Surface-energy ratchet mechanism
The proposed ratchet mechanism utilizes the asymmetry in surface wettability between the smooth and rough faces of the teeth of a geometrically symmetric gear to achieve ratcheting motion. .

The research team, including Dr. Dai Matsuda, a former doctoral student, Jiro Senda and Eriko Matsumura, professors at the Faculty of Science and Engineering, revealed the mechanisms behind wall film formation, which is a crucial contributor to particulate matter emissions under cold fuel conditions.

Particulate matter emissions from direct injection engines are a major environmental issue. Matsuda and his colleagues studied how wall films, which form when fuel sprays onto engine walls, contribute to these emissions in cold conditions. They found that cold fuel creates thicker wall films, producing more particulate emissions. This finding will help develop improved fuel injection methods, making engines cleaner and helping to attain the upcoming Euro 7 emission standards.

Reference
Dai MATSUDA, Akira ADACHI, Akari SHIMONO, Eriko MATSUMURA, Jiro SENDA, Experimental analysis of spray impingement wall film at cold temperatures for Direct-Injection spark ignition engines, Fuel, Volume 374, 2024,132407.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2024.132407

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.
https://research.doshisha.ac.jp/news/news-detail-59/


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NEWS RELEASE 27-AUG-2024, Analysis of Spray Impingement and Wall Film Formation in Direct Injection Engines.

Credit: "Car exhaust" by eutrophication&hypoxia 
License type: CC BY 2.0
Usage restrictions: You are free to share and adapt the material. Attribution is required.

Surface-energy ratchet mechanism
The proposed ratchet mechanism utilizes the asymmetry in surface wettability between the smooth and rough faces of the teeth of a geometrically symmetric gear to achieve ratcheting motion. .

Researchers, including Miku Hatatani, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, have developed a novel ratchet mechanism that utilizes asymmetry in surface wettability and resembles the biological Brownian ratchets

Conventional ratchet mechanisms involve a geometrically asymmetric gear for realizing the ratcheting mechanism. In a new study, researchers have now developed a novel ratcheting mechanism based on the asymmetry of surface wettability and it uses a geometrically symmetric gear. This innovative mechanism resembles the Brownian ratchets, which have been proposed for understanding the motion of molecular motors in biological systems and can pave the way for novel energy-harvesting technologies.

Reference
Hatatani, M., Yamamoto, D. & Shioi, A. Surface-energy ratchet motor with geometrical symmetry driven by biased random walk. Sci Rep 14, 16619 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-67383-1

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.
https://research.doshisha.ac.jp/news/news-detail-58/


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NEWS RELEASE 20-AUG-2024, Novel Ratchet with Geometrically Symmetric Gear Driven by Asymmetric Surface Wettability

Image Credit: Miku Hatatani from Doshisha University
License type: Original content
Usage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permission

Comparison of the wet-bulb globe temperature (WGBT) among different surfaces
The on-site WGBT values are significantly higher than those measured by the Japan Meteorological Agency weather station, particularly for hard and sand-filled artificial grass courts, highlighting the need for appropriate countermeasures. .

Researchers, including Hiroki Yamaguchi, a PhD student at the Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, investigate the thermal environments of different tennis court surfaces, offering key insights for effective heat countermeasures

Tennis players are exposed to high-heat environments during matches. Different tennis court surfaces can have different thermal environments, necessitating suitable countermeasures. In a new study, researchers investigated the thermal environment of different tennis court surfaces using on-site measurements and compared the results with the established guideline levels. Their findings can lead to enhanced countermeasures, thus improving the safety of athletes, coaches, referees, and spectators.

Reference
Hiroki Yamaguchi, Takaaki Mori, Hiromi Hanano, Kan Oishi, Kentaro Ikeue, Yuiko Yamamoto & Kojiro Ishii. Using wet-bulb globe temperature meters to examine the effect of heat on various tennis court surfaces. Sci Rep 14, 15548 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66518-8

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NEWS RELEASE 6-AUG-2024, Preventing Heat Stroke in Tennis: Insights into the Heat Environments of Tennis Courts

Image Credit: Hiroki Yamaguchi from Doshisha University
License type: CC-BY 4.0

Effects of eccentric-only resistance training on hamstring muscle stiffness, size, and strength
Eccentric-only resistance training at long muscle lengths and with a long contraction duration can chronically decrease the passive stiffness of a specific muscle while simultaneously increasing its size and strength.

Raki Kawama, an Assistant Professor at the Organization for Research Initiatives and Development/Faculty of Health and Sports Science, and his colleagues suggest that resistance training boosts muscle size and strength while reducing passive muscle stiffness.

It is commonly believed that resistance training, widely recommended for building muscle strength and size, may increase passive muscle stiffness. However, they have demonstrated that eccentric-only resistance training, particularly when performed at long muscle lengths with prolonged contraction durations at high weekly frequencies, can significantly reduce passive muscle stiffness in specific muscles while simultaneously increasing strength and size. This innovative training method can significantly benefit athletes and patients in sports and rehabilitation settings.

Reference
Kawama, Raki, Takahashi, Katsuki, Ikifune, Haruki, Tozawa, Hironoshin, Obata, Takafumi, Ito, Ryo, Hojo, Tatsuya, Wakahara, Taku. Can Eccentric-only Resistance Training Decrease Passive Muscle Stiffness while Increasing Size and Strength of Hamstrings?. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ():10.1249/MSS.0000000000003516, July 16, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003516

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NEWS RELEASE 1-AUG-2024, Eccentric-only Resistance Training Can Lower Passive Muscle Stiffness

Image Credit:Raki Kawama from Doshisha University
License type: Original content

Generating adversarial images for image cropping models
Many commercial image cropping models utilize saliency maps (also known as gaze estimation) to identify the most critical areas within an image. In this study, researchers developed innovative techniques to introduce imperceptible noisy perturbations into images, thus influencing the output of cropping models. This approach aims to prevent essential parts of images, such as copyright information or watermarks, from being inadvertently cropped, thus promoting fairness in AI models. .

Researchers, including Masatomo Yoshida, a Ph.D. student at the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, techniques to create perturbations in images that can deceive cropping models, helping identify and address their weaknesses.

Models that automatically crop images, like those used in social media to create thumbnails, can sometimes make mistakes, leading to misrepresentation. To study and address these models' weaknesses, they have developed novel methods for creating adversarial examples. By efficiently generating adversarial images that modify actual images to 'trick' models into cropping different regions, these techniques aim to make image cropping AI systems more reliable and fair.

Reference
M. Yoshida, H. Namura and M. Okuda, "Adversarial Examples for Image Cropping: Gradient-Based and Bayesian-Optimized Approaches for Effective Adversarial Attack," in IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 86541-86552, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3415356

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NEWS RELEASE 1-AUG-2024, Enhancing Automatic Image Cropping Models with Advanced Adversarial Techniques

Image Credit: Masatomo Yoshida from Doshisha University
License type: Original content

Proposed ultrasonic liquid crystal light diffuser
Schematics of the LC molecular orientation and the transmitted light in the absence (left) and in the presence (right) of the ultrasound excitation. Red and blue curves represent the light and the ultrasound vibration, respectively .

Professor Daisuke Koyama and graduate students, Yuma Kuroda and Ryoya Mizuno, from the Faculty of Science and Engineering developed a novel tunable ultrasonic liquid crystal light diffuser that allows changing the diffusion direction.

In conventional light diffusers, optical characteristics such as diffusion angle and direction can only be tailored during fabrication and not after installation. Light diffusers that allow such changes can save energy and provide better indoor lighting aesthetics, but such devices are rare. In a new study, they have developed a novel tunable ultrasonic liquid crystal diffuser, that allows changing the diffusion direction using electrical inputs, while having a compact structure with no moving parts.

Reference
Kuroda, Y., Mizuno, R. & Koyama, D. Ultrasonic liquid crystal tunable light diffuser. Sci Rep 14, 15445 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66413-2

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NEWS RELEASE 26-JUL-2024, Towards Next-Gen Indoor Lighting: Novel Tunable Ultrasonic Liquid Crystal Light Diffuser

Image Credit: Daisuke Koyama from Doshisha University
License type: Original content

Concept of the highly efficient acetylene synthesis process from CO2 using two-step electrolysis
The innovative process, which does not require fossil fuels, can pave the way for a sustainable acetylene-based industry.

Researchers, including Yuta Suzuki, Assistant Professor at the Harris Science Research Institute, have developed a novel method for synthesizing acetylene from carbon dioxide without using fossil fuels.

Conventional acetylene synthesis methods rely on fossil fuels. A new process is required for its sustainable synthesis to reduce its carbon footprint. In a new study, researchers from Doshisha University and Daikin Industries Ltd developed a novel method for synthesizing acetylene from carbon dioxide via calcium carbide without using fossil fuels. This innovative process can contribute to realizing a sustainable acetylene-based industry.

Reference
Yuta Suzuki, Seiya Tanaka, Takashi Watanabe, Takane Tsuchii, Tomohiro Isogai, Akiyoshi Yamauchi, Yosuke Kishikawa, Takuya Goto. High-efficient acetylene synthesis by selective electrochemical formation of CO₂-derived CaC₂. Chemical Engineering Journal, Volume 494, 2024, 153013
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.153013.

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.  
[Research News] A New Method for Sustainable Synthesis of Acetylene from Carbon Dioxide

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NEWS RELEASE 15-JUL-2024, A New Method for Sustainable Synthesis of Acetylene from Carbon Dioxide

Image Credit: Yuta Suzuki and Takuya Goto from Doshisha University
License type: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

A Japanese greater horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus nippon) chasing a moth in an experiment chamber
 

A research team* from the National Institute for Basic Biology of Japan and Doshisha University used free-moving bats chasing moths as a realistic model of target tracking. They found that bats used the four key tactics and organized them effectively to track prey accurately. The team also proposed a possible operational rule enabling bats to exercise this strategy efficiently.

The ability to "target track" is essential for various activities and has improved in animals and machines through the evolution of life and technology. Because most sensing systems are inevitably subject to a certain degree of delay caused by information processing, many studies have addressed the challenge of overcoming this delay constraint for more accurate target tracking. Studying animals' sophisticated tracking behavior would bring a significant breakthrough in this fundamental problem.

*
Nozomi Nishiumi: National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Science
Emyo Fujioka: Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University
Shizuko Hiryu: Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha Universityn.

Reference
Nozomi Nishiumi, Emyo Fujioka, Shizuko Hiryu, Bats integrate multiple echolocation and flight tactics to track prey, Current Biology, 2024.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.062

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.  
[Research News]  Target tracking strategy in bats: Integration of echolocation and flight tactics

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NEWS RELEASE 28-JUNE-2024, Target tracking strategy in bats: Integration of echolocation and flight tactics

Image Credit: Doshisha University
License type: For use in stories about this research, must credit "Doshisha Univ"

The CO₂ conversion process at the interface between DEME-BF₄ electrolytes containing Ca(OH)₂ aqueous solution and silver electrodes
  The production of hydrocarbons occurs through two intermediates formed on the surface of the silver electrode to produce useful hydrocarbons like ethylene, ethane, propylene, and propane.

The research team, led by Professor Takuya Goto and including Ms. Saya Nozaki from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering and Dr. Yuta Suzuki from the Harris Science Research Institute, discovered that combining ionic liquids electrolytes with metal hydroxides enables efficient electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to hydrocarbons.

The electrochemical conversion of captured carbon dioxide into fuels and chemicals offers a sustainable approach to reduce emissions. However, traditional methods rely on complex electrode designs. Goto and his team demonstrated a cost-effective approach using an ionic liquid combined with metal hydroxides as an electrolyte, enabling efficient conversion even on basic metal electrodes. With this electrolyte, they successfully produced propane and ethylene directly from CO₂ and H₂O, offering a cost-effective method for emissions reduction.

Reference
Saya Nozaki, Yuta Suzuki, Takuya Goto, Electrochemical synthesis of C₂ and C₃ hydrocarbons from CO₂ on an Ag electrode in DEME-BF₄ containing H₂O and metal hydroxides, Electrochimica Acta, Volume 493, 2024,144431.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.electacta.2024.144431

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.  
Research News: Efficient CO₂ Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals Using Ionic Liquid Electrolyte

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NEWS RELEASE 3-JUNE-2024, Efficient CO2 Conversion to Fuels and Chemicals Using Ionic Liquid Electrolyte

Image Credit:Takuya Goto from Doshisha University
License type: CC BY 4.0 DEED

Redesigning Emergency Alerts for a quicker response
Despite the widespread use of mobile phones for delivering emergency alerts, current systems do not prompt recipients to take protective action. By examining people's responses to alerts, the researchers propose several measures to enhance the effectiveness of alert systems.

Kazuya Nakayachi, a Professor at the Faculty of Psychology, and his colleagues propose improving phone alerts to enhance emergency response times based on their study of Japanese earthquake alert reactions.

The effectiveness of emergency alerts delivered to our phones depends on how quickly we take protective actions upon receiving them. In this study, Nakayachi and his colleagues examined the actions of people who received earthquake warnings on their phones and found that most did not take protective actions. They suggest that most people are not adequately trained to respond to such alerts and propose measures to improve the effectiveness of earthquake alerts.

Reference
Kazuya Nakayachi, Ryosuke Yokoi, James Goltz, Human behavioral response to earthquake early warnings (EEW): Are alerts received on mobile phones inhibiting protective actions?, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, Volume 105, 2024,104401, ISSN 2212-4209
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104401

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.  
[Research News] Improving the Effectiveness of Earthquake Early Warning Systems

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NEWS RELEASE 21-MAY-2024, Improving the Effectiveness of Earthquake Early Warning Systems

Image Credit:Flash Flood Warning- Cell Phone Wireless Emergency Alert by Tony Webster
License type: CC BY 2.0

To compare learning outcomes students were divided into two groups: (a) the human tutoring group and (b) the robot tutoring group (image on the right）.
The group with the robot tutor made fewer errors and spoke more fluently than the group with human tutors, indicating the effectiveness of robot-assisted learning.

Takamasa Iio, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Culture and Information Science, showed that Robots play a significant role in repetitive practice for language learning. Still, human interaction is crucial for real-life language use.

Iio and his research team compared students' English-speaking abilities with current mainstream robot-assisted language learning (RALL) systems versus human tutors. They discovered that students had ample opportunities to practice speaking with the robots, feeling more at ease, resulting in fewer errors and improved fluency. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating RALL systems into teaching scenarios that are challenging for human tutors.

Reference
Iio, T., Yoshikawa, Y., Ogawa, K. et al. Comparison of Outcomes Between Robot-Assisted Language Learning System and Human Tutors: Focusing on Speaking Ability. Int J of Soc Robotics 16, 743–761 (2024).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12369-024-01134-0

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.  
[Research News] Comparative Analysis of Robot-Assisted Language Learning Systems and Human Tutors in English Conversation Lessons

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NEWS RELEASE 10-MAY-2024, Comparative Analysis of Robot-Assisted Language Learning Systems and Human Tutors in English Conversation Lessons

Image Credit:Takamasa Iio from Doshisha University
License type: CC BY 4.0 DEED

Information Delivery is crucial to how citizens perceive Government action and policy
 Transparent government practices and communication can enhance citizen trust and foster a positive relationship between the government and citizens.

Yu Noda, Professor at the Graduate School of Policy Science, Faculty of Policy Studies, underscores the need for effective government communication to inform citizens about fiscal policies and improve transparency.

Effective communication between the government and citizens is necessary for good governance and civic engagement. A recent study conducted by Noda highlights how effective information delivery affects citizen trust, satisfaction, and perceptions of government finances. His findings not only point towards crucial directions for investigating the learning effects of information delivery by local governments but also advocate for effective strategies aimed at fostering positive relationships between citizens and governments through such endeavors.

Reference
Noda, Y. (2024). Information on local financial reforms and cognitive processes of citizens. International Review of Administrative Sciences.
https://doi.org/10.1177/00208523241240128

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.
[Research News] Understanding the Crucial Role of Information Delivery in Improving Citizen Perceptions of Government Policy: Insights from Kyoto City

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NEWS RELEASE 9-MAY-2024, Understanding the Crucial Role of Information Delivery in Improving Citizen Perceptions of Government Policy: Insights from Kyoto City

Image Credit: "Kyoto City Government - panoramio" by ccfarmer 
License type:CC BY 3.0

The search for sustainable method to produce acetylene
Acetylene is widely used in across many industries, including the production of resins and plastics like PVC. Realizing an environmentally friendly technique to synthesize it would represent a massive step towards building sustainable societies.

A research team led by Yuta Suzuki, Assistant Professor at Harris Science Research Institute and Takuya Goto, Professor at the Department of Science of Environment and Mathematical Modeling, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, develop an environmentally friendly method to electrochemically synthesize an essential industrial gas.
Acetylene is an essential precursor in the production of resins and plastics such as PVC, as well as a useful gas in many industrial processes. However, its synthesis requires fossil fuels, making it environmentally taxing. Now, Suzuki, Goto and their research team have developed an innovative electrochemical technique to produce acetylene using carbon dioxide and water as raw materials. This method could greatly reduce the carbon footprint of acetylene synthesis and contribute to sustainable carbon capture technologies.

Reference
Suzuki Y., Tanaka S., Watanabe T., Isogai T., Yamauchi A., Kishikawa Y., Goto T. New Route of Acetylene Synthesis via Electrochemical Formation of Metal Carbides from CO2 in Chloride Melts (2024) ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 12 (5), pp. 2110 - 2119.
DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c08139

For more details, please see the website of Organization for Research Initiatives and Development, Doshisha University.
[Research News] Advancing Towards Sustainability: Turning Carbon Dioxide and Water into Acetylene

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NEWS RELEASE 27-MAR-2024, Advancing Towards Sustainability: Turning Carbon Dioxide and Water into Acetylene

Image Credit: Yuta Suzuki from Doshisha University, Japan
License type: CC BY