Breast X-ray screening (mammography) was introduced in 2000 to detect breast cancer at an early stage. Since then, the number of examinees has increased steadily. X-ray dose must be optimized enough to obtain high quality images for diagnosis reliability without compromising safety. Mammography uses low-energy X-rays with a special energy spectrum for breast screening. This X-ray energy spectrum is significantly different from the reference X-ray spectrum used to calibrate dosimeters. Industry and academia were concerned about the reliability of dose evaluation for quality control of mammography. So, NMIJ/AIST has established the X-ray dose standard based on the X-ray energy spectrum for mammography, and has supplied this standard to industry. We have succeeded in rapidly establishing this standard by making utmost use of existing research equipment and technology, and setting the standard to the existing accuracy control system. Moreover, we drew up a preliminary R&D scenario with consideration for both domestic and international situations regarding mammography dosimetry, which enabled rapid and extensive dissemination of the standard with an international consistency.

View full abstract

To estimate the magnitude of the 869 Jogan tsunami (described in the historical record), we surveyed tsunami deposits and constructed a source-fault model by combining geological data with geophysical simulation. Although the 2011 Tohoku earthquake was much larger than the earthquake estimated by our Jogan model, there were similarities: the 2011 earthquake proved that deposits are evidence of tsunamis in the past, and reliable warnings of future giant tsunamis. Our study results on the Jogan tsunami were submitted to the Headquarters of Earthquake Research Promotion, and in March 2011, the evaluation was near completion. However, the earthquake occurred just before a giant tsunami warning could be issued. We need to announce our study results to society as quickly as possible so as not to repeat such a mistake. Moreover, we have to concurrently carry out reliable studies based on rigorous surveys.

View full abstract

SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell) is a very promising technology that achieves high power generation efficiency, while being very nearly usable. It is high time we considered enhancing commercialization and dissemination of SOFC by setting a standard for the evaluation method of SOFC cell/stack performance. In setting the standard, it is neither appropriate to describe the specific content or form of the test object, nor appropriate to unify the test conditions, because each type of SOFC has been developed for a different application owing to the diversity of SOFC. On the other hand, uncertainty evaluation of the test results has been introduced to ensure reliability. In setting a standard for the SOFC performance test, it is necessary that the method for uncertainty evaluation be specifically described in the text, because the performance of SOFC depends on many parameters. This report describes the approaches we have taken in order to set the international standard of the SOFC test method and to evaluate the uncertainty of the test results.

View full abstract

“Switchable mirror glass” is a new thin film material that can be switched between transparent and mirror states. Using this material in window glass saves energy by effectively shading rooms from heat-generating sunlight, thereby decreasing cooling load in summer. In this paper, we introduce our R&D strategy for further development and practical deployment of this material. In addition to R&D of the material itself we also measured the amount of energy saved when the material was used in the windows of buildings. The results we obtained from such field tests will enable us to develop a window glazing with better energy-saving performance..

View full abstract

The development and dissemination of reliable analysis methods and reference materials, and the accumulation of high-quality analytical data are important to: (1) understand the environmental impact of hazardous chemicals; (2) evaluate the safety and effectiveness of international treaties regarding these chemicals; and (3) formulate policies accordingly. We published an international standard method for analysis of hazardous chemicals, using recent data on hazardous chemical usage and environmental persistence, before international regulations came into force. Here, we describe the development of our method, its adoption as ISO and JIS standards, and the significance of these achievements.

View full abstract