A seamless geological map with unified legend was created at the scale of 1:200,000 covering the entire Japanese Archipelago. This was accomplished by harmonizing regional geological maps that were compiled in various ages. A research scenario from basic geological research to information technology (IT) for distribution of digital geological maps was designed. Type 2 Basic Research was proposed to distribute the interoperable data set of geological maps, which were transformed from the results of Type 1 Basic Research for geological mapping. Seamless geological mapping was finally proposed as a Full Research program in geological research field.

View full abstract

As energy and environment issues become serious, there is an urgent need to improve efficiency of industrial energy use as well as to alter lifestyles. To realize thermoelectric conversion technology that allows power generation from waste heat, we newly discovered thermoelectric oxides that possess high safety and durability at high temperatures. We then developed a prototype of a small-size generation system that functions at temperature range of 773∼1173K in collaboration with a private company

View full abstract

To realize a new collaborative communication system, we propose qwikWeb which has a design philosophy based on communication patterns where a user can easily build a system that matches the group's activity. Adequacy and efficacy of this system were demonstrated by designing, implementing, operating, improving, and conducting analysis of operation data.

View full abstract

This paper proposes a framework for a theoretical and systematic study of service engineering. In this framework, primitive service is defined as a person (donor) donates a service to another person (receptor), and the service effect occurs when the receptor receives the service donated by the donor. The conventional service is amplified primitive service through some medium. The service industry is a complex system composed of those conventional services, in which primitive services are amplified and organized by diverse tools and various social mechanisms.

View full abstract

Inside each cell that constitutes organism, over 100 thousand different types of proteins function for vital biological processes. The proteins form groups and organizations that function as networks. We were able to achieve large-scale protein network analysis with high sensitivity, high reproducibility, and high efficiency, by newly developing liquid chromatography system with extremely low flow rate of 100 nL/min. The large scale data set obtained using this analysis contributed not only to the discovery of new cellular systems, but also to the understanding of development mechanism of diseases at molecular level. Our research developed into Full Research that led to the development of new diagnostic and treatment methods as well as new drug discovery targets.

View full abstract

AD (aerosol deposition) method is one of newly developed technologies for spray coating powder materials. It is a revolutionary coating technology in which high-density consolidation of ceramic powder can be obtained at room temperature, without sintering at high temperature as in conventional ceramic formation. By using AD, it is expected to improve device performance, to greatly reduce energy consumption and to decrease the number of steps during fabrication process that ultimately result in cutting production costs. How the characteristics of AD method are positioned from the perspective of technological competitiveness and reduction of environment load, as well as its potential, is investigated from the viewpoint of Full Research, along with description of principles and specific case studies.

View full abstract

Prof. Lester has outstanding original ideas based on plentiful and profound investigations on the role of the industry and academia in the course of innovation. He emphasizes the importance of interpretive approach where the direction of an issue will be cleared by communication, in addition to the conventional analytical approach where a solution is achieved by setting distinct problems. Here we present a discussion with Prof. Lester on the newly published Synthesiology which includes scientific papers based on Type 2 Basic Research.

View full abstract

Toyota Motor Corporation is a world-class automotive manufacturer and unquestionably one of the most successful manufacturers in Japan. The company has been introducing new technology to society without being caught in the conventional concept for cars. Foreseeing the shape of an ideal society, their vision is reflected in the creation of the world's first hybrid automobile. The automobile is a compilation of diverse technologies, and there is hardly any technology that is not used in cars. The R&D Management Division is an integrator of technological development of all automobiles in the Toyota Group and includes the Toyota Central R&D Labs. We interviewed General Manager Umeyama of the R&D Management Division, and asked him about the flow from basic research to product realization at Toyota Motors, as well as his expectations for Synthesiology.

View full abstract

Reviewing the Synthesiology papers was exciting but hard task for the reviewers because of the new style unseen in the other scientific journals. A round table talk with the reviewers of Volume 1 No. 1 and 2 issues was held to provide frank comments on diverse issues including their impressions on the new journal, the new role of reviewers, the originality of the papers, and the practicality of the requirements to the authors.

View full abstract