bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Households’ Coping Strategies in Drought- and Flood-Prone Communities in Northern Ghana
Authors: Lolig Victor ,   University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, Tamale, Ghana, Donkoh Samuel A. , Obeng Francis Kwabena , Ansah Isaac Gershon Kodwo , Jasaw Godfred Seidu , Kusakari Yasuko , Asubonteng Kwabena Owusu , Gandaa Bizoola , Dayour Frederick , Dzivenu Togbiga , Kranjac-Berisavljevic Gordana ,   Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), United Nations University, Japan,   Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA), United Nations University, Ghana,   University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa campus, Upper West Region, Ghana
Published: April 2016

This study seeks to explore stakeholders’ perceptions, causes, and effects of extreme climatic events, such as droughts and floods, in the Wa West District of Ghana’s Upper West Region. A multi-stage sampling procedure is used to select 184 respondents. Data collection methods include individual questionnaire administration, focus group discussions, and a stakeholders’ forum in the Wa West District Assembly. While frequencies are used to show respondents’ perceptions of the severity of climate change effects, a treatmenteffect model is used to determine the factors influencing farmers’ choices of on-farm coping strategies over off-farm activities in both periods of drought and flood. Findings are the following: farmers perceive that climate change is real and has severe consequences. Consequently, they resort to both on-farm and off-farm strategies to cope with the effects of climate change. While men mostly adopt the former, women adopt the latter. Both strategies are, however, not viable for taking them out of poverty, though offfarm activities are more effective. Education and extension services are other important factors influencing the choice of coping strategies as well as farmers’ welfare. Farmers must be supported with more viable income-earning activities, ones that can take them out of poverty. Women should be given priority. Access to education and extension services must also be stepped up to facilitate the adoption of the coping strategies and to increase welfare.
Differences in Subjective Estimation of Risks and Assessment for the Modified Tsunami Warning System by the Japan Meteorological Agency Among University Students Located in Damaged and Non-Damaged Prefectures Around the Period of the 2011 off Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Gyoba Erina ,   International Research Institute of Disaster and Science, Tohoku-University, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, 6-6-04 Aoba, Aramaki-aza, Aobaku-Ward, Sendai-City, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) released a new version of tsunami warning system using three qualitative expressions for tsunami height. Understanding disaster mitigation information requires adequate knowledge on disaster occurrence mechanisms and precise action in emergencies. We surveyed differences in understanding and assessing tsunami warning information among university students in two prefectures – one damaged by the 2011 off Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake and the other outside of the damage zone. Results revealed that those outside of the damage zone tended to estimate tsunami heights as higher than those inside the damage zone when reading qualitative tsunami heights in the JMA’s new tsunami warning version. They also tended to need more concrete, precise information to understand appropriate evacuation procedures provided by public institutions, including the JMA.
Risk Communication in the Field of Radiation
Authors: Kanda Reiko ,   Regulatory Science Research Program, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, 4-9-1 Anagawa, Inage-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 263-8555, Japan
Published: April 2016

The handling of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant (FNPP) operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company further underscores the importance of clear risk communication. The quality of risk communication during this crisis and in its aftermath was evaluated, however, as unsatisfactory by the government, the massmedia, and experts to date. Risk communication problems are divided into those derived from risk and those derived from communication. A lack of skill in communicating the risks involved was major point raised concerning the present situation, but we also face difficulty in informing the general public of radiation risks due to insufficient communication about these risks, a lack of education about radiation before the accident, the uncertainty of risks assessed as due to low-dose radiation, and confusion regarding knowledge about radiation effects and policy for protecting ourselves from radiation. These problems are specific to radiation and cannot be solved by communication skills alone. In this paper, I summarize concepts of radiation protection, low-dose radiation risk assessment, and the Japanese population’s recognition of radiation related to actual and potential risk communication problems about radiation. I will also briefly examine the actual problems of crisis, care, and consensus communication in response to the FNPP accident. These are categorized as either radiation-specific or general problems to discuss the elements needed to solve risk communication problems problems.
Risk Communication in Japan Concerning Future of Nuclear Technology
Authors: Kitamura Masaharu ,   Research Institute for Technology Management Strategy, Ltd., 6-6-40 Aramaki-Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
Published: April 2016

Investigation reports of Fukushima nuclear disaster have been analyzed with emphasis on deriving deeper understanding of factors contributed to the disaster. Through the present analysis, lack of convincing risk communication to citizens has been identified as the main factor. Some proposals have been made to improve the risk communication concerning nuclear technology.
Toward Mitigating Actions: Risk Communication Regarding Natural Disaster
Authors: Nakayachi Kazuya ,   Faculty of Psychology, Doshisha University, Tatara, Kyotanabe, Kyoto 610-0394, Japan
Published: April 2016

Appropriate mitigationmeasures are not always taken even if individuals perceive a high risk of a natural disaster; therefore, merely sharing information on the degree of risk is insufficient when communicating the true danger in a situation. Which aspects should be taken into account in designing a risk communication program against natural disasters? This article reviews this issue based on findings of risk perception studies and theories of social psychology. The focus was placed upon four topics in addressing the link between risk perception and preparedness for action: (1) perceived efficacy of recommendedmitigation measures, (2) trust in risk managers, (3) direct or indirect experience of the disaster, and (4) use of heuristics. This article also addressed the social aspects of human nature in disasters. Immediately after 2011 Tohoku earthquake shocks subsided, mobile phone communication was disabled by the sudden and extremely high demand of users attempting to contact significant others. Emergency evacuation systems, therefore, must be designed with an allowance for the social nature of people trying to confirm the safety of others even when this may conflict with immediate evacuation requirements. The development of an information environment which enables residents to evacuate rapidly, based on psychological findings and advanced technology, was finally discussed.
Comparative Study of the Post-Tsunami Recovery Plans After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Murao Osamu ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan, Hoshi Tomoyo ,   Shimizu Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, local governments in six prefectures produced their own post-tsunami urban recovery plans. The authors collected 50 recovery plans from the Internet from May 2012 to March 2014 to study their contents and planning processes. This paper focuses on post-tsunami recovery-planning situations, clarifying the following: (1) Features of damaged areas are clarified regarding population and area size. (2) Individual local government planning processes for making recovery plans, including the number of committee members and time period, are demonstrated, (3) Recovery plan contents such as concreteness and strategies for relocating to higher lands are analyzed.
Japan-Thailand Collaboration Research on Infectious Diseases: Promotion and Hurdles
Authors: Hamada Shigeyuki ,   Japan-Thailand Collaboration Center, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, 3-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan, Takeda Naokazu , Kinoshita Taroh ,   Thailand-Japan Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-emerging Infections, Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Tiwanon Road, Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand
Published: April 2016

The Thailand-Japan Research Collaboration Center on Emerging and Re-emerging Infections (RCC-ERI) was established in 2005 by the Research Institute for Microbial Diseases (RIMD), Osaka University, in collaboration with the National Institute of Health (NIH), Department of Medical Sciences (DMSc), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Thailand. This was initiated based on the recognition that, with today’s highly developed transportation networks including those between Japan and Thailand, infectious disease outbreak and transmission are no longer limited to a single country. Indeed, such diseases are likely to be transmitted immediately to a third country. This makes it essential to cooperate globally in exchanging information fast and often. A dozen Japanese researchers are working regularly at RCC-ERI, where they conduct joint research with Thai researchers on bacterial and viral infectious diseases prevailing in Thailand that could conceivably affect Japan. Examples of such diseases include cholera, meningitis with Streptococcus suis, AIDS, chikungunya fever, and dengue fever. Conducting long-term research in other countries often reveals gaps in perception due to differences in national laws and regulations, in rules and operating customs within research institutions, in economic and cultural backgrounds, and in values and ways of thinking among individual researchers. RCCERI is being operated as fine adjustments are made to achievemaximumproductivity and developing human resources. Some of the many researchers stationed at the Center faced unpredicted situations such as social chaos due to political instability or evacuation due to flooding and had to take emergency response measures. In this article, we cover aspects related to these experiences.
Collaboration with China
Authors: Iwamoto Aikichi ,   The Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan, Matsuda Zene , Kitamura Yoshihiro , Ishida Takaomi , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: April 2016

In Japanese fiscal 2005, the Institute of Medical Science of the University of Tokyo (IMSUT) launched joint laboratory in each Institute of Biophysics (IBP) and Institute of Microbiology (IM) of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing. Japanese investigators have resided in Beijing and been working together with young Chinese scientists. As the principal investigator of the joint laboratory in IBP, Dr. Zene Matsuda have focused on the membrane fusion process in HIV-1 infection and invented a remarkable assay systemto be used for the analysis of themembrane fusion. Dr. Yoshihiro Kitamura started the joint laboratory in IM and handed to Dr. Takaomi Ishida. The research in IM has focus on the epidemiology and molecular biology of HIV-1 and hepatitis viruses. The research in Beijing has been supervised by Dr. Tadashi Yamamoto and then by Dr. Junichiro Inoue. Highly productive collaboration between Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka and Dr. Hualan Chen has been producing cutting edge outcomes in the research on highly pathogenic avian viruses and their molecular epidemiology in China. The whole schema of the collaboration between Japan and China has been led by Dr. Aikichi Iwamoto.
Kenya Research Station and its Research Activities
Authors: Ichinose Yoshio ,   Kenya Research Station, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, P.O. Box 19993-00202, Nairobi, Kenya
Published: April 2016

The Institute of Tropical Medicine Kenya Research Station of Nagasaki University (NUITM) was established in 2005 with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) funds. The station involves clinical and epidemiological research programs focusing on tropical medicine and emerging infectious diseases based on education and research exchanges between Africa and Japan. This project is supported by about 22 Japanese staff members, including short-termers, in addition to 85 Kenyan staff members. It has at least 12 research groups studying the prevention of tropical and emerging diseases in collaboration with stakeholder institutions. The station also implements a JICA grassroots technical cooperation project since 2012. In April 2010, the Nagasaki University Africa Research Station was incorporated into the Kenya Research Station, enabling other faculties to conduct research in Kenya. The Nagasaki University School of Dentistry then started an oral health survey in Mbita and the Schools of Fisheries, Engineering, and Health Sciences have started joint research projects conserving and managing Lake Victoria basin water and fishery resources. Our aim is to develop a foundation enabling researchers from all different fields to conduct research for improving local community health and living standards. The NUITM was invited to become an associate member of the Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID) in 2011.
Joint Research Project on Infectious Diseases in West-African Subregion
Authors: Ido Eiji ,   Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan, Suzuki Takashi , Ampofo William K. , Ayi Irene , Yamaoka Shoji , Koram Kwadwo A. , Ohta Nobuo ,   Ghana-Tokyo Medical and Dental University Research Collaboration Center, Legon, Ghana,   Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
Published: April 2016

A research collaboration project in Ghana has joined the MEXT program supported by the Japanese government since 2008. The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), the University of Ghana, and Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU) are core parties in the project, and researchers from other institutions also participate temporarily. Two TMDU faculty members are sent to Ghana to manage and implement joint research projects for virology and parasitology, which cover HIV, African trypanosomes, malaria parasites, and vector insects. Along with joint research, mutual exchange activities for young researchers and students have been promoted to develop human resources in tropical infectious disease research. Subjects in our project are all public health concerns both in Ghana and West-Africa and in other parts of the world. Our joint projects have strengthened and promoted global information networks on infectious diseases and the health and welfare of the residents of Ghana and Japan.
Swine Influenza Surveillance in the Southeast Asia
Authors: Saito Takehiko ,   Influenza and Prion Research Center, National Institute of Animal Health, 3-1-5 Kannondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0856, Japan, Takemae Nobuhiro , Abe Haruka , Uchida Yuko ,   Zoonotic Disease Collaboration Center, Bangkok, Thailand,   United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, Gifu University, Yanagido, Gifu, Japan
Published: April 2016

We have been studying the swine influenza virus (SIV) in Thailand since 2005, followed by a study in Vietnam starting in 2010. We actively survey pig farms in both countries to isolate viruses, collecting nasal swabs mainly from clinically healthy pigs. Our results demonstrate the genetic diversity of the SIV in both countries and help fill gaps in knowledge in global molecular SIV epidemiology.
Influenza Project in Myanmar
Authors: Saito Reiko ,   Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ward, Niigata City, Niigata 951-8510, Japan, Kyaw Yadanar , Myint Yi Yi , Dapat Clyde , Hasegawa Go , Naito Makoto ,   Thingangyun Sanpya Hospital, Yangon, Myanmar,   Department of Medical Research (Upper Myanmar), Ministry of Health, Mandalay, Myanmar,   Department of Virology, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
Published: April 2016

The epidemiological study of influenza in Southeast Asia is limited. We surveyed influenza in Myanmar from 2007 to 2013. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients in the two cities of Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw. Samples were screened using rapid influenza diagnostic kits and identified by virus isolation. Isolates were characterized by cyclingprobe-based real-time PCR, drug susceptibility assay, and sequencing. Samples collected numbered 5,173, from which 1,686 influenza viruses were isolated during the seven-year study period. Of these, 187 strains were of seasonal influenza A(H1N1), 274 of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 791 of influenza A(H3N2), and 434 of influenza B. Interestingly, two zanamivir and amantadine-resistant strains each were detected in 2007 and 2008. These rare dual-resistant strains had a Q136K mutation in the NA protein and S31N substitution in the M2 protein. Our collaboration raised the influenza surveillance laboratory capacity in Myanmar and led Yangon’s National Health Laboratory – one of the nation’s leading research institutes – to being designated a National Influenza Center by the World Health Organization.
Estimation of a Source Model and Strong Motion Simulation for Tacna City, South Peru
Authors: Pulido Nelson ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Nakai Shoichi , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Calderon Diana , Aguilar Zenon , Sekiguchi Toru ,   Chiba University, Chiba, Japan,   Tokyo Institute of Technology, Kanagawa, Japan,   Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Perú, Lima, Perú
Published: April 2016

We estimate several scenarios for source models of megathrust earthquakes likely to occur on the Nazca-South American plates interface in southern Peru. To do so, we use a methodology for estimating the slip distribution of megathrust earthquakes based on an interseismic coupling (ISC) distribution model in subduction margins and on information about historical earthquakes. The slip model obtained from geodetic data represents large-scale features of asperities within the megathrust that are appropriate for simulating long-period waves and tsunami modelling. To simulate broadband frequency strong ground motions, we add small scale heterogeneities to the geodetic slip by using spatially correlated random noise distributions. Using these slip models and assuming several hypocenter locations, we calculate a set of strong ground motions for southern Peru and incorporate site effects obtained from microtremors array surveys in Tacna, the southernmost city in Peru.
Estimation of S-Wave Velocity Profiles at Lima City, Peru Using Microtremor Arrays
Authors: Quispe Selene ,   Department of Environmental Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 226-8502, Japan, Chimoto Kosuke , Yamanaka Hiroaki , Tavera Hernando , Lazares Fernando , Aguilar Zenon ,   Geophysical Institute of Peru (IGP), Lima, Peru,   Japan Peru Center for Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Mitigation (CISMID), Faculty of Civil Engineering, National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru
Published: April 2016

Microtremor exploration was performed around seismic recording stations at five sites in Lima city, Peru in order to know the site amplification at these sites. The Spatial Autocorrelation (SPAC) method was applied to determine the observed phase velocity dispersion curve, which was subsequently inverted in order to estimate the 1-D S-wave velocity structure. From these results, the theoretical amplification factor was calculated to evaluate the site effect at each site. S-wave velocity profiles at alluvial gravel sites have S-wave velocities ranging from ∼500 to ∼1500 m/s which gradually increase with depth, while Vs profiles at sites located on fine alluvial material such as sand and silt have Swave velocities that vary between ∼200 and ∼500 m/s. The site responses of all Vs profiles show relatively high amplification levels at frequencies larger than 3 Hz. The average transfer function was calculated to make a comparison with values within the existing amplification map of Lima city. These calculations agreed with the proposed site amplification ranges.
Evaluation of Tsunami Wave Loads Acting on Walls of Confined-Masonry-Brick and Concrete-Block Houses
Authors: Shoji Gaku ,   Division of Engineering Mechanics and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, Information and Systems, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan, Shimizu Hirofumi , Koshimura Shunichi , Estrada Miguel , Jimenez Cesar ,   Formerly, Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Japan,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan,   Japan-Peru Center for Earthquake Engineering Research and Disaster Mitigation (CISMID), National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru,   Fenlab, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), Lima, Peru
Published: April 2016

Damage to confined-masonry-brick or concrete-block house was assessed for being subjected to a tsunami wave load. This study was prompted by recent three tsunamis – one during 2001 on the Near Coast of Peru, one in 2009 in the Samoa Islands, and one in 2010 in Maule, Chile. We analyzed 13 damaged walls from 10 single-storey houses located near the coastline. We focused on evaluating the tsunami wave pressure distribution on house walls. Based on the formula proposed by Asakura et al. (2000) to evaluate tsunami wave pressure distribution on a structural component located on land behind on-shore structures, which is used for designing a tsunami evacuation building, we identify the values of horizontal wave pressure indexain Asakura’s formula for walls and discuss the boundary value ofaat which a wall presents structural damage, such as in collapse and cracking failure modes.
Current State of Masonry Properties Material on Emerging Zones in Lima City
Authors: Lavado Luis ,   Japan–Perú Center for Earthquake Engineering Research and Disaster Mitigation (CISMID), Av. Tupac Amaru 1150, Lima 25, Peru, Taira Jenny , Gallardo Jorge
Published: April 2016

Masonry is one of the most common structural materials used to build houses in the city of Lima, Peru. The structural features of this material and its components vary widely, however, due to the manufacturing process, which uses bricks and aggregates and different levels of labor. This paper presents experimental results realized using bricks, prism and wallettes to determine the mechanical properties of masonry.
Comparison of Behaviors of Non-Engineered Masonry Tubular Block Walls and Solid Engineered Walls
Authors: Zavala Carlos ,   Japan-Peru Center for Earthquake Engineering Research and Disaster Mitigation (CISMID), Faculty of Civil Engineering, National University of Engineering (UNI), Av. Tupac Amaru 1150 Puerta 7 Campus UNI, Lima, Peru, Lavado Luis , Taira Jenny , Cardenas Lourdes , Diaz Miguel
Published: April 2016

In Peru, the most commonly used structural system for housing construction is based on confined masonry walls. Solid engineered walls are regulated by the NTE-E070 standard, which lays down a required degree of earthquake resilience. However, around 60% of the population lives in non-engineered houses that use tubular blocks for their walls. This paper presents a comparison of the behaviors of non-engineered tubular block walls and solid engineered walls. Tests were performed on a tubular brick wall by subjecting it to horizontal cyclic loading to examine the effects under a constant axial load of 20 tf. Then, the test results were compared with those for walls in the CISMID Structural Lab database. The resistance of the tubular brick wall in terms of shear stress was found to be relatively low, having an average value of 4 kg/cm2, while the solid walls can withstand a shear stress in excess of 5.5 kg/cm2.
Evaluation of Seismic Vulnerability of Buildings Based on Damage Survey Data from the 2007 Pisco, Peru Earthquake
Authors: Matsuzaki Shizuko ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan, Pulido Nelson , Maruyama Yoshihisa , Estrada Miguel , Zavala Carlos , Yamazaki Fumio ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, Ibaraki, Japan,   Japan-Peru Center for Earthquake Engineering Research and Disaster Mitigation, National University of Engineering, Lima, Peru
Published: April 2016

The seismic vulnerability of buildings located in Pisco, Peru, was studied using damage survey data and seismic ground motion simulation. Inventory and damage information for more than 10,000 buildings was registered in survey data compiled by CISMID at Peru’s National University of Engineering. The soil classes in the Pisco district were classified into three zones based on the predominant periods of microtremors at 85 sites, and damage ratios were calculated for each zone. Surface ground motions in each zone were estimated on the basis of base-rock motion simulation and shallow soil-column response analysis. Finally, fragility curves for adobe and brickmasonry buildings were derived in terms of PGA and PGV. The results were compared with fragility functions developed in other studies.
Flood Disaster in the Yura River in 2004 and 2013
Authors: Kawai Shigeru ,   Token C.E.E. Consultants Co., Ltd., Token-Osaka bldg., 1-8-63, Tenmabashi, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0042, Japan, Ashida Kazuo ,   Professor Emeritus of Kyoto University, 11-9, Terada-hayashinokuchi, Joyo, Kyoto 610-0121, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Yura River in northern Kyoto Prefecture has long caused flood problems in its drainage basin. Specifically, areas downstream from Ayabe, where the river comes down from mountainous regions to a basin, frequently suffered from inundations, e.g., the Disaster Relief Law was applied eight times in the 60 years from 1953 to 2013. Against those background, river development projects, including levee construction and channel dredging, have been well underway since the late 1950s. The Ohno dam upstream on the main river was completed in 1961. However, the degree of flood safety remained low at that time. In 2004, the heaviest flood in the 50 years since 1953 occurred, followed in 2013 by a massive flood recording the highest water level since observations began at Fukuchiyama. The 2013 flood occurred in the midst of urgent levee construction and land raising based on a river infrastructure development project begun in response to a 2004 flood. This paper outlines damage from floods in 2004 and 2013 and shows the effects of these floods on the inundation depth of levees under development and the effects of the difference in rainfall characteristics in 2004 and 2013 on flood and fine sediment runoff. The effectiveness of the Ohno dam and misunderstandings by residents of the dam are also described. Important points in promoting river development from hard and soft measure are presented for making use of experiences the two disaster in the future.
Building a Tsunami Simulation Database for the Tsunami Warning System in the Philippines
Authors: Igarashi Yohko ,   Japan Meteorological Agency, 1-3-4 Otemachi Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, 100-8122, Japan, Ueno Toshihiro , Nakata Kenji , Hernandez-Grennan Vilma C. , Cruz-Salcedo Joan L. , Narag Ishmael C. , Bautista Bartolome C. , Koizumi Takeshi ,   Meteorological Research Institute, Japan Meteorological Agency, 1-1 Nagamine, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-0052, Japan,   Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), PHIVOLCS Bldg., CP Garcia Ave., U.P. Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Published: April 2016

To enhance the tsunami warning operation system in the Philippines caused by earthquakes in and around the country, staff members of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) joined the SATREPS program in 2012 to help building a tsunami simulation database in the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which storesmultiple results of tsunami simulations such as estimated tsunami arrival times and heights at coasts for multiple hypothetical earthquakes of various hypocenter locations and magnitudes. The procedure to construct a database consists of several steps starting from setting assumed fault parameters and others, proceeding to tsunami simulations and data creation to be stored in the database, and as the last step, creating a searching system which picks results from the database according to the location and magnitude of an earthquake. As of July 2014, the PHIVOLCS has stored the results of tsunami simulations conducted for more than 30,000 assumed faults for local tsunamis. The searching system is also prepared which enables to get a quick grasp of expected tsunami features quantitatively. With this database and the searching system, the PHIVOLCS is in near future to issue initial tsunami warnings based on the information of estimated tsunami arrival times and heights immediately after the hypocenter location and magnitude of an earthquake are determined. When the necessary coordination with related organizations as well as the public education for the system and warning messages are ready, the PHIVOLCS will start the enhanced local tsunami warning operation.
Ground Deformation of Mayon Volcano Revealed by GPS Campaign Survey
Authors: Takagi Akimichi ,   Meteorological Research Institute, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), 1-1 Nagamine, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0052, Japan, Fujiwara Kenji , Ohkura Takahiro , Luis Artemio C. , Jr.  , Baloloy Alejo V. , Ando Shinobu , Laguerta Eduardo , Bornas Ma. Antonia V. ,   Seismology and Volcanology Department, Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Tokyo, Japan,   Aso Volcanological Laboratory, Kyoto University, Kumamoto, Japan,   Volcano Monitoring and Eruption Prediction Division, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippines,   Mayon Volcano Observatory, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), Philippines
Published: April 2016

Determining the location and the amount of volume change of the pressure source beneath a volcano during the eruption preparation stage is an important issue in monitoring the magma accumulation. To do so, we have implemented a GPS campaign survey network around the Mayon volcano and monitored ground deformation since 2005. Rapid grounddeflating deformation was detected accompanied by the 2009 eruption. The Mogi model pressure source was estimated to be 8.5 km deep beneath the summit and the amount of volume change –13 × 106 m3. In magma accumulation preceding the 2009 eruption, ground deformation showed a weak inflationary trend, but it was difficult to evaluate the source parameters definitively. After the 2009 eruption, no deformation has been detected by the Continuous GPS observation network since 2012. Trend of many baselines of continuous and campaign network turned to extension since 2014. Magma may have started accumulating beneath the Mayon volcano.
DevelopingManga-Style Tsunami Information Materials Based on the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Martinez-Villegas Ma. Mylene ,   Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology – Department of Science and Technology (PHIVOLCS–DOST), PHIVOLCS Bldg., C. P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines, Monte Lucille Rose Del , Solidum Renato U. , Jr.  , Fallarme John Paul , Realis Monique , Pagtalunan Melcario , Belo Eumelia
Published: April 2016

People in other countries may benefit from learning about survivors’ experiences of the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The Philippines has a similar tectonic setting to Japan. The experiences of Filipinos living in Japan during the event were documented in face-to-face interviews conducted three months after the event; data from these interviews were compiled and reviewed. From among the survivors’ experiences, four stories were selected for depiction inmanga-style comics, which are popular among young people. Using storyboarding, each of the featured stories was carefully illustrated to present important details that readers could easily understand and relate to.
Organizational Promoting Factors for SME BCP (2)
Authors: Okabe Shinichi ,   Tohoku University, 6-6-11-80 Aza-Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8579, Japan, Nagahira Akio
Published: April 2016

In Oct. 2013, one hundred small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were surveyed regarding their business continuity. 70% of the SMEs surveyed had implemented BCP. Our previous paper, “Organizational Promoting Factors for SME BCP,” reviewed the survey results using correlation and path analysis. The review found directives from the president to be the most influential factor of BCP implementation and that there were two different levels of BCP implementation and BCP embedding. Over 60% of the companies that had implemented BCP had had difficulties embedding BCP. Our previous paper identified the BCP environment and its four key component factors, including organizational BCP momentum and company-wide information sharing that would affect BCP embedding, among others. It also identified four key BCP advantages related to normal operations, including enhancing marketing advantage and building employee togetherness, which had a causal relationship with successful cases of BCP embedding. This paper reviews our previous survey results in detail to find key factors separately in tasks and problems as well as in corporate culture groups. It also re-identifies four factors in the tasks and problems group as well as three factors in the corporate culture group. This paper also analyzes the relationships among the perceived BCP advantages to determine if some of them affect the remaining advantages. It finds that organizational strategic risk/BCP mind and employees’ risk mind bring about other BCP advantages, which could be interpreted to mean that two minds , one top-down and one bottom-up, are critical in the BCP embedding stage.
Developing a Web-Based Platform to Share Disaster Risk Reduction Technology
Authors: Lee Young-Jai ,   MIS Department, School of Business, Dongguk University 30, Phildong-ro 1 gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-715, Korea
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces a technology sharing platform for the global network on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). The platform defines a foundation that provides various products or services and its objective is to allow demanders, suppliers and experts to share DRR technology.

The platform is divided into architecture and governance. The fundamental component of architecture relies on detailed technology information which includes structured technology such as technology, systems, tools, analytical models, and non-structured technology such as standards, codes, process, and consulting. The architecture also includes a case study of the application and evaluation for the DRR technology to determine its performance level. Finally, architecture will include a function that enables stakeholders to provide their opinions, experience, and judgements related to the case study.

The primary function of the platform’s governance is to exchange the opinions and prepare incentives for sharing information among demanders like the UN organizations and Asia-Pacific nations, as well as suppliers of private sectors and institutions. In addition, subject matter experts can provide input on DRR technology as gatekeepers and participate in the community by presenting their opinions to technology applications.

The expert survey from multiple Asian-Pacific countries reached the conclusion that the even distribution of DRR technology through a web based platform among the countries is necessary. In addition, the case studies from technology in practice were deemed as more critical than the DRR technology content itself due to their practical applications.
Comparison Between the Life Recovery Processes After the Mid-Niigata Earthquake and the Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake – Results of a Random Sampled Social Survey Using the Life Recovery Calendar and GIS-Based Spatiotemporal Analysis
Authors: Kimura Reo ,   School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo  1-1-12 Shinzaike-honcho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0092, Japan, Inoguchi Munenari , Tamura Keiko , Hayashi Haruo ,   Research Institute for Natural Hazards and Disaster Recovery, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan,   Risk Management Office, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
Published: April 2016

This study focuses on recovery efforts following the Mid-Niigata Earthquake in October 2004 and the Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake in July 2007 in Niigata Prefecture. Results of a randomsample questionnaire survey conducted in affected areas and throughout the prefecture are analyzed using a life recovery calendar, which identifies disaster damage in affected areas and in Niigata with the objective of systematically understanding the status and process of rebuilding lives. Although the magnitude of devastation and the nature of the disasters differ, both have similar life recovery processes. It is to be noted, however, that the impact of the Mid-Niigata Earthquake lingered over a larger area for a longer period than for the Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake.
Current Issues Regarding the Incident Command System in the Philippines
Authors: Ohara Miho ,   International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)  under the Auspices of UNESCO, Public Works Research Institute (PWRI) 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, Sawano Hisaya
Published: April 2016

The First Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Committee on Disaster Management Meeting established a framework for ASEAN-US cooperation on the Disaster Management Program in 2003, focusing on capability building for the Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS was then adopted as part of the on-scene disaster response system in the Republic of the Philippines as enacted by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act in 2010. This study investigates the process of adopting the ICS, its current status, and future issues through interview surveys of local and national governments in the Philippines. After adopting and implementing of the ICS as the national disaster response system for the Philippines is investigated, the current status of the ICS at the local government level is surveyed in a flood-prone area of the Pampanga River basin in central Luzon. Results show that the ICS has been adopted on all levels of government – national, regional, provincial, municipal, and barangay, i.e., the country’s smallest administrative division. Each local government level has incorporated the ICS into its contingency plan. Several issues related to future disaster response planning and capacity building are then reviewed.
A Study on the Practical Ways of Implementing a Street-Wide BCP Exercise in the Banking Industry
Authors: Sayanagi Yasutake ,   Nagoya Institute of Technology   Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, Watanabe Kenji
Published: April 2016

This paper aims to determine the most practical method for implementing a Street-Wide Exercise for the banking industry in Japan. There are similar BCP exercises occurring in Singapore, called Industry-Wide Exercises, conducted by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. This paper defines an Industry-Wide Exercise as a BCP exercise involving only banks, while a Street-Wide Exercise involves banks along with other critical interested parties, such as exchanges, the police, the fire department, lifeline vendors, and government offices. For the past 10 years, major international financial centers such as New York, London, and Singapore have conducted Street-Wide Exercises involving both banks and critical interested parties. However, the BCP Exercise for the banking industry in Japan still only involves banks, a policy that should be revisited. This study conducts an analysis from various angles, including ISO 22398 (the ISO’s approved framework for BCP exercises) to identify potential solutions. Additionally, it proposes a new type of BCP exercise, which is a blend of Industry-Wide and Street-Wide Exercises as an intermediary solution, called a Focused-Street-Wide Exercise, involving a limited number of banks and interested parties.
Development of NERSS Training Program for Earthquake Emergency Response Capacity Building of Local Governments
Authors: Lai Junyan ,   National Earthquake Response Support Service 1, Yuquan West Street, Beijing 100049, China, Ding Lu , Zhang Yuan , Wu Weimin , Hayashi Haruo , Kimura Reo , Hosokawa Masafumi , Sakurada Yukihisa ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan,   School of Human Science and Environment, Hyogo University, Himeji, Japan,   Earthquake and Natural Disaster Laboratory, National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster, Tokyo, Japan  †, Email: wuwm82Psina.com
Published: April 2016

Responses to medium-magnitude earthquakes are as significant as to catastrophic earthquakes, because medium-magnitude temblors occur as many as a dozen times more than catastrophic earthquakes – at least from the year 1900. In China, local governments are obligated to protect residents against earthquakes that have a magnitude of Ms$6.0. The ways in which local governments perform these obligations differ, however, due to obstacles such as inadequate disaster planning, a lack of public earthquake awareness, and a shortage of qualified emergency managers. When an earthquake hits, the hazards that residents are unaware of may arise concurrently, putting thousands lives and millions of acres of property in danger. In short, the response capacity of local governments is crucial to an earthquake’s aftermath.

To enhance the capacity of local government response to earthquake emergencies, the National Earthquake Response Support Service (NERSS) of China started work on training programs years ago. With the cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japanese scientists in the last five years, based on lessons learned from China’s historical earthquakes and disasters, the authors have created the prototype for an earthquake disaster management curriculum, which it has then been demonstrated and continuously improved. This paper reviews the prototype curriculum and its development methodology, presents demonstrative deliveries of the curriculum, and discusses training effectiveness and further improvements. Applying an international emergency management framework and related experience, focusing on local government capacity building, the demonstrative trainings have been proved to be beneficial to local government response activities and the latest amendment to earthquake preplanning in China. Future systematic tracking research of training effectiveness is proposed to keep curriculum updating and appropriate as times change.
Numerical Experiments on Spatially Averaged Precipitation in Heavy Rainfall Event Using the WRF Model
Authors: Sugihara Yuji ,   Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University 6-1 Kasuga Koen, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan, Imagama Sho , Matsunaga Nobuhiro , Hisada Yukiko ,   Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 3000 Tana, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanazawa 252-5293, Japan
Published: April 2016

It is difficult to forecast hourly rainfall locally even using the latest meteorological models, although hourly rainfall averaged spatially to some extent can be used for calculating practical rainfall. This study conducts numerical experiments with triple nesting on the 2012 heavy rainfall event in northern Kyushu using the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model and examines the features of hourly rainfall averaged spatially. The dependence of rainfall is averaged spatially on a spatial averaging scale and clarified by comparing rainfall calculated by simulation using the WRF model with radar/AMeDAS precipitation analysis data. This study’s findings indicate the effective spatial averaging scale making relative error of calculated values to the observed ones minimum.
Bias Correction in Typhoon and Storm Surge Projection Considering Characteristics of Global Climate Model MRI-AGCM3.2S
Authors: Hashimoto Noriaki ,   Coastal and Ocean Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan, Kinashi Yukihiro , Kawashima Tomoko , Yokota Masaki , Yamashiro Masaru , Kodama Mitsuyoshi ,   River and Water Resources Division, Kyushu Office, CTI Engineering Co., Ltd. CTI Fukuoka Building, 2-4-12 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0075, Japan
Published: April 2016

The typhoons that so often rage across Japan’s southwestern island, Kyushu, are expected to occur even oftener in the future due to global warming. Storm surge projections have been reported based on the super-high-resolution global climate model MRI-AGCM3.2S developed by Japan’s Meteorological Research Institute (MRI). AGCM3.2S overestimates typhoon strength around Japanese islands, however, and this could lead to exaggerated storm surge projection. We therefore evaluate a bias correction method of typhoon strength considering the typhoon characteristics of AGCM3.2 in estimating maximum storm surge anomaly on the Ariake Sea coast. Our results indicated the possibility of storm surge anomaly of 2.8 m, exceeding the current design storm surge anomaly of 2.36 m at the innermost Ariake Sea.
Growth of Mangrove Forests and the Influence on Flood Disaster at Amami Oshima Island, Japan
Authors: Tai Akira ,   Institute for Advanced Study, Kyushu University 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan, Hashimoto Akihiro , Oba Takuya , Kawai Kazuki , Otsuki Kazuaki , Nagasaka Hiromitsu , Saita Tomonori ,   Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan,   Department of Maritime Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, Japan,   Faculty of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Japan,   IDEA Consultants, Inc., Japan,   Department of Ocean Civil Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Japan
Published: April 2016

“Mangrove” is the generic name for plants growing on tropical and subtropical tidal flats. The mangrove is used for many things, including disaster protecting land from high waves and tides and tsunamis, cleaning rivers and drainage containing soil and sand, and providing a variety of organisms with living space. Climate change and rising sea levels are threatening the future of the mangrove. Developing effective ways to conserve mangroves is thus needed, but more must be known about how the mangrove’s ecology and how it develops. It has been pointed out, for example, that mangroves increased flooding by the Sumiyo River in Amami Oshima. We studied ways to develop the mangrove at the Sumiyo River mouth in Amami Oshima and its influence in local flooding, finding that the current mangrove forest had little influence on flooding and that sediment deposition accelerating in Sumiyo Bay due to a sea dike could enlarge the mangrove forest in future.