The growing demand for convenience foods has increased the need for processed agricultural products. Since heat processing results in the loss of sugars and other nutrients, it is necessary to consider processing methods that preserve nutrients. The objective of this study was to determine the amount of sugars remaining in local carrot puree heated in a convection-steam oven (CSO) at three different temperatures (120℃, 140℃, and 160℃; 100% humidity, 20min) and to confirm by sensory evaluation whether the amount of sugars remaining was consistent with the sweetness level. HPLC measurements indicated that carrot puree contained significantly more sugar at higher heating temperatures, suggesting that there was little sugar loss associated with the decrease in wet weight due to CSO heating. However, there was no significant difference in human perceived "sweetness intensity" among the three temperature ranges. It was suggested that the bitterness masked the sweetness, and that the water content in the carrot puree affected the leaching of sugars. In conclusion, it is clear that in the processing of agricultural products, it is important not only to judge sweetness by measurement alone, but also to analyze it by sensory evaluation.

  The purpose of this study was to clarify the actual situation in regard to the diagnostic and evaluation methods of the swallowing condition used by registered dietitians working in long-term care insurance facilities as a basis for selecting a dysphagia diet suitable for the swallowing condition of each facility. It also aimed to identify the challenges these dieticians face when selecting a dysphagia diet suitable for each facility user. A questionnaire survey was distributed to 306 long-term care insurance facilities in Niigata Prefecture, and responses were received from 135 facilities. As a result, the percentage of facilities providing dysphagia diets was 34.6%. Regarding the availability of methods for diagnosing dysphasia, "Yes" was selected by 52.6%, with the modified water swallow test being the most common method. Regarding the difficulties in selecting the appropriate form of diet for swallowing adjustments, free description responses indicated that the facilities with the corresponding form of diet marked "Yes" provided opinions only when the following options were selected: "The number of meal forms (categories) increases when considering the individual response to the options" and "The number of types (categories) of regulated swallowing diet forms is limited." On the other hand, the facilities without an evaluation method or corresponding food form expressed concerns about the lack of clear criteria for selecting an adjusted dysphagia diet and responding to the consistency and hardness of the food.

  In Town B, District B, Hiroshima Prefecture, where the birthrate is declining and the population is aging, they have started a smartphone consultation event for elderly people aged 65 and over in collaboration with the CSR headquarters of Company C. Students at High School A Lifestyle Welfare Department were asked for their cooperation. The purpose of this study was to examine the results and challenges of the "Easy Smartphone Consultation" jointly conducted by High School A, Town Planning Division B, and CSR Head-quarters of Company C. A questionnaire survey of both high school students and elderly participants was carried out in order to elicit suggestions for effective ways for high school students to support the elderly. The efforts of the "Easy Smartphone Consultation Meeting" are not only aimed at solving the daily life issues of the elderly, but also high school students' recognition of learning outcomes in welfare-related subjects, deepening understanding of the problems of the elderly, and improving awareness of local elderly support.

  It was also inferred that the following three points are necessary for high school students to provide effective support for the elderly. ① Before providing support to the elderly, high school students must acquire knowledge and skills regarding the physical and mental characteristics of the elderly and how to interact with them; ② High school students should be in a position to utilize their own qualities and abilities as well as the knowledge and skills they have acquired in class; ③ A system should be put in place to assign personnel with more specialized knowledge and to follow up with high school students who find it difficult to support the elderly.

  Refillable cosmetics are widely used to save resources. However, there are no clear standards regarding the expiry date of cosmetics that are repeatedly refilled. In this study, we investigated the number of viable bacteria in refillable lotion and changes in the usage experience. Six types of lotions were used in this study. It was found that unused lotion inhibited the growth of added staphylococci. Furthermore, in a 6-month storage test of unused lotion, no viable bacteria or coliform bacteria were detected. A monitoring test using these cosmetics was then conducted for 6 months, during which time each monitor used the same lotion daily and refilled the bottle once a month. After the six-month period, no viable bacteria, coliform bacteria, or Staphylococcus aureus were detected in the lotion remaining in the bottle. In the questionnaire survey, there was almost no change in the usage experience of the lotion.