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Economic activities heavily rely on social infrastructure, such as bridges, tunnels, public structures, and buildings. In Japan, regular inspections are mandated by law to ensure these assets remain functional. This kind of requirement is rare worldwide. Similar regulations exist only in major cities in the United States and Canada. These inspections often focus on detecting issues that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities within concrete walls. The most widely used method for such inspections is the hammering test, in which inspectors analyze the sound variations produced when a hammer strikes a surface. By interpreting these auditory changes, they can assess the structural integrity and identify hidden defects within a structure. While effective, the accuracy of this method strongly depends on the inspector's sensory perception, which varies with individual experience and skill. Furthermore, because the test is conducted manually, it is time-consuming, especially for large-scale structures. The most critical problem is the shortage of skilled inspectors due to retirement. It is difficult to meet the demand for inspections. To solve this problem, this paper proposes an AI-based hammering test system that analyzes and evaluates structural health by detecting abnormal sounds during inspections. This system allows even less-experienced workers to accurately identify defective areas. The focus of this study is on the application of AI-driven sound analysis for inspecting adhesive-applied tile walls, a common feature in modern apartment buildings. By integrating AI technology, this approach promises to improve the consistency and quality of inspections, reduce reliance on human expertise, and significantly enhance the overall efficiency of the inspection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ASP8302 is an orally administered positive allosteric modulator of the muscarinic M3 receptor. Two Phase 1 studies were conducted, a first‐in‐human study in Europe and a Japanese phase 1 study. Both were randomized, participant‐ and investigator‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, single and multiple ascending oral doses, parallel group, clinical studies in healthy volunteers. Both studies evaluated safety and pharmacokinetics and also included salivary secretion and pupil diameter as pharmacodynamic assessments. There were no deaths, serious adverse events, or treatment‐emergent adverse events reported leading to study discontinuation. There were no clinically relevant findings in any of the laboratory, vital signs, electrocardiogram assessments, or photosensitivity testing following multiple administration of up to 150 mg or up to 140 mg once daily for 14 days in the European first‐in‐human and Japanese Phase 1 study, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of ASP8302 were approximately linear over the dose range studied. There was no evidence of drug accumulation upon repeated dosing. In both studies, ASP8302 showed a dose‐dependent pharmacodynamic effect on saliva production at doses from 100 mg onward, which was maintained during repeated dosing. No effect was observed on pupil diameter. These data supported progression of ASP8302 into Phase 2 clinical trials for further clinical development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pudexacianinium (ASP5354) chloride is an indocyanine green derivative designed to enable enhanced ureter visualization during surgery. The objective of the present analysis was to determine appropriate doses of pudexacianinium for a phase 2, dose‐ranging study (NCT04238481). Real‐time urine pudexacianinium concentration is considered a good pharmacodynamic surrogate marker, since ureter visualization likely depends on its concentration in the ureter. Using plasma and urine concentrations of pudexacianinium from a phase 1 single‐ascending‐dose (0.1‐24.0 mg) study in healthy participants, a 3‐compartment population pharmacokinetic model with a urine output compartment was developed and effectively described the concentration‐time profiles. The individual estimated glomerular filtration rates had a significant impact on drug clearance. Simulations suggested that a 1.0 mg intravenous injection would achieve target urine concentrations over 1 μg/mL (determined from previous nonclinical studies) for 3 hours postdose, assuming a urine production rate of 1.0 mL/min. Based on this simulation, doses of 0.3, 1.0, and 3.0 mg were proposed for the phase 2 study. The observed plasma concentrations were generally consistent with model predictions. For urine, although only limited data could be obtained due to the difficulties of spot urine collection from surgical patients, intraoperative ureter visualization was successful at 1.0 and 3.0 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine American and Japanese pre-service teachers' understanding of the notion of whether or not children under age three should be cared for by their mothers at home. The participants were 87 female Japanese and 64 female American college students majoring in Early Childhood Education. The participants responded to the instrument assessing their concepts of who should care for children under age three. Factor analysis yielded six factors for the Japanese sample (communication; a mother as a primary attachment figure; blood relations; multiple attachment figures; the quality of attachment; and needs of the child), while five factors emerged from the American sample (a mother as a primary attachment figure; the quality of attachment; multiple attachment figures; constant care; and secondary attachment). The implications for early childhood teacher education are presented. (Contains 5 tables and 1 figure.)

Objectives: Hikikomori – an almost complete withdrawal from social interaction first seen in Japan – is becoming an emerging psychological syndrome worldwide. The mental health community in Japan has focused on hikikomori since the 1990s. Hikikomori was initially considered a culture-bound trait, unique to Japan; however, it has become an international concern, and cases have been reported even outside of Japan. While home visiting support for people with hikikomori has gained popularity, an effective solution remains elusive. This paper describes the process involved in effective home visiting support provided by experienced workers to help people with hikikomori. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 home-visiting support workers in Japan. Collected data were analysed using a constant comparative method based on Grounded Theory. Results: 'Supporting them in finding their own way to participate in society' was identified as the core category. This core category was substantiated by following three interrelated stages: preparing the involved surroundings for reaching out to a person, maintaining constant communication and expanding the range of activities and relationships. The process encouraged people with hikikomori to enhance their social connections and improved their motivation for social participation. People with hikikomori experiencing despair and isolation began to find pleasure in social participation through the three stages of support provided by home-visiting workers. Conclusion: Our study suggests that Home visiting support for people with hikikomori can be enhanced by these three interrelated methods which can help individuals integrate into society and connect with others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]