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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Mathematics
- Associate professor
- Masakazu ONITSUKA
- Research Field
Qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations
- Keyword(s)
Ordinary differential equations, Qualitative theory, Stability
- Research theme
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- On the stability of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations
Outline of research activitiesThe field of my research is part of the qualitative theory of ordinary differential equations. In this research, we focus on the behavior of all solutions of nonautonomous ordinary differential equations. How does the variable coefficients of ODE influence the stability of the solutions? The main purpose of this research is to answer this question. In particular, we deal with the problem on the stability in the Lyapunov sense. For example, we treat asymptotic stability, uniform asymptotic stability and exponential stability. By understanding these essence, we aim to contribute to the development of ODE.
- Desired cooperation
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- Applications to control theory
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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Science
- Professor
- Hideyuki HIGASHIMURA
- Research Field
Organic Chemistry, Polymer, Catalysis
- Keyword(s)
Aromatic Polymer, Redox Catalysis
- Research theme
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- Development of new materials useful for society
- (1) Electric materials for the next 6G system
- (2) Production of green hydrogen
- (3) Secondary battery with ultra-high capacity
Outline of research activities(1) Electric materials for the next 6G system
We have synthesized a new polymer with the lowest dielectric constant in all-aromatic hydrocarbon-type polymers, and are developing it for electric materials of the next 6G system.(2) Production of green hydrogen
The catalysts and materials for production of green hydrogen are studied such as artificial photosynthesis and electrolysis of water by renewable energy.(3) Secondary battery with ultra-high capacity
The new cathode materials with ultra-high capacity in lithium ion battery are developped to increase driving distances for EV.- Desired cooperation
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- Low dielectric insulator, Secondary battery cathode,
- Energy-related catalysts
- (Possible to collaborate on organic material research)
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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Science
- Professor
- Takanobu KAMATAKI
- Research Field
sedimentology, natural disaster, disaster education
- Keyword(s)
tsunami deposit, flood deposit, natural disaster, disaster education
- Research theme
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- Study on paleo-tsunami history and inundation in coastal lowland area
- Study on disaster assessment based on tsunami and flood deposits
Outline of research activitiesTsunami deposits are useful in attempted reconstructins of prehistoric tsunamis. Geological analyses of tsunami deposits can provide estimates of several parameters of tsunamis, such as recurrence intervals and inundation areas. To assess the history of paleotsunami, we investigate the tsunami deposits around the coastal lowlands on the eastern margin of the Sea of Japan. These studies provides useful information for advancing tsunami disaster risk assessment in coastal lowlands.
In addition, we are active in the practice of disaster education.- Desired cooperation
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- tsunami and flood survey
- disaster education
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Faculty of Science, Department of Applied Science
- Associate professor
- Toshiyuki FUJIKI
- Research Field
Paleoenvironmental analysis, Pollen analysis, Pollen morphology
- Keyword(s)
Paleovegetational reconstruction, Human activity, Airborne pollen
- Research theme
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- Paleovegetational restoration and human activities using pollen analysis
- Measurement of hay fever pollen
Outline of research activitiesI reconstruct paleovegetation by pollen analysis contained in sediments such as lakes and marshes, and elucidate how the environment changed in the past. I also research the human impacts on vegetation using charcoal analysis. Currently, I am focusing on the chronological study of human migration to the eastern Polynesia. In addition, we measure airborne pollen, understand the scattering status of hay fever pollen. And we report these data to the Japan Meteorological Association, and forecast scattering for the next year.
- Desired cooperation
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- Restoration of paleoenvironment around archaeological sites
- Impacts on vegetation from events such as floods, tsunamis, and volcanic ash fall
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Professor
- Takashi YOKOYAMA
- Research Field
Analytical chemistry, Separation science, Environmental analysis
- Keyword(s)
Flow analysis, Separation material, Analytical reagent, Chromatography
- Research theme
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- Development of new selective analytical methods using flow injection analysis (FIA)
- Development of new separation and analytical methods using liquid chromatography (LC)
- Separation and analysis of dissolved organic compounds in natural waters
- Development of new separation materials
Outline of research activitiesOn the basis of FIA and LC in analytical methods using a liquid flow as much as possible to concern for the environment, we have studied to develop separation materials using carbon microparticles, analytical reagents specifically reacting with organic compounds, separation and analytical methods of dissolved organic compounds and bacteria in natural waters, a nano-LC which can separate and analyze an analyte in a sample volume of 1/1000000000 liters using a liquid flow volume of 1/1000000 liters, and separation and analytical methods using a self-reaction of sugars and amino acids.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of analytical methods using FIA
- Development of separation and analytical methods using LC
- Development of analytical methods for natural water samples
- Development of automatically analytical methods
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Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry
- Lecturer
- Daisuke KAWAMOTO
- Research Field
Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry
- Keyword(s)
Spectroscopic Analysis, Solid-Liquid Interfacial Reaction,Electronic State Calculation
- Research theme
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- Migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere
- Elucidation of mechanism of solid-liquid interfacial reaction
- Elucidation of driving force for adsorption of dissolved species
Outline of research activitiesI’m working on migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere from a chemical view.
【Elucidation of mechanism of solid-liquid interfacial reaction】
One of the factors affecting migration behavior of elements in environment (especially in hydrosphere) is “adsorption of dissolved species on soil”. In recent years, it has been reported that various reactions to the adsorbed species occur. I’m trying to elucidate the mechanism of the reaction.【Elucidation of nature of dissolved species in hydrosphere】
The dissolved species in hydrosphere is complex because several dissolved species coexists. I’m trying to elucidate the nature of the complicated dissolved species with theoretical calculation.- Desired cooperation
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- Characterization of compounds using XA spectroscopy
- Migration behavior of elements in hydrosphere
- Solid-liquid interfacial reaction
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Professor
- Kenji NAKAI
- Research Field
Safety design of composite structures
- Keyword(s)
Airplane, Composite material, High strain-rate characteristic
- Research theme
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- Evaluation of high strain-rate mechanical properties of composite, metallic and polymeric materials
Outline of research activitiesIn recent years, composite and polymeric materials have been increasingly replacing conventional metallic materials in aerospace, civil, marine, rail and automotive industries. Some applications of composite and polymeric materials involve dynamically loaded components and structures. Therefore, there is a need to fully understand the dynamic behavior of composite materials for the analysis and design of composite and polymeric structures subjected to impact loadings. However, the mechanical properties of composite and polymeric materials under dynamic loading conditions are not well understood, because there are no standard impact test techniques.
Consequently, we experimentally and numerically examine the effects of strain rate on the compressive and tensile characteristics of composite and polymeric materials. High strain-rate stress-strain curves are obtained on the standard or modified split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Low and intermediate strain-rate ones are measured in an Instron testing machine.- Desired cooperation
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- Determination of high strain-rate stress-strain curves of composite, metallic and polymeric materials used in aerospace, automotive and rail industries
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Chihiro KONDO
- Research Field
Internal Combustion Engine, Combustion, Instrumentation Engineering, Numerical Simulation
- Keyword(s)
Engine systems, Combustion, Alternative fuel,Waste Heat Recovery from Internal Combustion Engines
- Research theme
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- Study on the combustion in engine systems and method of production and optimal usage of alternative fuels for vehicles and electricity generators
Outline of research activitiesThe engine is an essential piece of machinery that is used in vehicles, electricity generators, ships, and so on. However, fossil fuels are limited in their amount and engines exhaust carbon dioxide from the burning of hydrocarbon-based fuels, which is treated as a cause of global warming. Therefore, in order to deal with these problems, an alternative fuel is proposed that is comparable to fossil fuel in terms of fuel properties such as ignitability, calorific value, cold flow properties and oxidation, but which is environmentally friendly. In this laboratory, a study is conducted on the production and optimal usage of alternative fuels such as biofuel (e.g., biodiesel), gaseous fuel, and so on. Combustion technology for engine systems for low fuel consumption rate using natural gas and hydrogen is also studied.
- Desired cooperation
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- Development of higher output and higher thermal efficiency CNG engines (especially direct-injection spark-ignition CNG engines)
- Development of gas flow mesurement method using inorganic fluorescent particles (fluorescent PIV)
- The production method and evaluation method of bio-fuel especially made from waste oil in the oily wastewater
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Systems Engineering
- Associate professor
- Koji IWANO
- Research Field
Fluid engineering, Mechanical engineering, Chemical engineering, Environmental engineering
- Keyword(s)
Turbulence, Transport phenomena, Multiphase flow
- Research theme
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- Scalar mixing in liquid-phase turbulent flows
- Momentum/Heat/Mass transport across wind-wave air-water interface
- Behavior of droplets and bubbles in turbulent flows
Outline of research activitiesIn order to improve the performance of various industrial devices and to make effective use of energy, it is important to understand and control the mechanisms of momentum, heat, and mass transport by turbulent flows. Understanding of turbulent transport phenomena is also essential for accurate prediction of meteorological phenomena. Our specific research topics include: experiments and numerical simulations to elucidate the mixing mechanism of scalars in liquid-phase turbulent jets; measurements of momentum, heat, and mass transport across wind-wave air-water interfaces to improve the prediction accuracy of typhoons; experiments to elucidate the behavior of droplets and bubbles in turbulent flows; and the development of novel devices (plasma actuators) to reduce fluid friction drag.
- Desired cooperation
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- Turbulent transport phenomena in industrial and environmental processes.
- Development of novel fluid measurement methods for complex flow fields.
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Professor
- Fuminori HIRAYAMA
- Research Field
Architectural Design
- Keyword(s)
user participation design, user evaluation,workshop, public cultural facilities
- Research theme
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- User Evaluation of Public Cultural Facilities
- Analysis of user opinions and verification of effectiveness of user participation design
- Functional changes in public cultural facilities
Outline of research activitiesIn the design of public cultural facilities, there are an increasing number of examples of design methods that incorporate the users’ ideas at the architectural design stage in order to promote active use.
Our laboratory has collected 70 cases of participatory design from all over Japan. The following participatory design practices were implemented in our laboratory, and the effectiveness of participatory design was verified through analysis of user opinions and post-completion evaluations of these practices.
・Kudamatsu City Community Exchange Center (2013)
・Okayama Prefectural Doctor’s Hall (2015)
・Sanagouchi Village Office (2017)
・Kashiwa City Southern Neighborhood Center (2018)- Desired cooperation
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- Public facility planning and design
- User-participatory design practices
- User evaluation analysis of public facilities
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Faculty of Engineering, Department of Architecture
- Professor
- Kazuhiko SAKAMOTO
- Research Field
Environmental Engineering, Building Services Engineering
- Keyword(s)
Environmental Planning, Building Services, M&E Engineering Design, Energy Conservation
- Research theme
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- Study for the New Design method of Water Supply System based on the Dynamic Calculation Method of the Water Supply Demands
- Research on Optimization of Indoor Thermal Environment
- Study fot the most Suitable Operation method about Building Services
Outline of research activitiesOne of the important roles of the Building Services Engineering, the follow things must be compatible.
· Building comfort environments for users.
· Adopting energy conservation techniques for the global warming-control measures.
Air Conditioning System : Explaining the effect of natural ventilation by the Computational Fluid Dynamics program.
Plumbing System : Recently, the follow things are realized.
· Water consumption decreases by using water saving plumbing fixtures.
· Booster pump systems increse.
Therefore, I explain the instantaneous flow rates and study the new design method for water supply system.- Desired cooperation
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- Development of the new water supply system
- Energy conservation chek of Building Services
- Development of practical use methods of renewable energy
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Faculty of Information Science and Engineering, Department of Information Science and Engineering
- Associate professor
- Hiroaki KUNO
- Research Field
Bioengineering, Electrical engineering
- Keyword(s)
Biological Information, Measurement, Analysis, Virtual Reality, Robot
- Research theme
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- Development of remote control robot using body motion
- Development of human action recognition software using security camera images
- Development of sports training software using virtual reality
- Development of biological information measurement system for animals
Outline of research activitiesThe theme of our laboratory is to measure biological information obtained from humans and animals. Measured biological information is used in the development of various sensors, equipment, and software.
- Desired cooperation
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- Downsizing of system
- Development of application software
- Development of telecommunications technology
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Faculty of Life Science, Department of Bioscience
- Associate professor
- Takahiro HAMADA
- Research Field
Plant Physiology, Cell Biology
- Keyword(s)
Cytoskeleton, microtubule, RNA granule
- Research theme
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- Mechanism of microtubule regulation in plants
- Mechanism of environmental responses in plants
- Mechanism of small RNA in plants
Outline of research activitiesThrough advanced imaging techniques, biochemistry, and gene expression analyses, I work to understand the mechanisms of how plants adapt to changes in the environment.
(1) Mechanisms of Plant Motion and Growth Many people believe that plants do not move. However, the reality is that plants respond by sensing changes in light intensity, color, and temperature and moving. I focus on the behavior of microtubules in plant cells, which may be playing a key role in regulating plant motion and growth. This project tries to answer this classic, unanswered question in plant physiology, one that had been a focus of Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882), the Father of Evolution.
(2) Mechanisms of Plant Environmental Responses To adapt to environmental change, plants must survive and reproduce through seed production because they cannot physically leave the place where their seeds germinate. In particular, my focus is on how plants adapt to higher temperatures. As we face the challenge of climate change and global warming, understanding mechanisms of biological adaptation to higher temperatures is critical.
(3) Functions of Small RNAs on Plant Embryogenesis and Development Small RNAs play important roles to regulate plant embryogenesis and developments. I discovered a novel gene expression mechanism involving small RNAs. This project tries to further develop this new field in plant physiology.
- Desired cooperation
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- Advanced Agriculture
- Studies for plant monitoring and cultivation technologies
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Professor
- Keiji NAKAMURA
- Research Field
Biology
- Keyword(s)
Insect, Life history, Seasonal adaptations
- Research theme
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- Experimental analysis of insect life-cycle adaptations
- Analysis of environmental factors affecting animal life cycles
- Studies of of environmental effects on amphibian growth and development
Outline of research activitiesInsects adapt to various terrestrial environments. In temperate regions, to survive cold temperatures in winter is essential for insects. Thus, many insects predict the arrival of period which is not suitable for development and reproduction, and change their physiological state. I am studying how insects regulate the life cycles in response to environmental signals, by field observations and rearing experiments.
- Desired cooperation
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- Preservation of ecosystems
- Experimental analysis of pest's life cycle
- Effects of environmental changes on animal ecology
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Professor
- Takeharu SATO
- Research Field
Disaster prevention meteorology
- Keyword(s)
Sediment disaster, Rainfall
- Research theme
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- Development of landslide disaster prediction technology
- Development of risk evaluation technology of landslide disaster
Outline of research activitiesWe have to evaluate the occurrence prediction and disaster occurrence risk of landslides from inspection data. We analyze the trend of the past of the disaster, to assess whether the “when” “where” landslide disaster occurs, we are working to hazard maps.
These results are considered useful in a safe life.- Desired cooperation
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- Construction consultant
- Disaster-prevention measures
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Associate professor
- Mototaka SANEYOSHI
- Research Field
Geology, Sedimentology, Paleontology
- Keyword(s)
Paleoenvironments, Geological survey, Fossil Taphonomy
- Research theme
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- Stratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous of Gobi desert, Mongolia
- Late Cretaceous of Dinosaur fossils from Gobi desert, Mongolia and Late Miocene Mammalian fossils from Great Rift Valley in Kenya
- Sedimentation processes of modern River systems
- Paleoenvironments of Miocene sediments in Nagi, Okayama Prefecture
Outline of research activitiesI am actively involved in paleontological excavations spanning Mongolia, Kenya, and northern Okayama Prefecture, while simultaneously conducting meticulous paleoenvironmental reconstructions based on robust geological investigations. Moreover, my endeavors extend to the comprehensive reconstruction of the entire ecological framework of the relevant time periods, encompassing small vertebrates, insects, and invertebrates, achieved through the discernment of the intricate interconnections between fossils and their corresponding stratigraphic contexts. Furthermore, our team enthusiastically engages in lifelong learning endeavors, exemplified by organizing exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that showcase esteemed fossil specimens.
- Desired cooperation
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Associate professor
- Shinji MIYAMOTO
- Research Field
Geography, Environmental Archaeology, Environmental History
- Keyword(s)
Disasters, Land Development History, Archaeological Site Location, Geomorphic Environmental Transition
- Research theme
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- Elucidation of human responses to changes in the natural environment
- An Examination of the History of Land Development in the Asian Monsoon Region
- Analysis of Site Location Environment
- Comparative Study of Disaster Response in the Asian Monsoon Region
Outline of research activitiesBased on fieldwork in flood zones from the Himalayan highlands above 4,000 meters to the zero-meter flood zones, we are trying to elucidate the actual disaster conditions and land development processes in each region. In contrasting between regions, we emphasize primary data and attempt to relativize the issues.
- Desired cooperation
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- Disaster Prevention Mapping
- Support for disaster prevention activities, etc.
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Associate professor
- Shoji HAYASHI
- Research Field
Vertebrate Paleontology, Bone Histology, Evolutionary Biology
- Keyword(s)
Dinosaur, Mammal, Bone Histology, Aquatic Adaptation, Ontogeny
- Research theme
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- Dinosaur Paleobiology
- Secondary adaptation of tetrapods to life in water
- Gigantism and dwarfism of vertebrates
Outline of research activitiesBone histology is the study of bone function and growth by sectioning bones into thin slices to visualize internal tissues. This technique has proven instrumental in uncovering the physiology and ecology of extinct animals, providing insights into their growth rate, age, metabolism, and degree of aquatic adaptation — factors that were previously challenging to reconstruct. My research focuses on employing bone histology to explore the life and adaptive processes of large vertebrates, such as dinosaurs and mammals. Specifically, I aim to uncover what factors influenced these creatures to evolve into giants or diminutive forms and how terrestrial vertebrates altered their physiology and bone structure to successfully readapt to aquatic environments.
- Desired cooperation
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- Researches on living vertebrates (e.g., ecology, anatomy, and pathology)
- Paleoenvironment researches based on geology
- Vertebrate paleontological researches
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Faculty of Biosphere - Geosphere Science, Department of Biosphere - Geosphere Science
- Lecturer
- Kentaro CHIBA
- Research Field
Vertebrate Palaeontology, Dinosaur Phylogeny, Osteohistology
- Keyword(s)
dinosaur, growth, fossils
- Research theme
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- Dinosaur taxonomy and evolution
- Macroevolution in animal growth
- Growth reconstruction of fossil vertebrates
Outline of research activitiesAnimal bones typically contain growth marks, similar to those of tree rings. Previous studies have utilized these marks to reconstruct the growth of extinct animals, especially dinosaurs, and further investigate their physiology and ecology. Using specimens and data that I have collected through fieldwork and museum visits all over the world, I hope to contribute to our understanding of the link between life histories of fossil animals and macroevolutionary patterns.
- Desired cooperation
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- Growth of extant and recently extinct animals
- Chemical analysis of fossil bones, teeth and shells
- Imaging techniques for bone microstructure
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Faculty of Management, Department of Management
- Lecturer
- Yasuo ISHIDA
- Research Field
Exercise Physiology, Environmental Physiology, Health Science
- Keyword(s)
Sports, Exercise, Wearable Device, Reaction Time, Environment
- Research theme
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- Health promotion and lifelong sports
- Choice reaction time and performance
- Environmental temperature and physiological stress
Outline of research activities[Health promotion and lifelong sports]
The important thing is to keep exercising. Sports are also important from the perspective of release stress and mental health. Wearable devices have made it possible to measure heart rate and walking distance during exercise. I promote research that contributes to health promotion and lifelong sports.
[Choice reaction time and performance]
The study of choice tasks leads to improved sports performance. The study of reaction time improved prevent accidents. I am studying reaction time and selection tasks.
[Environmental temperature and physiological stress]
Physiological stress during exercise in a hot or cold environment is evaluated using indices such as heart rate and body temperature. I am studying against heatstroke and prevention of hypothermia.- Desired cooperation
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- Research on health promotion
- Research on environmental temperature and physiological stress