No abstract

Electron energy loss near-edge structures of the newly discovered cubic-Si 3 N 4 at the Si L 2,3 , edge and N K edge have been measured. The same edges were calculated using a first-principles supercell approach, including the core-hole interaction. The experimental spectra at the two edges were satisfactorily reproduced by the calculations, confirming that the present calculation has sufficient predictive power. The difference in spectral shapes between c-Si 3 N 4 and ␤-Si 3 N 4 is more clear for the Si L 2,3 , edge. However, the difference cannot be simply explained by the difference in coordination numbers of Si.

Remediation of materials contaminated with a radioactive material such as 137Cs is important. Here, we report on the effectiveness of an aqueous sodium metasilicate prepared with a microbubble crushing process (SMC) for the removal of radioactive 137Cs from granule conglomerates and nonwoven cloth. A 137Cs removal ratio of 78% was achieved for the nonwoven cloth sample, and multiple washings at low SMC concentrations were effective. In addition, the volume of the waste solution could be reduced by neutralizing the SMC and using gelation to remove the radioactive material. The decontamination is shown to be more efficient than that with sodium hydroxide, even for washing granule conglomerates.

Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and relevant preventive measures can affect the economic status and mental health of the public, their effect remains unraveled owing to a limited number of surveys conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the association of COVID-19 and relevant measures with multivariate outcomes among people affected by the Fukushima disaster in 2011 using the difference-in-differences (DID) method. We then analyzed the associations between sociodemographic factors and outcomes. We assessed psychological distress, problem drinking, insomnia state, unemployment, household economic decline, and interpersonal problems using three questionnaire surveys administered in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Participants were grouped according to three time periods by dates of voluntary stay-at-home requests (February 26) and the declaration of emergency (April 16) in Japan. The years 2020 and 2019 were regarded as the treatment group and control group, respectively, after confirming that no DIDs were found between 2018 and 2019. We performed regression analyses to identify the risk factors for outcomes. The DIDs were significant for household economic decline after the declaration of emergency, whereas problem drinking significantly improved. No significant DIDs were observed for other mental health outcomes including psychological distress and insomnia state. Absence of counselors was positively and significantly associated with all outcomes in 2020. Overall, people affected by the Fukushima disaster experienced more economic damage after the declaration of emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic but their mental health status did not reduce. Identifying people who have no counselors and providing them with support are emergent requirements to prevent a subsequent mental health decline.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Japanese workers psychological distress through crises of health, economics, and social relationships. To assess whether these effects are amplified by the gender bias that exists in Japan, we examined male and female worker’s psychological distress and difficulties during the pandemic. An online “COVID-19-related difficulties” questionnaire, based on item response theory, gathered responses from 3464 workers in October and November 2020. The workers’ psychological distress was found concerned to be significantly worse than before the pandemic. Basic stressors related to infection anxiety, economic anxiety, and restrictions on social interactions and outings. Men’s and women’s experiences of difficulties were consistent with traditional gender roles in Japan: men were more likely to face job-related stressors, such as economic insecurity and work-style changes; women were more likely to face non-job-related stressors, such as increased living costs and reduced social interactions. Policymakers and employers should consider the association between gender differences and industry types, and implement measures to strengthen the acceptability of mental health care.