This study implemented time-use surveys from November 2005 to January 2006 for the purpose of clarifying the features and differences between the time-use of males and females who live in the urban districts of Thailand. The subjects of the surveys were 1,244 males and females of over 10 years of age who were selected randomly from 25 districts of Bangkok. The results indicated no difference in paid work hours between men and women but there was a higher percentage of women in the workforce in Thailand than in other developed countries. Furthermore, substantial burden could be assumed on Thai women who had to engage in paid work on weekdays and unpaid work on weekends. In fact, the present status of Thai women who play multiple roles of housewife, mother, daughter-in-law and bread earner has been clarified. Furthermore, responsibilities such as nursing and caretaking were borne by members of a family of various ages without gender bias. It can be said that the functions of an extended family are still evident in Thailand.

View full abstract

The effects of heating on the aroma components of miso soup were investigated and are expressed by using odor-descriptive terms based on an evaluation of food odor. Aroma concentrates prepared from a heated and unheated miso suspension were analyzed by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and GC-mass spectrometry. The GC-O analysis confirmed that the number of detectable aroma components in the concentrate prepared from the heated miso suspension was less than in that prepared from the unheated miso suspension. The flavor dilution factor evaluated by an aroma extract dilution analysis showed that 4-hydroxy-2(or 5)-ethyl-5(or 2)-methyl-3(2H )-furanone contributed to the sweet aroma in the unheated miso suspension, while the mixed peak of methional and acetic acid contributed to the unpleasant aroma in the heated miso suspension most strongly.

View full abstract

The relationship between eating habits and resilience, which is an interactive concept of the ability to withstand or recover from significant disturbances, of 332 male and 302 female junior high school students was analyzed by a questionnaire survey. A factor analysis of the resilience scale was performed, and the four factors of self-direction (I CAN), relation-orientation (I HAVE), optimism (I WILL), and self-affirmation (I AM) were extracted. The relation-orientation score of the females was higher than that of the males, while the self-affirmation score of the males was higher than that of the females. Different answers were recognized to all questionnaire items, except for the dinner time and frequency of cooking in the home, between the higher- and lower-scoring groups in all four or some of the extracted resilience factors. The ratio of skipping breakfast, eating breakfast alone, and complaining about general malaises increased with increasing school year. Relatively strong relationships were found between the resilience component factors and the consciousness toward the importance of nutritional balance and value of meals in the growth of the body for both the male and female students.

View full abstract

With the aim of designing a jacket that an elderly person can put on without difficulty, the motions of putting on jackets (Jacket A, basic ease; Jacket B, like Jacket A but with two pleats added to the back so that the back part can become wider) were recorded with eight digital video cameras followed by three-dimensional motion analysis in 46 healthy elderly women (mean age, 75.1 years). The active range of motion of the acromioclavicular joint and the angle of the upper limb were also measured. The maximal adduction angle of the shoulder joint was negatively correlated with the time it took to put the second wrist through the armhole of Jacket A (r=-0.48). By studying the position of the arm, the following was clarified: since the maximal horizontal adduction of the shoulder generally decreased in elderly women compared with younger women, the subjects adducted the upper limb to raise the wrist so that it could reach the armhole of Jacket A. When the maximal horizontal adduction of the shoulder decreased, it took the subjects longer to put on the jacket and they experience difficulty. It was easier for subjects to put on Jacket B because they could pull the armhole forward to the wrist.

View full abstract

We investigated dietary life in terms of living conditions and dwelling space in the remote suburban residential area of Haibara Town in Nara Prefecture. The issues dealt with in this study of dietary life include the food supply, the cooking at home, and the dinner time at home or restaurant. Nearly all residents go shopping by car to buy cooking ingredients, and the delivery service is seldom used. Elderly tend to prefer home cooking but it is to be noted that housework is bound to increase on account of cooking at home such as shopping, preparing meal and washing the dishes, for instance. Regarding the issues related to meal service and space, more than 90% of the residents specifically prefer quality meal with local foods, careful selection of cooking ingredients, affordable restaurants within walking distance from home where they can enjoy eating and talking with friends. It is also important for residents to consider some measures that would make up for physical distance so as to be able to maintain their dietary life in remote suburban districts.

View full abstract

We compared the bacterial populations and contents of minerals (K, Fe and Zn) and vitamin C between organically and conventionally grown vegetables. A total of 123 vegetables, including 10 carrots, 13 cucumbers, 11 eggplants, 12 grape tomatoes, 10 Japanese leeks, 11 komatunas, 12 onions, 10 potherb mustards, 10 spinaches, and 10 white radishes, were purchased from retail markets. No significant difference in the total bacterial and coliform counts was apparent between the organically and conventionally grown vegetables. Listeria spp. were isolated from three organically grown vegetables and one conventionally grown vegetable. Neither Escherichia coli nor Salmonella was detected in any of these vegetables. No significant differences in the contents of minerals (K, Fe and Zn) and vitamin C were found between the organically and conventionally grown vegetables.

View full abstract

With a view to ascertaining how students live in the regional community and clarifying the factors for students to be able to take an active part in activities as a member of the community, this research focuses on relation between a university student who lives alone and neighborhood association which is part of the communication system linking the municipality and its residents. The investigation was made in November-December 2007 in a central district of Nara City, and the findings are as follows: 1. The university student had little contact with the neighborhood association. 2. There was little opportunity for the students to join the regional association. 3. There was no common view that existed between the association chairman and the student. 4. The two parties, however, shared an interest with respect to the association membership as well as revamping the community. 5. It is, therefore, desired that the university should encourage students to learn to live with the community.

View full abstract