Antifreeze proteins adsorb to ice crystals and have the function of suppressing their growth. To apply antifreeze proteins to frozen foods where the coarsening of ice crystals leads to the deterioration of quality, we advance mass production technology. However, there were not many cases where the quality of frozen foods was improved by adding the antifreeze protein we developed. So, we changed the direction of development and conducted market research. Our market research revealed new possibilities for utilizing antifreeze proteins. We promoted the development of products that meet the needs of users and began sales as research reagents in 2016. Currently, we are working to address user problems, while manufacturing and selling research reagents.
Causes and countermeasures for various kinds of hydraulic system failures in construction machinery generated by biodegradable hydraulic oil (bio-oil) are discussed. Previous component analytical methods can prevent all kinds of failures except hydraulic system malfunction, which requires a holistic approach for analysis. Using the Systems Modeling Language (SysML), the cause of malfunctions can be understood, and the most effective countermeasure can be obtained. Integration of a component analysis method and a holistic analysis method for system development is proposed.
Improving the reproductive performance of livestock has wide-ranging significance that includes promotion of local industry, bioeconomy, and stabilization of food supply. Our research focused on sperm manipulation to improve the reproductive performance of cattle. Our experiments were based on previous studies on infertility treatment for humans by relying on the advantages of motile spermatozoa, i.e. spermatozoa that are able to swim against the flow of solutions, which is regarded as an attribute of healthy and physiologically functional spermatozoa. For the first time, we succeeded in collecting a number of spermatozoa that can be used for artificial insemination and obtained good conception results in a field trial. In addition, the field trial clarifies the advantageous relationship between sperm trajectory and conception.
An aerosol particle mass analyzer (APM) which classifies aerosol particles according to their mass has been developed. Mass distributions of aerosol particles can be measured by the APM combined with a particle counting device. Particle mass that can be measured in this way ranges from 3×10-18 g to 2×10-12 g, which partially fills the mass range that is not covered by existing mass measuring instruments (e.g., mass spectrometers and conventional balances). The introduction of the APM has led to various new techniques for evaluating aerosol particle properties such as effective and true densities, porosities, fractal dimensions, and mass concentrations of suspended particulates. This article describes the principle of the APM and how it differs from other instruments for classifying aerosol particles. The article also describes the significance of measuring aerosol particle mass and the course of events that led to commercialization of the APM from the viewpoint of “synthesiology.”
The Geological Survey of Japan started a geological mapping project in Japan in 1882. This paper summarizes the historical transition of the strategy of the geological mapping project, which coincides with the transition of the overall scenarios of the mapping project in Japan. Each geological map has an individual scenario on which integration of research elements is conducted. Each individual scenario depends on local geology. 1:50,000 quadrangle geological map is the most basic one developed in the Geological Survey of Japan, and I discuss the mapping project in terms of the overall and individual scenarios.
−1− Synthesiology English edition Vol.12 No.1 pp.1 –5 (Aug. 2019) knowledge, because research has been conducted based on officially recognized methods. However, there is perhaps no officially recognized method for the usage of knowledge, and therefore, the results obtained by using the knowledge is not recognized as official knowledge like the results of scientific research, and therefore, documentation of the use of knowledge cannot be accepted as a paper.
Incorporating standards for spacecraft in Japan involves trading off various existing standards to comply with requirements and sustainability. However, well-established proprietary specifications developed for Japanese scientific satellites were successfully incorporated into the international standard of embedded networks, called SpaceWire, which was adopted for the X-ray astronomical satellite “ASTRO-H (Hitomi).” Looking back on this proposal process, we studied a mutual collaboration scheme to incorporate Japan’s proposal, regarding the development type international standards.
Due to advances in information technology, we predicted the widespread decline of barcodes as an information tool. Instead, we developed QR codes, to replace barcodes, using image recognition techniques. We have made innovation to QR codes to meet market needs. To popularize QR codes, we made QR codes available to the public and have formed a market in cooperation with many companies. As a result, QR codes have been used to improve work efficiency and convenience. QR codes are currently available as a communication tool for people all over the world.
We review the history, current status, and prospects of research on rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBa2Cu3Oy) coated conductors. Three major issues were addressed to achieve critical current performance for long-coated conductors of several hundred meters. Special functional performances, e.g., in-field critical current, were greatly improved. Applications of coated conductors were also initiated. We expect applications to appear in the near future.
Aiming for innovative ceramic manufacturing technologies which enable creative and novel products, a national R&D project “High-Value Added Ceramic Products Manufacturing Technologies (HCMT)” has been initiated since 2014 as part of the Council for Science, Technology and Innovation (CSTI), Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP), “Innovative design/manufacturing technologies” program in Japan. The project deals with two key technologies: additive manufacturing (AM) for realizing complex-shaped ceramic products and reducing their lead-times, and hybrid coating on 3D bodies for enhancing their functionality and durability. Following an overview of this project and a brief description on the general status of AM technologies, this article focuses on the R&D strategies and the latest achievements on AM of ceramics in this project. Among a variety of AM approaches, we employ two AM technologies for making ceramic green bodies; powder layer manufacturing (powder bed fusion or indirect selective laser sintering) and slurry layer manufacturing (vat photo-polymerization or stereolithography), because of their dimensional accuracy, shape-flexibility, density-adjustability, etc. The former is a dry forming process, and is suitable for large/porous components, while the latter is a wet one, being good for small/dense parts. In addition, intensive research efforts are being devoted to ceramic laser sintering (direct selective laser sintering) which enables concurrent forming and sintering (saving post-sintering-process). This paper describes several 3D prototype models produced for various application targets using the developed AM technologies, which are never attainable with conventional methods. The current issues and future perspective for AM of ceramics will be addressed and discussed as well.
All-solid-state lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention as a next-generation technology. To realize this technology, it is important to develop a new solid-state lithium-ion conductor. In this regard, we discuss the development of all-solid-state secondary lithium batteries using single-crystal solid electrolytes and the AD method.
Feasible countermeasures are needed to address soil and groundwater contamination problems, because of its impact on human health and socioeconomic activities. Soil and groundwater contamination is a complex issue that requires an interdisciplinary effort involving research into contaminants, their practical removal, and social implementation. This paper discusses several areas of research that the author has been involved in this regard.
Amphiphilic organic molecules have often been transformed into liquid-crystal structures in their concentrated solutions. This paper focuses on a group of porous materials, called “ordered mesoporous materials.” Ordered mesoporous materials have nanostructures that replicate liquid-crystal structures. I report on the current level of compositional design that can be realized using mesoporous materials. In addition to silica-based materials, various inorganic compositions have been recently considered as possible alternatives. I have been striving to develop a more difficult method to obtain hybrid mesoporous materials in a non-silica-based system. To realize this, I have selected novel chemical resources for the synthesis of ordered mesoporous materials, proposed a new synthetic route, and realized reactivity control of such chemical resources and their functional design.
We developed a technology for producing silica with high specific surface area from molten slag discharged by a garbage disposal plant. The obtained silica has purity and specific surface area comparable to commercially available synthetic silica. Therefore, this silica can be used in various applications, such as in adsorbents, rubber additives, and coating agents. Previous use of silica recycled from molten slag was limited to aggregate for concrete or asphalt. This research result means that silica recycled from molten slag can now be used as a functional material. We also report on “direct synthesis technology of functional chemicals using silica” as the starting point for this research, the research scenario, and future prospects.
An indispensable aspect of manufacturing is the external inspection of all product parts. For example, in the manufacturing of cars, autonomous inspection technology is required to detect minute flaws on glossy or mirror surfaces, which are easily overlooked by visual inspection. In this paper, we report on the history, significance, and future development of an innovative defect inspection system, “ANALYZER,” which has been developed and commercialized. This system utilizes AIST technology—optical diffraction by semiconductor laser—to realize accurate, autonomous inspection of inner wall surfaces of high quality machined holes of various sizes.
by applying a protective layer in which resin and clay were mixed on the surface of the lacquerware. The components of the protective layer were selected from the viewpoints of dispersibility in a solvent, transparency of the layer, and hardness of the layer. It was confirmed that even after repeated washing with a dishwasher, the color, gloss, and surface flatness of the protective layer resisted deterioration. We optimized the paste viscosity, spray blowing pressure, and number of coatings to establish a method of giving a protective layer to products. In addition, we examined designs and productivity, considered user ratings, and created a product that exhibited the above-mentioned superior characteristics.
AIST has been supporting scientific aspects of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA), mainly in regard to the regulation of site selection for radioactive waste disposal. NRA is constructing regulation criteria and examination guides for the disposal of intermediate level radioactive waste (ILW) at intermediate depth prior to the geological disposal of high-level radioactive wastes (HLW). This paper introduces some examples of utilizing AIST’s R&D results for regulation of ILW disposal. This paper also presents examples of future tasks by analyzing the differences between the ILW and HLW disposal, and the differences between ILW regulation and criteria in the “Nationwide Map of Scientific Features for Geological Disposal” to categorize areas based on favorability for HLW disposal.
A materials recycling technology to recover green phosphor, including terbium, which is a heavy rare earth, from fluorescent powder in waste lamp sludge was realized by collaborating with researchers who specialize in materials and powder sorting. There are few cases worldwide in which materials circulation from post-consumer waste has been established in loops further inside than horizontal recycling. This is a recycling system which is described as an ideal circulation system for the near future in Europe’s circular economy (CE)/resource efficiency (RE) policies, etc. This study is a successful example of Japan leading the world in urban mine development to establish a resource circulation system of various waste products, and becoming a pioneer in near-future resource recycling.
We developed an endoscopic microscopy system with 20 nm accuracy that affords inspection through narrow gaps using a thin, 1.5 mm diameter probe. Accuracy was improved using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). The frequency modulated light source is stabilized with closed control from self-interference measurement. The probe is driven by two miniature motors, which allow three-dimensional scanning of an internal surface. Imaging performance is 60 frames per second. The high accuracy with narrow clearance capabilities of this system reduces the need for machine overhauls, which affords trustworthy daily inspections and hence greater machine reliability.
Huge earthquakes and tsunamis have agitated and disturbed the sea floor. Many marine geological surveys after the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake indicated large disturbances of the sea floor by the earthquake and its related tsunami across a wide area from the coastal to the Japan Trench floor. Resuspension of marine surface sediment by the earthquake and tsunami might generate turbidity currents. Deposition of turbidites, which are deposits from turbidity currents, has been recognized. Therefore, earthquake- and tsunami- induced turbidite is a potential tool for understanding the history of past huge earthquakes and tsunamis. For the estimation of the origin and evolution of earthquake- and tsunami-induced turbidity currents and the selection of suitable locations for turbidite paleoseismology, marine geological information such as samples and characteristics of surface sediments and depositional modes is useful and important.
