Leading hospital for heart and vascular disease opts for Ziehm Vision RFD for virtually unlimited imaging

Arizona Heart, one of the area’s leading hospitals for the diagnosis and treatment of heart and vascular disease, has opted for Ziehm digital flat-panel C-arms for its three advanced technology suites. The Ziehm Vision RFD hybrid edition delivers distortion-free, high-resolution images for interventional procedures, and represents a cost-efficient alternative solution to fixed installed systems. Twelve ceiling-mounted monitors from Ziehm Imaging guarantee for ideal visualization in the OR.

Dr. Grayson H. Wheatley III, MD at Arizona Heart, performs an increasing number of hybrid procedures. These less-invasive interventions speed up patient recovery and minimize pain, all while treating more complex problems. “Without imaging, we would not be able to successfully treat many critically ill patients. The Ziehm C-arm is often used for complex cases which can take hours. Its image quality is comparable with many fixed imaging systems,” says Dr. Wheatley III. “A reliable imaging solution is critical since we do not want to worry about the C-arm shutting down because of overheating when treating the patient.”

The Ziehm Vision RFD is tailored to hybrid OR use criteria. With up to 25 images per second, its powerful monoblock generator also produces high-quality X-rays of moving objects such as beating hearts. Lead technologist Scott Cox R.T.’s team performs between 120-150 endovascular and hybrid procedures per month. “One of the best things about the Ziehm C-arms is their ease of use. It is very easy to switch between live angio, subtracted roadmapping and the archived images via touchscreen.”

Ziehm Imaging is dedicated to provide not only innovative technology, but also outstanding service, including staff training and continuous assistance during the installation. Chief Operation Officer Shanna Woyak says: “Ziehm Imaging’s service excellence is unsurpassed. They are accessible and visible and have played a viable role in our physician and staff education on the C-arms.”

Press contact:
Ziehm Imaging
Martin Herzmann
Director Global Marketing
Martin.Herzmann@ziehm-eu.com
Tel: +49-911-2172-0

http://www.ziehm.com

Source: Ziehm Imaging

Bangkok – January 2012: For guests who enjoy the value buffet bonanza option at their local restaurant, The Square at Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom is pleased to present a filling and thrilling upgrade on the theme for 2012!

THE SQUARE BUFFET BONANZA at 298 Baht ++ per person grants access to the best salad bar in town, with endless helpings of Cesar, olives, quail eggs, garlic cream and sesame to marry with delicious and unlimited salads, cold cuts, cheeses and Japanese delights. Pasta and dim sum corners are also on offer.

For those with a big craving for more of everything, new Main Course Menus with THE SQUARE BUFFET BONANZA included will hit the spot. Prices start from just 50 Baht ++ more, and includes free access to Bangkok’s best salad bar buffet!

Executive Chef Kitti Sasirat’s recommendation for January is marinated Australian lamb chop with grilled vegetables, served with a glass of good quality Cabernet Sauvignon. At 698 Baht ++, the January Chef’s recommendation is definitely “pick of the brunch”!

Finish off THE SQUARE BUFFET BONANZA with various kinds of sumptuous cakes and ice cream with condiments and seasonal fruits. With such a broad and interesting menu, reservation is definitely advised!  Lunch runs from 11:30 to 14:30 every day, with dinner served from 18:00 to 22:00 every afternoon through evening.

Accor Advantage Plus members receive customary programme benefits.

Monthly lucky draw to “WIN A COMPLIMENTARY DINNER FOR TWO WITH A BOTTLE OF WINE” at The Square’s Buffet Bonanza. Don’t forget to fill out the form with your contact details and drop it off after dining in the restaurant for a chance to win!

Contact details:

For reservations, please call 02-206-9100 or e-mail: H7172-FB2@accor.com

For more information please visit www.novotelbangkoksilom.com

or join us at www.facebook.com/novotelbangkoksilom

- Vaginal Self-collection for Hybrid Capture(R)-based HPV Testing Increases Screening Coverage and is More Sensitive than Pap Smear Shows a Mexican Study Published Today Online in the Lancet

Promising findings published today online in the Lancet[1] from a community-based, randomized equivalence trial undertaken by public health authorities inMexicoto investigate DNA home testing for human

papillomavirus (HPV) compared with cytology (evaluation of cells) based on Pap smears. The study indicated that the relative sensitivity of HPV molecular testing was 3.4 times higher than cytology. Additionally, 4.2 times more invasive cancers were detected. The home testing study adds support to previous evidence[2] that adding self-collection to the screening setup can increase the coverage rate of cervical cancer prevention programs, especially in underserved regions in developing and developed countries. The study was funded by the Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica (INSP), the Health Ministry of Mexico and QIAGEN.

“HPV testing is lower in cost, easier to implement, and has lower false-negative rates than cytology. Testing of self-collected vaginal samples offers increased coverage and acceptability,” commented the lead

study author, Dr. Eduardo Lazcano-Ponce, professor at the Centro de Investigacion en Salud Poblacional of INSP inMorelos,Mexico.

The trial included 25,061 women of low socioeconomic status between 26 to 65 years from 540 rural communities in Morelos, Guerrero, andMexico State,Mexico. They were randomly allocated to HPV DNA testing of a vaginal sample self-collected at home or cervical cytology at the nearest health center. Eight community nurses visited the self-collection women at home and instructed them how to use the digene(R) cervical sampler, a conical-shaped brush, to take the sample. The study used the digene(R) HPV test based on Hybrid Capture 2, which is considered the gold standard for HPV testing and already has been clinically validated in trials including more than one million women worldwide. The primary endpoint was CIN2 or worse, detected by colposcopy. Any woman having a positive result for either of the tests was referred to colposcopy.

The participation rate was higher in women randomized to the HPV group (9,202 of 9,371, 98%) than in the cytology group (11,054 of 12,731, 87%). Importantly, in the HPV group more invasive cancers were detected than with cytology (28 vs. 8). With a lower positive predictive value for HPV testing (PPV CIN2 or worse 12.2% vs. 90.5%) the identification of appropriate triage methods is crucial. The study adds: “Because women at these sites will be screened only a few times in their lives, the high sensitivity of a HPV screen is of paramount importance.”

Based on data from several national trials including Hybrid Capture technology,Mexicois the first country to implement frontline HPV testing with cytology triage as a national cervical cancer prevention program. Dr.Nubia Munoz, Colombian Cancer Institute,Bogota,Colombia, and Dr. Rolando Herrero, Prevention and Implementation Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer,Lyon,France, conclude in an accompanying editorial in the Lancet: “The experience shows what can be achieved when scientific judgment guides public health policy.”

“The value of HPV DNA testing in cervical cancer screening and disease detection has been proven again and again for both the developed and developing worlds. Self-collection for HPV DNA testing could become an important way for national cervical cancer prevention programs worldwide to increase coverage rates,” said Dr. Helge Lubenow, Head of the Molecular Diagnostic Business at QIAGEN. “Our digene HPV testing solutions have been used in several trials for self-collection, and we support any approach that helps to include populations that are difficult to reach as here are most cases of cancer to be found.”

About cervical cancer and the digene(R) HPV test

Worldwide, cervical cancer affects approximately 500,000 women annually and, after breast cancer, is the second-most-common malignancy found in women. Since the cause of cervical cancer – HPV – is known and women who have it can be identified, it is a highly preventable and treatable disease if women have access to organized prevention programs. The World Health Organization estimates that only about five percent of women in the developing world have been screened for cervical disease in the previous five years compared to 75 percent in the developed world. In theU.S., the digene HPV Test is approved for use together with a Pap test in women 30 years and older. InEurope, it is approved as an initial general population

screening test either alone or together with a Pap test. It is also used as a follow-up to inconclusive Pap test results. For more information about HPV and cervical cancer, visit http://www.theHPVtest.com .

About self-collected samples

HPV testing offers the ability for women to self-collect a specimen that can be sent to a laboratory for testing; this cannot be done with a pap smear. Specimens are self-collected in either a clinical setting or in a

home. Several health authorities, e.g. in the Netherlands and Mexico, have already investigated the effectiveness of self-collected specimens to determine if it could increase the coverage and effectiveness of their cervical cancer screening program and reach women who today are unscreened. Trials in both countries have shown very promising results and both have used the digene HPV test as the test for screening. Therefore, self-collection could be a useful addition to cervical cancer screening programs and when new algorithms are implemented that incorporate HPV DNA testing. This is true for both developing countries as well as in the developed world. Currently the digene HPV test is validated using digene Cervical Sampler and is not validated for use with self-collected specimens.

About QIAGEN

QIAGEN N.V., aNetherlandsholding company, is the leading global provider of sample and assay technologies. Sample technologies are used to isolate and process DNA, RNA and proteins from biological samples such as blood or tissue. Assay technologies are used to make such isolated bio-molecules visible. QIAGEN has developed and markets more than 500 sample and assay products as well as automated solutions for such consumables. The company provides its products to molecular diagnostics laboratories, academic researchers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and applied testing customers for purposes such as forensics, animal or food testing and pharmaceutical process control. QIAGEN’s assay technologies include one of the broadest panels of molecular diagnostic tests available worldwide. This panel includes the digene HPV Test, which is regarded as a “gold standard” in testing for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, as well as a broad suite of solutions for infectious disease testing and companion diagnostics. QIAGEN employs about 3,700 people in over 35 locations worldwide. Further information about QIAGEN can be found at http://www.qiagen.com/ .

1. Lazcano-Ponce, E. et al. (2011) Self-collection of vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing in cervical prevention (MARCH): a community-based randomised controlled trial. Lancet 378. Published Online November 2, 2011 DOI:10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61522-5.

2. Gok, M. et al. (2011) Experience with high-risk human papillomavirus testing on vaginal brushbased self-samples of non-attendees of the cervical screening program. Int J Cancer. doi: 10.1002/ijc.26128.

QIAGEN Media Contacts:

EUROPE

Svea Luebcke

Associate Director Marketing PR

Svea.Luebcke@qiagen.com

+49-2103-29-16115

AMERICAS

Shelley Ducker

Associate Director of Communications

Shelley.Ducker@qiagen.com

+1-240-686-7603

SOURCE: QIAGEN N.V.

AsiaNet 47075

การเปิดงานเริ่มต้นด้วยพิ้งค์พาเหรด โดยมีวงดุริยางค์จากโรงเรียนโพธิสัมพันธ์พิทยาคาร เมืองพัทยา ทิฟฟานีโชว์ โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพพัทยา บูรพาคลับ และพนักงานโรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อคพัทยาและฮาร์ดร็อคคาเฟ่พัทยา จัดขึ้นเพื่อสร้างการตระหนักถึงมะเร็งเต้านมในพื้นที่เมืองพัทยา หลังจากนั้นมีการจัดการแถลงข่าว โดยมีคุณอิทธิพล คุณปลื้ม นายกเมืองพัทยาให้เกียรติเป็นประธานในงานนี้

นอกจากมินิคอนเสิร์ตและพาเหรดแล้ว ยังมีสินค้า PINKTOBER ของฮาร์ดร็อค ให้ได้เลือกซื้อ อาทิเช่น เสื้อ PIKTOBER, เข็มกลัด, เครื่องดื่มสีชมพู, อาหารสีชมพู และโปรโมชั่นห้องพัก PINKTOBER: GET INTO BED FOR A CAUSE ที่โรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อคพัทยา ให้บริการตลอดทั้งเดือนตุลาคม 2554 รายได้จากการจัดงานจะมอบให้มูลนิธิถันยรักษ์ ในพระราชูปถัมภ์สมเด็จพระศรีนครินทรา
บรมราชชนนี

ฮาร์ดร็อคคาเฟ่พัทยาขอขอบคุณ แอบโซลูท วอดก้า, สิงห์, โคคาโคล่า, โรงพยาบาลกรุงเทพพัทยา, พัทยาเมล์มีเดียจำกัด และ ซิตี้เรดิโอ ที่ให้การสนับสนุนในการจัดงานในครั้งนี้
เกี่ยวกับฮาร์ดร็อคอินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล
ฮาร์ดร็อค หนึ่งในแบรนด์ที่รู้จักมากที่สุด มีสถานประกอบการทั้งหมด 173 แห่ง ใน 15 ประเทศ รวมถึง คาเฟ่ 136 แห่ง และโรงแรม/คาสิโน15 แห่ง ฮาร์ดร็อคเริ่มต้นที่กีต้าร์ของอิริค เคปตั้น และครอบครองสิ่งที่น่าจดจำที่สุดในวงการดนตรี ซึ่งประดับประดาไว้ที่สถานประกอบการของฮาร์ดรร็อคทั่วโลก ฮาร์ดร็อคยังเป็นที่รู้จักเป็นอย่างดีในเรื่องแฟชั่นและสินค้าที่เกี่ยวข้องกับดนตรี เป็นที่ที่จัดแสดงคอนเสิร์ต และเว็บไซด์ที่ได้รับรางวัล นอกจากนี้ โรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อค และคาสิโน Seminole ทั้งสองแห่งคือ ในแทมปาและฮอลลีวูด ยังมีโรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อคและคาสิโน ตั้งอยู่ในลาสเวกัส, บิล๊อกซี่, โอลานโด้, ชิคาโก้,ซานดิ เอ โก้, พัทยา,บาหลี,มาเก๊า,ปีนัง,สิงคโปร์ และพันตา คานา รวมถึงโครงการโรงแรมและคาสิโนที่เพิ่มขึ้น คือ ปานามา เมกาโพลิส กำหนดเปิดในปี 2011 ส่วนที่ฮังการี,ดูไบ และอาบูดาบี กำหนดเปิดในปี 2013 ฮาร์ดร็อคอินเตอร์เนชั่นแนลเป็นกรรมสิทธิ์ของ Seminole ฮาร์ดร็อค เอนเตอร์เทนเม้น สำหรับรายละเอียดของโรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อคและคาสิโนเพิ่มเติม เยี่ยมชม HardRockHotels.com และข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมเกี่ยวกับฮาร์ดร็อคอินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล เยี่ยมชมได้ที่ www.hardrock.com

ข้อมูลเพิ่มเติม ติดต่อ
คุณกาญจนา งามกาหลง ผุ้จัดการฝ่ายสื่อสารการตลาด
อิเมลล์: marcommgr.pty@hardrockhotels.net
คุณภัสร์วิภานุช คุณาวนุวัฒน์
อิเมลล์: marcom.pattaya@hardrockhotels.net
โรงแรมฮาร์ดร็อคพัทยา
429 หมู่ 9 ถนนเลียบชายหาดพัทยา ชลบุรี 20150
โทรศัพท์: +66 38 428755-9
แฟกซ์: +66 38 427212
เว็บไซต์: http://pattaya.hardrockhotels.net/

          NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com) announced on September 29 that Arcstar (TM) Universal One, which enables enterprises to rapidly deploy cloud-based networks on a reliable, scalable basis, will soon expand from Japan to 159 countries across the world. Applications will be accepted beginning tomorrow, September 30.

          Arcstar Universal One, which links directly and seamlessly to the customer’s private network, will be offered in four grades of service to meet varying requirements for quality and cost. All grades will feature redundant access lines and convenient one-stop operation and maintenance.

          Premium Grade – Top quality and reliability assured by redundant bandwidth-guaranteed constant-rate access lines.

          Business Grade – High reliability via a bandwidth-guaranteed constant-rate access line backed up by a best-effort access line.

          Economy Grade – Quality balanced with cost effectiveness by offering partial bandwidth-guaranteed access via variable-rate access backed up by best-effort access.

          Light Grade – Low-cost plan using best-effort access backed up by wireless access.

          The primary features of Arcstar Universal One include:

- Highly reliable network reaching 159 countries via proven, low-latency submarine cable networks, such as PC-1 between Japan and the U.S. (exceeding 500 Gbps) and Asia Submarine-cable Express between Japan and Singapore from June 2012 (exceeding 500 Gbps).

- Global one-stop total operation, including ordering and maintenance available in English as well as Japanese. A dedicated web portal enables customers to check network status.

- Rapid implementation of total cloud-optimized network environment through integration with NTT Com’s BizCITY cloud-based applications and Arcstar Unified Communication Service for seamless global communication.

          About NTT Communications Corporation
          Please visit www.ntt.com/index-e.html

          SOURCE: NTT Communications Corporation

          AsiaNet 46565

          elure Advanced Skin Lightening Products captures the prestigious title of “The Big Breakthrough in Beauty” by Allure magazine for 2011

          Syneron Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ: ELOS), http://www.syneron.com , the global leader in medical aesthetic products and technology, announced today it won the Allure magazine 2011 Best of Beauty award in the Big Breakthroughs category for both the elure Advanced Skin Lightening(TM) Lotion and the elure Advanced Lightening(TM) Night Cream. .

          “We are extremely delighted and honored to receive this prestigious award from Allure, a publication we hold in the highest regard,” said Louis P. Scafuri, Chief Executive Officer of Syneron. “elure further instills our commitment in pioneering innovative aesthetic applications for the face and body and puts us at the forefront of exciting technological advancements that aim to meet and exceed our physician partners’ high standards.”? Dr.Shimon Eckhouse, Chairman of the Board of Syneron commented, “elure is an excellent example of Syneron’s technology and product development strategy focused on bringing complete aesthetic solutions to our customers and to consumers. elure is the next generation in skin lightening products with an outstanding efficacy and safety profile proven in extended clinical trials.”

          According to Allure, most lighteners (including hydroquinone, the dermatologists’ gold standard) are only able to address dark spots by blocking the production of melanin deep within the skin but for years, scientists have been looking for an ingredient that can dissolve hyperpigmentation right on the skin’s surface-and the creators of Elure have done exactly that. “We finally have a way to dissolving melanin on the skin, which means we can achieve lightening much faster, without irritation,” said Dr. Leslie Baumann, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami Beach, Florida who also served on elure’s medical advisory board.

          The two elure products will be featured in the October issue of Allure magazine, with a circulation over 1 million readers. The list can also be viewed on Allure.com:
 http://www.allure.com/beauty-products/best-of-beauty/2011/best-of-beauty-big-breakthroughs#slide=1

          For more information about elure Advanced Skin Lightening Products visit http://www.elureskin.com or follow us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elureskin .

          About Syneron Medical Ltd.

          Syneron Medical Ltd. – a company devoted to real technology, real science and real results – is the leading global aesthetic device company with a comprehensive product portfolio and a global distribution footprint. The Company’s technology enables physicians to provide advanced solutions for a broad range of medical-aesthetic applications including body contouring, hair removal, wrinkle reduction, rejuvenation of the skin’s appearance through the treatment of superficial benign vascular and pigmented lesions, and the treatment of acne, leg veins and cellulite. The Company sells its products under two distinct brands, Syneron and Candela. Founded in 2000, the corporate, R&D, and manufacturing headquarters for Syneron Medical Ltd. are located in Israel. Syneron also has R&D and manufacturing operations in the US. The company markets and services and supports its products in 86 countries. It has offices in North America, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, UK, Australia, China, Japan, and Hong Kong and distributors worldwide.

          elure(TM) is sold as a topical cosmetic intended to beautify your skin and cosmetics are not subject to evaluation by the FDA. All product information provided is intended to be for informational purposes only. The information about skin conditions provided herein does not constitute medical or pharmaceutical advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for qualified medical consultation with health professionals.

          Additional information can be found at http://www.syneron.com
   
          Contacts:
           Linda.Pavy@bm.com
          +33 1 41 86 76 26

          Syneron PR -  pr@syneron.com

          Asaf Alperovitz
          Chief Financial Officer
          +972 73 244 2283

          SOURCE: Syneron-Candela

This three exhibitions will see over 300 local and international exhibitors showcasing cutting edge technologies, products and services to over 3000 facility management, building maintenance, engineering and architectural professionals who are expected to attend this 3 in 1 international exhibition and conference

While Building Maintenance and Asset Management Expo Asia 2011 and Green Building and Retrofits Expo Asia are strategically co-located to offer the latest sustainable and cost effective solutions for the entire spectrum of building maintenance, building retrofitting and facility management sectors, Pool & Spa Exhibition Asia 2011 will showcase state-of-the-art green technologies, products, services for those involved in the concept, design, build and installation process, retailing and maintenance of pools, spas, saunas and equipment.

Running alongside the exhibitions will be a series of must attend informative conferences, seminars,  workshops and professional trade certification courses conducted by key industry experts where attendees can gain in-depth insights on the latest and future trends affecting their industry, their business and their professions. Attendees will also be able to upgrade their knowledge, explore and get answers and solutions to their problems

For more information please contact

Tel: +66 (0) 2833 5334, +66 (0) 2833 5126

Fax: +66 (0) 2833 5127 

Email: ajinveatv@impact.co.th, jaraveek@impact.co.th 

Website: www.maintenance-asia.com, www.greenbuilding-asia.com, www.poolspaasia.com

          Polyplus-transfection celebrates 10 years of commercial growth and research and development in the field of transfection bio-tools and therapeutics with further additions to team

          Polyplus-transfection SA, which specializes in the development of innovative solutions for the delivery of nucleic acids in research and therapeutics, today celebrates 10 years of continuous growth.

          From its launch in 2001, Polyplus-transfection has sold its lines of proprietary transfection reagents through a large network of international distributors covering more than 30 countries worldwide. During the past decade, Polyplus-transfection has evolved into two business units; the core commercial transfection reagent business and therapeutic research business focused on nucleic acid delivery systems, and has moved from 4 to 42 employees. In partnership with its private equity investors, Polyplus has part funded its therapeutic research with revenue from its commercial transfection reagent sales, funding and loans, and has successfully raised a total of 7,8M Euros in venture funding since 2001.

          The most recent funding round of 2.5 M Euros which closed in December 2010, is driving the acceleration of Polyplus’ pre-clinical study programs with the hire of ten additional scientists and the expansion of Polyplus’ laboratory and office facilities in Illkirch (France). Polyplus-transfection is a specialist of in-vivo intracellular nucleic acid transfer, and is currently conducting two main research programs dedicated to development of RNA interference-based therapeutics: STICKY SIRNA and RNAPLUS. Since 2001, the scientific team of the company has authored more than 20 scientific papers and has significantly expanded the companies IP estate in the field of nucleic acid delivery.

          “Ten years is a significant milestone for every company. Polyplus-transfection has clearly proven the sustainability of its business model and now serves thousands of customers worldwide with quality products, while continuing to invest in the build out of a world class research and discovery organisation,” says Mark Bloomfield, C.E.O. of Polyplus-transfection. “Moreover, Polyplus continues to benefit from a close and valued relationship with its institutional investors who have provided the funding, support and guidance needs to bring our STICKY SIRNA and SIRNAPLUS delivery technologies into pre-clinical development.”

          “The latest results from our preclinical studies in lung metastatic cancer and prostate cancer models show that STICKY SIRNA is effective in inhibiting both the cell cycle as well as chemotherapy resistance resulting in significantly reduced tumor growth and increase mice survival when administered in combination with widely used chemotherapy drugs such as Cisplatin,” says Dr. Patrick Erbacher CSO at Polyplus-transfection. “Further, based on this preclinical data we are now seeking partners to take STICKY SIRNA in to clinical trials as a powerful tool for antitumor therapy.”

          About Polyplus-transfection

          Polyplus-transfection SA is a biotechnology company that develops, markets and sells innovative solutions for the in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo delivery of nucleic acids in research, bioproduction and therapeutics. Located close to the University of Strasbourg in Eastern France, Polyplus-transfection has been ISO 9001-certified since 2002 and supplies its proprietary range of reagents for the transfection of genes, oligonucleotides and siRNA through a worldwide distributor network. Polyplus reagents are involved in a growing number of clinical trials worldwide. In addition, Polyplus-transfection holds a broad estate of patents and licenses including original methods for therapeutic siRNA delivery.

          For more information, please visit the Polyplus-transfection web site at: http://www.polyplus-transfection.com

          For further information, please contact:
          Andrew Lloyd & Associates
          Andrew Lloyd / Neil Hunter
          Tel: +44 1273 675100
           allo@ala.com/  neil@ala.com

          SOURCE: Polyplus-transfection SA

          A survey carried out by members of the Soka Gakkai student division in the Tohoku region of northern Japan shows significant shifts in young people’s attitudes since the March 11, 2011, “triple disaster” of earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.

          In a survey of over 500 students at a total of 47 universities and vocational schools in Miyagi, Fukushima and Iwate (the three most directly affected prefectures), as well as Aomori, Akita and Yamagata, respondents stated that their views on the purpose of work, on nuclear power, and the importance of helping others had changed.

          When seeking employment, the students’ key purpose had previously been earning money (23.2%). Now it is reported to be “helping others” (18.8%) and “attaining a stable life” (17.7%). Many also indicated that their motivation is now for the sake of the community (16.8%).

          When asked on what issues their views had changed, 19.9% of respondents stated that their views on nuclear power had changed (this figure was higher, at 23%, among students from the affected areas), 18.1% indicated a shift in their perspective on the importance of helping others and 17.7% a change in their appreciation for the basics of daily life such as shelter, food and clothing.

          When asked if they identified any positive outcome of the March 11 disaster, 45% mentioned the strengthening of links between people. In terms of lessons they had learned, 34.2% stressed the need for disaster preparedness and 21.1% highlighted the importance of caring for others.

          To a question about the characteristics of their ideal society, 38.2% identified a society where people can trust and rely on each other.

          Hironobu Nakamura, Soka Gakkai Tohoku student division leader, comments, “Many of our student members have been helping out with relief efforts. They wanted through this survey to listen to and broadcast the voices of their peers. Before the disaster many people were commenting on the lack of human connections in Japanese society. The results clearly indicate how much people value these connections now.”

          When asked whether the government had met people’s needs after the disaster, 94% responded that it had not. Of these, 42% highlighted that the government had been slow to act. Questioned about their personal response to the disaster, 41.2% reported that they had engaged in volunteer work, and 27% had given donations.

          Professor Toshiaki Muramoto of the Tohoku University Graduate School of Information Sciences, who helped design and supervise the survey, comments, “This is an important survey, and rare in that the students initiated it themselves. Through this disaster, people have learned the importance of trusting and relying on each other. I feel this is extremely important for the future of Japanese society.”

          The survey was carried out between July 1 and August 21. In total, 700 students were approached, and 511 completed the survey (73%).

          The Soka Gakkai is a grassroots Buddhist association with over 8 million member households in Japan. Local Soka Gakkai groups in the Tohoku region carried out extensive humanitarian relief and community support initiatives following the March 11 disaster. For details of the organization’s relief activities, please see: http://www.sgi.org/assets/pdf/Japan-Earthquake-Relief-Report.pdf . The social activism of Soka Gakkai and its affiliated SGI organizations around the world is part of the longstanding tradition of Buddhist humanism.

          Source: Soka Gakkai International

          Contact:
          Joan Anderson
          Office of Public Information
          Soka Gakkai International
          Tel: +81-80-5957-4711
          Fax: +81-3-5360-9885
          E-mail: janderson[at]sgi.gr.jp

         AsiaNet 46335

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