Generation In Japan Research Articles

Optimizing solar photovoltaic farm-based cogeneration systems with artificial intelligence (AI) and Cascade compressed air energy storage for stable power generation and peak shaving: A Japan-focused case study

This study proposes a novel solar cogeneration system that integrates compressed air energy storage units (CAES) and gas turbines (GT) with a solar farm consisting of photovoltaic panels. The primary objective of this research is to address the instability of solar energy production and help during peak energy consumption by utilizing CAES. The proposed system is modeled using EES software, and its performance is optimized using advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods, including artificial neural networks and intelligent algorithms. The analysis identifies five critical decision variables that significantly impact system performance: the number of photovoltaic panels, CAES pressure ratio, CAES inlet pressure, gas turbine efficiency, and compressor efficiency. The results demonstrate that the optimized solar cogeneration system can achieve exergy efficiency of 36.44 % and a cost rate of 13.76 $/hour. The exergy analysis of the system indicates that the most significant destruction is related to the solar farm, gas turbine, and compressors. Furthermore, this study investigates the effect of weather in eight Japanese cities on system performance, considering two operating modes: with and without using system electricity (PV mode). The results show that the proposed solar cogeneration system has significant potential for clean electricity generation and CAES applications to overcome the instability of the solar system and help during peak energy consumption throughout the year. The study's findings highlight the attractive potential of integrating CAES and AI technologies in solar photovoltaic systems for stable and efficient power generation in Japan.

Knowledge and awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) influence HPV vaccination uptake among the catch-up generation in Japan

IntroductionDespite its importance for young women, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage remains low in Japan. Previous studies have examined behaviors related to HPV catch-up vaccination. Uniquely, this study aimed to investigate perceptions and factors influencing vaccination coverage among female university students in the catch-up program, focusing on both medical and non-medical undergraduates. MethodsA web-based survey was conducted at Kochi University from January 16 to February 13, 2023, targeting female students born between April 2, 1997, and April 1, 2006. The survey collected demographic data and assessed knowledge of HPV infection, cervical cancer, and preventive measures. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to identify differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups as well as factors related to HPV vaccination. ResultsOf the 310 participants, 39.0 % were vaccinated against HPV, 35.2 % were freshmen, and 75.2 % were in medical science programs. HPV vaccination was significantly associated with being in upper years of university (OR = 3.78–42.83), studying medical sciences (OR = 1.93), undergoing cervical cancer screening (OR = 4.04), and receiving free vaccination vouchers (OR = 2.03). ConclusionKnowledge and awareness of HPV and cervical cancer significantly contribute to higher vaccination uptake in the generation receiving catch-up vaccinations. Tailoring information and distributing free vaccination vouchers could enhance HPV vaccination rates and awareness in this group.

Differences in the Values and Related Factors of Eating a Balanced Meal among the Younger Generation in Japan.

This study examined young Japanese adults' values regarding the consumption of balanced meals consisting of staples, main dishes, and side dishes and how these values relate to demographics, socioeconomic status, nutrition knowledge, attitudes, skills, behaviors, and diet-related quality of life. Data were obtained from the "Survey on Dietary Habits of the Younger Generation" (2000 responses, ages 18-39), of which 1888 valid responses were analyzed. The principal component analysis identified three value patterns: PC1-valuable yet burdensome; PC2-environment-reliant, weak initiative; and PC3-low value due to hassle. Both PC1 and PC3 were associated with prioritizing prices in food choices and knowledge of a balanced meal. However, PC1 participants valued balanced meals and possessed meal preparation skills, whereas PC3 participants valued balanced meals less and had negative attitudes toward eating them. PC1 was positively associated with the frequency of eating balanced meals while PC3 was negatively associated. PC2 individuals had positive attitudes toward eating balanced meals but were less concerned about nutritional balance when choosing foods themselves. This study highlights the importance of adopting an approach that aligns with the value patterns of the target population.

How Art Has Been a Window to the Post-War Generation in Japan

In this research, our primary focus revolves around the role of art as a lens through which we can examine the impact of World War II on Japanese citizens, with a particular emphasis on the post-war generation. Two renowned Japanese contemporary artists, Nara Yoshimoto and Takashi Murakami, are central to our study. While their artworks may not seem directly related to the war at first glance, a closer examination reveals that both artists use metaphorical expressions to convey the fear and aftermath of the war. Through this study, I also found that both artists experienced the war's effects during childhood due to the bombings that marked its conclusion. This analysis explores how the Japanese perceive themselves in the aftermath of the war. Rather than addressing the topic directly, they often employ metaphorical references. The significance of this study lies in shedding light on the indirect ways in which the Japanese people reflect on their post-war identity and the lasting impact of World War II.

GIS based JEPX spot prices forecasting system using solar power generation focusing on lowest prices

In recent years, the proportion of solar power generation in Japan's power generation facilities has been increasing. The amount of solar power generation affects the JEPX (Japan Electric Power Exchange) spot prices. When the amount of solar power generation is excessive during the low demand period, the lowest prices sometimes appear in the spot market. On the other hand the existing forecasting method cannot forecast the lowest prices; hence the forecasting error of the existing method is large. In this study, the authors focused on the appearance of the lowest prices and analyzed the conditions under which the lowest prices are likely to appear. As a result, the authors identified the conditions where the lowest price is likely to appear by comparing with the season and past forecasted solar power generation. Then, the JEPX spot prices forecasting system was developed considering the appearance of the lowest prices. The system combined these conditions, and the authors developed the JEPX spot prices forecasting system. This system can accurately forecast the appearance of the lowest prices and spot prices.

Optimasi Impian Captain Tsubasa Bagi Persepakbolaan Jepang Spektrum Pendidikan Islam

The purpose of this article is to reveal the optimization of Captain Tsubasa's dream for Japanese football on the spectrum of Islamic education, by unraveling how far the influence of the animated film Captain Tsubasa in whipping up the fighting spirit of the young generation of Japan, then contextualizing it in Islamic education, where problems have not been encountered before. This research is a qualitative descriptive, with the data collection technique using the polegulation, and analyzed inductively. Problems are analyzed with Max Weber's work ethic theory. The results of the study concluded: that Captain Tsubasa's dream in his animated film is able to be a motivator, especially for the young generation in Japan in terms of football so that in the future the National Team is able to win the Asian Cup and consistently participate in the World Cup. In the context of Islamic education, a Muslim must have a work ethic, namely a personality attitude that gives birth to a very deep belief that work is not only to glorify oneself, to show humanity, but as a form of manifestation of good deeds. This work ethic is well practiced in people's lives so that Muslims become strong as a community, so this research recommends that this work ethic be a way of life within the framework of nation and religion. 

Strategies to Address Current Challenges in Real-World Evidence Generation in Japan.

The generation of real-world evidence (RWE), which describes patient characteristics or treatment patterns using real-world data (RWD), is rapidly growing more popular as a tool for decision-making in Japan. The aim of this review was to summarize challenges to RWE generation in Japan related to pharmacoepidemiology, and to propose strategies to address some of these challenges. We first focused on data-related issues, including the lack of transparency of RWD sources, linkage across different care settings, definitions of clinical outcomes, and the overall assessment framework of RWD when used for research purposes. Next the study reviewed methodology-related challenges. As lack of design transparency impairs study reproducibility, transparent reporting of study design is critical for stakeholders. For this review, we considered different sources of biases and time-varying confounding, along with potential study design and methodological solutions. Additionally, the implementation of robust assessment of definition uncertainty, misclassification, and unmeasured confounders would enhance RWE credibility in light of RWD source-related limitations, and is being strongly considered by task forces in Japan. Overall, the development of guidance for best practices on data source selection, design transparency, and analytical methods to address different sources of biases and robustness in the process of RWE generation will enhance credibility for stakeholders and local decision-makers.

Life Cycle Assessment of Power Generation from Imported Woody Biomass Fuels

With the promotion of woody biomass power generation in Japan, wood fuel imports have increased yearly. However, the environmental impact of the transportation process is expected to increase compared to procuring the fuel domestically. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the environmental impact of biomass power generation using imported woody fuel. Human health, ecosystem, and global warming were evaluated using the life cycle assessment (LCA) method under four scenarios: three scenarios for importing woody fuel and one scenario for procuring woody fuel domestically. The results reveal that replacing heavy oil with liquefied natural gas (LNG) or ammonia as ship fuel at the time of importation could reduce the environmental impact to the same level or up to 86% compared to the case wherein wood fuel is procured domestically. Thus, using next-generation vessels to import wood fuel and generate biomass power effectively reduces environmental impact. Furthermore, the use of wood fuel—a renewable energy source whose generation can be adjusted—should be promoted toward achieving carbon neutrality.

Toward the Realization of Concrete Floating Structures for Offshore Wind Power Generation in Japan

In this paper, an overview of the contents of the Design and Construction Guidelines for Concrete Floating Offshore Wind Power Facilities in Japan was provided. According to the guideline, a case study of a concrete floating structure supporting 10MW wind turbines was presented. The structural safety and durability were assessed based on stresses and strains obtained from nonlinear FE analysis even if the design load case applied in this study was limited. It is expected that further detailed examinations of concrete floating structures ultimately contribute to adoption and promotion of concrete floating structures in the world.

A Closer Look at Effective Intervention Methods to Reduce Household Solid Waste Generation in Japan

In many countries municipal solid waste (MSW) is expected to soon increase beyond the pace of population growth due to urbanization. To minimize its negative impact, MSW management needs to be advanced. We studied administrative awareness-raising projects aimed at reducing household solid waste (HSW), which accounts for a large portion of MSW. An online questionnaire survey was administered to local governments (LGs) in Japan to research the implementation status of the awareness-raising projects and estimate the waste reduction effect of intervention methods within those projects. Regarding social factors, multiple linear regression analysis showed significant negative relationships of HSW generation rate with the household population, total population, and waste charge system. Conversely, positive relationships were identified with age, the number of cars, income, and the frequency of collection. Intervention methods, such as briefing sessions, utilization of resident leaders, and mobile phone apps, were revealed to be effective; in contrast, information dissemination using the traditional intervention method was not. In particular, the utilization of resident leaders may be the most cost-effective, but some LGs seem to have abolished this form of intervention after its introduction 30 years ago due to lack of empirical evidence supporting its effectiveness.

Low-carbon assessment of building facades using dynamic CO2 intensity of electricity generation in Japan

To promote low-carbon power supply in a region, the demand due to building use should be synchronized with the optimal supply patterns. To this end, the usefulness of using the time-varying CO2 intensity of electricity in building design is discussed. Hourly intensities were first estimated and visualized for Tokyo, Japan, and the low-carbon impacts of improved façade performance were compared using case studies with a generic office model. Two cases were compared: one with increased solar shading performance of window glass and the other with combined measures of insulation, natural ventilation, and eaves. CO2 emission savings rate were more significant in the first case (19.4 %) than the second case (18.9 %) when a fixed annual emission intensity was used. In contrast, when hourly intensities were used, the savings rate was 18.1 % and 18.6 %, respectively, reversing the superiority. Consideration of the time-varying CO2 intensity could help evaluate building designs that limit electricity use during high CO2 intensity and shift it to periods of low CO2 intensity. The integration of time-varying factors not only in the mechanical system evaluation but also in building design itself should be integrated to promote the regional transition to a decarbonized society.

Examining the impact of electricity production on economic growth and environmental quality in Japan: a disaggregated level analysis.

For accelerating economic growth, the role of electricity production and consumption is undeniable. Thus, the economic growth aspect of electricity consumption has already been well established in the literature. However, the attainment of sustainable economic growth has become an important concern for most countries; mere focus on electricity consumption on economic growth is not sufficient. As a result, impact of electricity production from various sources on economic growth and environmental quality needs to be explore in detail to give direction towards sustainable economic growth. Hence, this study aims to evaluate the impact of electricity production from various sources on Japan's economic growth and environmental quality, spanning from 1966 to 2014. The study used the ARDL bounds testing approach of cointegration to establish the long-run relationship between the variables under consideration. The outcomes emanated from the bound test show the presence of a long-run relationship among the studied variables. Furthermore, the ARDL-based long-run result indicates that electricity generation from coal is not viable for the economy and environment, whereas electricity production from hydro, natural gas, nuclear, and oil sources is found to be viable since it improves the economy and environmental quality in Japan. The robustness of the long-run results is further confirmed by using the fully modified OLS (FMOLS). Therefore, policy formulation related to electricity generation in Japan has to be taken care of both the economic growth and environmental quality angle. Furthermore, the measures for curbing coal based electricity needs to give profound significance while making electricity policy in Japan.

Hesitancy towards the Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine among the Younger Generation in Japan.

The younger generation’s hesitancy towards the COVID-19 vaccine in Japan received significant attention during the early stages of vaccination. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive study in Japan that analyzes the apprehension towards the third dose of vaccine, commonly known as the booster dose, and its underlying causes. Using data from an online panel survey conducted by the Hiroshima Institute of Health Economics Research at Hiroshima University, we examined the severity of booster dose aversion among youths of different ages. Our findings indicate that a sizeable proportion of the Japanese population, particularly younger men, are hesitant to receive the booster dose. Furthermore, an inter-age group difference in booster dose aversion exists only among men. According to the probit regression results, subjective health status and future anxiety are associated with the booster vaccine hesitancy of men and women of various age groups. Moreover, few socioeconomic and behavioral factors like marital status, having children, household income and assets, and having a myopic view of the future, are also associated with the booster dose aversion among youths of certain ages. Given the diverse attitude of the younger generation, our findings suggest that public health authorities should develop effective communication strategies to reduce vaccine apprehension in the society.

Life Cycle Assessment of International Biomass Utilization: A Case Study of Malaysian Palm Kernel Shells for Biomass Power Generation in Japan

Life Cycle Assessment of International Biomass Utilization: A Case Study of Malaysian Palm Kernel Shells for Biomass Power Generation in Japan

The Impact of COVID-19 on Electricity Demand and Generation in Japan

This research considered changes in monthly electricity generation and demand in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Observed network electricity demand and generation type for the January–June 2020 period were compared to forecast values (using a triple exponential smoothing method) based on trends established from 2016 to 2019. Regional level electricity demand data showed little variation from expected trends for domestic energy users, but lower than expected business and industrial network demand, particularly in the 50–2000 kW cohort. Electricity demand was most likely to deviate from existing trends in May 2020, which is in-line with the voluntary lockdown activities. These results are consistent with observed patterns from other international studies into the impact of COVID-19 on electricity demand. Generation was found to be reduced in May and June of 2020, without significant impacts to the generation makeup, largely due to Japan’s positioning within a broader energy transition context. These findings validate previous studies and add to the broader discussions on drivers and the rationale for electricity demand behaviors between user scales. Previous studies examined the electricity demand reductions of full and partial lockdowns. This analysis adds to this discourse by documenting the impacts of a voluntary lockdown.

石炭火力発電と原発早期フェーズアウトの2050年までの日本経済と電源構成，そして二酸化炭素排出への影響分析 ―E3MEマクロ計量経済モデルを用いた分析―

石炭火力発電と原発早期フェーズアウトの2050年までの日本経済と電源構成，そして二酸化炭素排出への影響分析 ―E3MEマクロ計量経済モデルを用いた分析―

SJS-2 Approaches to geriatric oncology in Japan

By 2025, the baby boomers' generation in Japan will most likely consists of elderly at the age of 75, which meant that one in four people in this country is expected to be within such age range or older. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Japan, and it is estimated that one in two people will develop cancer during their lifetime. Furthermore, by 2025, one in five people over the age of 65 will be expected to have dementia that requires someone's attention. Based on these findings, the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare recommended the establishment of treatment methods and medical treatment guidelines that are appropriate for older patients with cancer, including the enhancement of their quality of life.

Profitability Assessment of Residential Photovoltaic Battery Systems in Japan Using Electric Power Big Data

Residential photovoltaic (PV) battery systems are key technology in the design of low-carbon and resilient energy systems; however, limited research has assessed their profitability. This study aims to evaluate the economic performance of PV battery systems for end-users. The evaluation takes geological, technological, and socio-economic factors into consideration, thereby making the evaluation more comprehensive. We used PV power generation data and power consumption data of more than 40,000 all-electric houses in Japan. We performed scenario analyses with a sensitivity analysis. The results showed that residential PV battery systems were highly profitable when their storage battery operation modes were appropriately utilized at the end of the purchase period for solar power generation in Japan’s feed-in-tariff (FIT) scheme. The profitability, however, varied across regions. The results also indicated that the PV self-consumption rate was more than 50% when charging the battery with surplus power. The results of the sensitivity analysis suggested that the unit prices of grid electricity and the purchasing price of surplus power after the FIT scheme had a significant effect on the profitability of residential PV battery systems.

Analysis of PV Subsidy Schemes, Installed Capacity and Their Electricity Generation in Japan

Solar PV capacity growth in Japan has been facilitated by a number of government schemes that have been implemented since 1994. Publicly available capacity data are provided by a number of agencies and organisations at various resolutions and at different stages within these schemes. This study provides a comprehensive review of solar PV data sources in Japan between 1994 and 2019, as well as an introduction to the subsidy schemes and organisations involved in scheme management and data collection in Japan. As a result, the authors produced their own dataset of installed capacities and generation across time for the various regions. Lastly, this study provides insights and recommendations to policy makers regarding opportunities for improving the accessibility and quality of data from a user perspective and to enhance Japan’s presence in international research.

What the leading principle of health care plans should be for the next generation in Japan?

What the leading principle of health care plans should be for the next generation in Japan?