Canada ban assault weapons

Canada will ban guns from the public.

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, said recently that the government had approved a new regulation to prohibit purchase as well as use of gadgets for mass shooting.

The Telegraph: Canada introduces immediate ban on assault weapons in wake of its worst mass shooting

This policy was a response to a mass shooting case occurred in recent. I did not know the current situation in Canada, but it seems serious as far as reading these articles. Perhaps, Canada will be successful to change the situation compared to the US struggling for balancing between safety and liberty.

Third halving period of Bitcoin

Bitcoin faced the third halving period, just recently.

Reuters: Bitcoin goes through third 'halving', falls vs U.S. dollar

Bitcoin is produced by the miner's contribution. Minors develop the blockchain to examine the rightness of each transaction. Some Bitcoins are rewarded to miner who approved the transaction. But the reward is programmed to be halved in a particular period. And, it came for the third time since Bitcoin emerged.

Approaching the halving period is said to raise the value of Bitcoin. It is because as same as the gold is worthy. Thus, reduced production of Bitcoin positively affect the price of Bitcoin.

However, it is a theoretical explanation. In real, the value of Bitcoin is determine between need and supply, or bid and ask. The market decides it. If many people believe Bitcoin will be worthy in the future, the price increases.

And now, the price of Bitcoin is fluctuating. A couple of days ago, it was decreased by more than 5%. It is perhaps that some whales sold massive Bitcoin.

The truth is in the dark. Nobody exactly prospect the proper price of Bitcoin. It will take a long time for Bitcoin to become an alternative of a fiat with trustworthiness of its value.

Trump and Xi conflict worsening

The China government seems to strengthen pressure to Hong Kong, recently. And it made Trump present hostile comments to China.

So far, Hong Kong was resistant to China’s dominance since it was returned fro the UK to China. China persists one governor doctrine, willing to integrate Hong Kong to communist party’s ruling.

It is no doubt that the US does not like the situation. But Donald Trump did not take an action against Chinese policy. Instead, he emphasized the good relationship with Xi Jinping.

However, the latest solution of China seems to harsh for Trump to be ignored. And it is far from Trump’s affaire.

The New York Times: Trump and Xi conflict worsening China’s Hong Kong Crackdown Could Put Trump in an Unwelcome Spot

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/21/us/politics/trump-china-hong-kong.html

Perhaps, Trump in the US which is suffering from massive fatality due to COVID-19 has to make an enemy outside the US for the victory of the next Presidential campaign. But it is foolish to sacrifice diplomatic advantage for domestic support.

Yoga can reduce your pain of migraine, study found

According to a new study, yoga can mitigate the frequency of migraine. 

Politicopathy: Yoga can help half the number of headaches migraine sufferers experience, study shows

In this study, participants were divided into two groups: yoga and meditation. A half of the former group experienced mitigated headache.

Although could not adopting double blinded procedure, the outcome is somehow reliable, in my opinion, because migraine is a serious disease so that most patients try several solutions. I am not sure how yoga was effective. Perhaps, meditation or muscle relaxation itself is beneficial. Considering that some other benefits for mental health using yoga were reported, it is possible that the training set of yoga has an effect to promote mental health. The symptom of migraine is affected by patient's mental health status.

Protester's act spread COVID-19?

The US research team revealed that anti-lockdown protesters spread the COVID-19 virus, even if unintentionally.

The Guardian: US lockdown protests may have spread virus widely, cellphone data suggests

This astonishing result was derived from the mobile phone tracking data. Protesters traveled for a long distance. And their process of journey included areas in which COVID-19 had not been apparent so far. But after their meeting, patients emerged.

It is quite ironic that their claim that the lockdown was not a right way of policy was proven as wrong with their own behavior. Reckless movement such as their activity brought COVID-19 spreading. Considering their hyperactivity, this result is indeed not so surprising.

On the other hand, I was surprised that the fact that protesters' behavior was inappropriate was easily proven with a mobile technology. It is a victory of science. At the same time, our activity is easily to be tracked.

Anyway, silly activity should be hesitated. Unintentional transference can be an act of murderer. 

Child abuse relieving drug?

some researchers claim they found a new drug to reduce child abuse.

The Guardian: New drug 'cuts risk of men abusing children within weeks'

Degarelix acetate was originally developed to be a cure of prostate cancer. It reduces  user's testosterone level. Thus, researchers paid attention to its anti-aggressive effect.

According to them, only weeks of taking this drug suppressed the impulse of violent behavior.

I have not read the article of the study published in JAMA Psychiatry, a leading academic journal. If proven, it will be a historic finding, although there are several issues to be solved.

I believe many child abusers are not willing to do such an inappropriate act. The drug will be beneficial at least for persons who seek help.

Plant bottle challenge

Plastic bottle will be replaced to plants in the future.

According to the media, Avantium, a biochemical company in Netherlands is going to proceed a project to make plastics from plant sugars. It is collaborative with Carlsberg, a famous beer company.

The Guardian: The end of plastic? New plant-based bottles will degrade in a year

Plastic is easy to form and stable for a long time. But it is made from massive fossil. Since we are too much dependent on carbonate, we have to abandon plastic bottles some day.

I do not believe recycling is a decisive solution for sustainable environment. Rather, replacing scarce resources with new materials gradually is reasonable. I hope Avantium's attempt will be successful.

Chiba to ban Apple products

The relationship between the US and China seems to have become worsened unfortunately.

China is preparing to restrict the import of Apple and some American products, according to Global Times, a semiofficial paper of Communist Party of China.

Reuters: China ready to put Apple, other U.S. companies in 'unreliable entity list': Global Times

It is uncertain the news is corrected. Anyway, China is going to exclude the US industry. It is the same vice versa. I am afraid this deteriorating relationship will make no victors. Perhaps, some developing counties which introduce any nation's product will be dominant in the future.

Miyuki Noma, a charming comic writer passed away

Recently, I heard that Miyuki Noma passed away due to acute heart failure.

She was a professional comic writer. She was not world famous, but made some splendid works.

Originally, she wrote comic books for girls. But she was fond of making thriller. Then, she created “Puzzle Game High School,” a series of puzzler stories. She published dozens of books theming mystery. Actually, she was a member of Mystery Writers of Japan Inc.

I truly loved her works. She was only 59 yo. Rest in Peace.

Sleep behavior after COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our daily life a much. Some people are now suffering from psychiatric symptoms. The article below mentions sleep disorder relevant the pandemic.

The Conversation: Want to sleep like a baby during the coronavirus crisis? Here are 10 ways to do it

I have described about good sleep in this blog recurrently. From my knowledge and experience as a psychiatrist, I agree with the opinion written in this article above.

However, I do not believe COVID-19 pandemic causes us serious insomnia. Patients I meet at clinic seldom complain insomnia, unless specific situations. Rather, people take more sleeping time because of reduced work. Japanese are chronically lacking enough sleep. Perhaps after the COVID-19 pandemic, some people become healthier.

On the other hand, longitudinal effect of lockdown will be serious. Lack of exercise, financial crisis, reduced social communication, and loss of entertainment are each of risk for mental health. We should be aware of them.

Suicide dropped in this April in Japan, COVID-19 releted?

Discussing COVID-19, we psychiatrists often refer to another lethal issue: suicide.

Suicide is one of the worst cause of death. We have to prevent suicide at 100% rate ideally.

Specialists of psychiatry suggest there are three patterns about COVID-19 related suicide. First, people who took COVID-19, or families with COVID-19 patients may become desperate to commit suicide. Second, medical practitioners as well as workers responsible for management of infection are overworking to become burnout. They may be blamed when failed to manage it. And the third is the risk of financial crisis relevant lockdown. It is proven that crippled economy brings many suicides.

The last is most frequently discussed in Japan. The reason why the Japan government is hesitating to set strict policy against spreading COVID-19 is the fear of economical breakdown. 

The Japan Times: COVID-19 puts the squeeze on Japan's most vulnerable

In reality, suicide rate in Japan was significantly decreased in this April. It was declined by 20% from the previous year. In every year, Japan faces many suicide in April because the fiscal year begins in April in Japan. This year, many workers have to be alone at home. It might lead to reduced stress level of interpersonal communication, according to the media.

It is unsure what is happening. First of all, suicide statistics is not so trustworthy than other official statistics. Many Japanese hate to report their relative's suicide. Especially in this year, police officers might have difficulty to take time for adequate investigation of unexpected death.

Also, victims of suicide is always vulnerable people. A part of them might be dead relevant to COVID-19.

In contrast, it is possible that many people became hypomanic because of this serious situation. It is well known that immediately after a disaster depressive people get recovered temporarily. It is explainable with acute release of adrenergic hormones. In this case, a certain period passes, people's mental health will deteriorate.

Above all, the relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and suicide should be deliberately examined for a longitudinal view.

Sharing issue between COVID-19 and forensic mental health

A couple of months has passed since the novel corona virus became pandemic. Many cities were forced to be locked down, and some are to be reopened albeit with much anxiety.

Very recently, I heard some cases of discrimination against COVID-19 relevant people. It is not limited to infected people, but also against medical practitioners engaging in patients.

It is shameful to disrespect or avoid medical staffs. But I have to be somewhat sympathetic with the fear of  such poor people who are worrying about being infected.

Interestingly, their fear is not rational. I mean that doctors in charge of caring patients with COVID-19 are safer than other physicians in terms of the risk for transmitting virus. They wear personal precautionary equipments completely when connecting patients. Also, they are strictly watched by the team so that they never transfer the virus. On the other hand, physicians who are working at an ordinary outpatient clinic, including me, have many opportunities to touch patients potentially carrying the virus. They usually do not equip entire protecter. Since most patients are not aware of carrying the virus, they do not behave cautiously. Which is riskier do you think?

The structure of this issue is very similar to the forensic mental health. The other days, I was engaging in constructing forensic mental health wards in some regional hospitals. When I made an explanation about the plan of newly developed forensic mental health systems, many citizens were opposing to building new wards. They were afraid that dangerous people who had committed serious crimes for the reason of insanity would be in the ward. In reality, however, they did exist there! Newly developed wards were built to treat such patients with richer staffs and strict structure. Indeed, after the new scheme began, serious cases committed by mentally disordered patients seems to be decreasing, despite some disputes around it.

We are aware of overt risk. But, covert risks are often more serious. We should become aware of them with scientific view.

Mother’s love promote children’s gene?

The belief that good nurturing is essential for children is supported by several studies, while it is believed with instinct. In recent, the relationship between child development and nurturing attitude of the mother is deeply investigated.

The Star: Early love from mothers can lead to many positives later in life for kids

According to the researchers, experience in the extremely early childhood is very important. Children who was loved in this stage will be invulnerable to harsh circumstance in later age. Results of genetic studies and immunology are consistent with this idea shared by many people.

To be honest, I do not like this idea. Rather, I have to help patients who were abused in their childhood. They have failed to gain good immune systems, according to the latest studies. It is relieving that researchers suggest insufficient love can be compensated in later life. I will commit the recovery of mental health, as well as gene.

Tesla may be gone from California

Tesla is going to Texas or Nevada from California.

Financial Post.com: Amid lockdown dispute, Musk says he will move Tesla out of California

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, a huge American vehicle company, told via Twitter that he was planning to move the headquarter of the company from the current place to Texas or Nevada.

Tesla's factory is now crippled because of the lockdown order by Alameda County. The Mayor said to be collaborative with Tesla for safe restart of the factory. But Musk seems not to be affirmative to the policy.

I am not sure if Texas or Nevada is superior to California for Tesla. Anyway, if Tesla is withdrawn, California will face serious financial damage not only from decreased tax income but also employment provided by Tesla and relevant industry.

Business is merciless. Mayor will have a tough time in addition to addressing the corona pandemic.

TRPG materials available easily online

Being forced to stay home due to the corona virus pandemic, I have much time to read materials as well as play computer games.

I am fond of playing role playing game. Unfortunately, I have scarce opportunity to play table-talk role playing game in recent years because of limited time and people. Therefore, I only read rule books of TRPG system to imagine the situation of session.

DriveThruRPG, a famous online market of RPG materials offers frequently discount sales. Also, it often proposes some charity sales of mega-bundle. You can gain hundreds of materials, price of hundreds dollars, for only 20 USD. Many of the resources are provided with PDF format so you can access them easily. I got some interesting supplements through the sale.

In addition, several legendary materials such as Classic Dungeons and Dragons rulebooks are available on PDF. I also got them because I was too young to purchase them in time. It is very thankful to access them easily now.

Definite condition of the boss

If you have some subordinates, I recommend you to remember some simple things.

Every good bosses are;

- to entrust the work to the subordinate.

- to support the subordinate in a serious setting.

- to have a dream.

If your boss does always censor your work, blame you on your failure, or have no perspective in the future, I strong recommend you to change the workplace.

Fortunately, my boss adhere all the three things above. Therefore, he remains my boss.

Sudan approve to stop FGM

Very recently, Sudan's cabinet decided to amend the criminal law for banning female genital mutilation.

Bangkok Post: Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting

According to the media, whoever violating this rule will be sentenced up to three years imprisonment.

I respect every culture in the world. Even it seems odd or strange, each habit has its own history and therefore should be respected.

Nonetheless, I do not accept such an evil act as cutting girl's genital. It is not only violating children's right but also quite risky for victim's physical and mental health.

Therefore, I approve the policy making of Sudan government.

I am afraid, however, some outdated citizens would continue to commit this wicked habit secretly. I expect Sudan government to make efforts to perish FGM.

Baffett abandon airline companies

Warren Buffett, a worldly famous investor, sold stocks of four popular airline companies.

Axios: Warren Buffett abandons U.S. airlines with a $6B billion stock sale

He said to have sold Delta, United, American, and Southwest market stocks.

Indeed, many airline companies experienced deadly loss of profits in these months mainly because of the corona pandemic. Even if this situation is ended soon, we will have to reconsider the usage of public transport. As well, many nations are prepared for the next era in which independence from other nations will be essential.

On the other hand, Warren Buffett's policy of investment is longitudinal stance. I am not certain that airline companies will not recover their balance sheet soon.

Next Star Wars will be created by Taika Waititi

Yesterday was the day of Star Wars because it means "May the Fourth." And, it seems Taika Waititi will succeed the Star Wars saga.

Metro: Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi to direct new Star Wars movie after Skywalker saga

The media reported that the director of Thor: Ragnarok would be the next director of star wars film. Star Wars series was completed with the last episode: The Rise of Skywalker, but will be rebooted, or connected with some spin-off movies such as "Han Solo."

Taika Waititi is famous as the director of Thor: Ragnarok, an amazing movie of Marvel hero. I like this film so much because it was well mixed work of a slapstick comedy and a tragic ending of Thor's story. Therefore, I expect an excellent work for him.

On the other hand, I am not so impressed to another Star Wars. The latest trilogy is infamous for these paradoxical story lines. I do not hate them, but believe they are inferior to previous series.

Not water but fruits and roots can mitigate hungover

Alcohol hungover is one of the most serious conditions at least subjectively. Therefore, there are several methods developed to prevent or mitigate the symptoms of hungover.

Many people believe dehydration is a cause of hungover. But a latest study denied this hypothesis.

Independent: Ultimate hangover cure can be made from ‘fruits, roots and leaves’, scientists claim

According to the researchers who wrote the article published in British Medical Journal, levels of water content in the body were not associated with the amount of alcohol consumption.

Instead, they prove that participants who took acerola, prickly pear, ginkgo biloba, willow and ginger root, as well as some minerals experienced mitigated symptoms of hungover such as headache. Thus, some fruit, roots, and leaves may be beneficial to counter hungover.

This conclusion is rational, or rather consistent with our daily experience. Therefore, I was not impressed to this result. Further studies are needed to develop a remedy for complete prevention of hungover.

Kim Jong un seems to be alive

Behind corona disastrous pandemic, the situation of North Korea does not attract public attention. But, there was a rumor that Kim Jong un, the leader of North, was critically ill. Since he had not appeared for several weeks, some people outside the North Korea believed Kim was dead.

However, very recently, the North media published Kim's figure in an official ceremony, denying the rumor.

The new York Times: Kim Jong-un Resurfaces, State Media Says, After Weeks of Health Rumors

Donald Trump, the President of the US, also denied the mortality of Kim. Despite the North Korea could conceal the ex-leader's death for several months, I have no doubt about the broadcast of the North media.

Rather, if Kim is dead, the North will be seriously confused because who will succeed him is undetermined. It will lead to negative impacts to several nations such as China and South Korea. It is ironic that nobody desires Kim's dictatorship will end now.

Japan extended emergency

Japan government decided to extend the declaration of emergency for approximately one month.

Abe Shinzo, the Prime Minister of Japan, stated emergency on 7th April. At that time, the duration was estimated to one month. In Japan, the first week of May is covered with several holidays, so called “Golden Week.” I guess the government wished to avoid constructing clusters of crowd in resort areas as usual.

On the other hand, the estimation that the pandemic of the novel corona virus will be terminated within one month was too optimistic. It is admitted in many people, as well as politicians. Extension of emergency is not surprising for most Japanese, I believe.

Indeed, the number of infection is not so rapidly progressive after the declaration in Japan. Avoiding going out is considerably effective to stop deteriorating pandemic.

Taiwan and New Zealand are said to be successful in controlling viral infection. South Korea was struck seriously by the epidemic, but now there is no newly developed infection.

Thus, the pandemic can be conquered at least in some local areas. Whether each nation win the battle depends on several factors. We have to learn many things from other regions.

Rakuten canceled selling of corona test kit

Rakuten Inc. decided to cancel selling a series of examination kits of the novel corona virus, according to the media.

It said that the reason was changing situation of the developer. Explanation in detail has not been done. It keeps the policy that usage of this kit by many people can contribute to stopping expansion of the COVID-19.

As I mentioned before, Rakuten's kit and its policy is extremely problematic. Japan Medical Association also made a warning of inappropriate use of this kind of examination.

This news is very relieving. But, according to Rakuten, this decision making was not influenced by medical professionals opinion. If so, Rakuten will make a mistake again, I am afraid. Delivering an examination kit of infection to everyone will no benefit us at all in the current situation.