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: Humor is a multifaceted psychological and social phenomenon that encompasses both dispositional and cognitive elements. This study investigated whether cognitive flexibility is indirectly associated with the links between personality traits - specifically Openness and Extraversion - and three humor dimensions: humor sense, humor expression, and humor awareness. A sample of 1,330 Japanese adults completed validated self-report measures assessing personality, cognitive flexibility, and humor. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), we observed significant indirect associations among Openness, Extraversion, cognitive flexibility, and humor awareness and humor sense, whereas no such indirect association emerged for humor expression. These findings are consistent with a trait-process-behavior framework, in which personality traits are associated with adaptive social behavior through patterns of flexible cognitive functioning. This research contributes to our understanding of the cognitive correlates of humor and highlights the importance of cognitive flexibility as a key construct linking stable traits to dynamic interpersonal outcomes.
The potable water dispenser (PWD) system plays a critical role as a source of drinking water for astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS). In this study, we examined the bioburden in the potable water produced by the PWD. The amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) in the PWD water was approximately 19 or 55 times greater than the bacterial count, and the EPS biomass accounted for approximately 24% or 86% of the bacterial biomass. Ralstonia pickettii consistently comprised approximately 70% or 80% of the bacteria for 3 years. Under simulated microgravity conditions, the isolated R. pickettii strains exhibited higher cell and EPS concentrations and higher total volume concentrations (average volume multiplied by concentration) of cell and EPS than under 1G conditions, whereas the average cell volume was smaller and the average EPS volume was larger. The ISS isolates showed higher EPS production and biofilm-formation abilities than terrestrial strains under nutrient-rich conditions and possessed high biofilm-formation ability comparable to those of terrestrial strains under nutrient-poor conditions. The ability of R. pickettii to produce EPS may play a crucial role in its adaptation to the water environment on the ISS.IMPORTANCEIn space habitation environments, the use of recycled water is indispensable, and ensuring its microbiological safety is essential. In this study, we elucidated the microbiological characteristics of water from the potable water dispenser (PWD) on the International Space Station (ISS). Our findings revealed that bacteria of the Ralstonia pickettii are the predominant species in PWD water and that extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) constitute a large proportion of the biomass. Furthermore, the isolated R. pickettii was shown to possess high EPS production ability and strong biofilm-forming capacity. Since EPS plays a crucial role in biofilm formation, these abilities may be important factors enabling R. pickettii to adapt to the water environment of the ISS.
This study examined the influence of the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-bust ratio (WBR) on the attractiveness of the Japanese female body. To assess attractiveness, we used silhouette figures to evaluate the WHR and WBR, which were created based on objective measurements of actual women. A total of 398 men aged 20-59 years (mean age 39.79 years, SD = 10.69 years) participated in this study and rated the aesthetic attractiveness ("aesthetic attractiveness") and sexual attractiveness ("sexual attractiveness") of the silhouette figures. The analysis revealed that WHR was not related to aesthetics or sexual attractiveness. In contrast, the WBR was significantly related to both aesthetic and sexual attractiveness. The differences in the results of previous studies may be due to differences in the stimuli used, body shape between ethnic groups, and criteria for evaluating attractiveness.
Background: Nutrient-enriched sports foods can support efficient nutrient intake in specific circumstances in athletic nutrition management, such as during competition, when training away from the usual environment, or during periods of weight management. Despite their widespread availability, sports foods are not always used appropriately, necessitating tools to support informed product selection. Objective: This study aimed to characterize sports foods consumed by Japanese athletes and to develop a Japanese sports food exchange list to facilitate product selection based on target nutrient requirements. Methods: Seven sports food categories commonly used in Japanese sports settings were examined: sports drinks, energy jellies, energy bars, energy gels, protein drinks, protein bars, and protein powders. Following the methodology of Spain’s sports food exchange list, development proceeded in two stages. First, suppliers were selected based on INFORMED CHOICE certification or listing on the Japan Anti-Doping Agency’s product information website, with input from experienced sports dietitians. Subsequently, 523 products were classified into subcategories based on nutrient content per unit using established statistical criteria, including the mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, and z-values. Results: After excluding products with z-values outside ±2 or compositions deemed unsuitable for carbohydrate or protein supplementation, 498 products from 36 suppliers were classified into 24 subcategories. Japanese sports foods exhibited broad distributions in nutrient composition, variability derived from ingredient differences, and a high proportion of plant-based protein powders. Conclusions: This study developed a Japanese sports food exchange list comprising 498 products across 24 subcategories, enabling evidence-based product selection aligned with the nutrient intake goals of Japanese athletes.
