Latest news with #ALPS
Japan Forward
10-06-2025
- Health
- Japan Forward
Flounder at Fukushima Shows No Harm From Tritium in Water
A trial at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant testing the biological effects of tritium, a naturally occuring radioisotope of hydrogen, ended in late March with promising results. It involved raising flounder and abalone in water containing the substance over a three-year period. The project aimed to demonstrate the safety of releasing ALPS treated water containing tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen, into the ocean. Images of healthy flounder and abalone raised in tritium-containing water were widely shared in Japan and abroad, helping to ease public concerns and reduce reputational damage. At first glance, the experiment may seem minor. But no other study in the world has examined the biological effects of tritium with such precision, over such a long period, and using so many specimens. Some of the flounder from the trial will later be used in research in a field closely linked to nuclear fusion energy. At Fukushima Daiichi, groundwater continues to seep into the damaged reactor buildings, becoming contaminated after contact with fuel debris. Most radioactive substances are removed by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), but tritium, a hydrogen isotope, cannot be filtered out. However, tritium emits only very weak radiation and does not build up in the body, even if ingested. Releasing water containing tritium into the ocean is standard practice at nuclear power plants around the world. Nevertheless, at Fukushima Daiichi, the same process, even after filtration and dilution, still sparks public concern and fears of reputational harm. Explaining safety with data alone means little if the public remains unconvinced. To address this, TEPCO launched its own marine life rearing trial. It began in September 2022, nearly a year before the first release of treated water in August 2023. The company set up two test tanks, each holding about 400 juvenile flounder. One tank contained seawater mixed with treated water, while the other held only regular seawater. Flounder were raised in tanks like this one, filled with seawater mixed with treated water. (Courtesy of TEPCO) The study found no difference in survival or growth between the two groups. Additionally, tritium levels in the bodily fluids of flounders raised in the treated water never exceeded those in the water itself. These levels dropped to undetectable within 24 hours after the fish were returned to normal seawater. Tritium was also detected in their muscle tissue, but those levels rose slowly over two years and stabilized at just one-fourth to one-sixth of the treated water concentration. TEPCO is also conducting related studies on abalone and hondawara seaweed to monitor how tritium is absorbed and released. The flounder trial began in March 2022, including the preparation phase. None of the TEPCO staff had experience raising flounder. This made the task especially difficult in land-based, closed-system tanks. For the first six months, they used only regular seawater to practice and refine their techniques. Two months in, the flounder began dying suddenly, and the cause was unclear. With help from outside experts, the team eventually discovered blood-sucking parasites attached to the fish's gills. Once the fish were treated, the deaths stopped. Kazuo Yamanaka, who led the project, and Etsushi Kashiwagi, who oversaw risk communication about the ALPS treated water, now share a knowing glance when they recall that period. The team documented their daily challenges and progress through an online rearing diary and livestreams, often adding a touch of humor. These updates attracted a wide audience. Seeing healthy, growing flounder and abalone provided a kind of reassurance that numbers alone could not. An Ezo abalone extends its tentacles. This post drew 46,000 views, which was 30 times more than usual. (February 9, 2023, TEPCO Marine Life Rearing Log) The trial provided more than just data on safety. It also advanced scientific understanding of tritium's effects on marine life. Few studies have used tritium directly, especially before TEPCO's rearing experiment. Even at low levels, its radioactivity limits handling to controlled environments such as nuclear facilities. As a result, most past research relied on deuterium, the non-radioactive counterpart of tritium. Although deuterium is safe to use in standard laboratories, its high cost has made long-term studies difficult to carry out. In Canada, where nuclear power plants discharge relatively high amounts of tritium, some studies have examined its effects on nearby lakes. However, since these studies were conducted in uncontrolled natural environments, the results often varied too much to draw firm conclusions. Over the three-year rearing trial, the TEPCO team also developed and patented a system to predict outbreaks of blood-sucking parasites. This technology could benefit land-based marine aquaculture, a field that has been growing in recent years. Another key outcome of the trial is a group of about 120 flounder containing organically bound tritium, molecules stored in their tissues. Once dried, these fish can serve as standard reference samples to help improve methods for measuring organically bound tritium. Some of the samples will also be shared with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Tritium, along with deuterium, is a key fuel for nuclear fusion. As Japan ramps up its efforts to develop fusion energy, understanding tritium's biological effects is becoming increasingly important. The flounder raised in treated water will support this broader scientific effort. Findings from the trial will be presented at the International Conference on Tritium Science and Technology in Canada in September. ( Read the article in Japanese . ) Author: Shohei Nagatsuji, The Sankei Shimbun
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is ALPS (OUSA) a Strong ETF Right Now?
The ALPS (OUSA) was launched on 07/14/2015, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Value category of the market. Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry. Market cap weighted indexes offer a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, and are a good option for investors who believe in market efficiency. But, there are some investors who would rather invest in smart beta funds; these funds track non-cap weighted strategies, and are a strong option for those who prefer choosing great stocks in order to beat the market. This kind of index follows this same mindset, as it attempts to pick stocks that have better chances of risk-return performance; non-cap weighted strategies base selection on certain fundamental characteristics, or a mix of such characteristics. Even though this space provides many choices to investors--think one of the simplest methodologies like equal-weighting and more complicated ones like fundamental and volatility/momentum based weighting--not all have been able to deliver first-rate results. Because the fund has amassed over $806.55 million, this makes it one of the average sized ETFs in the Style Box - Large Cap Value. OUSA is managed by Alps. Before fees and expenses, OUSA seeks to match the performance of the FTSE US Qual / Vol / Yield Factor 5% Capped Index. The OShares U.S. Quality Dividend Index measures the performance of publicly-listed large-capitalization and mid-capitalization dividend-paying issuers in the United States. Expense ratios are an important factor in the return of an ETF and in the long-term, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins, other things remaining the same. Operating expenses on an annual basis are 0.48% for this ETF, which makes it on par with most peer products in the space. OUSA's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 1.32%. It is important to delve into an ETF's holdings before investing despite the many upsides to these kinds of funds like diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis. Representing 23% of the portfolio, the fund has heaviest allocation to the Financials sector; Information Technology and Healthcare round out the top three. Taking into account individual holdings, Visa Inc. (V) accounts for about 5.32% of the fund's total assets, followed by Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) and Home Depot Inc. (HD). OUSA's top 10 holdings account for about 43.23% of its total assets under management. So far this year, OUSA return is roughly 1.10%, and it's up approximately 10.33% in the last one year (as of 06/06/2025). During this past 52-week period, the fund has traded between $47.97 and $55.50. The ETF has a beta of 0.85 and standard deviation of 14.01% for the trailing three-year period, making it a medium risk choice in the space. With about 101 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk. ALPS is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the Style Box - Large Cap Value segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) tracks CRSP U.S. Large Cap Value Index. Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF has $68.29 billion in assets, Vanguard Value ETF has $133.45 billion. SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% and VTV charges 0.04%. Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Style Box - Large Cap Value. To learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ALPS (OUSA): ETF Research Reports Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Visa Inc. (V) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) : Free Stock Analysis Report Vanguard Value ETF (VTV): ETF Research Reports Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
NHK
06-06-2025
- Science
- NHK
IAEA publishes report on samples of treated water from Fukushima Daiichi plant
The International Atomic Energy Agency has released a new report on analysis of samples of treated and diluted water discharged into the ocean from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. It says the results are consistent with a 2023 report which "concluded that the discharge would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment." The IAEA published the latest report as part of additional monitoring measures that began last year. The number of locations for collecting samples was increased as part of the measures. The report covers a sample of seawater collected near the plant in October last year. It says experts from research institutions in China, South Korea and Switzerland took part in the analysis of the seawater collected near the plant. Japan's Foreign Ministry says missions for conducting the additional measures have been carried out three times so far, and that further survey results are expected to be published in due course. The ministry says Japan's government "will continue to maintain close coordination with the IAEA in sharing information with the international community in a highly transparent manner and fostering a better understanding of the safety of the discharge of ALPS treated water within both the domestic and international communities." ALPS is the Advanced Liquid Processing System, used to treat water that accumulates at the plant. Water used to cool molten fuel at the Fukushima plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. Before releasing the treated water into the ocean, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce the tritium level to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.
Android Authority
06-06-2025
- Android Authority
Worried about stick drift? This Switch 2 Joy Con teardown doesn't bring good news
Nintendo TL;DR A user teardown of the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy Cons revealed similar stick components. The Switch 1 Joy Cons have been plagued with drift problems for years. Other changes to the Joy Con design may prevent drift, but only time will tell. Stick drift was one of the most notorious and persistent problems with the Nintendo Switch, and it's looking like it might be an issue with the Switch 2 as well. A user teardown of the upgraded Switch 2 Joy Cons revealed troublingly similar hardware components. In a series of images posted on Reddit, user and YouTuber moshi_yo disassembled their Switch 2 Joy Cons to find yet another ALPS potentiometer stick. They write: 'I took one of the Joy-Con 2's apart and the markings seem to point to them being Alps, and they look so similar to the original joy con sticks inside. Joy-Con drift lives on in the Switch 2 generation?' Nintendo confirmed earlier this year that the new sticks would not be Hall Effect, but it also claimed that the new sticks were 'larger and more durable' than their predecessors. At a hands-on event in April, a representative also stated that 'the new Joy Con 2 controllers have been designed from the ground up.' Switch 2 Joy Cons are more expensive and may still suffer from drift. At first glance, it doesn't look like much has changed when it comes to the stick itself. However, the secret sauce may lie in the rest of the Joy Con design. Based on early user reporting, the Joy Cons appear to be sturdier, with the L3 and R3 buttons more robust. There's also a plastic ring around the base of the stick, which may help prevent debris from entering. Regardless, only time will tell whether or not the new Joy Cons suffer the same fate as the OG Switch Joy Cons. All potentiometer sticks, including those used in PS5 and Xbox Core controllers, are susceptible to drift with prolonged use, so dedicated Switch 2 gamers might want to start saving up for replacements early. A single Joy Con will now run you $54, with a full set costing an eye-watering $94. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Japan Forward
03-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Lesson from China's Seafood Ban: Diversify Trade Markets
このページを 日本語 で読む China's May 30 move to end its unjust embargo on Japanese seafood exports was only natural. After all, in September 2024, it had already promised to steadily revive Japanese seafood imports. Eight months later, the two sides have just reached an agreement on initiating the process to lift the import ban. However, rather than taking that promise at face value, we need to pay close attention to the Chinese government's tardiness and inadequacy of response. China imposed a blanket ban on all Japanese seafood imports following the release of Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. On that basis, the agreement represents a key step for Japan's fishing industry, which has been battered by China's ban. China was a major export market for Japanese scallops and sea cucumbers before the ban. Hopes that exports would soon resume are therefore growing. However, has China's stance toward Japan really changed? The resumption of imports will apply to 37 prefectures. But that list does not include Fukushima, Ibaraki, and eight other prefectures where China had imposed restrictions on imports soon after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and nuclear disaster. Also, registration procedures for Japanese export businesses are just beginning on the Chinese side. Therefore, it will likely be several months before actual exports to China can resume. Moreover, since China often delays customs procedures for political reasons, caution is required. A cabinet meeting aimed at expanding exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products and other food was held at the Prime Minister's Office on May 30. The Shigeru Ishiba administration should take a proactive stance to ensure that China swiftly and steadily honors its promises. It must continue to press for the immediate abolition of the restrictions on exports from the remaining 10 prefectures. China requires inspections for radioactive substances and certificates of origin for all products it imports from Japan. According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Japan had committed to meeting China's regulatory and food safety standards and the criteria of Chinese supervisory authorities. Nevertheless, China's claim that the treated water is "radioactive contaminated water" is a false accusation to begin with. It is merely intended to deceive the public with absolutely no scientific basis. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other organizations have vouched for the safety of releasing the ALPS treated water. Chinese fishing vessels also continued to fish in Japan's coastal waters. It is perfectly clear that Beijing's argument that the embargo is justified due to "public anxiety" is hollow. For a decade after the Fukushima Daiichi accident, fishermen in the region suffered restrictions on import of their products. China may be eager to present the image of a conciliatory attitude toward Japan. Nevertheless, that is merely to counter pressure from the Trump administration. Moreover, even if China takes baby steps towards reconciling with Japan, we must remain vigilant. After all, no progress has been made on issues such as the detention of Japanese nationals in China and intrusions by Chinese vessels into Japan's territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands. Japan began to explore new export destinations for its marine products after China imposed its trade embargo. Even if exports resume, the political risks related to China will not decrease. The seafood industry should continue and intensify its efforts to diversify its export markets. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
