The removal behavior of model contaminants from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film in aqueous detergent solutions was examined using a microscopic image analysis system. Carbon black, iron (III) oxide and oleic acid dyed with Sudan III as model contaminants were deposited onto the PET films. The PET film was cleaned using a frequency-modulated ultrasonic cleaning apparatus monitoring with a sound pressure meter. The detergency was calculated from the total area of the contaminant deposited on the PET film. It was found that the detergency increased with increasing sound pressure and temperature. The soil removal was enhanced by the adding of sodium hydroxide. In the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate, the removal of the dyed oleic acid increased, whereas that of particulate soils decreased considerably. To compare this with a model detergent system, ultrasonic washing was carried out using artificially soiled PET fabric. The detergency of the soiled fabric was enhanced by increasing sound pressure. The experimental results in this study show that ultrasonic waves can be utilized for textile washing

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This study focuses on methods for planning living environments in children’s welfare institutes by analyzing problems that occur in the lives of children living with staff in such institutes. The recently built institute types investigated were an "LD" plan in which the living room and dining room are located in the center of the dwelling space, and a unit plan in which semi-prepared foods are normally used. We present detailed guidelines for planning children’s institutes. The structure and layout of the spatial units for children living in child-welfare-institutes were analyzed according to the following: 1) type of LD plan, in terms of the ease with which relationships develop between children and staff; 2) the usefulness of tatami mat space; 3) the degree to which life skills are learned during the preparation of meals in the kitchen of each unit; 4) the harmonious distribution of private and shared rooms; and 5) the importance of a personal desk and bed for each child.

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This research uses the North Nara-machi district as a case study, and examines changes in family structure and dwelling styles, and the sustainability of residences in this historical environment from the perspective of the trend toward one-person households. A survey in 2000 of the North Nara-machi district showed that residents were aging and showing a tendency to live separately from their children. Based on this, a new survey was conducted focusing primarily on 33 one-person households. The results showed the subsequent changes of people living alone, as well as the characteristics of their residences, and the awareness of the residents. (1) Due to the passage of about 10 years since the 2000 survey, 19 of the 238 households covered by the survey showed a change in inhabitancy, or the residences became unoccupied or were converted into vacant lots or parking lots. Of those 19, 10 became one-person households. (2) When the characteristics of the residences of one-person households were examined, the underlying reasons for the difficulty of inheriting dwellings were major problems with dwelling size and the spatial composition of traditional townhouses. (3) In terms of inheritance of dwellings to the next generation, prospects for inheritance are strongly related to vacating or rebuilding the residence. Promoting a cycle where people move into homes in this district is an urgent issue.

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The ingredients in menus offered for Confucian occasional rites (9 times in irregular seasons), mainly written by Shunsui RAI (1746-1816, a Confucian in the later Edo era), were investigated. The rites were classified into three groups: specific rites (an announcement of the construction of a Confucian altar or the expiry of mourning), welcome announcements of Shunsui’s return from Edo city for alternate-year attendance, and delays due to sickness and passing away of family members. The dishes and descriptions of menus written during 1790-1803, the early stage of the introduction of household rites in the Rai family, did not show consistency. They were different from the usual menu combination consisting of one soup and three side-dishes in a principal course, for example, dishes called daibik, godan, and another soup were added. The ingredients used in the occasional rites were no different from the menu that was formulated for seasonal rites usually held in the spring and autumn. This variety in the menus for occasional rites set the pattern for seasonal rites that were regularly held until next generation in Rai family.

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