Abstract

In this study, the cultivated species and hybrids of the genus Echium in Japan were reviewed. The scientific name, synonym, Japanese common name, English common name, habit type, history, utilization, distribution, morphology, flowering date and adaptability to severe climate of eight species（ Echium candicans, Echium pininana,

Echium plantagineum, Echium russicum, Echium simplex, Echium virescens, Echium vulgare and Echium wildpretii） and

two hybrids（ Echium wildpretii × E. pininana and Echium simplex × E. wildpretii） were discussed by bibliographic consideration. This report can provide the basic information for the research of the genus Echium plants, which is expected to take advantage of the future.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of differences in othersʼ age and sex on interpersonal distance of womenʼs junior college students in the three majors. Participants were asked to indicate the most comfortable distance points in an interpersonal distance chart when talking to people in various age of each sex.

Results revealed that interpersonal distance scores（IPD） were significantly lower with infants≪preschoolers≪elementary school children≒old aged people ≪ junior high school pupils ≒senior high school pupils≒ same aged people≪middle aged people. As for the sex factor, interpersonal distance scores with females were significantly lower than with males. As for the majors, in the second grades, interpersonal distance scores of students majoring in early childhood education and care were significantly lower than those majoring in certified care-worker and welfare, whereas in the first grade there were no significant differences among majors. As for the grades, interpersonal distance scores of the second grade students majoring in early childhood education and care were significantly lower than those of the first grade students, whereas there were no significant differences in any other majors. These results suggest that interpersonal distance may be influenced by learning experiences in nursery teacher training courses.

Abstract A touch-typing education focused on reducing typing errors was performed to the womenʼs junior college students who have less touch-typing skills. The curriculum included acquiring correct form, using stamp program, awareness of score （=numbers of typing－numbers of typing errors）, and recording numbers of typing aimed at enhancing motivation. In the result, numbers of typing were 129.2±8.1 words per minute, numbers of typing errors were 1.5±0.4 words per minute, and scores were 127.7±8.0 words per minute as a whole. Numbers of typing were 122.9±8.6 words per minute, numbers of typing errors were 0.8±0.2 words per minute, and scores were 122.1±8.7 words per minute at the students with no touch-typing skills. Attitude survey about the curriculum was performed. In the result, the survey showed that this curriculum had educational positive effects. On the other hand, it also suggested that increasing the amount of self-training except for lessons plays an important role in improving their touch-typing skills.

Abstract

We investigated the effects of a study tour to the flower festival on horticultural preference by a questionnaire survey to the women's junior college students. We found out that horticultural preference after the study tour to the flower festival was higher than that of the beginning of the practice. Horticultural preference after horticulture practice was also significantly higher than that of the beginning of it. Additionally, in the preference grade about programs, the program of harvesting and tasting event was the highest, and it was significantly higher than the program of the horticulture activities of seeding, group planting, and the plants observation record. The present study showed that the study tour to the flower festival increased horticultural preference.