President’s Award (First Award)

5.Chairunnisa（Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences / Doctoral Course）

Biomass based-Activated Charcoal for Adsorption Dehumidification in Humid Region

In this study, we developed activated charcoal (AC) as the desiccant materials derived from waste biomass. The ability of AC to remove the moisture was controlled by carefully preparing the material using several conditions. The efficacy of the ACs for dehumidification applications was assessed using the weather data from several regions of Indonesia. The results revealed that under the studied conditions, the new desiccant material showed a better dehumidification capacity than silica gel. Moreover, the reported AC can be regenerated using temperatures as low as 40℃, which is readily available from waste heat.

Excellence Award

18.Gde Pandhe Wisnu Suyantara（Faculty of Engineering / Project Assistant Professor）

Towards SDGs: the improvement of copper processing using flotation for safe and sustainable copper production

Copper is an important material for producing clean energy in the future. Flotation, as one of the methods for copper production, can contribute to clean copper production by minimizing the contaminants and by improving the process efficiency. In this study, seawater was used to replace the freshwater in the flotation process, saving the freshwater resources for other's use and also reducing the CO2 emission from the desalination plant. In addition, an oxidation method was developed to replacing a toxic and harmful NaHS method. Therefore, the flotation can be safer, thus improves the health of the employee.

Excellence Award

22.Takehiko Shimizu（School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation / Bachelor's degree）

The Imporatance of Various Environments Surrounding a Tidal Flat to Conserve the Endangered Waterfowls in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway

Waterfowls in Asia are decreasing due to the degradation of habitat. Although protecting main coastal wetlands is significant, the importance of surrounding environments like paddy fields and reservoirs for waterfowls are scarcely known. Therefore, this research investigated how two kinds of spoonbills use different environments near Imazu tidal flat. The result was that spoonbills use the tidal flat and other sites such as reservoirs, artificial creeks and so on for different purposes. This result implies that the conservation of central coastal wetland is not enough for waterfowls, but we should reconsider the importance of surrounding environments for waterfowls.

Finalist

7.Madoka Inoue（Graduate School of Economics / Master's Course）

Investigation of Technology Development Priorities for Circular Economy Using Patent Decomposition Analysis

We investigated the changes in development priorities of Circular Economy (CE) related technologies using LMDI decomposition analysis. The results show that in both global and regional analyses, the priorities of "Hydroponics/Vertical Farming" and "Resource Recovery" have increased in recent years, while the priority of "Biofuels" has decreased in the 2015-2019 period. Additionally, there were some differences among regions. These differences in the characteristics of each CE technology are important information for understanding market demand and priority technology types, and for formulating policies and strategies to achieve CE.

Finalist

10.Ogata Mari（Graduate School of Economics / Master's Course）

Production efficiency analysis of biodiesel fuel production plants in Japan

Biodiesel fuel (BDF) is diesel fuel produced by vegetable oil. In Japan, the BDF is made of waste cooking oil. Recycling the waste oil can contribute to not only decreasing food waste but reducing CO2 emissions. A crucial problem is that BDF production plants largely rely on subsidies from local governments because the cost of producing BDF is normally larger than the BDF sales. To address this question, we used the detailed inventory data for the Japanese 39 BDF production plants and estimated production efficiency scores of the plant using data envelopment analysis (DEA).

Finalist

15.HUANG HSINHAO（Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society / Doctoral Course）

A study on the policy processes of Japan’s low fertility policies

Japan is facing a serious issue of low fertility. In response to the problem, Japan has promulgated 32 low fertility policy plans from the year of 1994 to 2018. This study examines the influences of politics on the policy processes of these policy plans. This study adopts the ‘policy window’ as the analytical framework. Through the analyses of the policy processes of Japan’s low fertility policies in different phases, this study finds that the influence of the ‘politics stream’ in the policy window increases over time, shifting the policy making from a ‘bureaucracy-led’ to a ‘cabinet-dominant’ pattern.

Finalist

23.Miho Hayata（Telemedicine Development Center of Asia(TEMDEC), Kyushu University Hospital / Techinical Staff）

Remote education of early gastric cancer in Central Asia and Russia

Central Asia and Russia are high risk areas for gastric cacner (GC), where its mortality still remains high. For improvement of early GC diagnosis, we established regular teleconference on endoscopy between Central Asia and Japan together with Russia. Between November 2017 and July 2021, 12 conferences were held, connecting institutions in Central Asia, Russia and Japan. Since the first teleconference, connected institutes have increased from 5 to 15. The quality of images, sounds and program were highly assessed, respectively. Based on this study, there is no doubt that teleconference is meaningful and should be expanded more to Central Asia.

1.Tomoakai Nakaishi（Graduate School of Economics / Doctoral Course）

Potential of Premature Death Mitigation through Efficiency Improvements in Coal Power Plants in China

To effectively mitigate the number of premature deaths due to PM2.5 emissions from coal power plants in China, it is important not only to estimate the current number of premature deaths, but to estimate the potential for mitigating premature deaths. This study proposed a new integrated research framework that combines data envelopment analysis, chemical transport simulation, and health impact assessment to estimate the potential of premature death mitigation. Our empirical analysis revealed that there was significant premature death mitigation potential around Chengdu City, and that priority should be given to improving the environmental efficiency of power plants in this area.

2.WANG DUANYANG（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences / Doctoral Course）

Bio-Activity Evaluation of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. in Skin Care and Isolation of Contributory Component

In this study, the calyx part of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.(Okinawa) were taken as the study objects. Through the establishment of bioactivity evaluation system and bio-guided isolation method, the components with reversing-senescence activity were identified,it was the first time to evaluate the reversing-senescence potential and clarified the major active component in Hibiscus sabdariffa. and the mechanism of these ingredients is being further studied now. This study suggested that Hibiscus sabdariffa have high possibility to be used as reversing-senescence reagent or skin care products in the future, provided a new considerable way for the regeneration and utilization of plants in nature.

3.Tatsuya Mishima（Faculty of Social and Cultural Studies / Academic fellow）

Relationship between C/N ratio of their habitat in scarabaeoid larvae and decomposition abilities against decayed wood and/or humus

Lucanid larvae mainly inhabit and utilize rotten wood and/or humus. They also show a food preference against the types and stages of decay at a genus level. Since their preference is thought to be related to the kinds and the activity of enzyme, I tried to reveal the relationship between C/N ratio in their preferred habitat and digestive enzymatic abilities against CM-cellulose, β-1,4-xylan, and β-1,3-glucan in the larval midgut of some species of Lucanidae and Trypoxylus dichotomus. The results indicated that two correlations were observed between C/N ratio and each glycanase and glycosidase against CM-cellulose and β-1,3-glucan, respectively.

4.CHEN HAONAN（Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences / Master's Course）

NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF ISOTHERMAL MEMBRANE-BASED DEHUMIDIFICATION FOR M-CYCLE EVAPORATIVE COOLER

Maisotsenko cycle (M-cycle) is an indirect evaporative cooling (IEC) method utilizing the latent heat of evaporation of water which can theoretically cool down air to its dew point temperature beyond its wet bulb temperature. M-cycle uses water as its refrigerant and consumes less energy, which is considered to have better environmental and economic benefit. In IEC systems, the lower humidity the lager cooling capacity. Membrane-based dehumidification can decrease the humidity of air in an isothermal manner by a vacuum pump. With high efficiency and no hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), this green cooling system is expected to apply in the sustainable future society.

6.PITCHAWUT VIRUTAMAWONGSE（Graduate school of Human-Environment studies / Doctoral Course）

Invasion of public space: the negotiation between invaded urban elements and remaining public space of Nonthaburi pier area, Thailand

This research focuses on the negotiation between remaining public space on the sidewalk and public space taken away for vending purposes. Based on the observations and statistical analysis, the dynamic changes in thirty days. The result indicated the dynamic change of public uses on the sidewalk in different circumstances. Also, the remaining space for passengers on the sidewalk is reduced significantly during the evening time and during weekdays.

8.ASMAA KAMALELDEEN AHMED MOHAMED REZK ELNAGDY（Faculty of Agriculture / Doctoral Course）

Suspect and non-target screening of emerging contaminants in wastewater using LC-QTOF/MS: An insight on occurrence, fate, risk, and wastewater management in Asia

Domestic wastewater is a major pollution source to water environment in many Asian countries. In the respect of water environmental conservation,it is important to reduce the pollution load from domestic sector. Therefore, a comprehensive suspect and non-target screening workflow based on LC-QTOF/MS was developed for identification of contaminants in wastewater. Occurrence, fate and risk was studied. Multivariate analysis demonstrated an effective wastewater treatment process.The workflow would have wider implication in wastewater management in Asia region.

9.Ahmed Mohamed Othman（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences / Doctoral Course）

Utiliztion of Halophytes as a Source of Pharmaceutical Candidates

Recently, the scientific interest and the economic significance of halophytes has been highly demanding due to medicinal and nutraceutical potential of its bioactive compounds. A xero-halophyte Bassia indica. is a very cheap source of natural entities without any investigation.In this study, a new acylated flavonol tetraglycoside, rare flavonol triglycoside, new alkaloid , alongside with new seco-glycosidic oleanane saponin with 2'R,3'S stereocenters, were isolated from the aerial parts of Bassia indica. The study also reported an optimal separation of rare occurring R-isomer lignanamide, in addition to its known corresponding S-isomer. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated.

11.Ryotaro Sakai（ Graduate School of Engineering / Master's Course）

Improvement of gold recovery for double refractory gold ore with modified sequential bio-treatments

Modified sequential bio-treatment of double refractory gold ore (DRGO) was developed to improve gold recovery. HCl washing was utilized after sulfide oxidation and before carbonaceous degradation. The maximum gold recovery was 85% in the sample after HCl washing and carbonaceous degradation but recovery was 64% in the sample after carbonaceous degradation without HCl washing. Although the difference of both sample was only HCl washing, HCl washing has significantly increased gold recovery. This is because HCl washing contributed to the removal of jarosite and effective carbonaceous degradation. Thus, treatments of DRGO should be modified by considering the ore’s own characteristics.

12.LIU ZEWEN（Graduate Schoool Of Economics / Doctoral Course）

The Cassava Production and Exportation in Cambodia Driven by Chinese Transnational Corporations From 2010 to 2020

This study examines how the growth of cassava production and exports in Cambodia was driven by Chinese transnational corporations (TNCs) between 2010 and 2020.Chinese TNCs acquired Cambodian land through ELCs to produce cassava, which resulted in the expansion of the area under cassava cultivation in Cambodia. Hybrid varieties of cassava and cassava planting machines introduced by Chinese cassava TNCs have improved the productivity of cassava. The great demand for cassava products in China and zero tariffs on cassava exports from ASEAN to China (under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area Agreement) strongly pushed the expansion of cassava exports from Cambodia.

13.CHOI Younhee（Faculty of Human-Environment Studies / Academic Fellow）

Definition of Condensation Problems and Development of the Appropriate Technology for Low-income Dwellings

This study uses long-term field measurements to define the condensation problems in low-income dwellings. We found that the higher 10% level from the cumulative results was 7.42 g/m3 corresponds to the kitchens and canteens, which is a very humid degree. Therefore, this study proposed the appropriate technology for preventing condensation occurrence using an exhaust fan in the bathroom, rather than using the fancy humidity control systems. As measurement results, with the operation of proposed control strategy, it was possible to solve the condensation problem. The quality of low-income housing can be improved with minimum installation and operating costs.

14.Wang Mengmeng（Graduate School of Engineering / Academic Fellow）

Environmental impact of amino acids on the stability of layered double hydroxides after immobilized SeO₄^2-

⁷⁹Se has a 3.27 x 10⁵ years of long half-life and selenate can be immobilized in LDHs based on cement hydration. If the radioactive wastes are released into the soil environment during long-term storage, the adsorbed radionuclides might be possibly contacted with SOM. However, the releasing behaviors of SeO₄^2- from LDHs are still unclear, but important to evaluate its effectiveness. We found smaller sized amino acids have a more serious risk to unstabilize selenate. Carbonate is also another environmentally important threatening factor to the stability of selenate. The necessity of engineering measures to improve the stability of selenate was emphasized.

16.Makishi Sakaguchi（Faculty of Economics / Master's Course）

Merit order effect of Japan Electric Power Exchanges

The merit order effect (MOE),which renewable energy sources can decrease wholesale electricity prices, plays an important role in establishing low-carbon societies. Ordinary least squares and quantile regression analyses were applied in this study to investigate how wind and solar photovoltaics (PV) energy generation affect the JEPX(Japan Electric Power Exchange) day-ahead spot price by time, price range, and area. And we concluded that wind power has more potential to reduce electricity prices than PV. Also the MOE varies a lot by area. Hence, considering eash area electricity market features can have more social benefit when installing new renewable energy sources.

17.SHI YI（Faculty of Economics / Master's Course）

Decomposition analysis for Toxic Chemical Emission Changes in U.S. Manufacturing Sectors from 2001 to 2019

A circular economy is an economic system that is restorative and regenerative by design. A circular chemistry aims at fully using and recycling all the materials and products even from atom level is critical for building a circular economy. So it's important to find how industries managed with chemical substances. In this research, we clarify how different factors effect the toxic chemical emissions and how they help the manufacturing sectors to move towards to a circular chemistry in recent years. We can also find which chemicals are easy or hard to be designed into a circular chemistry.

19.FAN Jiaxin（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences / Doctoral Course ）

The expansion of the promising value of Flammulina velutipes and the prospect of its sustainable development

Flammulina velutipes, the Enoki mushroom, a nutritional and low-calorie food, and an excellent source of amino acid and vitamins. Global Enoki mushroom market is projected to reach USD 1517.4 million by 2026. Asia, one of the largest consumer markets. In Japan alone, the annual output of Enoki mushroom is over 140,000 tons. The purpose of this study is to further expand the unrevealed value in Flammulina velutipes, to explore the lipid component and its essential role in the development of Flammulina velutipes.

20.Mittraphab Yanisa（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences / Doctoral Course）

Protective effects of acetone extract from Entada phaseoloides leaves on UVB-irradiated HaCaT keratinocytes

Entada phasioloides was reported to have triterprene, saponin, and phenolic compounds, which has protective effect on UVB-irradiation and anti-inflammation. In southeast Asia, stems and seeds of E. phaseoloides have been used as soap, as well as traditional medicine to treat skin diseases. However, the leaves of E. phaseoloides are barely reported their biological activites. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of acetone extract from E. phaseoloides leaves (AE) on UVB-irradiated human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). The results show that AE, which is effective at 40 µg/mL, has nontoxic effect on normal keratinocyte HaCaT cells. UVB damage (30 mJ/cm2) resulted significant reduction in cell viability in a time dependent manner. HaCaT cells were pretreated with AE for 24 h and the irradiated with UVB rays. The results showed that the AE prevented UVB-induced cytotoxicity which was verified by MTT assay.

21.Ruan Yang（Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences / Doctoral Course）

The Isolation and Identification of Hericenones in Hericium erinaceus (Yamabushitake)

At present, the research on the metabolites in Hericium erinaceus is still insufficient, further exploration of its metabolites can further tap the potential of Hericium erinaceus and its related products as food supplements and alternative drugs.To solve these problems, it is necessary to isolate and purify the metabolites in Hericium erinaceus, analyze and identify the chemical formula and structural formula, and use it as a standard sample, in this process, the known compounds can be summarized, and new compounds may be discovered.

24.SHEN MINGJIU（Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Global Society / Doctoral Course）

The Research on Residents’ Acceptance of Tourism Development – A Case Study of Qinghai Lake, China

The purpose of this study is to improve the development and management of tourism destinations and promote the sustainability of tourism destinations. Taking Qinghai Lake as the research area, including tourist behavior, social interests, government policies and social environment are selected to analyze. Through the analysis of the questionnaire survey of three ethnic autonomous prefectures, the acceptance of tourism development of residents in different ethnic regions, Our most important finding is that different ethnicities affect the residents' acceptance of tourism development. The order of acceptance of ethnic groups is Han > Mongolian > Salar and other minorities > Tibetan.

25.WU WEI（Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies / Doctoral Course）

Integrating Land-use and transit network as a strategy to reduce the negative impact of rapid urbanization: the case study of Hefei TOD network.

Hefei city has experienced significant urban growth since 2010 and facing severe problems due to the rapid growth of the population and urban expansion. In 2017 Hefei government began the construction of the subway system and introduced the Transit-oriented Development (TOD) concept as a guideline to reduce the transport pressure and environmental pollution. However, transit and surrounding areas were developed sperately, which failed to mazimize the benefits. The objective of this research is to integrate land-use and transit network as a strategy to reduce the negative impact of rapid urbanization.

26.Kumar Bhatta（Q-AOS / Academic Fellow）

Ghalegaun Tourism Model for Community Integration and Sustainability

Many marginalized communities are losing their identities, and people are leaving their settlements searching for opportunities throughout the world. Specifically, young people do not want to continue their tradition and culture, which directly hampers the sustainability of their community. Oppositely, tourism has been promoted in the communities to promote sustainable development and community integration. In this background, a case study of Ghalegaun tourism village, Nepal, has been conducted, and possible implications have been discussed here. In Ghalegaun, community-based activities not only for tourism perspectives but also for other purposes are directly linked to sustainable development. For example, community-based agriculture and craft-making activities, one door tourism management policy, exploration of local attractions and full utilization of the local resources, efforts towards conservation of natural resources and preservation of cultural heritages, modernized organic agriculture, and promotional activities are unique practices. From these results, the Ghalegaun model of tourism development and promotion is essential for sustainability for both developed and developing countries. For the proper resource management, attracting young people to follow the culture and tradition, conserve and preserve the local heritage, tourism development is one of the keywords.

27.Hao Yiran（Graduate School of Human-Environment Studies / Master's Course）

The Factors of the Achieved Targets in the Urban Regeneration Improvement Plan of Peninsula Areas

This study examined the trends of project initiatives and the factors behind the achievement of targets in 30 peninsular areas designated as Urban Renewal Districts. 1) The 109 Urban Redevelopment Districts were divided into three categories: tourist districts, general districts, and central city districts.2) The ratio of the number of indicators for achieving the target was high for the creation of liveliness in the tourist districts of the peninsula area.3) In the tourism districts of the three peninsulas used as case studies, the promotion of soft measures such as tourism will be a factor in achieving the target.

Motohide Seki (Faculty of Design / Assistant Professor)

Biological clocks in tropics

Many species from microbes, animals, and plants have biochemical systems that generate circadian rhythms. Those systems are largely classified into two groups, clock-type and hourglass-type; the former and the latter do and do not, respectively, generate rhythms under constant light exposure and/or constant darkness. Our theoretical model predicted that species distributed in temperate and tropical zones do and do not, respectively, require a clock-type system. Global-scale studies on microbes revealed that cyanobacterial species have evolutionarily altered their ancestral clock into an hourglass. Hypothesizing that some of tropical plants also have hourglasses, we are measuring rhythms of multiple tropical plant species.