bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Great Water Temperature Changes of 1.5C per Decade in Tokyo Bay, Japan - its Causes and Consequences -
Authors: Yanagi Tetsuo ,   Research Institute for Applied Mechanics, Kyushu University, Kasuga, Fukuoka 816-8580, Japan
Published: April 2016

Decreasing rates of sea surface temperatures (SST) in summer and their increasing rates in winter in Tokyo Bay, Japan from 1976 to 1997 attain 1.5°C per decade - 30 times greater than the global SST increasing rate of 0.5°C per century. Such large SST changes resulted from intensified estuarine circulation in Tokyo Bay due to increased fresh water discharge due to increased water use on land and decreased tidal amplitude attributable to large-scale reclamation. Direct anthropogenic effects are much greater than the global warming effect on SST change in coastal seas.
Contamination Status and Toxicological Implications of Persistent Toxic Substances in Avian Species
Authors: Kunisue Tatsuya ,   Center for Marine Environmental Studies (CMES), Ehime University, Bunkyo-cho, 2-5 Matsuyama, Ehime 790-8577, Japan, Tanabe Shinsuke
Published: April 2016

The present study reviewed the contamination status and accumulation features of persistent toxic substances (PTSs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in avian species from Japan and open sea areas. PTSs were detected not only in Japanese coastal and inland birds but also in open sea birds, suggesting global-scale pollution by these contaminants. Higher concentrations of PBDEs were observed in Japanese raptor and omnivore species, while PCB levels in piscivorous birds were notably higher than in other species. Interestingly, relatively high concentrations of dioxins and related compounds (DRCs) such as PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) were found in open sea birds, such as albatross species. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs, which were calculated using toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for birds proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), were greater in albatross eggs than some avian toxicity thresholds, implying possible biochemical alterations by DRCs in albatross embryos. These results indicate that many avian species inhabiting Japan and the open ocean have been exposed to region-specific PTSs that may have put them at risk.
Destruction and Recovery of Vegetation Caused by the 2000-Year Eruption on Miyake-Jima Island, Japan
Authors: Kamijo Takashi ,   Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai, 1-1-1 Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan, Kawagoe Minami , Kato Taku , Kiyohara Yutaka , Matsuda Miyuki , Hashiba Keiko , Shimada Kazunori ,   Master's Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba,   College of Agrobiogical Resources, University of Tsukuba,   Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, Matsunosato, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8687, Japan
Published: April 2016

The active Mt. Oyama volcano on Miyake-jima Island in the Izu Islands, Japan, erupted in 2000 followed by large amounts of volcanic gas containing high concentrations of SO2has been emitted. The island ecosystem has been heavily damaged by the volcanic ash and gas. We detail the destruction and recovery of vegetation found in a 7-year study of 11 permanent plots from 2001 to 2007. Damage to vegetation by ash was worst near the crater in 2001. Trees began dying in 2001, apparently due to direct and/or indirect effects of volcanic gas emission. In contrast to the tree decline, two grass species,Miscanthus condensatusandCarex oshimensis, increased notably following the eruption, suggesting their high SO2and acidic soil tolerance.Miscanthus condensatusandC. oshimensiswere not dominant species in early stage of primary succession before the 2000-year eruption. In the vegetation recovery after the eruption, the tolerances to SO2and acidic soils are necessary for plant species to colonize on devastated sites.
Special Issue on Volcanic Disasters
Authors: Fujii Toshitsutgu ,   selectfont         Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo  1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan        normalfont ||    selectfont     Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University  Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan    normalfont, Ishihara Kazuhiro
Published: April 2016

The volcanic disasters are quite variable depending on the nature of the volcanic eruptions, the degrees of land-use surrounding the volcanic areas and preparedness against the eruptions. In order to mitigate the volcanic disasters, therefore, multidisciplinary approach is required. The International Volcanic Conference, ``Cities on Volcanoes 5," held in Shimabara Japan on the November 19-23, 2007 encouraged a wide range of people who are engaged in the volcanic disaster mitigation to gather to discuss topics related to volcanic eruptions and their hazards. The aim of this conference was to evaluate and improve mitigation measures, emergency management, and all required to successfully confront volcanic crises in densely populated area and to recover from any devastation. As the main topics discussed during the conference is quite adequate for the aim of this journal, this special issue tried to include papers read at the conference as many as possible. For the mitigation of the volcanic disasters, several different approaches should be included. Volcano monitoring through observation is the basis for most eruption forecasts and other measures for volcanic disaster mitigation. Impacts on human health and sustainability in volcanic areas in the fields of air and water pollution are also important issues to be included in the management of volcanic hazards. The practical lessons learned through the case histories of actual events should be shared to prepare for and respond to volcano crises that may affect communities. Hiroaki Takahashi proposes a method to estimate the real-time eruption magnitude that might be utilized to judge the duration of eruption in the early stage of eruption. Yoshikazu Kikawada et al. summarize arsenic pollution of rivers originated from the Kusatsu volcanic region. Tsuneomi Kagiyama and Yuichi Morita discuss the strategy to understand the preparing process of caldera forming eruption as a first step to assess the risk of gigantic eruption. Hiroshi Ikeya describes the prevention works executed by the central and local governments during and after the Mt. Unzen 1990-1995 eruption. Harry J. R. Keys summarizes the aspects of risk assessment and mitigation for a dome-break lahar that was predicted in 1995 and actually occurred on 18 March 2007 at Ruapehu volcano. Yoichi Nakamura et al. describe the mitigation systems on volcanic disasters in Japan emphasizing the importance of preparing hazard maps. We know the topics covered by this special issue do not represent the wide-ranging aspect of the conference, but include some significant portion. We hope that this special issue will be utilized to share the lessons learned through the practical trial to mitigate the actual disasters during the volcanic crisis.
First Steps in Understanding Caldera Forming Eruptions
Authors: Kagiyama Tsuneomi ,   Aso Volcanological Laboratory, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Minami-Aso, Aso, Kumamoto 869-1404, Japan, Morita Yuichi ,   Earthquake Research Insitute, University of Tokyo, Yayoi, 1-1-1 Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
Published: April 2016

Caldera forming eruptions are characterized by a large-scale and low frequency. To prepare for them, monitoring of volcanic activity is insufficient for practical evaluation. Volcanic activity generally involves two end members, one in which an eruption dominates and one in which geothermal activity dominates, as defined by the ease in magma ascent. Caldera forming eruptions tend to be prepared where magma stagnates easily. Research on stop of magma ascent and its accumulation is required to understand caldera forming eruptions.
The Heisei Eruption of Mt. Unzen-Fugendake and Measures Against Volcanic Disasters
Authors: Ikeya Hiroshi ,   SABO TECHNICAL CENTER (STC), 4-8-21 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0074, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Heisei-eruption of Mt. Unzen had started on November 17 in 1990 and continued in the beginning of 1995. Dangerous volcanic phenomena such as pyroclastic flows and debris flows had occurred intermittently during the eruption, resulting in 44 of casualties and 2,511 destroyed houses. Though no one had experienced and estimated the occurrences of such events, the central government of Japan and the Nagasaki prefecture government soon started to ensure the appropriate measures for reducing the expansion of disasters. The first approaches were preparation of hazard-map for evacuation and execution of temporary works such as sediment removal and sensor installation. Furthermore, they had developed many new methods such as unmanned construction and executed the measures to mitigate debris flows and pyroclastic flows disasters. The measures were based on three viewpoints; (1) We have to cope with various phenomena by them. (2) They should be executed in short term. (3) The safety of workers has to be ensured. Inhabitants, academic persons and administrators had coped with the Mt. Unzen volcanic disaster in cooperation. As a result of the execution of the measures, the safety zone of life in the Shimabara city was restored and the communities were reconstructed. Thus, the preventive measures in Mt. Unzen were successful. Recently there is destruction of social infrastructures by volcanic disasters in the world. I can introduce the volcanic sabo work executed by the central and local governments in Mt. Unzen as a model case of the mitigation or prevention measures against volcanic disasters.
Building Damage Inspection Analysis in the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake, Kashiwazaki: Self-Inspection Analysis for Damage Evaluation
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi ,   Graduate School of Environment and Disaster Research, Fuji Tokoha University, 325 Ohbuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes the building damage inspection in the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-Oki earthquake and proposes a building damage inspection by disaster victims themselves. It is well known that the building damage is important in estimating the amount of damage brought by disasters. One important type of damage survey is loss evaluation, conducted by local governments for determining the apportionment of money, donations, allotment of temporary housing, and other recovery- related benefits. Despite the existence of guidelines, however, many issues require technical and procedural improvement. Based on the damage inspection data collected by Kashiwazaki officials following the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-Oki earthquake, we identified key factors hampering the inspection and propose self-inspection as a solution in loss evaluation.
Household Recovery Consulting Using Household Recovery Support Chart in Anamizu Town After the March 2007 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
Authors: Takashima Masasuke ,   Graduate School of Environment and Disaster Research, Fuji Tokoha University, 325 Ohbuchi, Fuji, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan, Tanaka Satoshi , Shigekawa Kishie
Published: April 2016

Efficient individual postearthquake household recovery support must manage customer relations because problems arise in a lack of common understanding of recovery processes between households and local government consulting staff. The Household Recovery Support Chart (HRSC) we propose manages individual household profiles covering such aspects as property damage, family structure, economic situation, health condition, recovery planning, and consultation history. After the March 2007 Noto peninsula earthquake, Anamizu town adopted our system. We examined its practical effectiveness and problems. While it was useful in facilitating consulting, it placed a burden on those in charge of individual household recovery support, especially in large-scale disasters. Households requiring special support must, for example, be screened to distinguish them from others.
Estimation of Seismic Shutoff of Intelligent Gas Meters in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area
Authors: Maruyama Yoshihisa ,   Department of Urban Environment Systems, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba 263-8522, Japan, Yamazaki Fumio , Yano Yoshihisa , Hosokawa Naoyuki ,   Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8527, Japan
Published: April 2016

We conducted shaking-table tests to clarify the seismic shutoff features of intelligent gas meters stopping the supply of gas during earthquakes where Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., provides service, and studied the relationship between earthquake movement and gas meter shutoff based on 200,000 monitored archive data points showing shutoff situations during actual seismic movement.
IT Framework for Disaster Mitigation Information Sharing
Authors: Noda Itsuki ,   National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Umezono, Tsukuba, Japan, Shimora Hiroki , Matsui Hiroki , Yokota Hiroshi , Shibayama Akihiro , Hisada Yoshiaki , Murakami Masahiro , Suzuki Takeyasu , Hada Yasunori , Yamada Takeshi , Zama Shinsaku , Hada Yasushi , Meguro Jun-ichi , Okamoto Ken ,   CMD Laboratory Inc., Kusuda Bldg. 1F, 2-14-19 Jingmae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan,   Time Intermedia Corporation, IPB Bldg., 26-27 Saka-Machi Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan,   National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), 4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi, Tokyo, Japan,   Dept. of Architecture, Kogakuin University,  Nishi-Shinjuku 1-24-2, Tokyo 163-8677, Japan,   Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanshi, 3-4-11, Takeda, Kofu, Yamanash Prefecture, Japan,   Vector Research Institute, Inc. (VRI), 6-19-16 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan,   National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (FRI),  4-35-3 Jindaiji-Higashi, Chofu, Tokyo, Japan,   Information Security Research Center, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology,  4-2-1, Nukui-Kitamachi, Tokyo, Japan,   Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Waseda University,  17 Kikuicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan,   Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Juntendo University Urayasu Hospital,  2-1-1 Tomioka, Urayasu, Chiba 279-0021, Japan
Published: April 2016

The robust, loosely coupled network-based Web-service design and standard module-integrating protocol we propose serve as a general-purpose framework for information sharing supporting post-disaster rescue and restoration. Results of experiments confirmed the feasibility of our proposals. A noteworthy feature of our work is the simplicity of its elements and implementation.
The Next Generation of Seismic Isolation Going Beyond Seismic Design Dominated by Earthquakes
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuo ,   Dynamic Design Inc., ISE Building 3F, 1-16 Sumiyoshi-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

Seismic isolation can provide superior building safety and dynamic response during strong earthquakes, however, performance is only assured below the design earthquake intensity level. This paper opens with a study of observed strong, near-source ground motions and long-period earthquake waves proposed by researchers. Through the examination of a widerange of earthquake response and input energy spectra, up to a period of 100 seconds, the most suitable range of damping values and isolation periods are found. The optimal period range is further confirmed by evaluating earthquake-wave amplification features during propagation from bedrock to the ground surface. Three types of next-generation seismic isolation systems are proposed along with new parameters to evaluate the dynamic response of seismically isolated structures. By comparing the dynamic response performance of four isolation systems, including a "conventional" 4-second period system, the superior seismic performance of the three next-generation isolation systems is confirmed. The paper shows the direction for a new generation of seismically isolated structures, with periods exceeding 10 seconds, and which minimize the elastic strain energy stored in the structure. Seismically isolated structures possessing these properties will survive strong earthquake input regardless of the uncertainty inherent in earthquake ground motions.
Structural Research on the Nankai Trough Using Reflections and Refractions
Authors: Kaneda Yoshiyuki ,   Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, Hibiya Central Bldg. 6F, 1-2-9 Nishishinbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan, Kodaira Shuichi
Published: April 2016

To understand the megathrusut earthquake recurrence system around the Nankai trough southwestern Japan, the structural researches by seismic survey and observations will provide the significant information of megathrust earthquakes seimogenic zone. As previous structural researches, the subducting seamount in the Nankai earthquake seismogenic zone off Shikoku Island, the ridge subducting system in the Tokai earthquake seismogenic zone, splay faults in the Tonankai earthquake seismogenic zone and irregular structure in the boundary between the Tonankai and Nankai seismogenic zone off Kii peninsula.

These structures and models are very important, significant and basical information to understand the recurrence system of megathrust earthquakes and rupture propagations.

In this project, we will carry out seismic survey and tomography with dense arrays around the Nankai trough extending to off Hyuga sesimogenic zone. By 2004 Sumatra megathrust earthquake, we recognized such the large scale seismic linkage as 1960 Chile megathrust earthquake.

Therefore, we will image large detailed large scale structures to understand structural components around the Nankai trough with off Hyuga area. Finally, we will construct the advanced structure model and develop the crustal medium model in close cooperation with other structural researches in this project. Based on these models, simulation and disaster mitigation researches will progress conspicuously.
Damage to Civil Engineering Structures with an Emphasis on Rock Slope Failures and Tunnel Damage Induced by the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Aydan Ö. ,   Department of Marine Civil Engineering, Tokai University, Shizuoka, Japan, Hamada M. , Itoh J. , Okubo K. ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan,   SAVEARTH, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan,   Naka-Nihon Expressway Company (NEXCO), Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Great Wenchuan (Sichuan) Earthquake of 2008 occurred in Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, China, extensively damaging buildings and infrastructures, caused natural and cut slope failures, and over 85,000 people lost their lives. We present an overview of the damage to civil engineering structures, emphasizing slope failures and tunnel damage. Damage to civil engineering structures was due mainly to high strong ground motion and permanent ground deformation resulting from the earthquake fault’s diluted deformation front. After discussing damage to bridges and viaducts, we classify slope failures, landslides, and possible causative mechanisms. We then introduce slope-rehabilitation measures. And then damage to tunnels, which are generally resistant to earthquakes, are explained together with mitigation measures.
Middle-Story Isolated Structural System of High-Rise Building
Authors: Tsuneki Yasuhiro ,   Principal, Structural Engineering Department, Nikken Sekkei, Torii Shingo , Murakami Katsuhide , Sueoka Toshiyuki ,   Head, Structural Engineering Section, Nikken Sekkei,   Chief Structural Engineer, Nikken Sekkei
Published: April 2016

For buildings of normal earthquake-resistant construction, it is essential to provide their structural frame with sufficient rigidity and strength horizontally and vertically, ensuring a uniform distribution of rigidity and strength in the plane. To this end, it is typical that those buildings adopt the same type of construction and structural system. On the other hand, in buildings of general base-isolation construction, their upper structure, which is supported by a base isolation layer, undergoes lessened seismic forces and therefore is able to tolerate concentration of rigidity and strength. This makes them available for construction with any types of structural systems, which in turn allows new structural planning realizing a greater freedom in architectural design; the same type of construction and structural system for the upper structure is generally adopted. In contrast, when a high-rise building is provided with an isolation layer in an intermediate level, its upper structure, which is placed above the isolation layer, has high seismic resistance as a seismic isolation structure. And a mass damper effect contributes to decrease in seismic responses in the lower structure, ensuring high seismic resistance of a building. This paper describes the physical properties of a seismic isolation layer system which is built at an middle-story of a building. It also introduce buildings by which potentials for new architectural planning are proposed through the use of this system.
High-Rise Building Seismic Vibration Control Using Large Tuned Top-Floor Mass Damper
Authors: Makino Akifumi ,   Building Design Department, Nagoya Branch Office, Takenaka Corporation, 1-18-22 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-8633, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper details the design of a high-rise reinforced concrete building whose top floor is isolated and used as the mass for a large-scale mass damper, describing the effect of the vibration control realized. Conventional mass dampers with additional weight at the building tops have been installed to improve environmental vibration against strong wind. Mass dampers have rarely been used, however, as measure against earthquakes. We developed large-scale vibration control using the top floor building weight to serve as a mass damper. The building is a high-rise reinforced concrete structure, 162 meters high, with 43 above-ground stories. Based on seismic response analysis using artificial earthquake waves, the natural vibration period of the mass damper was tuned to decrease story drift in the entire building. The mass damper reduced maximum story drift angle by 20%.
Evaluating Planning Process of the Kobe Recovery Plan Based on Project Management Framework
Authors: Ota Toshikazu ,   Seishin Development Office, Port and Urban Projects Bureau, City of KOBE, 1-1-1 Ibukidai-higashimachi, Nishi-ku, Kobe 651-2242, Japan, Maki Norio , Hayashi Haruo ,   Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, DPRI, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   Senior Researcher, The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake Memorial Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution, 1-5-2 Kaigan-dori, Wakinohama, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

In an analysis and evaluation of the formulation process of the “Kobe City Recovery Plan” following the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, we classified its process objectively into 10 individual elements based on project management framework by applying the Johari-Window concepts. The lessons reviewed in this paper can thus be referenced in making future recovery planning following large-scale disasters in the future.
Uncertainty Evaluation in a Flood Forecasting Model Using JMA Numerical Weather Prediction
Authors: Kardhana Hadi ,   Water Resources Engineering Research Group, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Jl. Ganesha 10 Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia, Mano Akira ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-11-1110 Aramaki, Aza-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan
Published: April 2016

Numerical weather prediction (NWP) is useful in flood prediction using a rainfall-runoff model. Uncertainty occurring in the forecast, however, adversely affects flood prediction accuracy, in addition to uncertainty inherent in the rainfall-runoff model. Clarifying this uncertainty and its magnitude is expected to lead to wider forecast applications. Taking the case of Japan’s Shichikashuku Dam, 6 flood events between 2002 and 2007 were analyzed. NWP was based on short-range forecasts by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The rainfall-runoff model is based on a distributed tank model. This research calculates uncertainty by identifying and quantifying the relative error of forecasts by a) NWP and b) the runoff model. Results showed that NAP is the main cause of flood forecast uncertainty. They also showed the correlation between forecast lead time and uncertainty. Uncertainty rises with longer lead time, corresponding to the magnitude of observed discharge and precipitation.
Diagnostic Systems for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and Emerging Viral Infections Prepared in the National Institute of Infectious Diseases
Authors: Saijo Masayuki ,   Department of Virology 1, National Institute of Infectious Diseases 1-23-1 Toyama Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan, Morikawa Shigeru , Kurane Ichiro
Published: April 2016

Given the real possibility of hemorrhagic fever viruses such as ebola (EBOV), Marburg (MARV), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHFV), and Lassa (LASV) viruses being introduced into virus-free nations such as Japan, the need arises for concomitant diagnostics even where such diseases are not endemic. Hemorrhagic fever viruses classified as biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) pathogens can only be manipulated in BSL-4 laboratories, making it difficult for nations such as Japan, having no BSL-4 laboratories, to develop required diagnostic assays. To circumvent this problem, diagnostic assays with recombinant viral antigens have been developed at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan (NIID). Diagnostics such as enzyme immunoassays for detecting viral hemorrhagic antibodies and antigens were developed using recombinant nucleoproteins (rNPs) of EBOV, MARV, CCHFV, and LASV for use as antigens. Immunoglobulin-G (IgG)-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay using rNPs were confirmed to be highly sensitive and specific in detecting these antibodies. Sandwich antigen (Ag) capture ELISA was also developed for detecting these antigens. The sections that follow detail diagnostics developed at the NIID.
Research on Preparedness for Bioterrorism - Associated Events in Japan: Smallpox Vaccine Preparedness
Authors: Saito Tomoya ,   Bio-preparedness Research Lab, Department of Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Keio University, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan,   Global Security Research Institute, Keio University, 2-15-45 Mita, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8345, Japan
Published: April 2016

The 2001 anthrax attack in the United States made the deliberate release of biological agents a real issue and forced many countries to improve their bioterrorism preparedness. Smallpox is a threat that requires international preparedness because it spreads from human to human and would be expected to have a high level of lethality. In 2001, Japan restarted the production and stockpiling of a medical countermeasure, the smallpox vaccine LC16m8, which is a cell-cultured, live attenuated smallpox vaccine that was developed in the 1970s in Japan. The Smallpox Vaccine Research Group has continuously worked to characterize LC16m8 genetically, demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the LC16m8 vaccine, reduce the cost of stockpiling through shelf-life extension via the presentation of evidence of its stability in long-term storage, and maintain the quality of the stockpiled vaccine that is available in case of emergency. Maintaining the stockpile and production capacity of “orphan” medical countermeasures has contributed to national security and also to global health. This paper reviews smallpox vaccine preparedness and the surrounding policy issues in Japan as a typical and classic case of biopreparedness research activities and discusses achievements, problems, and future directions.
Preparedness for Natural Disaster-Associated Infections
Authors: Kaku Koki ,   Department of Global Medicine and Infectious Diseases, National Defense Medical College 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
Published: April 2016

Whether or not infections follow a large scale natural disaster depends on the type of disaster, the timing of its occurrence, geographic characteristics of the stricken, and the social infrastructures in place. Moreover, prolonged reconstruction of the affected areas will increase the risk of further expanding the areas hit by endemic diseases as well as emerging or reemerging infections, causing international public health problems. The spread of an infection depends on the following elements in an intricate manner: 1) increase of a bioagent which becomes an infection source, 2) route of transmission changing both in quality and quantity as time elapses, and 3) changes in the sensitivity of individual hosts. Infections caused by bacteria/rickettsia/fungi include meningococcal infection, tuberculosis, cholera, shigellosis, typhoid fever, salmonellosis, plague, anthrax, melioidosis, leptospirosis, tetanus, coccidioidomycosis, typhus, and tsutsugamushi, etc. Those caused by viruses include hepatitis A, hepatitis E, measles, polio, rabies, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, West Nile fever, yellow fever, chikungunya fever, and hantavirus infection, etc. Those caused by protozoa include malaria, amoebic dysentery, cryptosporium, and giardia, etc. Infections after natural disasters fall into two categories, one resulting from the direct damage sustained in disasters and the other from migration and life in refugee camps. Soon after a major natural disaster strikes, the World Health Organization coordinates dialogues between public health authorities of the affected country and various assistance organizations regarding countermeasures against infections. Medical needs change at the scene of the disaster as time elapses, changing the type and scale of activities carried out by the various support organizations. In analyzing the epidemiological data from disasters, one must be careful in interpreting the voluntarily reported information. We need to consider the possibility of victim relocation, as well as the period and context of activities offered by various organizations,. Aid provided by experts from international organizations is essential to the disentanglement of the chaos that follows disasters, and cooperation among the organizations under normal circumstances is very important.
BSL4 Facilities in Anti-Infectious Disease Measures
Authors: Kurane Ichiro ,   National Institute of Infectious Diseases, 1-23 Toyama, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan
Published: April 2016

Pathogens are divided into biosafety levels (BSL) 1 to 4 based on multiple factors such as virulence, transmissibility, environment effect, and treatment availability. BSL1 pathogens are the least virulent and BSL4 the most. BSL4 pathogens include ebolavirus, marburgvirus, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, lassa virus, variolla virus, and South American hemorrhagic fever viruses, as detailed in Table 1. Pathogens at each of the 4 BSLs must be handled in equivalently physically contained laboratories, graded P1-4. BSL4 pathogens do not exist in nature in Japan, which currently has no equivalent physical containment facilities, but the possibility exists that they may be brought into the country unintentionally by those infected in endemic areas or intentionally by bioterrorists.
Wave Impact Study on a Residential Building
Authors: Lindt John W. van de ,   Civil Engineering Department, Colorado State University Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1372, USA, Gupta Rakesh , Cox Daniel T. , Wilson Jebediah S. ,   Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Oregon State University 114 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA,   School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University 220 Owen Hall, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
Published: April 2016

Recent natural disasters around the world including both tsunamis and hurricanes, have highlighted the inability of wood buildings to withstand wave and surge loading during these extreme events. Little is known about the interaction between coastal residential light-frame wood buildings and wave and surge loading because often little is left of the buildings. This leaves minimal opportunity for forensic investigations. This paper summarizes the results of a study whose objective was to begin to better understand the interaction between North American style residential structures and wave loading. To do this, one-sixth scale residential building models typical of North American coastal construction, were subjected to tsunami wave bores generated from waves of heights varying from 10 cm to 60 cm. The lateral force produced by the wave bores were, as expected, found to vary nonlinearly with parent wave height.
Damage to Coastal Structures by Tsunami-Induced Currents in the Past
Authors: Shuto Nobuo ,   Advanced Research Institute for the Sciences and Humanities, Nihon University 6F Ichigaya Tokyu Building, 2-1 Kudan-kita 4-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

Examples of damages to coastal structures caused by tsunami-induced current are collected from documents in Japan, and classified into four types. Soil embankments near underpasses or bridge abutments are eroded by concentrating water current. Currents parallel to long structures can develop strongly enough to scour the structures toe and destroy them. Embankments made of soil are easily eroded by overflowing water of tsunamis. The toe of quay walls is unprotected against the waterfall that occurs when landed water returns and hits the nearly exposed sea bottom as tsunamis recede.
Numerical Simulation of Damage to a Soil Embankment from Tsunami Overflow
Authors: Fujii Hiroyuki ,   Department of Coastal Engineering, INA Corporation, 8-4-1 Toshima, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0003, Japan, Hotta Shintaro , Shuto Nobuo ,   Advanced Research Institute for the Sciences and Humanities (ARISH), Nihon University 6F Ichigaya Tokyu Building, 4-2-1 Kudan-kita, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

There have been many studies on tsunami forces acting on structures, but few studies on tsunami-induced water flows that move a lot of sands or soils, resulting in damages to such structures as road embankments and seawalls. In the present study, the damage of soil embankments by tsunami overflow is discussed. Hydraulic experiments on movable beds reveal that the erosion of the downstream slope and the scouring at the rear toe are important factors in the erosion of soil embankments. An erosion rate law is experimentally established. Current velocity measured on a fixed bed verifies the application of the CADMAS-SURF to the present situation. A numerical method to simulate the erosion of soil embankments is developed using these data. It is applied to gain insight into the Shuto diagram (2001) about the damages of embankment obtained from field data for local tsunamis of short wave period in the past. Among six tests, reasonable agreements were obtained in four cases. In other two cases, the method gave the larger erosion than the expected ones from the diagram.
Realization of Local Capacity Building for Managing Instructional-System-Design-Based GIS -A Case Study of Wajima City at 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake-
Authors: Ura Yoshihiro ,   Urban Development Division, City Office of Wajima, 2-29 Futatsuya-cho, Wajima city, Ishikawa 928-8525, Japan, Inoguchi Munenari , Hayashi Haruo ,   Research Center for Natural Hazard and Disaster Recovery, Niigata University, 8050 Ikarashi Nino-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata city, Niigata 950-2181, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji city, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

Geographic information system (GIS) use in disaster response in Japan has tended to be poor due to a lack of skills among local responders. The educational model based on instructional system design (ISD) and cognitive apprenticeship theory we proposed enabled local responders to build on GIS management capacity. Our research example is taken from the case of Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, hit by the 2007 Noto Hanto Earthquake, magnitude 6.9 on the Richter scale, on March 25, 2007, in which local responders managed GIS quickly after the quake to developmany useful maps representing recovery progress.
QR Coded Field Data Acquisition
Authors: Higashida Mitsuhiro ,   Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, 3-9-11 Midori-Cho Musashino-Shi, Tokyo 180-8585, Japan, Matsushita Yasushi , Hayashi Haruo , Miyake Kouichi , Morikawa Masayuki , Yoshitomi Nozomu ,   Duplo Corporation, 1-11-19 Higashi-Tenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8535, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

A disaster-hit local government must handle a great deal of information entered on paper-based media, such as reports, assessment sheets, and application forms. Such analog information is expected to be effectively used by registering it in computerized databases, but registrations require much labor and locating information is time-consuming. Damage sites are usually identified by physical (geographic) addresses. Managing data as space information, such as that stored in geographic information systems (GISs), entered on computerized maps enables related work to be implemented efficiently. This paper outlines a QR code based field data acquisition system that automatically converts analog data on paper-based media to digital data via text files and automatically acquires field data, including map-plotted location data, and registers it in GISs, enabling disaster-hit local governments to efficiently process disaster-related data under constrained conditions.
‘Setting the Stage’: How Policy Institutions Frame Participationin Post-Disaster Recovery
Authors: Chandrasekhar Divya ,   Department of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 111 Temple Buell Hall, 611 Lorado Taft Drive, Champaign IL 61820, USA
Published: April 2016

Stakeholder participation is widely acknowledged as being critical to building local capacity to recover from and adapt to disaster events. However, there exists little analytical insight on the factors that affect this participation. Specifically, research is needed on how policies made for disaster recovery facilitate or constrain participation, particularly for places facing unprecedented and catastrophic disasters. This paper uses the case study example of the recovery of Nagapattinam (India) after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to illustrate how recovery policies set the stage on which stakeholder participation occurs. First, recovery policies did not clearly define beneficiaries of the programs, thus leaving these decisions to interpretations on the ground. Second, recovery policies empowered certain stakeholders over others. And lastly, recovery policies did not provide any standards for the community consultation process. This led to a variety of participatory processes on the ground and opened up the possibility of cooptation by more powerful social groups. The paper uses these lessons to suggest measures for policymakers facing similar unprecedented and catastrophic disasters to facilitate stakeholder participation in recovery and it calls for further research on this subject.
Lessons for Long-Term Residential Recovery: Factors of Community Resilience and Marginalization
Authors: Kamel Nabil ,   School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 875302, Tempe, AZ 85287-5302, USA
Published: April 2016

This paper examines conditions influencing reconstruction and recovery processes following a disaster. The Northridge Earthquake and Hurricane Katrina are illustrative of supra-regional political and economic changes and their effect on local communities during the recovery process. In addition, the paper argues that informal institutions can play an important role in shaping the recovery process and its outcomes.
Post-Disaster Assessment of the Performance of Hazard Mitigation Projects: The California SMART Approach
Authors: Boswell Michael R. ,   Department of City and Regional Planning, California Polytechnic State University, 1 Grand Ave, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-02832, USA, Siembieda William J. , Topping Kenneth C. ,   Topping Associates International, 504 Warwick Street, Cambria, CA 93428, USA
Published: April 2016

California’s SMART (State Mitigation Assessment Review Team) program for assessing natural hazard mitigation project performance after a disaster is a method of integrating multiple state agencies’ expertise into a working tool for assessing the value of public investments in risk reduction. The intent of the SMART program is to provide the California Emergency Management Agency with information about the performance of publicly financed mitigation projects so that it can better allocate future funding and improve the overall safety of California. A key aspect of the program is the mobilization of California State University faculty and staff from across the state after a disaster in order to conduct rapid performance assessments while field data is available. In order to test the SMART system, a pilot study was conducted using the Yountville Flood Barrier Wall Project performance during a 2005 flood on the Napa River. The case validated the idea that for a flood project, a rapid evaluation could be conducted using field observations that establish the height and extent of flooding and include the project’s original cost-benefit analysis. The data produced from this type of evaluation program will be valuable to state emergency management agencies trying to allocate program grants in the most efficient manner and to government agencies who want to make sure that federal dollars are being spent wisely.
Lowering Vulnerability Using the Asset-Access-Time Method
Authors: Siembieda William J. ,   Department of City and Regional Planning, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, Room 21-128, 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
Published: April 2016

This paper develops the asset-access-time (AAT) model. The model has three variables: assets, access, and time.Assetsare resources (economic, physical, human and institutional) available to households, communities and governments.Accessis the ability to use the assets after a disaster event occurs.Timeis a dynamic variable influencing when an asset is available to a user and influences its asset value. The combination of the three variables and how they are linked to classes of people, institutions, and places is discussed. Section 1 develops the model components in a linear and rational fashion and provides some examples. Section 2 describes how this model can be adapted to meet local requirements through an example in El Salvador. The model can be used to build a disaster resilience profile. This paper is part of a larger exploration of “asset-based mitigation,” a process of vulnerability reduction through pre-disaster investments in asset protection. Policy implications for disaster management using this method are developed.
Sediment Induced Disasters in the World and 1999-Debris Flow Disasters in Venezuela
Authors: Mizuyama Takahisa ,   Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan, Egashira Shinji ,   NEWJEC Inc., 2-3-20 Honjo-Higashi, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-0074, Japan
Published: April 2016

Many sediment related disasters have occurred in many areas of the world. The table of sediment related disasters from 1997 to 2006 is shown. It shows strong earthquakes and super hurricanes/typhoons cause large landslides and debris flows. Climate change may trigger larger disasters more frequently in the future. Stratovolcanoes are geologically weak and cause huge landslides and debris avalanches. Active volcanoes release lava flows and pyroclastic flows, which cause serious damages. As an example of a typical sediment disaster, a disaster which occurred in Venezuela, in 1999 is briefly reported. The disaster was caused by unusual heavy rainfall. Many people were killed by many debris flows and shallow landslides. The disaster shows information on hazards such as hazard maps and rainfall is necessary and control structures may reduce damages if they had existed. Proper land-use and hazard education are needed.
Large Sediment Movement Caused by the Catastrophic Ohya-Kuzure Landslide
Authors: Tsuchiya Satoshi ,   Faculty of Agriculture, Shizuoka University, 836 Ohya, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Japan, Imaizumi Fumitoshi ,   Ikawa University Forest, University of Tsukuba, 1621-2 Ikawa, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Ohya-kuzure landslide, one of three largest catastrophic landslides in Japan, is assumed to have been triggered by a strong earthquake and a large-scale debris terrace in a channel downstream from landslide. We verified the time of the landslide’s occurrence, its volume, and the amount of sediment supplied to the main river downstream. The landslide’s occurrence in 1707 was confirmed by historical documents and earthquake records of sediment disasters. The landslide’s size was estimated to be 94 million m3, from the geomorphic change in the debris terrace. Moreover, it was presumed that 33% of the sediment accumulating as a debris terrace (29 million m3) was eroded, and that a sediment volume of 17 million m3 was supplied to the upstream region of the main river. Small-scale debris flows have been triggered recently in the source head of the landslide during heavy annual rainfalls. In 2006, a debris flow in Ichinosawa tributary with the most vigorous debris production and transport in the landslide was recorded during a typhoon. Hydrographs of the debris flow quantified by ultrasonic sensor and hydraulic pressure sensor supplemented video images.
Mechanics of Debris Flow Over a Rigid Bed
Authors: Miyamoto Kuniaki ,   Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Ten-no-dai, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan, Tsurumi Yuki ,   CTI Engineering Co., Ltd., 1047-27 Onigakubo, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 300-2651, Japan
Published: April 2016

Up to the middle of the 20th Century, debris flow was a little understood phenomenon. Since then, much has been done to understand it, including observations, experiments, and theoretical considerations. Studies on constitutive equations contributed much to understanding debris flow. These include a constitutive equation set proposed by Egashira, et al. that seamlessly explains a wide range of sediment-laden flow from debris flow to typical bed-load laden flow. These results mainly considered flow over erodible beds, with little systematic study on those over rigid beds. Using the constitutive equation set, we classify the regime for debris flow over rigid beds, and the characteristics of low concentration flow are discussed. Result suggest that some nondimensional criteria characterize the flow regime. While consider the low concentration regime is not enough to predict particular flows yet, it gives us an approach to understand the flow mechanism.