The effect of presoaking treatment before cooking on the softening of various kinds of stored beans was quantitatively investigated by examining softening rate constants. The beans used in this study were adzuki (Vigna angularis, adzuki bean), kuromame (Glycine max, merrill or black jet), tebo (Phaseohus vulgaris, white kidney bean), toramame (Phaseohus vulgaris, concord pole), and hiyokomame (Cicer arietinum, chickpea). Presoaking treatment was effective for increasing softening rate constants in control beans (stored at 4℃) except for adzuki. On the contrary, for the case of storage-aged beans (stored at 37℃/75％ RH for 60 days), softening during cooking was suppressed by presoaking. It is generally believed that beans will not readily absorb water and need a longer soaking time after being stored. However, the results of this study suggest that storage beans should not be soaked for a long time or should be cooked without presoaking to avoid hardening while soaking.

  Using the electron spin resonance spin trapping method, we evaluated the reactive-oxygen-species (hydroxyl radicals, alkoxy radicals, superoxide radicals and singlet oxygen) scavenging abilities of 41 tomato juice samples with different color tones. There was no significant difference in the reactive oxygen scavenging ability between the dark red, red, pink and yellow samples. However, the dark red sample had a significantly higher singlet oxygen scavenging ability than the red one. For these color tones of tomatoes, the hydroxyl radical and the singlet oxygen scavenging abilities are related to the color tone of the appearance. The alkoxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging abilities have correlation with color tones. However, we cannot explain why the lycopene and β-carotene alone cannot explain the relevance. Therefore, we estimated that other antioxidant components are involved. On the other hand, the lemon-colored one had significantly higher alkoxy radical, superoxide radical, and singlet oxygen scavenging ability than conventional tomato juice which has already been circulated. We expected the lemon-colored tomato had new functionality.

  We examined hazard factors of Bacillus cereus food poisoning in festive red rice. Standard plate counts and Bacillus spp. counts in 34 commercial red rice samples, and 29 ingredients (10: cowpeas, 7: adzuki and 12: sesame) were detected. Of the 34 rice samples, four purchased day samples and 8 samples kept at 18℃ for 24 hours were Bacillus spp. positive. Bacillus spp. such as B. cereus, B. mycoides, B. lentus and the unidentified Bacillus were isolated from 2 of 10 cowpea samples, one of 7 adzuki samples and 3 of 12 sesame samples. No bacteria was isolated from sesame heated to 160℃ having 1.5×10⁴ CFU/g of standard plate counts and 5.2×10² CFU/g of Bacillus spp. organisms. The study suggests that some commercial red rice and ingredients have Bacillus spp. contamination, and sesame was one of the high-risk factors of food poisoning in red rice.

  The purpose of this study is to clarify how a study room and the presence of a family member can affect a child's motivation to learn. A survey has revealed the following results: (1) More than 80％ of children are given their own rooms, but approximately half of them study in the living room. Many children who study in their own rooms do so with their family members. (2) When studying in the living room, children demonstrate more self-motivation for studying if a family member is always in the same room. However, girls tend to demonstrate more self-motivation for studying when studying in their rooms than in the living room. (3) When studying in their own rooms, children demonstrate less self-motivation to study if a family member is always with them.

  The purpose of this research was to examine the characteristics and problems of home economics studies in citizenship education which itself attempts to resolve the issues of life instability among children and youths. We also aimed to present a logic for overcoming these issues.

  We selected thirty-four research papers in home economics citizenship education based on four keywords: shitizunshippu (citizenship), consumer citizen, citizenship, independent citizen. Then, we analyzed how the researchers established subjects and defined terms.

  Our results indicate that many studies focused on suggesting educational contents and methods. Furthermore, the treatment of key issues indicated that researchers focused on individuals and their social participation, organized on a spatial scale. However, we clarified that existing studies lack a consideration for actual cooperativity. Therefore, we present “A Tentative Logic of Home Economics Practices to Foster Citizenship Based on Development Process of Cooperativity” which establishes a middle area between the individual and community in class, and emphasizes dialogue and cooperation with various peoples.

  Reoccuring demographic, social, technical, economic, and environmental challenges permeate the lives of individuals and families. Violence, consumer debt, global warming, cyber bullying, poor quality childcare, food insecurity and obesity epidemic are just a few of the societal ills that plague individual and family well-being. Technical advancements in communication, medicine, information, transportation, food and agriculture are transforming the way we live and work at an accelerating pace. The challenges create demands on human, economic, and environmental resources that burden individuals, families, and communities. Addressing the challenges and envisioning the future of the profession requires effective strategies for acquiring, maintaining, sustaining, and developing these resources. The ability to proactively respond to these societal challenges depends on the quality of leadership exhibited within society and the profession.

  Since its origin, the home economics profession has been poised to address societal issues with the goal of enhancing the human condition. No other profession integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines with the purpose of addressing the practical perennial problems faced by individuals and families. No other profession inspires its members to take personal and collaborative responsibility to help people improve physical, emotional, social, and resource well-being in our complex world. The principles of rigor, relevance, and relationships will provide a framework for the perspective. Collectively, with the mission at the forefront, professionals can embrace an innovative agenda to make valuable contributions in research, education, business and the economy that meets the evolving needs of individuals, families and communities around the world therefore sustaining the future for many years to come.