Japanese Standards Research Articles

Development of a Nutrient Profiling Model for Processed Foods in Japan.

Numerous nutrient profiling models (NPMs) exist worldwide, but Japan lacks an official NPM. Using the Australian and New Zealand Health Star Rating (HSR) as a reference, "Processed Foods in Japan version 1.0" (NPM-PFJ (1.0)) was developed to fit Japanese food culture and policies. In total, 668 processed foods from the Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan were analyzed, excluding seasonings/spices, fats/oils, alcoholic beverages, and infant food. The NPM-PFJ (1.0) scoring algorithm was adapted from HSR, with revised reference values for energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, and dietary fiber in alignment with Japanese standards. Reference values for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes (fvnl) remained unchanged. Median scores were 4.5 for HSR and 5.0 for NPM-PFJ (1.0), showing high correlation (r = 0.939, p < 0.01). Thereafter, food categories familiar and meaningful in Japan were defined based on a hierarchical cluster analysis of scoring patterns, creating six categories with distinct characteristics. Finally, the rating algorithm for NPM-PFJ (1.0) was created using each group's score distribution (10th percentile). The NPM-PFJ (1.0) was developed through a fully transparent and evidence-based process and is expected to facilitate the reformulation of food products by food industries and help consumers easily access healthier processed foods. This model marks a significant step forward in developing an NPM tailored to Japanese food culture and health policies, with the potential to enhance public health.

Analysis of Liquid Smoke Grade Characteristics from Coconut Shells and Palm Kernel Shell Waste Through a Slow Pyrolysis Process

This research was motivated by the abundance of biomass plantations in Indonesia. Accumulated biomass waste will cause environmental problems. Biomass processing can resolve this issue, by producing functionally and economically valuable products. The purpose of this research was to increase the value of biomass by processing it as liquid smoke through pyrolysis and then proceeding to the purification stage. The purification method applied in this research was a combination of distillation and adsorption processes using natural zeolite. The variables of this research were: two types of biomass, namely coconut shells and palm kernel shells, and liquid smoke grade variations. The analysis parameters were: pH, viscosity, density, acid content, and phenol analysis as well as GC-MS. The characteristics analysis results showed that all liquid smoke samples met the Japanese liquid smoke standard. Based on pH, acid, and phenol analysis, the liquid smoke from the coconut shells sample had better quality compared to the liquid smoke from palm kernel shells, namely with pH 2.36, acid content 0.26 mg/mL, and phenol 2,368.75 ppm. The GC-MS test results indicated that grade-1 liquid smoke from both samples contained antibacterial compounds, such as phosphonic acid, formic acid, and carbamic acid, which have the potential to inhibit bacterial growth.

Effect of carnitine supplementation on energy utilization in patients with type 2 diabetes and long-term tube feeding: A CARE-compliant case report

Introduction: Carnitine is essential for the energy utilization of long-chain fatty acids. However, the effects of carnitine supplementation on patients undergoing tube feeding remain unclear, and some enteral formula products do not contain carnitine. In order to gain insights into the role of carnitine supplementation on energy utilization in patients with long-term tube feeding, we observed the changes in respiratory quotient (RQ) of patients before and after the addition of carnitine due to the renewal of an enteral formula product. Case presentation: We observed 6 patients who continued tube feeding with the same enteral formula product scheduled for renewal. All 6 participants had diabetes, and indirect calorimetry data were available for 4 patients. Participants were observed for 3 months after switching to the new formulation. After the switching, a carnitine supplementation of 120 to 180 mg/day was provided, depending on the intake amount. One month after switching, blood free carnitine and total carnitine levels in all 6 patients increased from below the lower limit to within the range of the Japanese reference standard. In 3 of the 4 patients for whom indirect calorimetry was possible, the fasting RQ at baseline was &gt;0.90, suggesting impaired lipid utilization. The mean fasting RQ significantly decreased 2 months after the switch. The 1- and 2-hour postprandial RQ also showed a significant decrease after switching. Conclusion: Carnitine supplementation of enteral formulas may be important for normal energy utilization of lipids in patients receiving long-term tube feeding. An evaluation using randomized controlled trials with a larger number of patients is required.

Investigation of Key Parameters Influencing Shear Behavior in Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)-Reinforced Concrete (RC) Interior Slab–Column Connections

This article explores the punching shear behavior of GFRP-RC interior slab–column connections. The parameters tested included the column–aspect ratio (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0), perimeter-to-depth ratio for square column stubs with side lengths of 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 m, and span-to-depth ratios of 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. A review of the literature revealed that no previous study has investigated the effect of these parameters or their interactions on this type of connection. Numerically, twenty-five slabs were created using finite element (FE) software (V3), each with square dimensions of 2.5 m and a constant thickness of 0.2 m. The central column extended 0.3 m from the top and bottom of the slab. All four sides of the slabs were supported, and the specimens underwent pure static shear load testing. The test results demonstrated that all slabs failed due to punching shear. Increasing any parameter value reduced the punching shear stresses. Additionally, the results indicated that Canadian (CSA-S806-12) and Japanese (JSCE-97) standards for FRP-RC materials generally provided the closest predictions of punching shear capacity compared to the American guideline, ACI 440.1R-22. However, all standards exhibited shortcomings and require enhancement and modifications, particularly to consider the impact of the span-to-depth ratio. Therefore, three equations were developed to predict the shear strength of the connections, yielding better results than those prescribed by the North American and Japanese standards.

Age- and height-dependent bias of underweight and overweight assessment standards for children and adolescents.

Precision in evaluating underweight and overweight status among children and adolescents is paramount for averting health and developmental issues. Existing standards for these assessments have faced scrutiny regarding their validity. This study investigates the age and height dependencies within the international standards set by the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), relying on body mass index (BMI), and contrasts them with Japanese standards utilizing the percentage of overweight (POW). We scrutinized a comprehensive database comprising 7,863,520 children aged 5-17 years, sourced from the School Health Statistics Research initiative conducted by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. Employing the quantile regression method, we dissected the structure of weight-for-height distributions across different ages and sexes, quantifying the potentially biased assessments of underweight and overweight status by conventional criteria. Applying IOFT criteria for underweight assessment revealed pronounced height dependence in males aged 11-13 and females aged 10-11. Notably, a discernible bias emerged, wherein children in the lower 25th percentile were classified as underweight five times more frequently than those in the upper 25th percentile. Similarly, the overweight assessment displayed robust height dependence in males aged 8-11 and females aged 7-10, with children in the lower 25th percentile for height deemed obese four or five times more frequently than their counterparts in the upper 25th percentile. Furthermore, using the Japanese POW criteria for assessment revealed significant age dependence in addition to considerably underestimating the percentage of underweight and overweight cases under the age of seven. However, the height dependence for the POW criterion was smaller than the BMI criterion, and the difference between height classes was less than 3-fold. Our findings underscore the intricacies of age-dependent changes in body composition during the growth process in children, emphasizing the absence of gold standards for assessing underweight and overweight. Careful judgment is crucial in cases of short or tall stature at the same age, surpassing sole reliance on conventional criteria results.

Modification of High-Quality Porous Concrete Asphalt with Local Materials as an Alternative to Flexible Pavement

Environmental issues and a lack of attention to open space as rainwater catchment areas cause flooding problems in urban areas. Constructing environmentally friendly roads with permeable capabilities is one way to prevent waterlogging along the road in the rainy season. This study evaluated the type of porous asphalt concrete called Open Graded Friction Course specification Japanese standard. This study modified porous asphalt concrete using bamboo fiber and hydrated lime. Stability testing is conducted by the Marshall method, and the volumetric mixture is analyzed. Stability testing is carried out by the Marshall method and analysis of the volumetry of the mixture is carried out. The results showed that adding bamboo fiber and hydrated lime increased stability and maintained the porosity of the porous asphalt concrete.

Korean popular music in-between: Identity strategies between Japanese style and American standards in the 1960s

This article explores collective experiences of Japanese popular music within the post-Second World War South Korean society along with related identity strategies – elimination, stratification and standardization – from postcolonial perspectives and discuss what characterizes ‘Japanese-ness’ as a musical, industrial and social product. In the context of strategies to eradicate it from the urban spaces, cultural industry and memories and bodies of Korean people, Japanese-ness – labelled under the moniker waesaek – was proscribed as a cultural remnant of imperialism, militarism and colonial dominion and thus, a harmful influence on its public. South Korean popular songs categorized as waesaek music within this model were subject to social criticism and gentrified in the music marketplace as trot. On the other hand, Americanization was an important strategy used to construct a new ‘Korean-ness’ separate from the Japanese-ness lingering within the country from its colonial past. Japanese-ness in popular music in post-war South Korea continually changed as it was re-imagined and re-constructed in parallel with musical, social and industrial changes in South Korea. Each of these strategies carries its own corresponding paradoxes, and Korean-ness and Japanese-ness are cast in sharp relief as distinct cultural products while still containing those paradoxes. This article argues that these strategies, both global and local in scope, highlight the fact that post-colonialism cannot be explained merely by the relationship between one colony and one empire but rather evolves in a global and local milieu, in which multiple empires and colonies are intertwined.

Fluoride leaching from tuff breccia and its removal by natural and commercial adsorbents

In Japan, the concentration of fluoride (F−) leached from rocks, such as tuff breccia, excavated in tunnel construction projects often exceeds the Japanese environmental standard of 0.8 mg/L. Because of this, proper disposal methods are necessary for managing F−-bearing excavated rocks. One effective solution based on circular economy is the use of an adsorption layer system. This system can simultaneously prevent the migration of F− released from excavated rocks and allow the recycling of this construction waste material. To determine the most suitable material for the disposal of excavated F−-bearing tuff breccia from a tunnel construction in Hokkaido, Japan, four types of natural geological materials (S-1, S-2, S-3, and S-4) obtained near the tunnel construction site, as well as three types of commercial adsorbents (calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and CaMg adsorbents) were selected for evaluation. The batch adsorption test results showed that S-1 and S-4 had high adsorption capacities for F−, and the adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm. The adsorption of F− to the natural adsorbents was strongly influenced by the pH and the presence of bicarbonate ions (HCO3−), but unaffected by chloride (Cl−) and sulfate (SO42−). There was also a strong positive correlation between the abundance of amorphous aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe) extracted and the adsorption of F−, indicating the importance of ion exchange reactions associated with surface OH− in immobilizing F−. Meanwhile, the Mg-bearing adsorbent exhibited the highest adsorption affinity for F− among the commercial adsorbents. This was attributed to adsorption through electrostatic interactions and coprecipitation with magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2) formed during the hydration of magnesium oxide (MgO). To effectively incorporate these adsorbents into the adsorption layer system, parameters such as permeability and residence time need to be determined in order to maximize the retention of F− through adsorption, ion exchange and coprecipitation reactions.

Prospective association of daily ambulatory activity with metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and older Japanese adults: the Toon Health Study.

This cohort study aimed to examine the relationship between objectively measured daily ambulatory activity (AA) variables and the onset of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in middle-aged and older Japanese individuals. A total of 1,034 participants (women, 76.8%; mean age, 56.9 years) who were initially free from MetS, underwent objective assessment of daily AA using a uniaxial accelerometer at baseline. The number of steps, time accumulated in light-intensity AA (LIAA), moderate-to-vigorous intensity AA (MVAA), and total AA (LIAA + MVAA) were calculated. The diagnostic criteria outlined by the Japanese standards were employed to define the presence of MetS. To explore the association between AA variables and MetS onset, both multivariate logistic regression and a restricted cubic spline model were used while controlling for variables such as age, sex, education, alcohol habit, smoking habit, energy intake, and the number of MetS components present at baseline. Over the course of the 5-year follow-up period, 116 participants (11.2%) developed MetS. In terms of the number of steps, LIAA, and total AA, the third quartile had significantly lower multivariate adjusted odds ratios for MetS onset than the first quartile. The odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.386 (0.197-0.755), 0.527 (0.285-0.975), and 0.392 (0.206-0.745), respectively. In the spline model, an L-shaped association with MetS was observed for the number of steps (p for nonlinearity = 0.066), LIAA (p for nonlinearity = 0.034), and total AA (p for nonlinearity = 0.040). Among the variables related to AA, the index of daily amount AA, in particular, may be linked to the onset of MetS.

Anode biomass rather than soluble organic matter is fuel for electricity production in microbial fuel cell at longer hydraulic retention time

This study presents a novel method for independently calculating organic matter (OM) removal and electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell (MFC) treating sewage. This methodology used OM concentration as the exclusive variable for input, facilitating the prediction of electricity generation with variable Coulombic efficiency. The employed MFC, of tubular design, incorporates an air core surrounded by a carbon-based cathode, an anion exchange membrane, nonwoven graphite fabric, and encircled by twelve carbon brush anodes. This setup successfully reduced chemical oxygen demand (COD) from 180 to 50 mg L−1 and biological oxygen demand (BOD) from 84 to 15 mg L−1 within a 35 h hydraulic retention time (HRT). The resulting effluent BOD satisfies Japanese wastewater treatment standards. In the early HRT phase, the MFC exhibited rapid OM reduction, followed by a stabilization of OM concentration. Despite varying HRTs and the sustained OM levels at prolonged HRTs, the MFC consistently generated 0.29 ± 0.14 A m−2. This apparent contradiction prompted the consideration of additional OM sources from the anode biomass (Cb). Calculating electricity production based on OM concentration rather than OM degradation was achieved by assessing anode resistance (RAn) across different levels of OM supplementation, employing the Butler–Volmer equation. This approach, incorporating considerations for Cb and RAn, accurately reproduced MFC performance. It was observed that OM supplementation from Cb constituted 50% at 11 h HRT and escalated to 90% at 27 h HRT. Further analysis, including 16S rRNA gene-based microbial community profiling, indicated that higher cathode resistance (RCat) at 1.0 Ω m2, compared to a minimum RAn of 0.10 Ω m2, favored methanogenesis over electrogenesis on the carbon brushes. This finding underscores the importance of reducing RCat and minimizing electrode distance, coupled with enhancing the specific surface area of both electrodes, as crucial factors for the advancement of MFC technology.

Comparative Analysis of Korean and Japanese Standards for Natural Smoke Ventilation in Logistic Warehouses

This study investigated the design methodologies outlined in Korean and Japanese legislation, along with Japanese design guidelines, pertaining to natural smoke ventilation systems in logistics warehouses. Subsequently, we determined the effective area of the smoke exhaust system based on the combustible materials and building characteristics. Our findings indicated that the calculated effective area per the statutory standards of both nations was 10 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; and 20 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;, respectively. According to Japanese guidelines, the space accommodating the CUP ranged from 24.71 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; to 13.76 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; for floor heights between 7 to 16 m, while the space accommodating CEP ranged from 41.83 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt; to 22.54 m&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;. Analyzing the quantity of smoke emitted through the calculated effective area, we observed that, when applying domestic legal standards, the smoke exhaust rate consistently remained lower than the plume flow rate. Conversely, under the Japanese standard, the smoke emission efficiency of the CUP loading warehouse surpassed that of smoke emission from 9 m to 16 m, while it was lower from 7 m to 8 m. Notably, the smoke exhaust rate consistently exceeded the generated smoke quantity in all instances within the effective area governed by the guidelines.

Practical noise measurement method for confirmation of effectiveness of sound insulation in residential houses around airports

In Japan, at airports with significant noise impact, soundproofing for dwellings is subsidized by the airport administrator in accordance with the law requiring noise mitigation. The compensation areas and zone-types are indicated according to noise impact. For each zone-type, the planned quantity of sound insulation to be achieved through soundproofing and the standard construction specifications are determined. Although noise measurement is not required upon completion of the soundproofing, it may be conducted to confirm the sound insulation effectiveness, if necessary. Methods for the measurement of sound insulation characteristics of the buildings are specified in Japanese standards (JIS), but these methods use artificial noise sources from speakers, which require many manpower and sound level meters or noise source equipment, and also cannot directly determine the quantity of sound insulation against aircraft noise. Thus, in order to examine the practical simplified method for noise measurement, we carried out measurements using aircraft noise in or around a dwelling, in parallel with the method required by the JIS standard. From the results, this paper reports the method by using even in a smaller number of microphones with the appropriate placement, to determine the quantity of sound insulation against aircraft noise in a dwelling.

Trends of study in Japan based on "Environmental Noise Guidelines for European Region (2018)"

This paper describes the following study conducted by the author on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment in Japan from 2020 to 2021. The WHO Regional Office for Europe published "Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region (2018)" (hereafter referee as to "Guidelines") in October 2018. Compared to the previous guideline (1999), these Guidelines show that Lden and Lnight are used as the index for the recommendations, cardiovascular disease is selected as a critical health outcome for developing recommendations on the health impacts of environmental noise. In Japan, since the publication of the Guidelines (2018), we have discussed the scientific findings presented in the Guidelines and the basis for setting the recommendations, and compared the recommendations with the following Japanese environmental quality standards: noise facing roads, aircraft noise and Shinkansen railway noise. In addition, we investigated the difference in the status of ischemic heart disease between in Japan and in Europe. Based on the stored information, we summarized issues to be discussed in the near future.

PHILOSOPHICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING JAPANESE LANGUAGE TO PHILOLOGY STUDENTS IN UKRAINIAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

The article describes an attempt to trace essential peculiarities of Japanese language within the context of non-Western (Japanese) concept of education, with the aim to analyze the possibilities of improving philosophical and methodological base of teaching Japanese language to philology students in Ukrainian universities. In particular, the system of Japanese language teaching standards (JF standard), developed by the Japan Foundation on the basis of the system used in European methods of teaching foreign languages, is described. The paper discusses strategies through which current JFL teaching and learning practices can be improved, to effectively form communicative and academic language competence of students.

Characterization and Yield of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell Logs for Lumber Production

The yield of Eucalyptus regnans logs for lumber production was evaluated. Crack width and length at each log end were measured. Two log-cutting plans were used to obtain sawn lumber. The first plan (PA) considered logs with diameters varying from 28 to 40 cm, and in the second plan (PB), the log diameters ranged from 42 to 56 cm (PB). Lumber yield was determined using two log volume methods: the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) and Smalian’s equation. The deformations of E. regnans lumber were measured. The Australian and Chilean standards were used to classify sawn lumber. The results showed that logs had radial cracks at both log ends. Cracks were classified into two groups, considering the crack length. Regarding the lumber deformations, most boards exhibited level B bows and crooks in both cutting plans. Levels A and B twists were prevalent in PA, whereas in PB, level A significantly outnumbered level B. The lumber yield of E. regnans in PB was higher than in PA. The lumber yield determined by Smalian’s equation was higher than that determined by the JAS method. This research provides insight into the characterization of E. regnans for lumber production, highlighting its relevance in the forestry industry.

Study on vibration measurement and sensory evaluation of combined vibration for detached houses

Sensory and psychological content accounts for 90% of all vibration complaints in Japan. Therefore, evaluation based on vibration sensation is very important. Traffic vibration is the most common source of vibration that causes complaints, when limited to detached houses. If traffic vibration is the source of complaints, occupants will suffer from vibration for a long period of time. Vibration transmitted by traffic to housing floors may not be either vertical or horizontal, but rather a combination of both vertical and horizontal vibration that exceed perceptual thresholds. Japanese standards include "JIS C 1510" and "AIJES-V0001-2018". However, they do not describe methods for sensory evaluation of combined vibration. Although ISO 2631 series describes it, it is necessary to consider whether it can be applied to Japan as it is. Considering that traffic networks will continue to develop in Japan, especially in urban areas, it is assumed that the vibration generated inside houses, mainly from traffic vibration sources, will not be a single vibration of vertical or horizontal vibration, but a combined vibration that is perceived in multiple directions. Therefore, in this paper, vibration measurement and sensory evaluation of combined vibration were examined using a real house vibrated by traffic.

Thermal treatment of recycled compacted concrete: Effects on physical properties and hydration characteristics

High-pressure compaction is a novel approach for converting waste concrete into reusable concrete without additional materials. Optimal thermal treatment of recycled compacted concrete (also referred to as “compact”) results in lower carbon emissions compared with cement-based materials and increased strength. In this study, to realize the application of thermal treatment in compaction recycling, we investigated its effects on the physical and hydration characteristics of waste concrete, which are not yet fully understood. To achieve this, an investigation was conducted on thermally treated (heating in oven or in autoclave) compacts prepared from ordinary concrete powder (≤300 μm) by replacing up to 100% of natural fine and coarse aggregates with slag sand and slag gravel. Loss-on-ignition in a furnace and thermogravimetric analysis were used to measure the degree of hydration. Moreover, the effects of the water saturation and particle size (1.18 mm) on the compressive strength of the compact were investigated. The results indicated that a larger amount of slag resulted in improved physical and mechanical properties of the compact under both untreated and heat-treated conditions. Furthermore, 50% inclusion of large particles (1.18 mm) after autoclaving satisfied the normal-strength criteria as per Japanese Standards (JIS A 5308 “Ready-mixed concrete”). An in-depth analysis of the hydration behavior of the compacts indicated that sufficient hydration (up to 92%) occurred after thermal treatment, although the compacts were made of waste concrete, suggesting that the hardened cement in waste concrete can be thermally activated. This study provides novel insights into the relationship between the physical and hydration characteristics and strengths of compacts—a topic that has received limited attention in the literature. The findings suggest that thermally treated compacts are viable materials for prefabricated nonstructural applications, such as the production of pavement blocks and bricks.

Metabolite profiling of Drynariae Rhizoma using 1H NMR and HPLC coupled with multivariate statistical analysis.

Drynariae Rhizoma has been used to treat bone diseases and kidney deficiency in traditional medicine. Recently its aqueous extract was reported to enhance memory function. Although the Japanese standards for non-Pharmacopoeial crude drugs 2022 prescribed Drynaria roosii as the botanical origin, some counterfeits and both raw and stir-fired crude drugs are available in markets. To distinguish Drynariae Rhizoma derived from D. roosii appropriately from others and verify the validity of uses of stir-fried ones, 1H NMR-based metabolite profiling coupled with HPLC were performed. Raw samples derived from D. roosii contained naringin (1), neoeriocitrin (2), 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-O-neohesperidoside (3), caffeic acid 4-O-β-D-glucoside (4), protocatechuic acid (5), trans-p-coumaric acid 4-O-β-D-glucoside (6), and kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside 7-O-β-D-glucoside (8). Stir-fried samples were characterized by presence of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (13), and were divided into two types; one possessing similar composition to raw samples (Type I) and another without above components except 5 (Type II). Quantitative analyses using qHNMR and HPLC, followed by principal component analysis demonstrated that the raw samples had higher contents of 1 (0.93-9.86mg/g), 2 (0.74-7.59mg/g), 3 (0.05-2.48mg/g), 4 (0.27-2.51mg/g), 6 (0.14-1.26mg/g), and 8 (0.04-0.52mg/g), and Type II had a higher content of 5 (0.84-1.32mg/g). The counterfeit samples derived from Araiostegia divaricata var. formosana were characterized by higher content of ( -)-epicatechin 3-O-β-D-allopyranoside (10) (1.44-11.49mg/g) without 1 and 2. These results suggested that Drynariae Rhizoma samples derived from other botanical origins and Type II stir-fried samples cannot substitute for D. roosii rhizome.

Simultaneous Separation and Recovery of Phosphorus from Aqueous Solution by Bipolar Membrane Electrodialysis

Recycling phosphorus from phosphorus-containing wastes and byproducts is a promising secondary phosphorus resource. Steelmaking slag is generated in large quantities as a byproduct of the iron and steelmaking industry, and contains phosphorus that could be a possible secondary phosphorus resource. Phosphorus can be extracted from slag into aqueous solution; however, the phosphorus concentration is generally lower than other elements, causing a problem for phosphorus recovery. In this study, bipolar membrane electrodialysis was applied to separate and recover phosphorus from solution. The reaction and performance of phosphorus recovery were investigated. The effect of initial phosphorus concentration, volume ratio, and electric potential on recovery process was determined. Ion adsorption on an anion-exchange membrane during the initial stages and ion competition between H2PO4- and OH- in the later stages are the main factors affecting the extraction efficiency. In this study, the maximum concentration ratio achieved was 2.46, and the minimum phosphorus concentration in treated solution was 3.64 mg/L, which is under the Japanese effluent standard. In general, bipolar membrane electrodialysis has good potential for concentrating and recovering phosphorus from aqueous solution.

日本と米国の鋼構造耐震設計基準を満足する優良設計解の構造特性

The superior design solutions (SDSs) of seven-story steel office buildings complying with the US seismic design standards (USSDSs) are compared with the SDSs using the Japanese standards (JPSDSs). Both SDSs are obtained in the same optimization algorithm for a space frame system and perimeter frame systems in moment frame (MF) and those with buckling restrained braces (BRBF). The lateral stiffness in MF required in USSDSs is 45% of that in JPSDSs and the lateral strength in BRBF is similar between JPSDSs and USSDSs with relatively greater strength in the main frames in USSDSs.