Nagasaki Junshin Catholic University

Prospective memory (PM), defining the currently conceived intention of a future action, is crucial for daily functioning, particularly in aging populations. This study develops and validates a virtual reality prospective memory training (VR–PMT) system that integrates visual imagery training (VIT) and virtual reality training (VRT) to enhance the PM abilities of users. The framework is designed to progressively challenge users by simulating real-life PM tasks in a controlled VR environment. The VIT component is designed to improve the generation and utilization of visual imagery by users, while the VRT component provides PM tasks based on time and event cues within a virtual environment. The framework was evaluated on ten healthy adults (university students and elderly participants) over 9 weeks. During the initial session, the baseline PM abilities of the participants were assessed using the memory for intentions screening test (MIST). The subsequent sessions alternated between VIT and VRT with increasing task complexity. The MIST scores were significantly positively correlated with task achievement, confirming the efficacy of the system. Imagery abilities were also strongly correlated with task performance, underscoring the importance of visual imagery in PM training. Usability and user experiences, evaluated on the Jikaku-sho Shirabe questionnaire and the user experience questionnaire, indicated an overall positive user experience but higher fatigue levels in elderly participants. This study demonstrates that the VR–PMT system effectively trains and assesses PM abilities by integrating VIT and VRT, supporting its potential for broader applications in clinical settings.

A large body of evidence demonstrates that cooperative learning promotes reading achievement. Cooperative learning is based on Social Interdependence Theory, which holds that learners benefit from leveraging cooperative effort to achieve individual and mutual goals. Student-generated questioning (SGQ) is a cooperative learning strategy that promotes learning through an iterative self and peer-assessment process. SGQ has yielded mixed results among lower-proficiency language users, where linguistic and cultural barriers can impede efficacy. Providing students with pre-training, procedural prompts, and language modeling has proven effective. A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design was employed to determine the impact of a highly scaffolded SGQ strategy on reading comprehension in two intact CEFR-A2 reading classes (n = 62) over a 16-week semester at a Japanese university. The Cambridge A2 Key Test was administered before and after the reading intervention. Parametric test results revealed SGQ had no significant effect on any of the five reading subskills. Further discussion of findings and recommendations may prove instructive for reading educators and researchers of low-proficiency English students in Japan and other East Asian contexts.

高比良，1998)

“Barrier-free” has become a popular concept in daily life, often referred to as the “barrier-free phenomenon”. This paper describes the philosophy and problems of barrier-free. The objective is to create an environment where the disabled or senior citizens can lead comfortable, fulfilling lives. For this purpose, the environment is divided into three elements: living requirements, transportation improvement, and urban development.. Each element is examined in detail to identify current problems, improve conditions, and clarify the ideas behind recommended changes. As a result of my research on the transportation problems, the concept of transportation rights was developed. The Bill of Transportation Rights was formulated in 1998. This paper also describes the Ordinance for Creation of a Welfare-Oriented Community enacted in Nagasaki Prefecture. Some major projects are as follows: policy, research, and educatoin for barrier-free and welfare community development.

One-quarter of the residents (about 52,000) in the disaster area around the volcanic eruption area of Mt Unzen-Fugen have been forced to evacuate over a 3 year period. We conducted a psychological controlled study using the GHQ-30 for evacuees. As a result, the percentage of people with a high score over 8 points was 67% of evacuees, markedly higher than 10% of the control group. Some mental support activities, such as counseling by community nurses and crisis intervention/medication by psychiatrists and others, have been promoted. Subjects who received a psychiatric intervention had good outcome as a whole. The nature of psychiatric problems among disaster evacuees and the necessity of long-term support are discussed in this paper.