bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach to Environmental, Health and Safety Issues of Nanotechnology in Japan
Authors: Takemura Masahiro ,   Information Analysis Office, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan, Yoshizawa Go , Suzuki Tatsujiro ,   Policy Alternatives Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan,   Japan Atomic Energy Commission, 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8970, Japan
Published: April 2016

In environmental, health, and safety issues of nanotechnology (nanoEHS), at present, risk assessment and management of nanomaterials to protect workers, consumers, and the environment is the most urgent. Workers have the highest possibility of being exposed to nanomaterials in workplaces, where nanomaterials may be inhaled or enter the body through dermal exposure. Several kinds of in-vivo tests have been done to assess the hazards of nanomaterials, mainly in terms of immunity response and carcinogenicity. Most advanced countries agree that it is important to manage the risks of nanomaterials with using the existing framework for chemical substances as much as possible to minimize risks, product of hazard and exposure. Research papers on the hazards of nanomaterials have been increasing, but there have been comparatively little scientific data related to exposuremeasurement. The Japanese government and national research institutes have been proactively committed to this issue since 2004. In addition to supporting several domestic projects, the Japanese government proactively joined international bodies such as the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials and ISO TC-229. Still, much more scientific data in appropriate studies and more discussion by appropriate participants are needed although funding is limited. To improve the situation, proposals have included (1) promoting basic research on nanoEHS, (2) increasing opportunities for scientific discussion on nanoEHS, (3) working continuously to construct and maintain databases on nanoEHS, (4) promoting the involvement of multistakeholders in nanoEHS, and (5) having ministries working cooperatively and efficiently on nanoEHS.
Replicating GM Viruses in Cancer Therapy; A Conflict of Emotions?
Authors: Mampuys Ruth ,   Netherlands Commission on Genetic Modification, 3720 AN Bilthoven, The Netherlands, Roeser Sabine ,   3TU.Centre for Ethics and Technology, Philosophy Departments of Twente University and TU Delft, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX Delft, The Netherlands
Published: April 2016

The use of genetically modified (GM) viruses to cure diseases is a fast developing and promising field. Besides biosafety and ethical concerns, public opinion will also becomemore important as replicating viruses are used as therapy. Not only the risk/benefit considerations of the patient, who might have nothing to lose, will play a role, but also those of the general public, who might be unwillingly confronted with these viruses if they accidentally spread into the environment. Based on experience with social debates about other medical treatments and GM-technologies, it is reasonable to assume that patients will mainly focus on the benefits and downplay the risks of this new therapy while the general public may have a blind spot for the possible benefits and will focusmainly on the risks. These biases can cause tension in the embedding of this new technology in society. In this article we develop recommendations on how to develop a risk communication that diminishes these biases, in order to enable people to make a well-grounded ethical evaluation of the use of GM viruses. We argue that emotions such as hope, empathy but also fear and disgust should be taken into account in order to facilitate an ethical risk communication about GM viruses.
Concepts of Fire Safety Provisions of Means of Escape andEvacuation Safety Plan in High-Rise Building
Authors: Hagiwara Ichiro ,   Department of Fire Engineering, Building Research Institute, 1 Tachihara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0802, Japan
Published: April 2016

The measures on safety of buildings in case of a fire have been stipulated almost as specification document in the building codes for a long time. The standards on fire safety were first prepared to prevent urban great fire, later to alleviate human losses in fire of large-scale building. The standards on fire safety in foreign countries, especially regulations on safe evacuation are outlined, and the concepts of building planning especially for the purpose of securing safe evacuation in high-rise buildings are introduced.
Smoke Control System for High-Rise Buildings in Japan
Authors: Moriyama Shuji ,   NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD., 2-18-3 Iidabashi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8117, Japan
Published: April 2016

A smoke exhaust system must be installed basically in all high-rise buildings in Japan, in order to eliminate smoke and gas from combustible materials and ensure safe evacuation effectively. However, a new problem, i.e., the difficulty of opening and closing doors when a smoke exhaust fan is operating, has occurred since air-tightness has been improved in high-rise buildings. There are therefore many cases recently where a pressurized smoke control system is adopted. In this paper, the basic concept of this system is described and the pressurized smoke control system that is used in Harumi Triton Square, one of the largest high-rise buildings in Japan.
Fire Resistive Design for Preventing Upward Fire Spread
Authors: Ikeda Kenichi ,   Environment & Technical Solution Division, Shimizu Corporation, 1-2-3 Shibaura Minatoku, Tokyo 105-8007, Japan
Published: April 2016

Recently the fires in which super high-rise building collapsed occurred relatively frequently in overseas countries. The following three reasons can be thought to the question why fire led to the collapses of the buildings: failure of first-aid fire fighting, lack of capabilities of structural member of fire compartment for preventing spread of fire, and lack of fire-resistive performance of building or its structural member. If all these conditions are met, building collapses. The second reason mentioned above all is regarded as an important factor for promoting spread of fire. Especially, defectiveness of the interlayer compartment causes upward fire spread, makes fire fighting activities from the floor above difficult, and constitutes a primary factor to make the fire large-scale. In the case of super high-rise building, lack of capabilities for preventing upward fire spread on typical floor constitutes a decisive factor in making fire extensive, because such building normally consists of continuous typical floors on the same plane surface. To prevent the upward fire spread, it is important to use higher spandrel for exterior wall of building and to construct it without fault. The height of spandrel varies depending on the intended use of the building and the shape of openings, but the height of about 1.2 m to 2.0 m is needed. In Japan in many cases the height of spandrel of a super high-rise building is around 90 cm. Using the spandrel of this size, delay of upward fire spread can be expected to some degree, but not enough to complete prevention. In addition, to prevent collapse of a super high-rise building by upward fire spread, it is indispensable to equip the system for first-aid fire fighting and use the structural members resistant to heating of fire.
Adequacy of Safe Egress Design Codes for Supertall Buildings
Authors: Pang Edgar C. L. ,   Research Centre for Fire Engineering, Department of Building Services Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hunghom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, Chow Wan-Ki
Published: April 2016

Emergency evacuation for supertall buildings with heights over 200 m require a very long time for occupants to travel down the buildings. Occupants might jam into protected lobbies and staircases, extending the waiting time. There is not yet any code requirement specifically for emergency evacuation in supertall buildings, which are criticized for using the same codes for buildings with normal heights. Further, the evacuation design for several existing supertall buildings does not even follow prescriptive fire-safety codes. The underlying problems have not yet been addressed by thorough studies. Evacuation in such tall buildings in Hong Kong will be studied in this paper. The assumptions made in the local prescriptive codes for safe egress will be justified. Three buildings with evacuation design complying with the local codes are considered as examples. A commercial building, a hotel, and a residential block in Hong Kong are taken as examples. The key design parameters in the local codes are for 40 people evacuating with a flow rate of 1.1 person/s through the staircase between typical floors. The evacuation time from each floor to the protected lobby is assumed to be within 5 min. The evacuation times in different scenarios with these assumptions are calculated. Such assumptions do not hold under a high occupant load. The total evacuation time would be extended significantly when the travelling flows of occupants are blocked in any of the evacuation routes. Different fire-safety management schemes with staged evacuation, such as assigning higher priorities to evacuate lower or upper floors first, are evaluated. The results observed for safe egress are then discussed.
Study on Transportation Efficiency of Evacuation Using Elevators in Comparison with Evacuation Using Stairsin a High-Rise Building – Is Use of Elevator in Evacuation Really Effective for General People? –
Authors: Sekizawa Ai ,   Tokyo University of Science, Nakahama Shinji ,   Taisei Corporation
Published: April 2016

In a building fire, occupants are basically required to escape by stairs and not to use elevators. However, in many recent fires, quite a number of people used elevators for their evacuation. Also, it is expected that the number of people who have difficulty in using stairs in evacuation will increase, since the proportion of aged people in the total population has been rapidly increasing in recent years and the accessibility of buildings for disabled people has also been improved in Japan. To consider this situation, we made a simplified model to evaluate evacuation time by elevators, and conducted case studies in order to examine the feasibility and issues of elevator use for evacuation. The results of the case studies indicate that, if the elevator use can be designated only for a small proportion of occupants such as disabled people, it would be effective to use the elevator in the evacuation of those people. However, for the general building population, it is suggested that it would be better to use stairs for their evacuation in most cases thus enabling the evacuation of disabled people by elevator to be more effective.
Design of Evacuation Systems for Elevator Evacuation in High-Rise Buildings
Authors: Nilsson Daniel ,   Department of Fire Safety Engineering and Systems Safety, Lund University, Box 118, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden, Jönsson Axel
Published: April 2016

As tall buildings are becoming more common there is a need to examine alternative evacuation strategies. In response to this many new high-rise buildings are equipped with evacuation elevators. Traditionally, elevators have not been used for evacuation and people have been instructed to avoid using them in fire emergencies. It might therefore be quite challenging to get people to use elevators for evacuation. If evacuation elevators are to be perceived as an attractive option people must be given appropriate information and guidance. In the following paper, previous research is examined in order to identify the information required to convince people to use evacuation elevators. In addition, a theory that can aid the design of evacuation systems, i.e., the tools for conveying the information, is presented and applied. Finally, a research strategy for developing and testing new evacuation systems is presented.
Seismic Isolation with No Strain Energy – Research on New Seismic Isolation System with No Resonance Characteristics –
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuo ,   Dynamic Design Inc., ISE Bldg. 3F 1-16 Sumiyoshi-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0065, Japan, Nishimura Yukihiro , Mizue Tadashi
Published: April 2016

Since the safety of seismically-isolated buildings during earthquakes depends mainly on the largedeformation stability of the isolation devices, it is necessary to either provide large isolator deformation capacity or to reduce seismic response deformation to ensure enhanced building safety. From the viewpoint of earthquake demand, it must be recognized that, the isolator response deformation may exceed the allowable capacity when the isolation system resonates with strong, near-source earthquake ground motions. This paper first establishes the problem of the damping capacity of conventional isolation systems that a system with strong restoration spring causes large elastic strain energy to accumulate in largely deformed isolators. Then, a new hysteresis behavior is proposed to reduce the strain energy developed in isolators. Based on studies of the fundamental characteristics of the proposed hysteresis behavior, this paper proposes a new isolation system concept called “Seismic Isolation with No Strain Energy (NSE)” which does not result in resonance because it eliminates the strain energy stored in deformed isolators, even if the period of the isolation system coincides with predominant period of the input ground motions. The superior performance of NSE Seismic Isolation is confirmed by the results of dynamic response analyses for strong, near-source earthquake ground motions.
Development of the EDR-Spring Element Using Foamed Polymer Materials and the Design of NSE-Isolated Buildings Using EDR-Spring Elements
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuo ,   Dynamic Design Inc., ISE Bldg. 3F 1-16 Sumiyoshi-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0065, Japan, Nishimura Yukihiro
Published: April 2016

Seismic Isolation can provide superior building safety during strong earthquakes, but it is known that some near-source ground motions produce excessive response deformations, and these may be larger than the allowable capacity of the isolation devices. “Seismic Isolation with No Strain Energy” (NSE), a new isolation concept, has been proposed as a solution to the problem. By eliminating the strain energy stored in deformed isolators, the resulting resonance problem can be completely resolved. The goal of the paper is to successfully produce an NSE spring element which has the restoring characteristics of the EDR-spring model for NSE-isolated buildings. The paper tested 15 foamed polymer materials and selected the most suitable one for the EDR-spring element. It has an elimination ratio of stored strain energy of ß≥0.7. The design loop for the spring using the selected material was established, and two model buildings of 5 stories and 15 stories were designed using the EDR-spring and sliders supporting the buildings’ weight. The designed NSE-isolated buildings’ superior dynamic performance against very strong earthquakes, even in cases in which input ground motions have the same predominant period as the isolated structures, was confirmed by dynamic response analyses.
Evaluation of Volcanic Activity at Sinabung Volcano, After More Than 400 Years of Quiet
Authors: Hendrasto Muhamad ,   Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation, Geological Agency, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Indonesia, Jalan Diponegoro No.57, Bandung 40122, West Java, Indonesia, Surono  , Budianto Agus , Kristianto  , Triastuty Hetty , Haerani Nia , Basuki Ahmad , Suparman Yasa , Primulyana Sofyan , Prambada Oktory , Loeqman Agoes , Indrastuti Novianti , Andreas Aditya Sebastian , Rosadi Umar , Adi Sucahyo , Iguchi Masato , Ohkura Takahiro , Nakada Setsuya , Yoshimoto Mitsuhiro ,   Sakurajima Volcano Research Center, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Japan,   Aso Volcano Observatory, Kyoto University, Japan,   Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, Japan,   Hokkaido University, Japan
Published: April 2016

Before its 2010 eruption, Sinabung Volcano was a Btype volcano, in its Indonesian classification. A series of explosions featuring 1-5 km high phreatic-ash columns occurred from August 27, 2010 untill September 7, 2010. SO2 flux measured during the eruptions showed sizeable gas emission and the youngest volcanic product has age of 1200 years BP obtained from 14C dating. At the end of August 2010, four continuous seismic stations were established around the volcano, and 6 additional stations were deployed in October 2010. Deformation monitoring was conducted temporarily till in February 2011, four continuous GPS stations were installed. All were set up through collaboration between Indonesian and Japanese academic and government institutions. Hypocenter calculations using data of 4 seismic stations fromSeptember to October 2010 showed two concentrations for shallow volcanic earthquakes (VTB) 0.5-2 km beneath the crater and for deep volcanic earthquakes (VTA) 2.5-14 km beneath the crater. These epicenters defined a northeast-southwest lineament, near an elongated sinistral fault zone between Sinabung and Sibayak volcanoes. Earthquake sources went deeper northeastward. Results using the data of 10 stations from November 2010 to February 2011 showed that earthquakes were concentrated at depths of 4-6 km beneath Lake Lau Kawar. Tilt and Electro-optic Distance Measurement (EDM) measurements from August to September 2010 showed no significant changes We inferred that since the last explosion in 7 September 2010, stabilization process both in pressure and energy were low.
Striving to Reduce Disaster Risk: Vulnerable Communities with Low Levels of Preparedness in Indonesia
Authors: Hidayati Deny ,   Research Center for Population, the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Widya Graha Building 10th Floor, Gatot Subroto Street No.10, Jakarta 12710, Indonesia
Published: April 2016

An earthquake and tsunami disaster risk hotspot, Indonesia has already lost hundreds of thousands of lives due to these natural disasters. This country, according to geological history, has experienced such disasters for a long time, but its people seemingly have not learned much from them. Their preparedness level is still low, mainly as a result of their lack of knowledge and awareness of the hazards and the negative impact those hazards have. It can also be noted from the previous disasters that their victims are especially vulnerable groups living under poor socioeconomic conditions; these people subsequently undergo difficulties in recovering their economic livelihood. In fact, most Indonesian provinces, and their coastal areas in particular, are identified as “disaster high risk,” yet more than half the total population lives in and is dependent on these areas. Realizing the high degree of their vulnerability, the people of Indonesia have to prepare to anticipate such disasters, and different initiatives on community disaster preparedness have been executed throughout the country since the Aceh tsunami. The objectives of this study are to discuss the socioeconomic vulnerability of the Indonesian community in the context of earthquakes and tsunamis, the crucial need for the communities to anticipate these disasters, their preparedness conditions, and efforts to reduce disaster risks. The study applies primary data collection based on quantitative (survey) and qualitative (in-depth interviews, FGDs and observations)methodology; it supplies secondary data collection based on desk reviews.
Disaster Education in Indonesia: Learning How It Works from Six Years of Experience After Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004
Authors: Rafliana Irina ,   Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Jl. Raden Saleh 43, Jakarta 10330, Indonesia
Published: April 2016

The most recent disaster events in Indonesia have been a major wakeup call for focusing more attention on disaster education. The task is not easy. The current development conditions, including population growth and environmental degradation increase the level of vulnerabilities of communities at risks (Ronan et al., 2005) against future disasters. As one of the strategies aimed at reducing disaster risks, disaster education interventions were adopted for schools with the hope that it can be an effective catalyst for influencing community preparedness. Many organizations were playing their respective roles in increasing schools’ knowledge and preparedness. Two to four years after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, preparedness assessment was conducted for schools, local community and authorities in at least eight districts/cities in Indonesia. The results were quite surprising: preparedness of schools were almost always the lowest. This paper shares lessons learnt from disaster education interventions in Indonesia in the past six years after the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004; some of the designed interventions were a part of the aforementioned preparedness assessment. The aim of this paper is to discuss some approaches and reconsider the effectiveness of integrating disaster risk reduction, not only in the context of Indonesia but also for application around the globe. A shift from awareness raising activities to more process-based activities such as the development of school-based preparedness models, is now occurring and is observable in several schools. Yet, mainstreaming disaster risk management in the school system, as a chosen strategy for reducing risks to schools in potential disaster-prone areas, may not be simple.
Main Features of Government’s Initial Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Koresawa Atsushi ,   Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), 1-5-2 Wakinohamakaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper reviews approximately the first nine months of the Japanese Government’s response to the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami that hit the Pacific coast of Northeastern Japan and devastated many coastal communities. By examining various forms of governmentwide initiatives i.e., the Extreme Disaster Management Headquarters, the Reconstruction Design Council, the Headquarters for Reconstruction, the Reconstruction Agency and the Central Disaster Management Council, this paper tries to clarify the specific functions and main achievements of those institutions It also highlights the main features of the Japanese Government’s disaster response and underlies major changes from past practices due to the unprecedented scale and nature of the disaster.
Implementation of Demonstration of Information Linkage Supposing the Tokyo Metropolitan Near Field Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Hada Yasunori ,   Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi,  4-3-11 Takeda, Kofu, Yamanashi 400-8511, Japan, Kondo Shinya , Meguro Kimiro , Ohara Miho , Zama Shinsaku , Endo Makoto , Kobayashi Keiji , Suzuki Takeyasu , Noda Itsuki , Shimora Hiroki , Takeuchi Ikuo , Kobayashi Satoshi , Arakawa Jumpei ,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Japan,   National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster (FRI), Japan,   Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Japan,   National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Japan,   Waseda University, Japan,   Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

For the purpose of realizing horizontal information sharing among organizations involved in disaster management in the Tokyo metropolitan area, this study aims to extract problems in responding to disaster in the initial stage of a Tokyo metropolitan near-field earthquake disaster, to develop applications for disaster management to contribute to solving these problems, and to implement a demonstration of the information linkage incorporating applications for officials of local governments in charge of disaster management and fire-fighting. To put it concretely, Kanagawa Prefecture, Yokohama City, and Kawasaki City were selected as the area for demonstration, and simultaneous multiple fires and emergency medical transport by helicopter and ambulance were taken up as the main subjects of the demonstration. The demonstration was implemented for application to disaster management consisting of fire spread simulation, an information-sharing network for disaster relief helicopters, a system for emergency medical transport by ambulance, a system for disaster response management and an all-purpose disaster information viewer, and information linkage incorporating an information-sharing database.
Improvement of Local Capability Under Lifeline Disruptions by Construction of Distributed Self-Sustaining Zone – Based on Research of Disaster Base Hospitals in Tokyo Capital Area
Authors: Inagaki Keiko ,   Graduate School of Urban Innovation, Yokohama National University, 79-7 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan, Sadohara Satoru
Published: April 2016

Measures must be taken to prepare against lifeline disruptions caused by earthquakes in the Tokyo capital area. In this study, a survey was conducted targeting important hospitals in the capital area of Japan to understand the situation of water and energy supply facilities of buildings and the disaster preparedness. It is clear that disaster base hospitals tend to have highperformance energy facilities to support the continuity of operations during a disaster. This paper presents the concept of a distributed self-sustaining district to improve the local capability to overcome lifeline disruptions. The suitability of implementing this concept in the hospitals in a given district is also assessed in this study.
Ten Years of Pre-Disaster Community Development for Post-Disaster Recovery in Tokyo
Authors: Ichiko Taro ,   Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Minami-oosawa, Hachiouji, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan
Published: April 2016

Considering about an estimated dreadful damage by earthquakes centered directly under the capital city, the pre-disaster planning for post-disaster recovery is a vital countermeasure. In this paper, those predisaster planning activities were discussed. There are 5 sections. Firstly, backgrounds and early studies are reviewed. Secondly, positions of a pre-disaster planning for post-disaster recovery were discussed from a view of city-planning studies. Thirdly, the “drills for disaster-recovery machizukuri” as the field for machizukuri for post-disaster recovery were analyzes. These drills were mainly methods and activities for pre-disaster planning activities. Fourthly, the efforts made in Nerima Ward for drills are reviewed. Fifthly, the concrete results of the pre-disaster planning for post-disaster recovery are discussed, and finally the future challenges and directions of the pre-disaster planning for post-disaster recovery are mentioned.
Streptococcus suis: An Emerging Biothreat
Authors: Sekizaki Tsutomu ,   Research Center for Food Safety and OIE Collaborating Centre for Food Safety, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan
Published: April 2016

Streptococcussuis infections in pigs are often seen in major hog-producing countries. This bacterium is also a zoonotic agent affecting, for the most part, people in close contact with swine or pork by-products. The humanS. suisinfections have generally been sporadic; however, in recent years, this bacterium has strongly emerged as an important public health issue in Southeast and East Asia. Most human infections have so far been recognized to cause adult meningitis; however, a recent outbreak that occurred in Sichuan Province, China, involved a fatal disease, known as the streptococcus toxic-shock syndrome. Almost all human infections were caused by contact with diseased pigs or contaminated pork by-products, so reducing the number of virulent strains ofS. suisin hog populations is an important task in diminishing the level of risk in humanS. suisinfections. However, theS. suisstrains show various degrees of virulence, and many clinically healthy pigs may carryS. suis, some of which are avirulent and some of whichmust be virulent. Therefore, a rapid assay system to identify the virulent strains ofS. suisis urgently needed. Here, general information onS. suisis described, and the recent research progress on this bacterium is summarized.
Cutaneous Papillomatosis in Cattle
Authors: Hatama Shinichi ,   Dairy Hygiene Research Division, Hokkaido Research Station, National Institute of Animal Health, 4 Hitsujigaoka, Toyohira, Sapporo, Hokkaido 062-0045, Japan
Published: April 2016

Cutaneous papillomatosis in cattle is benign proliferative tumors caused by infection with various types of bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs). The lesions can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly seen in teat, head, neck and shoulder. Although they are not life-threatening, teat papillomatosis is a distressing disease in dairy cattle and can lead to mastitis, prevent the suckling of calves and make milking impossible. This disease is very common in Japan and heavily affected animals are culled. Recently identified new genotype of BPV is one of the important causative agents for this problem. There is no completely effective treatment and prevention for the cutaneous papillomatosis but a variety of measures has been advocated. This article describes pathological natures of various BPV genotypes associated with cutaneous papillomatoses and the measures for treatment and prevention.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Japan: Outbreaks, Control Measures, and Roles of Wild Birds
Authors: Tsukamoto Kenji ,   Azabu University, 1-17-71 Fuchinobe, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-8501, Japan
Published: April 2016

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) causes devastating economic loss to the poultry industry and poses a significant threat to food safety and public health. In Asia, the H5N1 HPAI virus has been circulating since 1996, and human infection has occurred sporadically. Points important for preventing outbreaks are biosecurity at chicken farms, monitoring, rapid diagnosis, and eradication of the virus from farms where outbreaks occur. Vaccination for chickens is not recommended because low vaccine efficacy may allow the circulation of the virus in vaccinated flocks. Since we experienced many chicken outbreaks and many deaths of wild birds in the 2010/2011 birdwintering season in Japan, biosecurity measures at farms have been enhanced and real-time PCR has been introduced as a rapid, reliable diagnostic test at animal hygiene service centers in Japan in 2011. Since risk of the H5N1 virus being maintained in wild bird populations may be increasing, international wild bird surveillance at the residential and bird-wintering places may be more important than ever. Real-time RT-PCR (SYBR) for subtyping HA and NA genes of AI viruses is quite useful for surveillance.
Ideal Interoperability of Logistics that Enhance Resilience of Supply Chains Based on PPP (Public-Private Partnership)
Authors: Watanabe Kenji ,   Graduate School of Social Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokiso-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 466-8555, Japan
Published: April 2016

The business impacts with the Great East Japan Earthquake to the society reflected not only in tangible areas but also in intangible areas such as supply chains and functionalities of urban cities. This note discusses increasing vulnerability of our networked society and also need for establishing interoperability of logistics realized by flexible modal shifts among different transportation methods. In the process of the discussions, necessity for PPP (Public-Private Partnership) is considered with two case studies from the United States and the United Kingdom. In the last, the way forward to establish a flexible logistics-based resilience in major supply chains is proposed to prepare for incoming disasters.
BCM Case Study on Financial Companies in Japan: Review of Decision-Making Process to Develop a BCM Helicopter Solution
Authors: Sayanagi Yasutake ,   Head of Business Continuity Management, Barclays Security Japan Limited, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-Ku, Tokyo 106-6131, Japan
Published: April 2016

Identify the business impact with financial companies when a wide area disaster hits Tokyo Central Business District (Tokyo CBD) and review the solution development process in a leading financial company. · Clarify the mission statement and recovery strategy in financial companies · Check with the Metropolitan Police Department’s road restrictions plan as well as the availability of public transportations · Investigate potential solutions · Review and design the BCP Helicopter Solution · Make a new product of the BCP Helicopter Solution
Business Continuity Planning Status of the Private Sector in the Asia Pacific Region
Authors: Ono Takahiro ,   Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), 1-5-2 Wakinohamakaigan Dori, Chuo, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region accounts for around half of all global GDP. Since its supply chains are closely intertwined, a single disaster could adversely affect economic activities in the entire region. APEC therefore needs to strengthen the private sector’s capacity for disaster preparedness and recovery by promoting Business Continuity Planning (BCP) among APEC member economies. This report is summarizes findings from a 2011 regional survey conducted to understand the status of BCP adoption and the level of BCP awareness in the private sector among APEC economies. Outcomes of this survey will be used to determine the next appropriate steps for enhancing and promoting private sector resilience.
JMA’s Tsunami Warning for the 2011 Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Warning Improvement Plan
Authors: Ozaki Tomoaki ,   Seismological and Volcanological Department, Japan Meteorological Agency, Otemachi 1-3-4 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8122, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a timely tsunami warning three minutes after the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake (the Great Tohoku Earthquake) occurred at 14:49 (JST) on March 11, 2011. However, predicted tsunami heights at the early stage were greatly underestimated. Based on lessons learned from this earthquake, the JMA plans to improve its tsunami warning.
Tsunami Vertical Evacuation Buildings - Lessons for International Preparedness Following the 2011 Great East Japan Tsunami
Authors: Fraser Stuart ,   Joint Centre for Disaster Research, GNS Science / Massey University, P.O. Box 756, Wellington 6140, New Zealand, Leonard Graham S. , Murakami Hitomi , Matsuo Ichiro ,   GNS Science, New Zealand,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Yamaguchi University, Japan,   Crisis & Environment Management Policy Institute (CeMI), Japan
Published: April 2016

Tsunami vertical evacuation is an important strategy for enhancing disaster preparedness because it provides an alternative to evacuation inland or to high ground in areas at risk of local tsunami. A large number of tsunami vertical evacuation buildings provided safe refuge in the inundation zone during and immediately after the Great East Japan tsunami on March 11th2011. This paper discusses observations of such buildings in connection with themes that arose during semi-structured interviews with local disaster prevention and emergency services officials in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures in October 2011. The implementation of key factors in the development of tsunami vertical evacuation strategies are assessed with reference to previously published guidelines, enabling lessons to be applied in the current and future development of such strategies internationally. The most important factors for designating tsunami vertical evacuation buildings are that they be reinforced concrete construction with sufficient height in relation to inundation depth. Also important to the success of such vertical evacuation strategies are community engagement, building owner agreement, consistent and clear signage, 24-hour access and evacuee welfare.
Government’s Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Authors: Koresawa Atsushi ,   Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA), Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, 2-1-2 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8927, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper analyzes how the Japanese government has responded to the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunamis that devastated cities and towns along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan claiming many precious lives and causing extremely extensive destruction. The resilience of a society depends largely on how it identifies existing gaps, how it addresses them in the recovery process, and how it integrates solutions in the existing disastermanagement system as a result. From such a perspective, this paper examines the government’s response to the disaster for approximately the first one year following it by taking stock of progress made versus the priorities of the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015.
Flood Forecasting Module of the Distributed Hydrological Model EasyDHM
Authors: Lei Xiaohui ,   State Key Laboratory of Simulation and Regulation of Water Cycle in River Basin, China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, A966, 1# Yuyuantan Rd., Haidian District, Beijing City, P. R. China, Liao Weihong , Jiang Yunzhong , Wang Hao
Published: April 2016

A flood forecasting module of the independentlydeveloped distributed hydrological model EasyDHM is developed mainly aiming to support the flood operational management. In this flood forecasting module, the accuracy of hydrological simulation is the most important task. In order to increase accuracy, some new techniques such as the management of initial parameters, management and adaptive interpolation of realtime weather information data, autocalibration of parameters, real-time flood correction, and multimodel combination techniques are introduced to this module. The module is then applied to the Nen River basin in China for confirmation of results. It is revealed that the accuracy of simulation results from the flood forecasting module is obviously higher than that from regular simulation in EasyDHM, and this independent flood module is of great importance for flood forecast and management projects.
Tripod Scheme in Flood Disaster Management in Japan
Authors: Matsuki Hirotada ,   Himeji Office of River and Road, Kinki Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), 1-250 Hojo, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0947, Japan
Published: April 2016

Japan has suffered from natural disasters but sustained economic activity on not so commodious islands. This social resiliency is based on a time-honored risk management scheme that, like a tripod, consists of self-help, mutual help, and public help. This study analyzes the social infrastructure from Japan’s disaster-fighting history. Japan’s first political documents tell how the ancient Japanese people broke ground on floodplains to develop rice-paddy agriculture and underwent repeated water-related disasters after the Nara era (710-794). People had to deal with flooding and commence risk management to survive in flood-prone areas. During the Edo era (1603-1868), people expanded paddy agriculture to all arable land in the islands and tried to protect rice production from endless flood disasters in the same places. An effective flood-fighting scheme was then invented and expanded to nationwide. Its essence was coalition among people, a primary community and a local government. In Japan’s modernization since 1868, traditional social rules have been enshrined into laws. The indigenous scheme for anti-flood measures has been translated into 3 major acts: the Disaster Management Basic Act, the Flood Fighting Act, and the River Act. These acts have been working and evolving, during qualitative transforming of Japanese society due to industrial restructuring, rapid urbanization, population fluidity, etc. Under such a legal infrastructure, the MLIT Himeji Office conducted a pilot program in an inundated community just after a downpour disaster in 2009 to improve local anti-flood measures. Output has indicated the importance of independency and interdependency of self-/mutual/public help. The “tripod” scheme provides recommendations for living with disaster not only in Japan but also in other countries in Asia.
Tsunami Hydrodynamics in the Columbia River
Authors: Yeh Harry ,   School of Civil & Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-3212, USA, Tolkova Elena , Jay David , Talke Stefan , Fritz Hermann ,   Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean (JISAO), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98115-6349, USA,   Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Portland State University, Portland, Oregon 97207, USA,   School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Savannah, Georgia 31407-3039, USA
Published: April 2016

On 11 March 2011, the Tohoku Tsunami overtopped a weir and penetrated 49 km up the Kitakami River, the fourth largest river in Japan [1]. Similarly, the 2010 Chile tsunami propagated at least 15 km up the Maule River [2]. In the Pacific Northwest of the United States, large tsunamis have occurred along the Cascadia subduction zone, most recently the ‘orphan tsunami’ of 1700 (Atwater et al. [3]). The expected future occurrence of a Cascadia tsunami and its penetration into the Lower Columbia River became the subject of “the Workshop on Tsunami Hydrodynamics in a Large River” held in Corvallis, Oregon, 2011. We found that tsunami penetration into the Columbia River is quite different from a typical river. The tsunami enters the vast river estuary through the relatively narrow river mouth of the Columbia, which damps and diffuses its energy. The tsunami transforms into a long period, small amplitude wave that advances to Portland, 173 km from the ocean. Understanding this unique tsunami behavior is important for preparing a forthcoming Cascadia tsunami event.
Seismic Performance of Degraded Shear Walls for Long-Term Compliance Periods
Authors: Ibarra Luis ,   University of Utah, Department of Civil Engineering, 110 Central Campus Drive. Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA, Dasgupta Biswajit , Chiang Kuang-Tsan ,   Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses, Southwest Research Institute®, 6220 Culebra Road, San Antonio, TX 78238, USA
Published: April 2016

Seismic performance evaluations of nuclear facilities are usually based on seismic probabilistic risk analyses that do not include the effects of concrete aging, which may decrease the capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) components with time. This study relates the physical mechanisms that take place during aging of concrete (e.g., cracking, and rebar corrosion) and the deterioration of mechanical properties that affect the system capacity under seismic events. The seismic performance evaluation uses available experimental data of steel reinforcement corrosion and variability of concrete parameters as a function of time. To obtain the variation in the system capacity caused by concrete aging, detailed numerical models of RC components and models of the selected structural systems are developed. The probability of unacceptable performance, or seismic failure, is computed by convolving the fragility data and selected hazard curves. The calculation includes the gain of concrete compressive strength with time. However, this gain in strength does not overcome the degradation of seismic performance caused by concrete cracking and corrosion of steel rebars. The results indicate that aging effects on RC components are largely influenced by seismic hazard at the site.
Analysis of the Impact of Water-Supply Outages Due to Multiple Factors Caused by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Kuwata Yasuko ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Kobe University, Rokkodai 1, Nada, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan, Okamoto Tasuku
Published: April 2016

The Tohoku earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011, caused water-supply outages to 2.2 million households in 187 cities and towns. This earthquake impacted on natural and social events, adversely affecting the water-supply system. For instance, there were long-term disruptions of regional water supplies, long-term electric power outages, extensive liquefaction damage, and damage caused by the tsunami. These multiple factors made the damage pattern complex, and water-supply restoration was delayed even though seismic ground motion was moderate. This study attempts to elucidate the factors that caused water-supply restoration to be delayed following the earthquake and to measure the earthquake impact on water-supply outages in terms of restoration time and the households affected by the water-supply outage. As a result, the long restoration time for the water supply following the Tohoku earthquake could be explained by a combination of factors, including restoration time for electric power and regional water supplies and pipeline repair in liquefaction areas, in addition to time for pipeline repair following past earthquakes. Pipeline repair required twice the time compared to past earthquakes.
Performance of Piled Raft Foundation with Grid-Form Ground Improvement During the 2011 off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku Earthquake
Authors: Uchida Akihiko ,   Research and Development Institute, Takenaka Corporation, 5-1, 1 Chome, Ohtsuka, Inzai, Chiba 270-1395, Japan, Yamashita Kiyoshi , Odajima Nobuyuki ,   Building Design Department, Takenaka Corporation, 1-1, 1 Chome, Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0075, Japan
Published: April 2016

Grid-form ground improvement by the deep cement mixing method is one of the countermeasures against soil liquefaction. Improvements by this method were confirmed during the southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake in 1995. The number of building foundations adopting this method has increased in the last years. During the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, severe liquefaction damage was observed in reclaimed land in the Tokyo Bay area. Since then, liquefaction countermeasures have been recognized to be important to reclaimed land. A building foundation improved by grid-form ground improvement method is introduced in this paper. Field investigation results of ground around the building after the 2011 earthquake are presented. The effect of liquefaction prevention on gridform ground improvement is discussed based on dynamic nonlinear analysis of soil layers with actual acceleration records. Comparing field investigation results to simulation analysis, we concluded that gridform ground improvement prevented liquefaction of original soil surrounded by grid-form walls during the 2011 earthquake.
Infectious Disease Risk After the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Mimura Satoshi ,   Department of Virology, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 2-1 Seiryo Machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan, Kamigaki Taro , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: April 2016

Infectious disease outbreaks in postdisaster settings provide significant social impact although those outbreaks do not always occur. It is important to assess the potential risks of infectious disease in each setting. The Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred March 11, 2011, imposed a huge impact on public health services. After the earthquake and following tsunami, many evacuation centers were sites of crowding as well as poor sanitation conditions because of the large- scale of destruction. Some shelters became sites of infectious disease outbreaks such as influenza and norovirus enteritis, although the size of these outbreaks was quite localized. Improvements in the response to infectious diseases through lessons learned from the Great East Japan Earthquake are expected to be the triggers for improving preparedness for public health emergencies.