March 25, 2017
Scandal around Akie Abe, the Prime Minister's wife
Opposing parties demand a summon of Akie Abe to the Parliament. But ruling Liberal Democratic Party is refusing it. The scandal of Moritomo Gakuen is still burning.
March 14, 2017
Switch and Virtual Boy: Gambling Game Consoles
The launch of Nintendo Switch seems successful. Nintendo sold a total of two million all over the world.
March 11, 2017
President Park Geun-hye dismissed
The Korean prosecutor requested the arrest of ex-President Park, and just yesterday, it was accepted. Now, she is detained with waiting a serious battle in the court.
March 10, 2017
The murder case of Kim Jong-nam
The body of slain Kim Jong-nam will be returned from Malaysia to North Korea, according to the media. At the same time, foreigners detained in each country are expected to be allowed to leave. The relationship of two nations will be improved slightly.
ABC NET: Kim Jong-nam: Malaysia releases body of slain half-brother of Kim Jong-un, diplomatic spat ends
Friday, March 31, 2017
Thursday, March 30, 2017
The UK has committed the article 50 for Brexit
Theresa May, the Prime Minister of the UK officially signed the letter for Brexit.
According to the article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, nations to leave the EU have to inform it two years before the day of the departure. In other words, the EU legislation will be no more applicable to the UK after March 2019.
The BBC: Article 50: UK set to formally trigger Brexit process
Many Britains who do not want the UK to leave the EU had attempted to stop Brexit. Some demanded even the retry of Brexit vote. But their desire resulted in vain.
Since seating the Prime Minister, May has had the role in carrying out Brexit. It was almost impossible to avoid Brexit after the referendum.
In addition, the referendum conducted in last June figured out the split opinions in the UK. Londoners and Scotches are willing to get along with the EU, whereas the majority of rural people are no more dreaming the integration of Europe.
There are several points of view on this issue. But in my opinion, researchers and people working in the region of academia are totally suffering from this decision. Some EU research funds are going to exclude British from the candidates of the receiver. It will become difficult for foreign researchers to remain in the UK after Brexit. I have received some email from King's College London to notify the influence of the decision. It seems workers in KCL are also confusing.
Again, I do not welcome Brexit. At the same time, I do not hope the UK to decline. It would be good if the UK and the EU will construct a mutually productive relationship in the future.
According to the article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, nations to leave the EU have to inform it two years before the day of the departure. In other words, the EU legislation will be no more applicable to the UK after March 2019.
The BBC: Article 50: UK set to formally trigger Brexit process
Many Britains who do not want the UK to leave the EU had attempted to stop Brexit. Some demanded even the retry of Brexit vote. But their desire resulted in vain.
Since seating the Prime Minister, May has had the role in carrying out Brexit. It was almost impossible to avoid Brexit after the referendum.
In addition, the referendum conducted in last June figured out the split opinions in the UK. Londoners and Scotches are willing to get along with the EU, whereas the majority of rural people are no more dreaming the integration of Europe.
There are several points of view on this issue. But in my opinion, researchers and people working in the region of academia are totally suffering from this decision. Some EU research funds are going to exclude British from the candidates of the receiver. It will become difficult for foreign researchers to remain in the UK after Brexit. I have received some email from King's College London to notify the influence of the decision. It seems workers in KCL are also confusing.
Again, I do not welcome Brexit. At the same time, I do not hope the UK to decline. It would be good if the UK and the EU will construct a mutually productive relationship in the future.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Neurology and psychiatry, a confusing relationship
Can you distinguish neurology from psychiatry? Actually, the difference between them becomes vague.
Recently, neurologists and psychiatrists are working along to discover some neuropsychiatric diseases such as motor neuron disease and schizophrenia. The result suggests a possibility of shared causes of these illnesses.
The Conversation: Freud’s divide between psychiatry and neurology is redundant – here’s why
In a historical view, some diseases previously categorized in psychiatric illnesses has been reclassified into neurological illnesses. For example, epilepsy, now commonly treated by a neurologist, was deemed as a psychotic illness. Even now, some Japanese psychiatrists are eager to deal with epilepsy. As well, neurosyphilis is now known as a form of infection of Treponema pallidum and treated in the division of neurology. But the other day, it was misunderstood as a psychiatric disorder.
Considering these facts, it is said that any diseases whose etiology was clarified are excluded from psychiatric diseases. If the genes responsible for the onset of schizophrenia is completely identified, not psychiatrists but neurologists will be willing to cure it.
Then, what is the core practice of psychiatrists? When the cause of all diseases is clarified, will psychiatry as a subspecialty vanish?
In my opinion, it is acceptable if psychiatrists will have no roles in the future. The absolute wish of all medical practitioners is the world which does not require them. Unfortunately, however, the day of extinction of psychiatry will never come.
Recently, neurologists and psychiatrists are working along to discover some neuropsychiatric diseases such as motor neuron disease and schizophrenia. The result suggests a possibility of shared causes of these illnesses.
The Conversation: Freud’s divide between psychiatry and neurology is redundant – here’s why
In a historical view, some diseases previously categorized in psychiatric illnesses has been reclassified into neurological illnesses. For example, epilepsy, now commonly treated by a neurologist, was deemed as a psychotic illness. Even now, some Japanese psychiatrists are eager to deal with epilepsy. As well, neurosyphilis is now known as a form of infection of Treponema pallidum and treated in the division of neurology. But the other day, it was misunderstood as a psychiatric disorder.
Considering these facts, it is said that any diseases whose etiology was clarified are excluded from psychiatric diseases. If the genes responsible for the onset of schizophrenia is completely identified, not psychiatrists but neurologists will be willing to cure it.
Then, what is the core practice of psychiatrists? When the cause of all diseases is clarified, will psychiatry as a subspecialty vanish?
In my opinion, it is acceptable if psychiatrists will have no roles in the future. The absolute wish of all medical practitioners is the world which does not require them. Unfortunately, however, the day of extinction of psychiatry will never come.
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Solar panel with up to 30% conversion efficiency
Sustainable energy is one of the most important issues in modern civilization. Most nations rely on oil and natural gas for producing energy. A few countries such as France is willing to utilize atomic power plants. But the serious risk of leak of radioactive substance occurred in Fukushima makes citizens and politicians hesitate to trust its safety.
In contrast, solar power is completely clean and renewable energy source. The sun produces unlimited power on earth, at least for million years. It is a dream for the human to use the solar power for our daily life.
Recently, a Japanese company rewrote the record of the photo-conversion efficiency of the silicon solar panel. Conventional panels can convert the sunlight into energy by 10-20%, depending on the quality of the panel. The conversion rate of the newly product is over 25%. Its potential reaches up to 30%.
Independent: Record-breaking solar panel converts more than a quarter of sunlight into electricity
It is an innovation. However, there is a gap before its commercial use. The cost for creating highly qualified panel is not negligible.
Also, another issue around solar power is downtime. It is evident that a solar panel makes no energy at midnight. Thus, the conversion rate should be considered as less than a half of its potential. Furthermore, the efficiency can be limited on a cloudy day. It is the reason why solar power is never a dominant solution in the energy issue.
Nonetheless, the technology for improved efficiency is hopeful. There are no rooms of innovation for steam and water power plants. Solar panels will not replace other power plants but add some options for our energy strategy.
In contrast, solar power is completely clean and renewable energy source. The sun produces unlimited power on earth, at least for million years. It is a dream for the human to use the solar power for our daily life.
Recently, a Japanese company rewrote the record of the photo-conversion efficiency of the silicon solar panel. Conventional panels can convert the sunlight into energy by 10-20%, depending on the quality of the panel. The conversion rate of the newly product is over 25%. Its potential reaches up to 30%.
Independent: Record-breaking solar panel converts more than a quarter of sunlight into electricity
It is an innovation. However, there is a gap before its commercial use. The cost for creating highly qualified panel is not negligible.
Also, another issue around solar power is downtime. It is evident that a solar panel makes no energy at midnight. Thus, the conversion rate should be considered as less than a half of its potential. Furthermore, the efficiency can be limited on a cloudy day. It is the reason why solar power is never a dominant solution in the energy issue.
Nonetheless, the technology for improved efficiency is hopeful. There are no rooms of innovation for steam and water power plants. Solar panels will not replace other power plants but add some options for our energy strategy.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Universal basic income in Asia
Basic income is one of the latest dreams in modern economics. As I wrote, there are some trials for introducing basic income in European countries. However, their attempts were not successful.
My past entry: Basic income in Swiss: A challenge?
My past entry: Universal basic income experiment in Finland
My past entry: Universal basic income, a new challenge in Swiss
At the same time, some Asian countries took similar experiments. The Indian government suggested even a five USD of monthly universal basic income was powerful enough to compete for poverty
Independent: Indian government survey says universal basic income could combat poverty
And China could reduce the interpersonal poverty gap by 6.5 percent with endorsing minimum income scheme.
TheNewsLens: From Fiction to Reality: Universal Basic Income Gaining Traction in Asia
Recently, experts in trans-pacific countries conducted a conference to discuss the meaning of universal basic income. Their main concern was that the modern trend of automation would get rid of most jobs from us.
Experts and academics from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea met in Taipei last week to discuss UBI, the first time the idea has been discussed in a solely Asia-Pacific context.
I am a little surprised to the fact that Asian countries have been more successful in introducing basic income than European countries which are keen to keep the level of social welfare. But Asian countries suffering from severe inequality require social security the more. Also, even fewer amount of payment would be helpful to citizens in developing countries.
I am afraid that Japan will never endorse basic income. Japanese are rather not empathetic to others. But we should consider what will help us in a truly tough situation.
My past entry: Basic income in Swiss: A challenge?
My past entry: Universal basic income experiment in Finland
My past entry: Universal basic income, a new challenge in Swiss
At the same time, some Asian countries took similar experiments. The Indian government suggested even a five USD of monthly universal basic income was powerful enough to compete for poverty
Independent: Indian government survey says universal basic income could combat poverty
And China could reduce the interpersonal poverty gap by 6.5 percent with endorsing minimum income scheme.
TheNewsLens: From Fiction to Reality: Universal Basic Income Gaining Traction in Asia
Recently, experts in trans-pacific countries conducted a conference to discuss the meaning of universal basic income. Their main concern was that the modern trend of automation would get rid of most jobs from us.
Experts and academics from as far afield as Australia, China, India, Japan and South Korea met in Taipei last week to discuss UBI, the first time the idea has been discussed in a solely Asia-Pacific context.
I am a little surprised to the fact that Asian countries have been more successful in introducing basic income than European countries which are keen to keep the level of social welfare. But Asian countries suffering from severe inequality require social security the more. Also, even fewer amount of payment would be helpful to citizens in developing countries.
I am afraid that Japan will never endorse basic income. Japanese are rather not empathetic to others. But we should consider what will help us in a truly tough situation.
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Trump abandoned to abandon Obama Care
Trump administration submitted the bill of American Health Care Act, repealing the Affordable Care Act established by Obama, on the Congress. As no expect of collecting the affirmative lawmakers, however, Trump had to withdraw it before the vote.
Abandoning Obama Care was the priority for Trump administration. Therefore, this defeat will be disappointing for supporters.
The New York Times: In Major Defeat for Trump, Push to Repeal Health Law Fails
Actually, American Health Care Act was infamous not only for Democrats but also many Republicans. It is interesting that some Republicans were worrying that the repeal would destroy citizens' life, while others the act was inadequate to cancel Obama Care. Trump could not settle these opposite opinions.
Most Republicans, as well as many American people, are fond of taking their responsibility of their own life. Health insurance should be selected by each person, instead of forced admission, according to them.
On the other hand, it was unclear how much the budget would be saved by the repeal of Obama Care. Although the administration claims that abandoning Obama Care is essential to improve the fiscal status of the US, its economic impact may be limited.
Only ten voters were below than the approval, according to Trump. But, it is suggestive that not a few Republicans believed that withdrawal of Obama Care was a stupid idea. I hope the US government will change the direction to the right way.
Abandoning Obama Care was the priority for Trump administration. Therefore, this defeat will be disappointing for supporters.
The New York Times: In Major Defeat for Trump, Push to Repeal Health Law Fails
Actually, American Health Care Act was infamous not only for Democrats but also many Republicans. It is interesting that some Republicans were worrying that the repeal would destroy citizens' life, while others the act was inadequate to cancel Obama Care. Trump could not settle these opposite opinions.
Most Republicans, as well as many American people, are fond of taking their responsibility of their own life. Health insurance should be selected by each person, instead of forced admission, according to them.
On the other hand, it was unclear how much the budget would be saved by the repeal of Obama Care. Although the administration claims that abandoning Obama Care is essential to improve the fiscal status of the US, its economic impact may be limited.
Only ten voters were below than the approval, according to Trump. But, it is suggestive that not a few Republicans believed that withdrawal of Obama Care was a stupid idea. I hope the US government will change the direction to the right way.
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Scandal around Akie Abe, the Prime Minister's wife
Japan parliament is stormy because of a scandal of Abe Shinzo's wife.
Akie Abe, the wife of Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, is suspected to have been involved in a tricky discount in selling a public land to an educational corporation.
Moritomo Gakuen was planned to be established as a primary school belonging to an educational corporation.
The kindergarten operator testified to parliament that the first lady, Akie Abe, gave him an envelope containing 1m yen (£7,100) and said it was from Shinzo Abe. The government denies the claims.
Moritomo Gakuen group was planning to build a new elementary school in Osaka. Yasunori Kagoike, the president of the group, claims that Akie Abe was involved in the approval of the planning. He also stated that Akie had given him a million JPY as a secret donation. Akie denied his claim.
The Guardian: Shinzo Abe and wife accused of giving cash to ultra-nationalist school
The land on which the new elementary school would be built was sold from the government to the corporation for very low cost. The official said that it was because many wastes were buried in the land. But, there are unclear things around the contract of transferring the land.
Yasunori Kagoike was summoned to the Parliament to reply the questions of lawmakers. However, the gap of the speech between Kagoike and the Prime Minister's wife became widened. Opposing parties are keen to pursue the issue, because Shinzo Abe declared that if he were arbitrarily involved in the scandal, he would abandon the seat of the PM.
To be honest, I am indifferent to the fact about this scandal. It is not illegal for a politician to make a donation outside of his constituency. Cheating in selling public lands is, of course, problematic. But I do not think it is so critical.
Akie Abe is an active woman. She is not always on the side of Shinzo Abe, but she behaves based on her own opinion. In this sense, I admire her policy.
However, I do not like her ideology as a nationalist. It is true that Akie is inclined in the policy of Moritomo Gakuen. In the kindergarten administered by Moritomo, children are encouraged to admire Shinzo Abe. According to the media reports, even hate speeches against Korean people are heard in the kindergarten. If true, they are not education but brainwash.
Although the liberty of thoughts should be accepted, I am shameful that the wife of the Prime Minister approves such a nationalistic education. In this sense, I dislike Akie Abe.
Akie Abe, the wife of Shinzo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, is suspected to have been involved in a tricky discount in selling a public land to an educational corporation.
Moritomo Gakuen was planned to be established as a primary school belonging to an educational corporation.
The kindergarten operator testified to parliament that the first lady, Akie Abe, gave him an envelope containing 1m yen (£7,100) and said it was from Shinzo Abe. The government denies the claims.
Moritomo Gakuen group was planning to build a new elementary school in Osaka. Yasunori Kagoike, the president of the group, claims that Akie Abe was involved in the approval of the planning. He also stated that Akie had given him a million JPY as a secret donation. Akie denied his claim.
The Guardian: Shinzo Abe and wife accused of giving cash to ultra-nationalist school
The land on which the new elementary school would be built was sold from the government to the corporation for very low cost. The official said that it was because many wastes were buried in the land. But, there are unclear things around the contract of transferring the land.
Yasunori Kagoike was summoned to the Parliament to reply the questions of lawmakers. However, the gap of the speech between Kagoike and the Prime Minister's wife became widened. Opposing parties are keen to pursue the issue, because Shinzo Abe declared that if he were arbitrarily involved in the scandal, he would abandon the seat of the PM.
To be honest, I am indifferent to the fact about this scandal. It is not illegal for a politician to make a donation outside of his constituency. Cheating in selling public lands is, of course, problematic. But I do not think it is so critical.
Akie Abe is an active woman. She is not always on the side of Shinzo Abe, but she behaves based on her own opinion. In this sense, I admire her policy.
However, I do not like her ideology as a nationalist. It is true that Akie is inclined in the policy of Moritomo Gakuen. In the kindergarten administered by Moritomo, children are encouraged to admire Shinzo Abe. According to the media reports, even hate speeches against Korean people are heard in the kindergarten. If true, they are not education but brainwash.
Although the liberty of thoughts should be accepted, I am shameful that the wife of the Prime Minister approves such a nationalistic education. In this sense, I dislike Akie Abe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)