HPV can be eliminated by vaccination

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases. It covers not only infectious diseases such as influenza but also other types of diseases which are caused by viruses.

One of the examples is HPV vaccine. HPV is a virus commonly living in pubic area in the human. It does damage to the human body continuously for a long time. And finally, it leads to cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination is known as effective to eliminate HPV infection. The vaccination can potentially eliminate cervical cancer at all, according to the latest research.

The Jakarta Post: Vaccine could virtually eliminate cervical cancer: Study

It is also known that many people are killed because of the lack of money to get some vaccinations in developing nations. HPV vaccination will be counted as an essential vaccination also in countries with low income.

On the other hand, some people are strongly against the HPV vaccination in Japan. They claim that vaccination will cause irreversible trouble on the body. But there is scarce evidence of adverse effects of vaccination. It is likely a few people are so vulnerable that they should avoid vaccination. But it is rare that the risk is superior to the merit of vaccination. To warn excessively the risk of vaccination is rather harmful in a longitudinal way. Neutral and scientific decision-making is needed.

New Galaxy will equip Bitcoin wallet

Samsung is planning to introduce apps to manage Bitcoin in its new products.

According to the media, Samsung's Galaxy S10 will be released in coming March. There will be three models, Galaxy S10, S10+ with a larger screen, and S10e as an entry model. These smartphones will equip a new identification system using supersonic. As soon as you touch the screen, your fingerprint will be scanned to check your identity.

Also, cryptocurrency wallets will be installed in these smartphones. You can store Bitcoin, Etherium, and a couple of other crypto coins in the device.

Coin Telegraph: Samsung Announces Galaxy S10 Crypto Partners, Bitcoin and Ethereum Support

To be honest, I could not understand whether the new Galaxy S10 would be utilized as a hard wallet or not, through reading this article below. Considering that soft wallets are available in most smartphones without any additional mechanical chips, the new Galaxy will equip some exclusive chips in it.

Smartphone and cryptocurrency are very synergetic with each other. On the other hand, Samsung will be responsible for keeping the consumer's crypto coins secure. If someone breaches the security of Galaxy, to steal the coins, Samsung will certainly be sued by the user.

I bought Galaxy S9 just recently. I knew the new models would be released soon. Therefore, I got S9 at a low cost. I would not purchase the Galaxy S10.

Japan railways to quit on-train foods and drinks

Some popular Japanese railways have decided to abandon the service of selling foods and drinks on-train.

The Japan Times: Passengers unhappy on-train food, drink service ending

So far, you could purchase some foods and drinks, such as a riceball and beer, on the seat of Shinkansen super express or other rapid trains. Recently, however, few passengers are fond of getting foods on-train.

In Japan, there are a large variety of foods and drinks you can buy for a few coins. In a convenience store, hundreds of bottles of tea, juice and coffee are selectable. In contrast, a seller can carry only some kinds of drinks. It is disadvantageous for both seller and consumer.

In addition, some stores are selling foods and drinks for cheaper price. On the other hand, in general, express sellers do not discount the goods. Therefore, passengers who want to save the money tend to purchase foods and drinks before riding on the train.

To continue on-train selling, developing limited versions of goods is essential, I reckon. When you cannot get the food outside of the train, you will be interested in the food. But, creating an exclusive item is costly. Most railway companies are not motivated to increase the sales of on-train foods. 

Alcohol issues in pilots

Recently, there were some scandals of aircraft pilots regarding drinking in Japan.

Some months ago, similar incidents were reported in abroad. Therefore, airline companies in Japan were keen to address this issue. They conducted strict alcohol checking for flight staffs.

However, All Nippon Airways, a leading airline company in Japan, had to report a delay of departure due to a co-pilot having failed an alcohol breath test.

The Jakarta Post: Pilot drinking delays Japan plane despite new rules

The co-pilot drunk a can of beer and half a can of a spirit-based drink six hours before the flight. In general, the Japanese are not good to metabolize alcohol in the body. Many Japanese, including me, lack specific enzymes to detoxicate alcohol. Six hours were not enough for the co-pilot to cancel the influence of alcohol completely.

I suspect similar incidences frequently occurred before, though not reported. Most of them seemed not to result in a critical problem. Nonetheless, an absolute rule is necessary for this region since the safety of flight is prioritized.

On the other hand, I am afraid some pilots are suffering from alcohol dependence or other mental disorders. Pilots always take health examination in detail. But, mental disorders are hardly detected if the patient wants to conceal the fact.

FDA warns harmful use of dietary supplements

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration in the US sent warning letters to several providers of supplements. It seems concerned about the potential risk of using supplements.

Washington Post: FDA launches tougher oversight of supplements

One of the backgrounds of this action by the FDA is the growing market of supplements. Originally, the US citizens are fond of using supplements, partially due to poor access to medical doctors. Therefore, the US is now the biggest fertile market for supplements. On the other hand, supplements are not regulated strictly compared to medical drugs. Indeed, there are several reports of adverse effects of supplements found after many users were intoxicated.

I have no idea how strictly the FDA will address this issue. Generally speaking, regulation by the government or other authorities will inhibit free competition and make the market itself shrunk. And many Americans will be against any external regulation. On the other hand, it is no doubt that the government is responsible for protecting citizens' health. The FDA has to make a balanced decision making.

Free mealtime reduces waste in hospital

Recently, UC San Francisco Medical Center conducted an interesting attempt. It let inpatients choose the mealtime according to each favorite. As a result, food waste was dramatically reduced, as well as improving patients' satisfaction.

Hospital Wastes A Third Less Food After This One Change

Hospital is one of the places where the most amount of wastes are produced. It is mainly for sanitary, being deemed as necessary. But, mealtime is relatively amendable without the risk of infection.

Free for selecting mealtime has been ignored in many hospitals. I appreciate the challenge of San Francisco Medical Center.

Smartphone in the future

I bought Samsung's Galaxy S9 recently because the previous smartphone was crippled.

My past entry: Crippled Nexus

The new smartphone is of course very good. Meanwhile, however, Samsung will launch the new model, Galaxy 10, soon. I knew this expectation, but I had no choice than replacing my smartphone.

Then, what is the final goal of smartphones?

According to the media, the larger the screen is, the more time we spend on the smartphone. This hypothesis is reasonable considering the convenience of a larger screen. But, there is a trade-off between the screen size and portability. You would not carry a device with an 8-inch screen identifying it as a phone.

Samsung is planning to launch a smartphone with a foldable screen. This vision has been suggested by Samsung since it adopted organic EL displays.

The New York Times: What’s Next for Smartphones? Here Are a Few Answers

Therefore, a foldable smartphone will be seen in the near future, I believe. But, it will never be an ultimate solution for the need for omnipotent smartphones. I have never visualized the final device the human can get.

Teeth health predicts mental health?

Mental health care at an early stage is very important for better health in the future of each child.

Recently, an academic report was published suggesting the association between children's teeth and mental health. According to the media, the researchers revealed that children with thin tooth enamel in their six-year-old have problems regarding inattention and aggressiveness. Also, they are at risk for poor mental health later in life.

Independent: Mental health problems can be diagnosed using children’s teeth, scientists suggest

Many nations have a rule to examine children's teeth regularly as a public health activity. If the report is true, it is easy to refer the children at risk mental state to a specialist of mental health before the problem is deteriorated.

I have not read the original academic report about this issue. So, I have no idea about the validity of this finding. In my sense, some children with poor teeth are not properly nurtured by parents, typically neglected. Abused children are highly likely to be mentally ill.

It is also usual, I believe, dentists would suspect abuse by parents when examining children whose teeth are poorly treated. Therefore, the researchers should evaluate the influence of abuse as a confounder before justifying the finding. Anyway, it is important for practitioners not specialized in psychiatry to be aware of the mental health of the examinees.

Breast surgeon get innocence verdict for committing sex offense to patient

Just now, I received the news about a criminal trial I had paid attention.

In this case, a Japanese breast surgeon was prosecuted for committing the sexual offense to the patients he made an operation. According to the prosecutor, he touched and lick up the patient's breast while she was asleep under the influence of anesthesia after the surgery.

The Japan Times: Breast surgeon denies charge of licking unconscious patient’s breast

The defendant completely denied having done such an act. The lawyer of him, as well as some medical practitioners, claimed that the woman might be in delirium so that she had misunderstood the situation.

The prosecutor submitted some evidence to prove his crime. One of the evidence was a report of scientific examination suggesting that a large amount of saliva was detected on the woman's breast. However, experts sided on the defendant claimed the report is not trustworthy because the examination was inappropriately conducted.

The District Court decided the defendant is innocent, I heard from the media. I have not read the verdict itself.

I am not involved in this case at all. So, I have no idea about the correctness of the judge. In my sense, however, I believe that the surgeon is innocent.

It is quite unlikely that the surgeon committed a sexual offense in the patient's room. In Japan, most patient's rooms are open to the corridor. There might be other inpatients in the room. It was too risky for the surgeon to commit such an act.

Also, if he were a sex offender, he would have previous criminal records, even if not revealed yet. Sex offenders commit similar crimes recurrently. Such persons are often infamous among colleagues. But, I have no idea that the prosecutor provided the witnesses to tall the defendant's wicked conducts.

In contrast, his relevant people, including the academic association, have been supporting him, believing his innocence.

Finally, it is not rare that a patient just after awakened from the anesthesia has hallucinations. Not a few patients are confused in the early stage after surgery. It is not the only case, I believe, of the patients suspected to be insulted while unconscious. I am doubtful that the prosecutor did know the fact of the vulnerable mental state of the patients after surgery.

Therefore, I am relieved from the news of innocence verdict. At the same time, it has to be deemed as a serious fault of the prosecutor. The defendant might suffer from unnecessary disgrace and interruption from the work.

On the other hand, there are cases of incredibly evil acts committed by a physician in the world. Correct judgment is always difficult.

Women prosecutors increasing

In Japan, women prosecutors are increasing, according to the media.

The Japan Times: Women increase presence, roles in prosecutors offices

So far, Japanese women were suffering from difficulty to get some kinds of jobs because of sexism. Discrimination against women was widespread for centuries. The act for equality of hiring opportunities was enforced in 1972. But this legislation became viable only these some decades, in my sense. Just recently, it was revealed that several medical schools had made women students disadvantageous in the entry examination for many years.

I am often collabolative with public prosecutors in my work. Indeed, I speak with women prosecutor more frequently in recent. I do not sense any differences between gender in their work.

On the other hand, women judges are rare in Japan, especially in elder judges. In the future, women judges will increase, I hope.

International conference regarding risk assessment

Yesterday, I participated in an international conference as a chairman.

This conference was held at Chiba University. Its theme was risk assessment and management of offenders with mental disorders. A Dutch specialist was invited to provide a keynote speech regarding SAPROF. SAPROF is a structured assessment tool about protective factors of mentally disordered offenders. Also, some Japanese researchers made a presentation about their specialty and clinical practice.

I have learned SAPROF at when I belonged to King's College London a few years ago. I was impressed with its usability. You can find some strengths of the subject with SAPROF. Therefore, the outcome of SAPROF can be easily shared with the subject whereas telling the results of other risk assessment tools to the subject may be invasive. It is a uniqueness of SAPROF.

In the discussion, I tried to let the participants speak frankly about the challenges in this region. Risk assessment is bound by Cassandra's curse, as I mentioned in this blog previously. Thus, the outcome of exactly assessing risks is hardly approved by the public.

My past entry: Cassandra’s curse

Therefore, we should talk about this theme with a neutral and scientific attitude. Of course, the presenters clearly understood this point. But, non-specialists is difficult to accept this issue. We have to explain the importance and value of precise risk assessment and management.

Unbreakable, boring than the last

I watched "Unbreakable."

It is a film published in 2000. Why I rent this film now is that "Glass" was recently published. Glass is a sequel to Unbreakable. I like James McAvoy, a staring of this film. Therefore, I wanted to watch Unbreakable before seeing Glass.

In Unbreakable, the protagonist looks an ordinary man. He is ex-star of a football team. But he encountered a traffic accident, making his body unable to play football. He is married and has a boy, engaging in a security company.

Mr. Glass, named because of his vulnerability to physical shock, a collector of American hero comics, however, suggests that he has a hero power. Actually, he is the only survivor of a deadly train accident. According to Mr. Glass, he is an "unbreakable," invincible to any physical attacks.

To be honest, I watched this movie bored. The storyline was not exciting. If the protagonist is unbreakable is the core of the plot. But he would not try it. He son attempted to shoot him for testing. It was a shocking scene. But I did not empathetic to the son. There are several safer way to prove his special power.

At last, the protagonist is awakened of his special power, unbreakable as well as the evil detecting sense. He fights to rescue victims of a villain. This process was also calm.

I felt this film was no good. But, in the last scene, I was surprised to know the truth behind the story.

Now, I am willing to see "Glass." Unfortunately, there are few cinemas providing this work now.

My personal rating: 3 (fair)

Telling your mind

If you have something to tell others, say so honestly.

If you want to make her understand you, however, you should consider your goal. Telling the truth is not always the best way to let her accept your message.

Not telling your mind is not always the best way, of course.

Anyway, we can tell only less than a half of our whole thoughts.
Choice is yours.

Good sleep tips

Good sleep is essential for your good life. So I am interested in sleep science. I repeatedly quate some articles about sleep in this blog.

Now, I introduce this article below in which Christine Hansen mentions some tips about better sleep.

Independent: FIVE TIPS TO GET A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP, ACCORDING TO A SLEEP EXPERT
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/sleep-better-help-restfulness-expert-deep-habits-phone-a8777836.html

According to Hansen, these five essences below are crucial:

1. Take an hour to wind down before bed
2. Stop trying to calculate how much sleep you need
3. Consider what foods you are eating
4. Try leaving your phone in a different room
5. Take time to acknowledge thoughts and feelings that may keep you awake later as they happen

Each of them is well-known facts for practitioners about this region. Among them, I am interested in sentence 2.

Indeed, some people have sticky thought about the necessary duration of sleep. For example, a man feels anxious at 23 because he should take seven hours of sleep and he has to wake up at 6 o'clock in the next morning. But in reality, he need not sleep full seven hours today, according to Hansen.

I agree with her opinion. On the other hand, there is broad controversy regarding the necessary time of sleep. Recent studies suggest most humans have to sleep for eight hours every day for keeping their life optimized. In my sense, few people match this condition. Whether this hypothesis is correct is yet to be proven.

Misty Ruins, a fantastic indies board game

Recently I received a board game named "Misty Ruins." It was launched through gathering money via Kickstarter. I backed the developer, so I got it as soon as possible after the launch.

Misty Ruins looks like a typical dungeon crawls. Each player set a terrain tile, to go forward, slay the monster, purchase or get items, to strengthen their power.

But the goal of this game is not to conquer the dungeon.

Each player has forgotten their memory. Who you are, which is your talent, and where you came from are in the void. Remembering your originality is the ultimate goal of this game.

To remember your skills, you have to try yourself in several situation. For example, if you can defeat a monster whose power is three with your fist, your body combat skill is more than 2. There are a total of 16 candidates of your true figure. You have to identify which exactly matches your ability.

Also, any items have their origin. You may remember your home ground when you possess an item from your hometown.

These processes make this game suggestive and complex. Only for winning the battles, stronger weapons are better. But when you use a strong weapon, you can easily defeat any monsters. It means you hardly know your exact degree of combat ability.

This structure reminded me of a situation in reality. We often misidentify the power of our belongings such as a big company and social status as our own potential. But if I were alone without any supporters, what can I do?

Misty Ruins is an interesting and unique game. I have much fun with it.

AI overcomes physician in predicting heart failure

In recent, AI technologies become to be utilized in medical practice.

Originally, predicting the future was not been accomplished with an AI because computer programs just only execute human's order. But recently, big data analysis enabled us to forecast the percentage of a certain vision in the near future. The weather forecast is a  good example. One of the advantages of AI is pattern recognition. Thus, if given adequate dataset, AI can predict what will happen precisely.

Recently, it was reported that AI overcame human physicians in predicting the medical prognosis of patients. According to the media, the AI protocol developed through machine learning was able to distinguish the prognosis of patients with heart disease on 75 percent of accuracy while human physicians' precise rate was only 59 percent.

Evening Standard: 'Computers better than doctors for predicting heart failure'

I was not surprised to hear this result. In a single task to calculate a percentage from data, even if complicated, AI will be superior to human. Also in the regions of psychiatry, there is a study in which a simple algorithm of medication prevented deterioration of mental health in patients at high risk of relapse more effectively than the intervention administered by skilled psychiatrists.

In the near future, screening section of medical care will be addressed to some extent by AI. Human doctors will concentrate on more complex issues in human health.

Obligation chocolate at St Valentine's day

In Japan, St Valentine's day has been recognized as the day when women send chocolate to men. Originally, the chocolate was to express the love to a particular man. But many women tend to deliver chocolates to many male colleagues and bosses, so-called obligation chocolate.

Recently, this strange habit is diminishing in young ladies, according to the media.

Evening Standard: Japanese women push back against tradition that forces them to buy male colleagues Valentine's Day chocolates
https://www.standard.co.uk/news/world/japanese-women-push-back-against-tradition-that-forces-them-to-buy-male-colleagues-valentines-day-a4063236.html

I am indifferent to this habit since I got married. My wife thankfully gives me chocolate muffins on Feb 14th. It is my favorite sweet in the world. That's it.

Some of my colleagues send me chocolate. I am thankful to receive them. On the other hand, I do not remember who sent me the chocolate. I never discount the women who do not send chocolate.

By the way, Godiva, a famous chocolate company, said, “Tell the women in your office ‘don’t force yourself to give anyone giri choco.’” This comment is ironic. If you told such a thing to your subordinates, they would interpret it as a message to demand giri choco. I recommend you never take such a silly act.

Traps in specialists of dependence

Substance dependence is one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry. There are millions of patients with alcoholism. In Japan, methamphetamine psychosis is so common that some leading Japanese researchers are the top of this academic region. In the UK, cannabis misuse are frequently seen not only in psychiatric situation but in the community.

Furthermore, there are other diagnoses of dependence upon other than psychotropic drugs. Gambling disorder is categorized as dependence in DSM-5. Internet gaming will be classified as a mental illness according to coming ICD-11. Purchase, internet use, sexual relationship, and any other bbehaviors are subject to be a cause of dependence.

There are few specialists of dependence in Japan. Very limited opportunities are given for people with crept-mania. Almost all physicians, as well as many psychiatrists are opposing to include people who tend to commit criminal acts such as theft and peeping as patients with mental disorder.

In my opinion, patients with psychopathology of dependence should be properly treated for their rehabilitation. Some of them can overcome their undesirable tendency. But most are struggling to mitigate their symptoms. They need help of a specialist.

However, Japanese specialists of dependence have not gained approval of public mental health. They are often discriminated. One of the reasons is social prejudice of dependence.

On the other hand, I think specialists have not provided proper explanation for the need of appropriate treatment. Instead, they tend to blame other practitioners who hesitate to be involved in this issue. As a result, many psychiatrists are not willing to be collaborative with specialists.

Dependence is a basic psychological alignment. Co-dependence often occurs in the relationship between a patient and his supporter. Specialists, as well as general supporters, should not be in such malfunction as relationship.

Medical AI symposium

Today, I attended a symposium whose theme was artificial intelligence. The presenters were engaging in developing or utilizing AI in medical industries. I was so impressed in their performance and visions that I gained some ideas to proceed my project.

In Japan, the shortage of AI specialists is a serious challenge. But acquiring and educating specialists is a common challenge regardless of the nations or regions. One of the uniquness of the issues in this region is that the strategy of developing professional participants has not been established.

One of the presenters claimed that the government has to support financially postgraduate engineers who are willing to enter a medical school. The sense of medical science is not developed in other than medical  practice, according to the presenter. Thus, it is difficult for IT specialist to learn medical science as a practitioner. Compared to this, it is relatively easy for a physician to learn IT techniques. I agree with this opinion.

In the latter part of the symposium, some presenters showed the products in which AI is utilized in medical practice. For example, latest AI algorithm can analyze optical images shot by an endoscope within microseconds. This program can diminish the risk of misdiagnosis of a physician. There are several other oppotiuunities in this region.

Today I learned many things. I am willing to go forward my research.

Deadline is essential

Previously, I wrote a tip to make a better performance.

My past entry: The best way to multi tasks

Every task has a deadline. The reason is not only for clients. Tasks without a deadline will never be completed.

I have always tasks both in work and private activities. Each of them has a strict deadline. And these deadlines define the requirement of the quality of each task. If there were no deadlines, I would be willing to improve the quality of tasks without limitation. As a result, I would never declare the completion.

Therefore, deadline is essential for ending a task. We hate deadlines, but in real they have to be lived.

Deadly hay fever

As I wrote in the past, I am suffering from serious hay fever.

In the spring, as far as living in Japan, I cannot stop sneezing. Also, I feel tired, and my eyes are itching. I often have a headache. My thinking is severely interrupted.

Therefore, I took the sublingual immunotherapy. Since the last autumn, every day I took liquid prescribed by a physician, storing it under my tongue for a couple of munites, and swallowed it. This therapy leads my body to immunotolerance, theoretically.

So, what happened?

There seems no effect, unfortunately. Since the day before yesterday, I felt annoyed as if in the last spring.

I expect the immunotherapy will somehow mitigate my agony. But it looks not promised so far.

Bitcoin lost by the death of CEO of an exchange

Up to 190m USD of cryptocurrency may have been lost because of the death of one person.

CNN: $190 Million in Crypto Gone Forever, How Canada’s Biggest Bitcoin Exchange Lost it All

QuadrigaCX was the largest bitcoin exchange in Canada. But it had been troubled for several months as users claimed it failed to make transactions. Recently, the company published an official explanation. According to this, since the CEO passed away it has no longer access to the cold wallet of Bitcoins it stores.

A cold wallet is one of the safest ways to store cryptocurrency. It is invulnerable to cyber attacks by outsiders. However, this means that ways to access the wallet are limited. If the secret key is lost, it is difficult to recover it.

The CEO of QuadrigaCX seems to have been the only person with the way to access the cold wallet. His death has made the cold wallet deserving million dollars a black box.

The CEO was suffering Chone disease, a chronic illness of intestine. Although it is not sure about the cause of his death, the CEO had to be prepared for unfortunate situations. A good company would never be collapsed by the death of the leader. It is the power of the organization.

Crippled Nexus 5X

My smartphone was broken all at sudden.

So far, several malfunctions had been observed around my Nexus 5X. It often turned the connection off unintentionally. The touch panel was too sensitive that every time I tap the home button Google assistant appeared. Any other strange phenomena annoyed me for months. But I was patient because the two years contract with the telecommunication provider was continuous.

However, now it no longer works at all. Factory reset did not affect to recover it. I guess the motherboard is crippled.

I visited the provider shop I bought it. But the shopper was not friendly. She did not suggest any helpful idea to fix it.

Therefore, I decided to change the provider with buying a new smartphone.

In Japan, each provider is competing to gain new customers. Users altering the provider will get discounted devices. I expect I will get more attractive smartphone within today's night.

The end of Google Plus

Just recently, I received an email from Google. It suggested the termination of providing Google Plus.

Google Plus is a social network service launched in 2011. At first, users should have received an invitation letter. I applied this service once but never got the invitation. Some month after, it became open to any internet users.

Google Plus was expected to compete Facebook and other similar schemes. But, it never became dominant in this market. Google Plus will be told as a failed project.

There are some reasons why it could not be spread. First of all, the market of the social network has a law o "winner takes all." Facebook had gained the top of the social network when Google Plus was launched. In casual use, Twitter was dominant. In Korea and Japan, Line took their posts. Google Plus could not be an alternative to these standard services. Also, the uniqueness of Google Plus was unclear. Most people cannot explain the advantage of using Google Plus unless it is powered by Google.

Venom, too resemble Parasyte

This year, I expect to see several films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Marvel Girl will be released in March, in Avengers End Game in April as well, followed by Spiderman: Far from Home and X-MEN: Dark Phoenix. Each of them is promising as excellent entertainment.

The last Marvel movie I saw on cinema was "Venom." I have not reviewed this work in my blog.

Venom is an alien came to the earth. It parasites human being, making him stronger. But it can no longer live on the earth without a host.

The protagonist is a journalist guy. He is eager to reveal the evil acts of gigantic companies. But he is fired from a news company because of his rude behaviors as well as a pressure of the company he was investigating. When he feels desperate, Venom contacts him to parasite his body. Then, the protagonist and Venom makes a strange alliance for survival.

Meanwhile, other aliens have come to the earth. One of the strongest aliens, named Riot, plans to overwhelm the human civilization to colonize the earth.

Venom is recruited by Riot. But Venom has become sympathetic with the protagonist through learning human's emotion and love from the protagonist. Therefore, Venom becomes against Riot to protect the earth from alien's invasion.

In this film, Venom is not a hero. It does not have humanity. Even it eats humans when starving. However, it depends on the protagonist's act for survival. This complex relationship between Venom and the protagonist is attractively described in this film.

It is unfortunate that this work is mimicking a comic book published in Japan many years ago. "Kiseiju," or "Parasyte," was written by Hitoshi Iwaaki in 1990s. The protagonist of this work is parasitized by a strange alien. The alien is very intellectual but not emotional at all. The protagonist and the alien share their life unwillingly at first. And they have to fight with other hostile parasites. The theme of Kiseiju is the sustainability of the earth environment. This work attracted public approval for its deep theme and realistic description. The animation series and real movie series were also released.

Wikipedia: Parasyte

Venom is not a bad movie at all. However, as a Japanese, I recognized Venom as a copy of Kiseiju, I am very sorry.

My personal rating: 3 (fair)

The limit of populism suggested by Brexit

For some months I was withdrawn from writing this blog, one of the most focused topics is Brexit.

The UK declared to leave EU a couple of years ago, following the result of the referendum. However, the concrete ways and process are under augment. Theresa May seated to the Prime Minister succeeding David Cameron, to take the lead for fruitful Brexit. But she has failed to propose an effective plan. The parliament declined the proposal the government had agreed with the EU counterpart. May seems to consider to postpone the deadline of Brexit, but the EU is not friendly to her idea.

First of all, Brexit is not supported by many citizens. As far as I know, most Londoners are against Brexit. But many Britains living in a rural area are affirmative. As a result, the national poll was victorious for separatists. At the same time, however, it means split ideologies in the UK.

Populism is powerless to integrate national ideal. I do not think a national referendum is successful to take a significant decision. It is said that not a few people voted to Brexit is now regretting their actions. Making a decision should be commissioned to the concurrent leader, at least for proper policy making without confusion.

Sexual harassment and diversity in academic term

A few months ago, a paper written by a researcher at Kyoto University was focused on criticism. It was not for its content but terminology.

The original article may have been entitled as "Sexual harassment sustains biodiversity via producing negative density-dependent population."

Journal of Ecology: Sexual selection sustains biodiversity via producing negative density‐dependent population growth

The point of this article is that some animals behave competitively to others which lead to maintain a proper density of population in the field.

In the region of animal ecology, "sexual harassment" means behavior of a male for interrupting other couple's copulation. Of course, animals do not do sexual harassment to others as same as that in human society.

However, the title ignited public attention negatively. Distant from the context of ecology, the sentence "sexual harassment maintains diversity" looks shocking, indeed. Finally, the author was forced to alter the term "sexual harassment" to "sexual selection."

I am sympathetic to the author in this case. Some academic term is used in a way people do not imagine in daily life. For instance, "delusion" is a technical term in psychiatry. We often say, "I am delusional to have sex with a celebrity." Psychiatrists never use the term "delusion" in this context. Delusion is defined as a strong belief of a person which is objectively irrational but hard to be altered even with appear evidence. If I were ordered to change the word delusion in my case report because many people feel it discriminative, I would not accept the order.

Nowadays, everyone can easily access vast information. Some of them require particular skills for appropriate understanding. On the other hand, specialists have to interpret difficult concepts in their academic regions so that many can accept them.

Restart

I have been absent from writing the blog for three months.

There are no particular reasons for withdrawal. But I felt a little tired of writing something every day.

And now, I will try daily blogging again.

Three months absence is enough to get rid my English writing skill entirely. Therefore, I need rehabilitation for a while to recover my ability.