Sequels in September 2018

Saturday, September 22, 2018
Zaif was broken

Following the fraud case, Fisco decided to financially support Zaif. It seems to dominate Zaif on this occasion. On the other hand, Zaif has stopped allowing the new registration of customers.


Friday, September 21, 2018
Singularity will come sooner than you expect?

Just yesterday, I read a book in which the author claimed that singularity would not come within this century. There is a broad dispute regarding future prospecting.


Monday, September 10, 2018
Exam for licensed psychologist

I checked my answers in this exam. As far as my evaluation, I am sure that I will get the license.

Alexa will soon read your mind?

Amazon's Alexa, a smart speaker, will be able to guess the client's thought.

The Guardian: Amazon's Alexa knows what you forgot and can guess what you're thinking

According to the comment of Amazon in the event conducted in Seattle, Alexa Hunches, the new feature planned to be equipped, will examine user's regular behavioral patterns. And it will suggest something the user missed.

This feature looks innovative at a glance. But, there are some similar approaches already introduced. For instance, Gmail reminds you of forgetting attaching files when the text of the email suggests it. This act resembles a human secretary's.

Smart speaker corrects a large amount of the data regarding your behavior. It will help not only to improve the quality of its performance but also enhance its role itself. In this sense, its direction of the evolution is entirely rational. Of course, the protection of user's privacy is essential.

Oculus Quest will come

Oculus Quest, a new device for VR, will be released in 2019.

Oculus.com

Oculus has been released a series of Oculus so far. For using the first Oculus Rift, you needed a mother PC and you had to connect it to Oculus headset with a wire cable. It restricted you from free movement while enjoying VR.

In contrast, the latest model, Oculus Go, works standalone. You need no PC or smartphone. However, Oculus Go supports only your sight. It could not reflect your posture such as lying down.

Oculus Quest will support 6 degrees of freedom. Thus, when you rotate yourself, Oculus Quest will follow your sight virtually. With this device, you will be involved in a battlefield when enjoying First Person Shooter game. Of course, Oculus Quest will free from mother devices.

Oculus Quest will cost 399 USD. It will be doubled compared to Oculus Go. The cost is reasonable, I think.

Gamer's experience depends on both software and hardware. VR machines are innovatively improving the sense of involvement.

Amazon's trap for business use

I love Amazon.

I am a fanatic user of Amazon, indeed. I could not be alive without Amazon. Every day, I read Kindle e-books. I am fond of watching Amazon video. Also, I have published some e-books on Kindle Direct Publishing.

Amazon has been user-friendly. Amazon's services are convenient and fascinating, as well as reasonable.

However, too much convenience is often harmful.

Recently, I bought a book for work. Usually, I get refunded when purchasing a material for work from my office. But in this case, I unconsciously bought it with my Amazon point.

Amazon point is offered in several opportunities. In the purchasing process, Amazon point is consumed on a priority basis when online shopping. I could select to use my credit card, instead. But I missed it. Therefore, I could not get refunded the cost of the material according to the regulation of my office.

Amazon also offers corporation accounts. If my business activity depended on Amazon with more proportion, I would create a corporation account.

Alcohol related death occupies 5%

The influence of alcohol on human health has been broadly discussed. Not a few people believe regular drinking is beneficial because of its relaxation effect. However, the latest evidence instead suggests its risk for health regardless of the amount of consumption.

According to WHO, alcohol is responsible for up to 5% of the death in the society. A total of three million people drop their lives due to alcohol. Not only alcohol intoxication and hepatitis but also violence and traffic accidents during drunken are included as the cause of the fatality.

Forbes: Alcohol Is Responsible For 5% Of All Deaths Globally, Study Finds

By the way, in Japan, the drinking population is gradually shrinking. Young people tend to find pleasures other than drinking. Accordingly, patients with alcohol dependence seem to be decreasing.

Fiber prevents dementia?

A fiber-rich diet is believed to be beneficial for your health. It is mainly because of the fiber's effect on the improved movement of your intestine. Chronic constipation can be a cause of colon cancer. As well, fiber-rich diet makes you satisfied without taking an excessive amount of calory.

Recently, researchers focus on the anti-inflammatory effect of fiber. They hypothesize fiber-rich diet will prevent you from dementia.

Dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease, and some related illnesses are identified as a chronic degenerative disease of the brain. And, they can be connected with inflammation and oxidation. Thus, managing oxidative stress will reduce the risk for dementia.

Forbes: Eating A High-Fiber Diet Linked To Improved Brain Health In New Animal Study

Researchers found that a high-fiber diet reduced the level of inflammation in immune cells in the brain with experiments using mice. This result is suggestive because there are no reports so far to show the direct effect of fiber on the brain.

There are several differences between mice and humans in diet and metabolism, of course. Humans can eat a large variety of foods unlikely to any other species. Therefore, I am doubtful to adopt this outcome to humans directly. Nonetheless, it is well high-fiber diet can protect not only your body but also the brain.

Modicare launches

India is going to introduce a new scheme of public medicine.

Independent: Modicare: India launches world's biggest experiment in universal healthcare

Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India declared to launch so-called Modicare yesterday. In this new legislation. The government is prepared to pay the medical cost in place of poor citizens. As well, new health and wellness centers are opened for primary care.

Not surprisingly, this policy ignited serious dispute. Several physicians and relevant professionals are against the new legislation. According to them, Modicare will not be sustainable because of insufficient budget and social resource. Some people criticize that Modicare is no longer than an advertisement to impress Modi's performance who will face the next general election.

India is rapidly changing in many regions. Changing circumstances demand policy changing. Though it is unsure the new health care will be successful, at least it will be worth as a social experiment for the world. Nobody knows the true answer.

New policy for plagiarism in India

The University Grants Commission in India established a rule for check fabrication of academic papers for the first time.

Telegraph India: Plagiarism battle with 'narrow' rules

In India, plagiarism has been an issue for years, as well as in many other countries. Researchers often fabricate previous works for the fast commitment of the work. It is ethically inappropriate, of course. But there were no defined rules to punish the conductor in India.

The new regulation suggests that whether a manuscript is identified as plagiarism depends on the proportion of fabricated contents. For example, up to 10% is permitted, whereas the author submitted a manuscript in which over 40% is identified to be fabricated would be banned for one year from resubmission.

This rule is quite clear and definitive. However, some researchers criticize this regulation for some reasons.

First, fabrication should not be defined as the percentage of similarity. Even if you rephrase the original manuscript at all, it is deemed as plagiarism as far as you conceal it. Fabrication should be adapted not only to the text but also to the original idea.

Second, the percentage of fabrication is mechanically calculated with a software. You need many referring sentences especially in a review of previous research in some categories. In such cases, false positive can occur.

Treatment for misconducted researchers should be mentioned. In the US, education centers for such researchers were developed. On the other hand, plagiarism emerges in accordance with the demand of quick performance. It is not always proper to blame misconducted researchers. This issue is complicatedly connecting the development of scientific research.

Zaif was broken

Zaif, a famous cryptocurrency exchange was hacked, just recently.

CNN: Newsflash: Japanese Cryptocurrency Exchange Zaif Hacked, $59 Million in Losses

A large amount of Bitcoin, Mona coin, and Bitcoin Cash were withdrawn from its hot wallet illicitly. According to the media, the total amount of loss reached 59 million USD.

Zaif is a Japanese exchange administered by Asayama. It reported having decided on accepting financial aid from Fisco, a popular finance company in Japan. It suggests that Zaif will be ruled by Fisco.

In Japan, Coincheck was also hacked resulting in more than 500 million USD in losses. There are many other examples of cryptocurrency exchanges being cracked. Attacking a cryptocurrency exchange seems now a trend for cybercriminals. If successful, the fruit is tremendous I believe money laundering of stolen cryptocurrency is another challenge. But unfortunately, there is no example that the criminal is arrested when using the coins so far.

Maintaining convenience and security consist of a dilemma. We pay not a few amounts of fees for bank exchange. Storing coins in a wallet is perhaps too risky for exchanges to assure the asset of customers. In the near future,  many exchanges will introduce more retro and inconvenient processes, such as manual input, for some particular transactions instead of usage of more vulnerable ways.

Singularity will come sooner than you expect?

It is said that singularity will come by 2045 when AI overwhelms human activities entirely. Some people believe this idea, others never. In my opinion, singularity must come but it takes more several decades.

However, our jobs will be replaced by machines perhaps sooner than we imagine. According to a recent study, the majority of tasks in our society will be managed by machines by 2025.

AFP: Machines will do more tasks than humans by 2025: WEF

This expectation seems radical. But the paper also says that 29% of the workplace tasks are performed by machine even now. It is hardly believable that approximately a third of all tasks is operated by machines, to be honest.

The degree of superiority of machines depends on the characteristics in each region of jobs. In the service industry, most people still want to be cared for by a human server. Machines will soon replace some of the tasks, such as moving support. But navigating a confused patient with dementia to a creative activity is not an easy task for current AI.

On the other hand, machines have been dominant in several regions while we are unconscious. Maybe we will not notice when singularity actually come.

Korean leaders make a summit

President Moon in South Korea performed a meeting with Kim John-un, the leader of North Korea, at Pyongyang, just recently.

AFP: Moon landing: S. Korean leader and North's Kim hold summit talks

It is for the third time for the South Korean leader to make a summit with the North. They declared to terminate the military conflict between them, though there was no official treaty made. The North mentioned the possibility of denuclearization of the Peninsula. But Kim did not clarify the detailed schedule of dissemination of relevant facilities.

Anyway, the threat of war among the Peninsula has withdrawn. On the other hand, the relaxation of the situation will make the US' presence in the Peninsula weakened. Though Donald Trump celebrated the summit, I guess he is not delighted with this outcome.

Considering the past attitude of North Korea, it is possible that it restarts the threatening anytime it has something to make a negotiation. In this case, the US would not like to be involved. Moon should be prepared for such a scenario.

Oldest picture found in Africa

Drawing is a popular hobby. There are large among of drawing classes in cities. You can make a picture with a pen, painting, or several other ways.

Recently, one of the oldest evidence of ancient human beings made drawing on the rock was found in Africa.

The Guardian: Earliest known drawing found on rock in South African cave

The identified rock is estimated as 73,000 y.o. It is said that the first humankind was born in Africa. The rock suggests concurrent people tried to report something meaningful with a picture.

On the other hand, humans have up to seven million years of history. I guess the history of drawing is almost as long as human's culture itself. Thus, people born millions of years ago might also enjoy drawing. Although it is difficult to find the evidence, I want to see the ancient picture made by our ancestors.

Suicide is dominant reason for expecting mother's death in Japan

Approximately a third of deceased mothers or expecting mothers in Japan took her life, a new study revealed.

The Japan News: 30% of new mom deaths from suicide / Depression, economic hardship cited as factors

According to the article above, the researchers examined 357 fatal cases of pregnant or after giving birth. Among them, 102 women committed suicide. Cancer and heart diseases are following as the reason for the death.

Is it a shocking report? I do not think so, because other problems than suicide might be well managed, on the other hand.

The quality of medicine in Japan is generally high. The mortality rate of infants is the lowest in the world. Proper care is provided to pregnant women at least physically.

In contrast, postnatal depression is still underestimated in Japanese clinical settings. Expecting mothers are also not concerned about the risk. There is a casual term "maternity blue" in Japan. This word sounds quite light, but actually becomes a reason of unexpected death. More enlightenment is needed.

Almighty passport of Malta

There are many independent nations all over the world. They constitute their legislation regarding citizenship. Thus, it is not easy for you to change your nationality.

But, some nations offer a door to enter. Nowadays, you can buy your citizenship in ten particular nations. Malta is one of such friendly countries.

In addition, you can travel to more than 180 nations without a visa when possessing the passport of Malta. Therefore, some rich people who are fond of foreign sightseeing are eager to get the passport.

News.com.au: Why the world’s wealthiest people are desperate for this passport

Earning foreign currency is one of the most significant issues for every nation. Each nation sells their unique products. And they are not limited to actual objects. For instance, Taiwan has offered airports for the transit. People not intending to visit Taipei stay at Taipei for a couple of hours. They take a meal and even buy a souvenir.

Furthermore, some nations are known as a tax haven. Rich people are annoyed by the high tax rate in their mother country. Not a few people want to move their base to Panama, for example, to reduce the tax payment.

As well, almighty passport looks attractive for some rich people. For the third nations, travelers with such a passport are guaranteed to be rich enough to get the luxury passport. Accepting such travelers seems beneficial for the host nations. It will potentially be a win-win solution.

Ant-Man and the Wasp, technical visions but nonsense fight

I saw Ant-Man and the Wasp, a Marvel heroes movie on cinema.

iMDB: Ant-Man ant the Wasp

This film is a sequel of "Ant-Man." Referring to the timeline, the story begins after "Captain America: Civil War."

And-Man is a hero who has a suit to shrink his body. He supported Campain America to aid Winter Soldier. But his behavior was against the US regulation, therefore he is now under probation at home.

At the same time, Hank Pym, the provider of Ant-Man's suit and his daughter, Hope van Dyne, as the Wasp, is engaged in a plan to find Hank's wife who had disappeared in the quantum world three decades ago.

One day, Ant-Man has a dream in which he contacts with Hank's wife. He decides to support Hank. However, he is targetted by a weapon dealer. Furthermore, the Ghost, who has acquired a phasing curse due to a failed experiment in Hank's lab, also desires to gain Hank's wife's power for saving her own life.

In this film, Ant-Man and the Wasp frequently shrink to an inch-size. Also, Ant-Man gets bigger beyond a building. These scenes are fantastic and exciting.

I would like to see this film on 4D IMAX. Unfortunately, my neighbor cinema did not support 4D.

To be honest, I hardly understood why Ghost attacks Ant-Man. Of course, she hates Hank for his responsibility on her tragedy. However, the most expectable way to cure her body seems to be collaborative with Hank because he is most closely to the secret of the quantum world, as her supporter suggests.

At last, she is saved by a person she tried to kill. This plot of so-called "reverse-revenge" is beautiful. But, if she had been more rational, they would have accomplished their whole missions easily.

At the middle of staff-roll, the story is jointed to the last scene of Infinity War. I expect the coming Avengers 4.

My personal rating: 3 (fair)

iPhone XS MAX

Apple published the new models of iPhone just recently.

The name of the successor of iPhone X will be "iPhone XS" as many expected. iPhone XS MAX will also be released as the supreme model. In addition, iPhone XR will be provided as a cheaper option.

Apple did not equip any innovative functions with these new products. Apple itself made a comment that it would always create better ones simply because it wants to do so but users need not replace them every time.

Then, do you buy the new iPhone? Both in the US and Japan, several people discuss this issue. Retailers offer complex programs replacing the device.

CNET: Apple to broaden iPhone lineup with more screen

Some writers criticize the inconvenience of FaceID adopted in the new iPhone. It will not work in a dark space. It is also useless when you wear a mask.

I agree with this opinion. Windows Hello, similar to FaceID, is quite useful. It is because whenever using a Windows PC I am in a light room not wearing a mask. TouchID is better for a smartphone. Combination of FaceID and TouchID may be a solution.

I am an Android phone user. Therefore, I will not buy the iPhone this opportunity. Some days, Apple show an innovation attached to the iPhone, I expect.

Ig Nobel prize for self-colonoscopy

A Japanese doctor won the Ig Nobel prize for detecting that self-colonoscopy with sitting posture is less painful than in ordinary ways.

NHK World: Japanese doctor wins Ig Nobel for self-colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an optical examination for observing the status of the colon. It is recognized as a relatively tough examination. Patients have to endure the stimulation of the fiberscope for several minutes. An anus is not accustomed to accepting a long tube. Also, this exam is very humiliating.

Then, the doctor, Akira Horiuchi, found that the posture of examinee influences the degree of physical pain in the examination. He could insert the tube into his own anus with ease when sitting.

Unfortunately, this method has not been accepted in the clinical setting because of its odd style.

Ig Nobel prize is to celebrate funny and suggestive research. As the name suggests, it is a parody of Nobel prize. There are astronomical numbers of studies conducted every year. Among them, very limited ones will be beneficial for our future. But any studies have particular values, all scientists believe. The idea of Ig Nobel prize supports scientific curiosity itself, I believe.

By the way, Japanese researchers have won Ig Nobel prize for 12 years. It is surprising considering the fact Japanese scientific contribution is shrinking for this decades. In Japan and the UK, people are generally proud of their eccentrics, according to  Marc Abrahams, the founder of Ig Nobel prize.

The Japan Times: Less acclaim, more fun for Japan’s Ig Nobel Prize winners

I partially agree with his comment. But, the barrier against people with strange ideas is also high in Japan.

The liking gap

People think of you better than you estimate, as new studies suggest.

Forbes: People Like You More Than You Think, Study Finds

This phenomenon is called "liking gap." You may be fearful that others dislike you. But others may have a good feeling about you. This gap is observed in several settings.

In clinical surroundings, many patients are afraid that others look at them. The feeling of attracting attention causes you nervous. The more you avoid to be focused, the more you feel the tension. This process is an etiology of social anxiety disorder.

Results of these studies may ease your anxiety. But people do not pay attention to you, I think.

The spread of HIV protection pills

HIV is one of the most dreadful mycobacteria in the world. It leads your body to immunodeficiency. Infected patients drop their life by infectious diseases which are not dangerous for most people.

HIV is mainly contained in the carrier's blood and semen. But vaginal sex with a carrier itself is not so much risky because a vagina is tough to physical damage. In contrast, anal sex is highly risky behavior for the infection. Thus, men who have a sex with a man are at risk of infection with HIV. The fact such people tend to enjoy sex with multiple partners is also a risk factor.

Illegal drug users are also exposed to the infection. They share the needle to inject the drugs.

Previously, HIV infection was hard to prevent. But recently, some good solutions are available. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a protective agent against HIV infection. By taking this pill, you can avoid being attacked by HIV, perhaps.

In recent studies, PrEP has become popular among people at high risk.

Reuters: HIV prevention pill reaching more people who need it

Illegal drug users are likely not to be concerned with their health. It can hinder the spread of PrEP. On the other hand, most of them have user's network to get the information. It is preferable if they can learn the threat of HIV and the good ways to prevent infection. Also in Japan, some websites for enlightenment were launched recently.

Some people claim that the protection of illegal drug users is no use. I am clearly against this idea. Our society includes drug users who should be cared. In addition, prevention of them from diseases will be not only for their health but also for our safety.

Nine Men's Morris in a secret Chamber

Recently, an antique board game was found in a secret chamber in an old castle in Moscow.

The Moscow Times: Archeologists Discover Medieval Board Game in Secret Castle Crypt in Russia

The castle was built in Vyborg. The board game is identified as Nine Men's Morris. It was developed in the era of the Roman empire.

Nine Men's Morris is well spread to the world. In Japan, it is called "16 Musashi." Musashi indicates Musashi Miyamoto, a strong samurai lived in the 17th century. Now, the rule of this game is thoroughly analyzed. Each player has particular tactics to make the game drown.

The episode that a secret chamber was discovered is exciting. Furthermore, some nobles enjoyed Nine Men's Morris secretly in the room in the 13th century. Fantastic!

Exam for licensed psychologist

Yesterday, I got an exam in Tokyo.

This exam was to get the license of psychologists.

So far, Japan had had no official license or certification of clinical psychologists. Many inofficial organizations have their legislation to certify the members as a professional psychologist. But people cannot distinguish which organization is trustworthy. Indeed, there are several groups which are far from sincere to grow up good psychologists.

At last, the government decided to create a new certification system for psychologists. The act of licensed psychologists came into force the previous year. And yesterday, the first examination for certification was conducted.

You have to get some academic degrees regarding psychology before taking the exam. But, medical practitioners, including psychologists and psychiatrists, who are currently working in a relevant region also take the exam. Therefore, I applied for the exam this year.

The exam was not so hard as I guessed before. You are given four hours to answer only 154 multiple-choice questions. Most of them are easy to answer for psychiatrists. I am sure to pass the exam.

Line launches cryptocurrency

Japanese Line Corp will launch its original cryptocurrency.

Reuters: Japanese messaging app operator Line to launch cryptocurrency

Line is founded in South Korea. But, its service has been widely spread all over Japan. Now, Line is the most popular messenger application in Japan. Many people are fond of buying Line Stamps to use them for communicating with friends. Business persons also use Line as an instant messenger.

However, Line would not allow Japanese users to use cryptocurrency, "LINK." Line considers its utilization will be violating Japanese, as well as American, regulation.

SNS will be mated with cryptocurrency with a good relationship, I think. Now, some people send a small number of crypto coins for expressing thanks, as if giving tips.

Amazon reaches one trillion USD following Apple

Amazon's stock price touched 1 trillion USD just recently. It is for the second time for a particular company to gain the historic amount of value since Apple also accomplished it in the previous month.

Reuters: Amazon touches $1 trillion, on pace to overtake Apple

Amazon took only 21 years to take the point while Apple required 38 years. Apple had once faced a hard time after exiling Steve Jobs. In contrast, Jeff Bezos has been controlling the gigantic company.

Then, which will is advantageous for the next decade? I am not sure.

Apple has very few kinds of products. In other words, Apple only invented the iPhone and Mac, whereas Amazon is expanding its range of business from e-commerce to cloud computing and even work sharing. As a company, Amazon is more invulnerable than Apple, I think.

However, Apple successfully changed the boss from Steve Jobs to Tim Cook. A succession of the founder is a big challenge for companies whose top was charismatic.

Anyway, the situation is changing. Continuous pursuing better change is essential for Amazon to progress more.

Earthquake in Hokkaido

On 6th before dawn, Iburi area in Hokkaido, Japan, was struck by a serious earthquake.

Earthquake buries homes under landslides in Hokkaido, JapanThe magnitude reached 6.7. The intensity of this earthquake was the strongest occurred in Hokkaido ever before. Massive blackout emerged due to the earthquake.

CNN: Earthquake buries homes under landslides in Hokkaido, Japan

So far, at least nine people were killed by the earthquake. Most of them were considered to be caught by the landslide.

earthquake frequently occurs in Japan. But its probability differs by each region. Many researchers predict that Tokai region will be struck by a gigantic earthquake within some decades. But, Hokkaido, as well as Kumamoto attacked in 2016 were not deemed as so risky than central Japan.

Even now many people are suffering from crippled lifelines. I hope they will be recovered as soon as possible.

The process of accepting advice

The other day, I heard two episodes via the internet.

First, a person was asked by a younger colleague for advice. The colleague was going to marry a lady. He wanted to know how to get along with his new wife.

He recommended to the colleague to mitigate the burden of housekeeping. He recommended to buy a Rumba, equip a dish-washing machine on the kitchen. Any other ways to save time were proposed.

But, the colleague was not satisfied with his advice.

Second, a teacher was engaged in the English language. One Japanese student was learning English words. She did not know the word "foot."

Then, the teacher told her, "Have you heard the word football?"
"Yes, it's soccer," said she.

The teacher said, "So, is footwork?"
"Humm, I have heard it."

"So, would you guess the meaning of the word foot?"

However, the girl could not understand the meaning of the word "foot."

Some audience criticized the teacher's attitude, saying "the girl would have wanted to gain English skills effective to pass the exams. The act of the teacher was waste of time."

What is the common point of the two anecdotes?

In my opinion, any advice requires the preparation of the receiver to be effective.

I believe the first person told an important thing for the better life of the couple. Housekeeping is very tough for both wife and husband. Shortening the time for daily duty will make you happy. But, the colleague was not prepared for imagining the real life after the marriage. Therefore, he could not accept the advice as useful.

In the second episode, the teacher tried to teach the way of thinking to the student. It is quite important, but undervalued in Japan, I think. But, it is uncertain that all students are willing to learn how to think anytime. Especially, when the exam is approaching, most students want to the answer itself rather than the way to the answer, unfortunately.

We all make an advice to others. Regardless of the correctness, it would not be accepted in a bad occasion. We should be aware of it.

Korea bans coffee from school

Korean government decided to ban any coffee from school.

The Guardian: Caffeine hit: South Korea bans coffee from every school

In South Korea, any stores and vending machines and in the primary schools and junior high schools will refrain from selling coffee and caffeine-rich products by this September.

In Korea, many students are indulged in taking massive caffeine, according to the media. One of the reasons is to prepare for the examination. Also, some children like to play online games at midnight. The government seems to worry about the health risk due to excessive caffeine.

Indeed, caffeine's dependency and adverse effect on the sleep-wake cycle is often discussed just recently. Compared to the conventional theories, more researchers claim the harm of caffeine. Also in Japan, the first case of fatality because of taking massive caffeine was reported the last year.

However, I am doubtful that the Korean policy will successfully protect the health of students. After the regulation, coffee providers will deliver products with caffeine to students with other than the direct selling in school. And more importantly, students can get coffee as much as they want out of the school. Therefore, banning coffee in school will not be effective, I am afraid.

On the other hand, the effect of enlightenment for students with providing information that caffeine is not safe at all will be expected a little. This idea sounds odd, perhaps. But Japanese tend to consider that regulation makes people regulated through its spirit, not the rule itself. Korean resembles Japanese to some extent in their pattern of thought, I think.

Bitcoin will not replace credit card easily

In spite of repeated disgraceful scandals, Bitcoin is gradually becoming major in some people recently. Some famous financial companies have committed to support Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Not only enthusiasts but also some aggressive investors deem Bitcoin as a subject of dealing.

Blockchain had been developed initially for providing a system of transaction. It does not need any central administrator. Also, the transaction fee is minimal because of its unique structure.

Then, anyone considers the possibility that Bitcoin will replace credit cards. Credit card payment is now dominant in most developed countries. But it burdens stores 3-4% of the fee. Some restaurants hate the cost so that they never accept credit cards. If Bitcoin payment becomes common, its transaction fee would be lower.

Forbes: Could Bitcoin Replace Credit Cards?

In my opinion, however, it is not likely that Bitcoin will perish credit cards. Credit cards companies have gained a global reputation, as its name suggests. In contrast, Bitcoin is still hardly trusted by many people. There are several fraud cases reported every day. I believe it will take a decade for Bitcoin to gain the trust equal to credit cards. At the same time, credit card companies will have transformed its business model.

Pizza vending machine lands in Japan

Pizza vending machine landed on Hiroshima in Japan, from Italy.

The Japan Times: Italian pizza vending machine debuts in Hiroshima

With this strange machine, you get a whole pizza for 9 to 11 USD even at midnight.

Vending machines are popular in Japan. You can see ones in every corner on the street. There are large kinds of can beverages.

Considering the fact, will the pizza vending machine accepted in Japan? I am afraid not.

First, you have to wait for three minutes before taking the pizza. It may be intolerable for many Japanese. There are similar vending machines which provide hamburgers and hotdogs. But, they are not so popular.

Second, and this reason is crucial, convenience stores are also popular in Japan. And every store equips frozen pizza for the low price.

Some people like to buy cola with the vending machine even if there is a convenience store in front of it, because using a vending machine is quick and easy. In contrast, a pizza vending machine takes your time.

If set in an appropriate place, a pizza vending machine will attract some attention.

Women-only comedian show in India

In India, comedian shows which are permitted only to women are rising in recent years.

Femapalooza has performed more than 35 shows every of which strictly bans male audience in several cities in India. Jeeya Sethi, the founder, says comedians in the company can take the role never without worrying about the response of men.

AFP: India's women-only comedy show tackles breasts, bras and bias

Indeed, many female comedians are aware of how they are looked at by men. Some of them are actually fun. But others seem not willing to act as so, I often think. It is no good if female comedians would not be successful until delighting men.

In addition, there are several discriminating and violating issue against women's right and safety in India. Such a situation is affecting the rising of Femapalooza, I guess.

However, I believe there are unlimited opportunities for expressing comedies. Women-only events, as well as men-only, should be accepted. I hope the attempt of Femapolooza would not be connected to the conflict between genders.

New Zealand's challenge for better treatment for prisoners

Prisons in New Zealand are going to be modified for better treatment of the dangerous prisoners.

In New Zealand prisons, Māori people are dominant despite its population occupies only 15%. And 90% of them are diagnosed with some mental disorders or addiction.

Therefore, the government decided to improve the quality of treatment for the prisoners. In the new scheme, prisoners will be able to touch the soil to harvest vegetables, as well as take a lesson in yoga.

The Guardian: Yoga, herbs and sunshine: New Zealand opens 'humane' jail for most violent inmates

Most people dislike prisoners, not surprisingly. Therefore, policy to invest in the welfare of prisoners is unpopular in many nations. Recent evidence suggests, however, improvement of the treatment for the prisoners decreases the rate of recidivism. Germany is an excellent example in this region.

By the way, the 90% of the prevalence rate of mental disorders is a little too high, I believe. Perhaps, the data was extracted from some prisons which incarcerate particular types of prisoners. In spite of a complicated relationship between mental disorder and crimes, not all the prisoners have a mental disorder, neither vice versa.