop discussions were transcribed and analyzed to compare how participants’ perspectives changed when they embraced the concept of imaginary future people, as opposed to when they did not. The analysis revealed that the concept encourages individuals to envision the future broadly. Based on this envisioning, they derive answers about the role of public assembly facilities, often considered peripheral. The paper concludes that Future Design is effective in exploring how ‘value’ can be created in decommissioning, motivating individuals to address infrastructure decommissioning. To elucidate the mechanisms by which Future Design produces such effects, further and more thorough research is required, which falls outside the scope of this report. Nevertheless, reporting that such an effect has been observed in a single case is considered to have both social and academic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Urban and Rural Development)
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16 pages, 6553 KiB  
Article
Increase in Households Triggered by Accommodation Closure Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Historical Center of Kyoto City
by Shunpei Kamino and Haruka Kato
Sustainability 2024, 16(22), 9992; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16229992 - 15 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1121
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many accommodations to close. However, the pandemic might play an important role in providing an opportunity to achieve sustainable tourism with a good balance between housing for residents and accommodation for tourists. As the theoretical framework, this study [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many accommodations to close. However, the pandemic might play an important role in providing an opportunity to achieve sustainable tourism with a good balance between housing for residents and accommodation for tourists. As the theoretical framework, this study aims to investigate the change in households triggered by accommodation closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Kyoto City’s historical center. Furthermore, the causes of these changes were examined by analyzing the real estate properties traded on the market. For the analysis, this study considered the COVID-19 pandemic as a natural experiment to investigate the causal relationship between the number of households, closed accommodations, and real estate properties. As a result, it was found that households increased by approximately 1.34 in neighborhood associations with closed simple accommodations. Regarding the causes of the increase, closed simple accommodation properties tend to change to short-term rentals. This study also highlighted that closed simple accommodations have significantly smaller room sizes than other property types, with only slightly higher prices. As a theoretical contribution, our findings suggest that the pandemic might have suppressed tourism gentrification, but increased the number of households. Full article
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14 pages, 1388 KiB  
Article
Can New Energy Become a Breakthrough for Economic Development—Based on Clean Development Mechanism Projects in Less Developed Coastal Cities
by Yao Wang, Ruichen Wang, Yupeng Shi and Xuenan Wu
Sustainability 2024, 16(20), 8895; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16208895 - 14 Oct 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
Coastal cities have the natural resource endowment and location advantages to develop new energy. However, heterogeneity in the economic development of China’s coastal cities has led to differences in the outcomes of environmental regulatory policies and related programs. To elucidate the difference, this [...] Read more.
Coastal cities have the natural resource endowment and location advantages to develop new energy. However, heterogeneity in the economic development of China’s coastal cities has led to differences in the outcomes of environmental regulatory policies and related programs. To elucidate the difference, this paper obtained 5074 clean development mechanism (CDM) projects, which serves as a key instrument of the Kyoto Protocol designed to assist developing countries in achieving sustainable development through project-based emissions reductions and conducted a causal identification through quasi-experiment. And DID as well as DDD models are applied to identify the CDM effects on cities’ economic development. Main findings are: (1) Through the DID regression, this paper finds that the development of CDM projects have promoted the development of the city’s economy and lead to the upgrading of cities’ industries. (2) The promoting effects in economic development and employment are more prominent in coastal cities with high levels of economic development. (3) CDM can better facilitate economic development and employment in less developed coastal areas when implemented in conjunction with economic promoting policies. By applying quasi-experimental methods, including DID and DDD models, the research introduces a novel approach to assess the causal effects of CDM projects on city economies, offering fresh insights into sustainable development policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Impact Assessment and Green Energy Economy: 2nd Edition)
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8 pages, 233 KiB  
Commentary
Dual Role of Cutibacterium acnes: Commensal Bacterium and Pathogen in Ocular Diseases
by Tomo Suzuki and Shigeru Kinoshita
Microorganisms 2024, 12(8), 1649; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12081649 - 12 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
Microbiota present around the ocular surface, encompassing the eyelid skin, the conjunctival sac, and the meibomian glands, play a significant role in various inflammatory conditions associated with the ocular surface. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), formerly, Propionibacterium acnes, is one of [...] Read more.
Microbiota present around the ocular surface, encompassing the eyelid skin, the conjunctival sac, and the meibomian glands, play a significant role in various inflammatory conditions associated with the ocular surface. Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), formerly, Propionibacterium acnes, is one of the most predominant commensal bacteria and its relative abundance declines with aging. However, it can act as both an infectious and an immunogenic pathogen. As an infectious pathogen, C. acnes has been reported to cause late onset endophthalmitis post-cataract surgery and infectious keratitis. On the other hand, it can trigger immune responses resulting in conditions such as phlyctenules in the cornea, chalazion in the meibomian glands, and granuloma formation in ocular sarcoidosis. This review explores the role of C. acnes in ocular inflammation, specifically highlighting its implications for diagnosis and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutibacterium acnes Infection and Immunity)
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