Saitama Prefecture Research Articles

Study on the Resident’s Cognitive Process of a Marsh as Local Landscape Resources and Change of a Marsh in Ukiya no Sato, Saitama Prefecture.

Study on the Resident’s Cognitive Process of a Marsh as Local Landscape Resources and Change of a Marsh in Ukiya no Sato, Saitama Prefecture.

A Study on the Follow-up and Application of the Temporary Reverse Area Division System in Saitama Prefecture

A Study on the Follow-up and Application of the Temporary Reverse Area Division System in Saitama Prefecture

Mapping vanished mountain shapes – The struggle between limestone mining and establishing a natural park at Mount Bukō –

Abstract. This report searches for the Japanese view of beauty and nature through a study of the mapping of the transformation of a mountain’s shape. A normal map primarily intends to express existing shapes, but this report maps the vanished shape of a mountain from the limestone mining of its slopes. This is done to consider how its vanished shape has impacted the Japanese view of beauty and nature. The mountain studied is Mount Bukō located in Chichibu City and Yokozemachi in Saitama Prefecture. Mount Bukō is suitable for limestone mining, and during the Edō Period, limestone was mined on this mountain to obtain material for mortar and fertilizer. In the Meiji Period, cement was used in Japan to construct buildings and surface roads, and limestone (raw material for cement) was produced and consumed in large quantities. During the Taishō Period, corporations started to mine vast quantities of limestone. At Mount Bukō, the shape of the mountain was heavily transformed by limestone mining (Figure 1,2).However, during the 1940s, Mount Bukō was mentioned as a candidate site for a national park. In 1957, the entire area – including the mining site – was designated the Saitama Prefectural Natural Park. Parks are designated in Japan in imitation of Europe and America, and their major purposes are to preserve beautiful scenery and serve as places for residents’ recreational activities. Thus, by the Meiji Period, national parks such as Nikko National Park (which includes the Tōshōgū Shrine) were already being designated. Considering the above historical background, the movement to designate Mount Bukō as a park can be understood as an effort to preserve its scenery and provide a place for residents’ activities. But limestone mining continues to transform the shape of the mountain as, for example, a total of roughly 6.99 million tons of limestone were mined on Mount Bukō in 2016. By analyzing the facts of this case, this study can portray the Japanese consciousness of the change of the shapes of mountains and clarify the nature of their view of beauty and nature in mountains.This paper reports on the preparation of a stereoscopic map based on topographical maps and photos created since the start of the Meiji Period, Chichibu fudasho temple drawings from the Edō Period, and the chronological mapping of the shape of the mountain before and since its designation as a park. Mapping using diverse source materials to represent exposed rock and landslides caused by limestone mining permits a detailed study that would be impossible based on topographical maps lacking contour lines, photographs, or drawings from one direction, primarily from the northern side of the mountain (Figure 3,4). This study shows which parts of the disappearing Mount Bukō are important to people and which parts of the remaining mountain shape they value highly. It also portrays the Japanese view of beauty and nature from a cultural perspective to aesthetically evaluate artificially formed “nature” as seen in temple gardens or bonsai.

Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreases the quality of the overall diet of middle-aged Japanese adults.

To estimate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and determine its association with dietary quality among middle-aged Japanese adults. Cross-sectional study using data from the Saitama Prefecture Health and Nutrition Survey 2011. Dietary intake was assessed using one- or two-day dietary records. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were obtained via self-administered questionnaire. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; and ultra-processed foods. The dietary share of each NOVA food group and their subgroups was calculated in relation to total energy intake, and the average dietary content of key nutrients was determined across tertiles of the dietary energy share of ultra-processed foods (low, middle and high intake). Saitama Prefecture in Japan. Community-dwelling adults aged 30-59 years (256 men, 361 women). Consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods contributed 44·9 (se 0·8) %, 5·5 (se 0·2) %, 11·3 (se 0·4) % and 38·2 (se 0·9) % of total daily energy intake, respectively. A positive and statistically significant linear trend was found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (tertiles) and the dietary content of total and saturated fat, while an inverse relationship was observed for protein, vitamin K, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Our findings show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with decreased dietary quality among Japanese adults.

Achievements and Challenges of a Sakado "Shokuiku (Food and Nutrition Education)" Program Implemented in All Elementary and Middle Schools in Sakado-city, Saitama Prefecture

Objective Since 2006, Sakado city in Saitama prefecture, Japan, has been implementing the Sakado "Shokuiku (food and nutrition education)" Program in collaboration with Kagawa Nutrition University. The present study aimed to evaluate the program, and to discuss its achievements and future challenges.Methods This program targeted all students from the 5th through the 8th grade. Data from surveys conducted with students and teachers during the school year from 2006 through 2014 were to analyze the program's implementation process and to evaluate its impact. For process evaluation, two surveys conducted with teachers were used. Survey A pertained to the status of program implementation and students' reaction towards each lesson conducted at schools. Survey B pertained to school teachers' involvement in the program and changes of teaching content and interest in food and nutrition education after its implementation, to assess their reaction towards the program. For impact evaluation, three surveys conducted with students were used. Specifically, Survey C aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the 4-year program, Survey D assessed the same in each grade, and Survey E examined the attitudes and behaviors of students who completed the 4-year program.Results More than 70% of the classes were able to implement the program successfully in the fourth year of elementary school and the second year of middle school. Further, 80% of the classes utilized all the educational materials, and more than 50% of the students understood almost all the contents of the program. Teachers in elementary school and male teachers in middle school, who had attended the teacher training program and/or had implemented the program, were more likely to interest in nutrition education. The impact evaluation did not reveal any significant long-term effects on students; however, their dietary attitudes related to Educational Goal 2 ("eat a well-balanced diet considering its health benefits") improved after each year of participation in the program. More than 90% of the 8th grade students answered that they were happy to have participated in this program.Conclusion The continual implementation of this nutrition program increased teachers' interest in food and nutrition education and improved some dietary attitudes of students. Future challenges include improving program content, promoting continued implementation, and identifying broader approaches to include students' family and significant others from different generations.

Volatile methylsiloxanes in sewage treatment plants in Saitama, Japan: Mass distribution and emissions

Wastewater, aeration gas, dewatered sludge, and incineration ash and flue gas (from dewatered sludge) were collected from 9 sewage treatment plants (STPs) located in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, and analyzed for seven cyclic and linear volatile methylsiloxanes (VMSs) namely, D3, D4, D5, D6, L3, L4, and L5. The mass loadings and distribution of VMSs in STPs were estimated based on measured concentrations in liquid, solid, and gaseous samples, including incinerated dewatered sludge. Mass loading of ΣVMS varied widely from 21 kg y−1 to 3740 kg y−1, depending on the volume of wastewater treated in each STP. Mass % of ΣVMS distributed in aeration gas was 15% and that in activated sludge was 78%. Approximately 6.6% of ΣVMS remained in the final effluent. Overall, partitioning onto the activated sludge was the dominant removal mechanism for D4, D5, and D6, whereas volatilization was also an important removal mechanism for D4. Incineration was effective to degrade VMSs in dewatered sludge, with a reduction rate of >99%. Activated carbon treatment removed >99% of VMSs from the aeration gas. In Saitama Prefecture, total emission of ΣVMS via STPs was estimated at 434 kg y−1, 86 kg y−1, and 0.065 kg y−1, to aquatic, atmospheric, and terrestrial environments, respectively, which accounted for 83%, 17%, and 0.01% of the total environmental emissions. Our results indicate that majority of VMSs in dewatered sludge can be removed by incineration and emission of VMSs through incineration ash landfill is negligible.

Understanding of and misunderstandings regarding epilepsy: A survey of teachers in schools for special needs education in Japan

The present study surveyed the understanding of epilepsy and attitudes toward epilepsy among teachers in Japanese schools for special needs education. An adapted version of a self-reported questionnaire, consisting of 27 questions, was sent to 3474 teachers at all schools for special needs education in Saitama Prefecture. The response rate to the questionnaire was 62%, corresponding to 2109 valid responses. The responses to three basic questions were as follows: 99% had heard about “epilepsy”, 90% had seen epileptic seizures, and 63% had an acquaintance who had epilepsy. Numerous questionnaire items gave low correct answer rates for knowledge- and attitude-related questions. Correct responses to knowledge questions and a positive attitude toward epilepsy were associated with whether individuals had acquaintance with epilepsy, experience seeing a seizure, and read or heard about epilepsy. There was skepticism and uncertainty about whether people with epilepsy should be allowed to drive, likely due to vague fears of the risks of driving with epilepsy. According to our results, knowledge about epilepsy does not necessarily lead to a positive attitude. However, respondents who had acquaintances with epilepsy were most likely to demonstrate a positive attitude. Thus, familiarity is an essential factor in the likelihood of having a positive attitude toward epilepsy. Therefore, it is essential for teachers to understand how to manage and respond to epilepsy. There were a variety of concerns related to people with epilepsy driving. This finding highlights the importance of disseminating correct information on the risks of driving with epilepsy.

Public–private collaboration in allotment garden operation has the potential to provide ecosystem services to urban dwellers more efficiently

There has been a growing global interest in urban agriculture that contributes to the well-being of urban dwellers by providing various ecosystem services. Focusing on allotment gardens, this study quantitatively analyzed their economic conditions, ecosystem service provisions, economic and environmental efficiencies, and the differences among them as regards their location and management. A questionnaire survey was used for data collection as a basic input for the quantification of economic conditions and ecosystem services of 223 allotments in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) was used for analyzing the economic and environmental efficiency of each allotment. Statistical analyses were conducted to explore statistically significant differences in economic conditions, ecosystem service provisions, and economic and environmental efficiencies among the four groups of allotment gardens classified by location (i.e., urbanization promotion area [UPA] and urbanization control area [UCA]) and type of actor (i.e., public or private). Our analysis identified that the expenditures of public allotments tended to be significantly larger than those of private allotments, whereas there was no difference in the income among the four groups, which resulted in lower economic efficiency of public allotments. Moreover, although public allotments in UCA and UPA provided a large amount of food production, recreation, and disaster prevention services, DEA revealed that they were less environmentally efficient when expenditures such as land rent, construction cost, and operational cost were considered. Our findings also identified that public allotments provided a significantly large amount of ecosystem services for urban dwellers in exchange of large public expenditures, which often resulted in inefficient allotment operation. If local governments and private actors build a collaborative relationship and strategically divide their roles, the governments could decrease the financial burden in the establishment and operations of allotments while maintaining/increasing benefits arising from allotment gardens.

Changes in the Social Role of Riverside Space Based on Land Use of the Common Place in the Arakawa River in Oasovillage, Saitama Prefecture

In river management, it is important to consider the history and culture of a region, as well as the natural environment of the area. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the history of river usage. In this study, we focused on the common place in riverside space and clarified the history of the social role of riverside space based on land use change.For the survey, we used old pictures and topographic maps. The literature survey ascertained factors of land use change. As a result of the survey,we divided the common place in the target area into three groups: two forests and grassland, according to their land use in the early Meiji Era and altitude. Furthermore, land use change after the Meiji era in the target area differs from these groups. The common place close to the landside was deconstructed, due to the high demand of agricultural development and the influence of infrastructure improvement.Conversely, in the common place near the river way,a forest that was a common place remained until today because of the regulation of agricultural land development and abandoned cultivation.The remaining forest became a nature park, where rare creatures exist and people are in harmony with nature.

所謂「正中矧ぎ」についての一考察

所謂「正中矧ぎ」についての一考察

Cancer-induced spiculation on computed tomography: a significant preoperative prognostic factor for colorectal cancer.

Cancer-induced spiculation (CIS) on computed tomography, which is reticular or linear opacification of the pericolorectal fat tissues around the cancer site, is generally regarded as cancer infiltration into T3 or T4, but its clinicopathological significance is unknown. This study examines the correlation between CIS and clinicopathological findings to establish its prognostic value. The subjects of this retrospective study were 335 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), who underwent curative surgery between January, 2010 and December, 2011, at the National Defense Medical College Hospital in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The level of interobserver agreement in the evaluation of CIS was substantial (83%; kappa value, 0.65). The presence of CIS was specific for T3/T4 disease (positive predictive value, 88.3%), and was significantly associated with tumor size and venous invasion. The 5-year relapse-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with CIS than in those without CIS (68.6% and 84.0%, respectively, p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed remarkable prognostic differences in patients with stage III and T3 disease. Multivariate analysis revealed that CIS was a significant independent prognostic factor. CIS was a significant preoperative prognostic factor and could be useful in the selection of preoperative therapy for patients with CRC.

Helodium paludosum (Aust.) Broth. and Gymnostomiella longinervis Broth. found in Saitama Prefecture

Helodium paludosum (Aust.) Broth. and Gymnostomiella longinervis Broth. found in Saitama Prefecture

Assessing alteration of leaf litter breakdown rate influenced by dam operation in Nakatsugawa River and Arakawa River, Central Japan

Abstract The process of leaf litter breakdown is essential as a main energy source for aquatic life in stream ecosystems. This process is complicated due to the interaction among the stream's physical, chemical, and biological characteristics as well as the composition of litter. This study investigated the variation of litter breakdown rates with different water qualities and microbial activities influenced by dam operation. Litter bags were installed along Nakatsugawa River, which is regulated by Takizawa Dam, and Arakawa River in Saitama Prefecture, central Japan, during autumn and winter. Three dominant leaf species were studied, namely Quercus serrata, Carpinus cordata, and Acer mono. The factors possibly affecting the litter breakdown process were: (1) a 4 °C higher water temperature downstream than upstream of the dam in the Nakatsugawa; (2) high bacterial productivity in the Nakatsugawa; (3) high silt deposition on the litters in the Arakawa; and (4) low contents of Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and nutrients in the Arakawa. In the Nakatsugawa, neither a contribution of the dam to a higher breakdown rate nor recovery of the rate to upstream conditions far downstream was found. However, the breakdown rate was lower in the Arakawa than in the Nakatsugawa. Inorganic deposition on litter, DOC, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+ and NO3− were believed to play a main role in litter breakdown.

A Study of Haigaku in the Central Part of Saitama Prefecture

A Study of Haigaku in the Central Part of Saitama Prefecture

Evaluation of subsurface warming recognized in long-term observation of subsurface temperature in southeastern Saitama Prefecture, Japan

Evaluation of subsurface warming recognized in long-term observation of subsurface temperature in southeastern Saitama Prefecture, Japan

New races of the spinach downy mildew pathogen, Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, in Japan in 2017

Six isolates of spinach downy mildew fungus, Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, collected from Saitama and Ibaraki Prefectures in 2017 were identified. Three isolates collected from Saitama Prefecture in January differed from all the known races described by the International Seed Federation but their virulence was similar to that of strain UA1014 sampled in the USA in 2014. Isolate Iba17-2, collected from Ibaraki Prefecture in April, was identified as race 10; isolates Iba17-1 and Iba17-3, collected from the same region in February and May, did not match any known races and were coded as novel races, J17-1 and J17-2, respectively.

Molecular marker to identify the fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. (Diptera: Sciaridae), a new pest of Welsh onion and carrot in Japan

A new pest of Welsh onion and carrot, the dark-winged fungus gnat, Bradysia sp., was found in the northern region of Saitama Prefecture, Japan. DNA sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I revealed that Bradysia sp. is identical to the Chinese chive gnat, Bradysia odoriphaga Yang and Zhang. This suggests that Bradysia sp. may be an invasive species that originates from continental East Asia. Direct sequencing analysis and PCR using a species-specific primer were found to be useful tools for discriminating Bradysia sp. from other native Japanese fungus gnats, such as Bradysia impatiens (Johannsen), Pnyxia scabiei (Hopkins), and Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour).

Anthropogenic and Natural Radioactivity in Pond Water, Soil and Biota at the Ecology Field in Saitama Prefecture

Anthropogenic and Natural Radioactivity in Pond Water, Soil and Biota at the Ecology Field in Saitama Prefecture

Prevalence and risk factors of halitosis in Japanese school children.

Little data are available regarding halitosis in Japanese children. The aim of the current study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with halitosis in Japanese elementary and junior high school children. The subjects consisted of 520 elementary (1st-6th grade: boys, n = 284; girls, n = 236) and 248 junior high (7th-9th grade: boys, n = 136; girls, n = 112) school children aged 6-15 years in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. A self-administered questionnaire survey; halitosis measurement using an organoleptic assessment method; and clinical oral examination were conducted. Overall, 44.9% of subjects had halitosis. The proportion of boys with halitosis was 43.6% and that of girls was 46.6%. On logistic regression analysis, grade and tongue coating were significant predictors of halitosis. The 7th-9th graders were significantly more likely to have halitosis than 1st-3rd graders (OR, 1.83; P = 0.007). Subjects with area of tongue coating score 2 or 3 were 5.51-fold more likely to present with halitosis (P < 0.001) than those with area of tongue coating score 0 or 1. Similarly, subjects with thickness of tongue coating score 2 or 3 were 3.28-fold more likely to have halitosis than those with thickness of tongue coating score 0 or 1 (P < 0.001). Halitosis in the school children is not a rare condition; instead, its occurrence is relatively high. Therefore, inclusion of a halitosis prevention and management component in school oral health programs would lead to the promotion of overall oral health.

수변지역 자연재해 경감을 위한 구전 속설 Risk Communication자료의 정보전달 기능에 관한 연구 : 일본 사이타마현을 중심으로

수변지역 자연재해 경감을 위한 구전 속설 Risk Communication자료의 정보전달 기능에 관한 연구 : 일본 사이타마현을 중심으로