bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Flow Routing Model Including Inundation Effect for the Extreme Flood in the Chao Phraya River Basin, Thailand 2011
Authors: Wichakul Supattana ,   Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyotodaigakukatsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan, Tachikawa Yasuto , Shiiba Michiharu , Yorozu Kazuaki
Published: April 2016

In the second half of 2011, massive flooding in the lower part of the Yom and Nan River Basins and the Chao Phraya River Basin resulted in tremendous loss and adversely impacted on the livelihood, society, and economy of Thailand. The development of reliable and efficient prediction tools is important for prevent similar occurrences in the future. Consequently, this study thus aimed to develop an applicable distributed flow routing model including the inundation effect. A flow routing model using a kinematic wave equation was modified based on the concept of a diffusive tank model, which included the inundation effect. Overbank flow was estimated by using a broad crested weir equation. The inundation model had ten parameters that provided a good fit for observed and simulated discharge in 2011 at the C.2 Station with a Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.91.
Application of the Probability Evaluation for the Seasonal Reservoir Operation on Flood Mitigation and Water Supply in the Chao Phraya River Watershed, Thailand
Authors: Komori Daisuke ,   Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan, Mateo Cherry May , Saya Akane , Nakamura Shinichiro , Kiguchi Masashi , Klinkhachorn Phonchai , Sukhapunnaphan Thada , Champathong Adisorn , Takeya Kimio , TaikanOki  ,   Office of Water Management and Hydrology, Royal Irrigation Department (RID), 811 Samsen Rd, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand,   Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Nibancho Center Building, 5-25 Niban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8012, Japan
Published: April 2016

This research focuses on dam reservoir operation effective in flood mitigation and water resource reservation on a seasonal scale. Based on the relationship between discharge characteristics in the upper watershed of Chao Phraya River and flood occurrences in the lower watershed, it was clarified that the dam reservoir operation most effective in the rainy season was determining the lowest reservoir volume in August for the Sirikit Dam reservoir and in July for the Bhumibol Dam reservoir, and storing water until November. Furthermore, by the probability evaluation on the free reservoir capacities of both dams estimated from the predetermined lowest reservoir volume and inflow volume in both dams, the dam reservoir operation considering the importance of flood mitigation and water resource reservation on a seasonal scale can be achieved.
Promoting Education of Dual-Use Issues for Life Scientists: A Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Minehata Masamichi ,   Bradford Disarmament Research Centre, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford West Yorkshire, BD71DP, UK, Sture Judi , Shinomiya Nariyoshi , Whitby Simon , Dando Malcolm ,   Department of Integrative Physiology and Bio-Nano Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki Tokorozawa, Saitama 3598513, Japan
Published: April 2016

Ensuring that cutting-edge science and technology are used solely for peaceful purposes is a challenge. One of the most urgent agendas facing current international society is how to address this challenge in the life sciences when there is a pervasive lack of awareness about dual-use issues in the life science community on a world-wide scale. To help mitigate this deficiency, we argue that education and awareness-raising among life scientists offer a strong foundation on which to build the responsible conduct in the life sciences. We therefore propose a comprehensive model to promote this education; starting with a background survey to highlight the current state of education about dualuse issues in life science degree courses in higher education, we follow with the development of education material and train-the-trainer programs, efforts are then recommended to influence the editors of science journals and the various funding bodies, with the final stage being the international sharing of emerging best practices in such education. We provide a rationale and current activities to illustrate each of the above agendas and show how nascent efforts have been made by individual institutions from the bottom-up and by governments and international organizations from the top-down.
Consumer Awareness and Attitude on Radiocesium Food Contamination Following Fukushima Incident
Authors: Hosono Hiromi ,   Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan, Kumagai Yuko , Sekizaki Tsutomu
Published: April 2016

Concerns about radioactive contamination are spreading among consumers after the nuclear power plant incident at Fukushima, Japan in 2011. This study is an attempt to understand how Japanese consumer recognize the risk of radioactive substances in food based on web-based-questionnaire conducted in October 2011, March 2012, and January 2013. Results showedmixed awareness both willing to support radiation-affected areas and willing to avoid the risk of radioactive substances. And deteriorating trust on the radioactive substance management by the stakeholders, and insufficient information provided on risk and management of radioactive substances also were indicated. Among the respondents, those revealed higher satisfaction about risk management measures showed the lower perceived level of risk and their knowledge level were higher.
Foreigners’ Evacuation Behavior in the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Case of Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Shah Md. Faiz ,   Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, Abdullah Suleiman Street, Al Jamiaa District 80200, Saudi Arabia, Murao Osamu ,   International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577, Japan
Published: April 2016

A primary challenge for foreigners living in the disaster stricken Tohoku area in Japan was information that made many suffer from the dilemma of to either evacuate or stay. The purpose of this study is to investigate foreigners’ information gathering behavior and its impact on their evacuation decisions. This study applied a questionnaire survey and interview methods and collected 124 samples from foreigners in Iwaki. Results show that (i) nuclear radiation was the main reason for their evacuation decision; (ii) they had to collect information from national broadcasters as there was no local information dissemination; and (iii) average Japanese language ability did not impose a barrier to their lives, but a better command might have prevented them from evacuation. They had the desire to stay and offer volunteer services for the victims. A more coordinated action from local public organizations is recommended including networking with foreigners. This paper checks the possibility and finds the scope.
A New Ground Motion Prediction Equation for Japan Applicable up to M9 Mega-Earthquake
Authors: Morikawa Nobuyuki ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, Tennodai 3-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: April 2016

In this study we suggest a new ground motion prediction equation applicable up to the moment magnitude 9 using the strong motion records from the 2011 Tohoku-oki earthquake. We determined a base model with moment magnitude and the shortest distance from the source fault as parameters. In order to avoid overestimating amplitude atmagnitude larger than 8, we examined two models – a quadratic magnitude term and a linear magnitude term with a complete amplitude saturation term at someMw. We then adopt additional correction terms corresponding to amplification by deep sediments or shallow soft soils, and anomalous seismic intensity distribution in order to improve prediction.
Modeling of the Subsurface Structure from the Seismic Bedrock to the Ground Surface for a Broadband Strong Motion Evaluation
Authors: Senna Shigeki ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, 3-1 Tennodai,Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Maeda Takahiro , Inagaki Yoshiaki , Suzuki Haruhiko , Matsuyama Hisanori , Fujiwara Hiroyuki ,   OYO Corporation, 43 Miyukigaoka, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0841, Japan
Published: April 2016

Sophisticated predictions of strong ground motion are vital when constructing structure models that enable us to evaluate broadband ground motion features. Such models should integrate subsurface structure models for strata shallower than engineering bedrock and deep structuremodels for strata even deeper. Both such models used to be separately modeled separately so that observation data could be reproduced. In this study, we have created a subsurface structure model applicable from seismic bedrock to ground surface for individual Japanese individual prefectures, e.g., Chiba and Ibaragi, in attempts to sophisticate subsurface structure models. This paper describes how we created these models and reviews our results.
Seismic Risk Evaluation on Building Damage of Municipalities Based on the Seismic Activity Model in National Seismic Hazard Maps for Japan
Authors: Wakaura Masatsugu ,   OYO RMS Corporation, 4-9-9 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan, Komaru Yasushi , Shimizu Satoshi , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Morikawa Nobuyuki ,   National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, 3-1,Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan
Published: April 2016

Using the seismic activity model in the National Seismic Hazard Maps for Japan, risk curves were calculated for the exceedance probability in 30 years regarding building damage, i.e., the number of completely destroyed buildings, due to earthquake motion in municipalities throughout all of Japan. In calculation, building data were created using 250 m mesh, and loss functions of wooden and nonwooden buildings were set. Analysis was performed by constructing a methodology considering the spatial correlation of dispersion of earthquake hazards and dispersion based on the planer extension of municipalities. Furthermore, we show the usage of calculated risk curves, for selecting assumed earthquakes and quantitatively estimating aseismic effects of wooden buildings.
Development of the EF-Scale for Tornado Intensity
Authors: Mehta Kishor C. ,   National Wind Institute (NWI), Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409, USA
Published: April 2016

Tornado intensity in terms of wind speed is rated indirectly from building and structure damage because random nature and the short life of tornadic storms make measurements difficult. The Enhanced Fujita EF-scale was developed with a consensus among meteorologists, engineers and insurance personnel to rate tornadoes. The EF-scale uses 28 different damage indicators (DI) and several degrees of damage (DOD) for each DI. The elicitation process is used to assign wind speeds, expected, upper, and lower bound, for each DOD in every DI. The paper contains documentation of the development process of the EF-scale and the motivation for the same with background of the Fscale. Wind speeds in the F-scale and the EF-scale are correlated to preserve the previous database. The EFscale overcomes the shortcomings of the F-scale, developed by Dr. Ted Fujita in 1971, of too few damage indicators, postulation of damage irrespective of building characteristics, and the high wind speeds assigned to F4 and F5 ratings. The US National Weather Service implemented use of the EF-scale beginning February 2007.
Structural Damage Under Multiple Hazards in Coastal Environments
Authors: McCullough Megan C. ,   NatHaz Modeling Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46514, USA, Kareem Ahsan , Donahue Aaron S. , Westerink Joannes J. ,   Computational Hydraulics Laboratory, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46514, USA
Published: April 2016

Coastal structures are susceptible to a variety of natural hazards, such as wind, storm surge, waves, earthquakes, and tsunamis. These hazards must be fully studied and well understood in order to effectively and safely design and construct hazard-resilient structures. Knowledge of the damage mechanisms associated with coastal hazards helps reveal the anatomy of damage to constructed facilities during an event, which exposes vulnerabilities in current design practices. This paper focuses on damage to residential structures caused by hurricane winds, storm surge, and waves. After the different loading mechanisms associated with hurricanes are discussed, two case studies are introduced that examine structural damage during Hurricane Katrina (2005). On-site postdisaster field surveillance is complemented by the analysis of aerial photographs, satellite images, and data from wind and storm surge models in order to determine the structural damage timeline. The case studies demonstrate the importance of considering multiple hazards when designing and constructing coastal structures. A design and analysis framework that combines multi-hazard engineering strategies with performance-based design procedures is then introduced. The new approach seeks to significantly improve structural reliability in the most efficient and effective manner.
Residential Damage Patterns Following the 2011 Tuscaloosa, AL and Joplin, MO Tornadoes
Authors: Roueche David B. ,   Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, University of Florida, 365 Weil Hall, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA, Prevatt David O.
Published: April 2016

Damage survey data was collected following the destruction caused by tornadoes in Tuscaloosa, AL and Joplin, MO that together destroyed over 13,000 buildings, caused over $5 billion in economic losses and left 226 persons dead. Using geotagged photographs for 1,814 residential structures in the two cities, damage ratings were assigned using the Enhanced Fujita Scale and mapped for each building, in an effort to establish the wind field for each tornado. The results depict the physical distribution of the damaging forces away from the centerline of the tornado. The spatial distribution of wind velocities estimated using the EF-Scale were in agreement with measured wind velocity distributions using Doppler radar in other violent tornadoes. A second part of the study identified common failure mechanisms within a data set of 365 light-framed wood residential structures from the Tuscaloosa tornado. The results of this analysis showed that tornado forces rapidly attenuate with distance away from the center of the tornado, as EFratings can be reduced from EF-4 to EF-2 within 100 meters. In addition, the seven most prevalent failure mechanisms were identified and the correlations among them are presented. Catastrophic failures are most common at or near the center of the tornado’s path (below the vortex). Buildings further away from the center experience damage patterns that are similar to structures subjected to straight-line hurricane force winds. These field studies and analyses are being used to inform the development of full-scale structural testing wall components with the goal of developing structural retrofits and improving design practices for tornado-resilient houses.
Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Features of Tornadic Storms Occurred in Kanto, Japan, on May 6, 2012
Authors: Kobayashi Fumiaki ,   Department of Geoscience, National Defense Academy, 1-10-20 Hashirimizu, Yokosuka, Kanagawa 239-8686, Japan, Yamaji Mika
Published: April 2016

The features of parent clouds of tornadoes generated in north Kanto, the middle of Honshu, on May 6, 2012 are discussed from the viewpoint of CG lightning. Cumulonimbus clouds (radar echo cells) that caused tornadoes had a peak lightning frequency of 20 strikes/min before the tornado generation. The number of lightning strikes decreased and positive lightning increased during the tornado generation. Cells that generated tornadoes were frequent lightning cells among echo cells generated around Kanto on that day, and long-landing and high-frequency lightning cells included mesocyclones in the clouds. The features of cumulonimbus with the potential to generate tornadoes are clarified.
Modification and Validation of an Assessment Model of Post-Earthquake Lifeline Serviceability Based on the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster
Authors: Nojima Nobuoto ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan, Kato Hiroki
Published: April 2016

The assessmentmodel for post-earthquake lifeline serviceability of electric power, water, and city gas supply systems has been modified and applied to the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster with the detailed and updated data required for damage assessment. The estimated and observed population affected after the main shock and its decreasing process has been compared for validation on a prefectural basis. Reasonable agreement has been found between the estimation and observation except for discrepancies attributed to unconsidered factors, such as damage to hierarchically high facilities caused by tsunami, liquefaction, and/or ground shaking.
Development of Urban Resilience GeoPortal Online for the Better Understanding of Disaster Scenarios
Authors: Suzuki Shingo ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan, Hayashi Haruo , Hosokawa Masafumi ,   National Research Institute of Fire and Disaster, Jindaiji-higashi-cho, Choufu-shi, Tokyo 182-0012, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the development and implementation of the web-based geo-spatial information sharing and integration system that advances the multidisciplinary researches on the processes and impacts of mega-disaster. The mega-disasters predicted in Japan, such as Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake or Nankai Trough Earthquake Tsunami, bring huge amount of damage and loss in various sectors and various regions, and the scenarios of damage occurrence and loss propagation are very complex. Hence, in order to quantify each problem to create disaster reduction strategies, it is very important to share and integrate data and findings across many disciplines and regions. In this point of view, we are developing the Urban Resilience Geoportal as the sharing site of research findings. In this paper, we discuss the concept of such system focusing on the accumulation and sharing of multidisciplinary data, the integration of damage and loss quantification methods, the collaboration with other disaster information systems, and the utilization of data to create new findings.
Systematization and Sharing of Disaster Management Literacy by DMLH
Authors: Kimura Reo ,   School of Human Science and Environment, University of Hyogo, 1-1-12 Shinzaike-honcho, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0092, Japan, Hayashi Haruo , Suzuki Shingo , Kobayashi Kosuke , Urabe Kenshin , Inoue Satoshi , Nishino Takahiro ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   GK Kyoto Inc., Kyoto, Japan,   R2 Media Solution Inc., Kyoto, Japan
Published: April 2016

The concept we propose for a disaster management literacy hub (DMLH) involves systemizing and generalizing disaster management literacy (DML) and discussing how to design such a DMLH where the general public and disaster responders share materials on DML. In the early 21stcentury, measures against large-scale earthquakes should essentially include both hardware disaster mitigation measures like the construction of appropriate structures and software measures like disaster preparedness among people and organizations such as the general public, disaster responders and related organizations. We define knowledge about disaster response management and competency as DML. Our analysis of documents on the incident command system (ICS), an emergency response system under the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), found 56 positions of disaster responders in ICS defined by 35 actions required for four types of disaster response competency. The above analysis led us to propose that DML consist of three elements: knowledge for learning about disaster management and mitigation, skills required for effective disaster response, and basic competency and attitudes for coping with disasters. For conceptual DMLH design based on the Instructional Design (ID), we propose three types of learning:

1 The general public and disaster responders learn audiovisually using training videos and materials and review tests on learn from videos.

2 People who want to provide education and training at schools or in regions or municipalities with school teacher guidance/teaching plans learn how to do so.

3 People learn DML by posting or searching for (collecting and arranging) materials.

We discuss how to publish such learning programs, taking as a specific example a life reconstruction support system (to put disaster victims’ lives back in order) based on victims’ master database.
What Caused the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake? : Effects of Dynamic Weakening
Authors: Shibazaki Bunichiro ,   International Institute of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering, Building Research Institute, 1 Tatehara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0802, Japan, Noda Hiroyuki ,   Department of Mathematical Science and Advanced Technology, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, 3173-25 Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0001, Japan
Published: April 2016

Some observational studies have suggested that the 2011 great Tohoku-Oki earthquake (Mw9.0) released a large portion of the accumulated elastic strain on the plate interface owing to considerable weakening of the fault. Recent experimental and theoretical studies have shown that considerable dynamic weakening can occur at high slip velocities because of thermal pressurization or thermal weakening processes. This paper reviews severalmodels of the generation of megathrust earthquakes along the Japan Trench subduction zone, that considers thermal pressurization or a friction law that exhibits velocity weakening at high slip velocities, and it discusses the causes of megathrust earthquakes. To reproduce megathrust earthquakes with recurrence intervals of several hundreds of years, it will be necessary to consider the existence of a region at the shallow subduction plate boundary where significant dynamic weakening occurs due to thermal pressurization or other thermal weakening processes.
Modeling Earthquakes Using Fractal Circular Patch Models with Lessons from the 2011 Tohoku-Oki Earthquake
Authors: Ide Satoshi ,   Department of Earth and Planetary Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan, Aochi Hideo ,   Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Miniéres, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45060 Orléans Cedex 2, France
Published: April 2016

Earthquakes occur in a complex hierarchical fault system, meaning that a realistic mechanically-consistent model is required to describe heterogeneity simply and over a wide scale. We developed a simple conceptual mechanical model using fractal circular patches associated with fracture energy on a fault plane. This model explains the complexity and scaling relation in the dynamic rupture process. We also show that such a fractal patch model is useful in simulating longterm seismicity in a hierarchal fault system by using external loading. In these studies, an earthquake of any magnitude appears as a completely random cascade growing from a small patch to larger patches. This model is thus potentially useful as a benchmarking scenario for evaluating probabilistic gain in probabilistic earthquake forecasts. The model is applied to the real case of the 2011 Tohoku-Oki earthquake based on prior information from a seismicity catalog to reproduce the complex rupture process of this very large earthquake and its resulting ground motion. Provided that a high-quality seismicity catalog is available for other regions, similar approach using this conceptual model may provide scenarios for other potential large earthquakes.
Recent Issues Affecting Forecast of Subduction Zone Great Earthquakes in Japan Through Paleoseismological Study
Authors: Shishikura Masanobu ,   Geological Survey of Japan, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), SiteC7, 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8567, Japan
Published: April 2016

Because the 2011 great Tohoku earthquake was accompanied by phenomena similar to those associated with the 869 Jogan earthquake, as reconstructed on the basis of historical and geological evidence, paleoseismology is recognized for its potential effectiveness in earthquake forecasting. In attempts to avoid such unexpected situations as the 2011 Tohoku event when taking disaster prevention measures, the Japanese government and local administrations announced a maximum class model for earthquakes and tsunamis that is not based on paleoseismological evidence. Thus, paleoseismologists must both inductively study the reconstruction of evidence fromthe past and deductively evaluate the maximum class earthquake and tsunami.
Data Model of the Strategic Action Planning and Scheduling Problem in a Disaster Response Team
Authors: Nourjou Reza ,   Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan, Szekely Pedro , Hatayama Michinori , Ghafory-Ashtiany Mohsen , Smith Stephen F. ,   Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, USA,   International Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Seismology, Iran,   The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, USA
Published: April 2016

Problem:Strategic action planning and scheduling (SAP) in the coordination of a disaster response team involves selecting and decomposing an objective into sub-goals, grouping available units into coalitions and assigning them to the sub-goals, allocating units to tasks, and adjusting the decisions that have been made. The primary responsibility of a team’s incident commander (IC) in SAP is to coordinate the actions of operational units in disaster crisis/emergency response management by making macro/strategic decisions.Objective:In this paper, we completely model a real-world problem and present data related to the SAP problem. This data model is used to support the design and development of an appropriate approach to SAP.Method:The employed methodology is to analyze and study the SAP problem, which is composed of six essential dimensions: the problem domain, geographic information, geospatial-temporal macro tasks, strategic action planning, strategic action scheduling, and team structure.Result:The contribution of this paper is the SAP problem data model. It is designed as a unified modeling language (UML) class diagram consisting of entity types, attributes, and relationships associated with SAP problem data modeling.Conclusion:To evaluate the quality of SAP data modeling, the SAP problem data model is used to propose and develop an intelligent assistant software system to assist and collaborate with incident commanders in SAP. The study makes five novel contributions: 1) a complete data model for SAP problem modeling, 2) a presentation and aggregation of task information in geographic objects, 3) the expression and encoding of human intuition as human high-level strategy guidance for SAP, 4) the formulation of a strategic action plan, and 5) the integration of strategic action schedule information with other entities.
Provisioning Ecosystem Services in Rural Savanna Landscapes of Northern Ghana: An Assessment of Supply, Utilization, and Drivers of Change
Authors: Boafo Yaw Agyeman ,   Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), United Nations University, 5-53-70 Jingumae Shibuya, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan, Saito Osamu , Takeuchi Kazuhiko ,   United Nations University, Japan,   Integrated Research System for Sustainability Science (IR3S), The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
Published: April 2016

As a fundamental element of human lives, ecosystems and the services they provide across all socioecological regions are now under threat from human and natural activities. An assessment of the different categories of ecosystem services at various levels has become necessary for sustainable use and conservation. This study seeks to identify and characterize provisioning ecosystem services affecting rural households in the Tolon and Wa West Districts of northern Ghana. It examines the key dynamics of these services and discusses the major factors influencing their supply and utilization. The study employs rapid rural appraisal methods, including key informant interviews, household questionnaires surveys, focus group discussions, and participatory observations for collecting primary data. Findings indicate an extensive use of all provisioning services examined: bushmeat, crop and animal production, fish catches, fodder and forage, fuelwood, building materials, fresh water, and wild plants by households at all study sites. Averagely, 80% of households across the study sites collect and utilize these variety of services to support livelihood strategies. Our study also identified major challenges for sustainable supply and use of these ecosystem services, including the growing scarcity and decline in these services attributed to closely connected drivers such as cyclical drought, climate variation, land conversion, overharvesting, and a decline in traditional ecological knowledge. This study thus demonstrates the need for an integrated assessment that examines, at the local level, the interactions of various ecosystem services and human well-being to provide a scientific basis for formulation of effective coping and adaptation strategies in the midst of these challenges.
Framing Community Resilience Through Mobility and Gender
Authors: Otsuki Kei ,   Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), United Nations University, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Jasaw Godfred Seidu , Lolig Victor ,   University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala Campus, Tamale, Ghana
Published: April 2016

The study of community resilience observed in times of crisis has conventionally focused on the impact of external forces on sedentary and homogeneous communities embedded in specific ecological systems. Drawing on a qualitative case study of a rural community in northern Ghana, this paper reports that, even in a community of mostly small farmers, diversifying livelihoods is apparently a main coping strategy. This paper focuses on two, often overlooked, dimensions that underpin this livelihood diversification: mobility and gender. Mobility, the first dimension, indicates the work of livelihoods that develop outside the community such as the so-called “settler farming,” a variety of trading activities, and outmigration to cities. Gender, the second dimension, indicates cropping and commercial activities carried out differently by men and women. Both mobility and gender characterize diverse livelihood strategies, which evolve by enriching social relationships and extending networks. This paper argues that shedding light on social relationships and networks helps us to reframe the concept of community resilience from the community-based capacity of self-organization to the capacity of a flexible social system for being able to mobilize a wide variety of resources. Future research agendas must advance this understanding of resource mobilization in relation to ecological resilience and must clarify its technological and policy implications.
Special Issue on the Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster: Part III – Risk Communication –
Authors: Karaki Hideaki
Published: April 2016

Following its two special issues on the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake Disaster, the Journal of Disaster Research is now publishing this third issue focusing on risk communication.

The earthquake and tsunami killed over 20,000 people, destroyed houses, farmlands, and communities, and led to a large amount of radioactive materials being released from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. These materials contaminated the environment and foods and forced almost 160,000 people to be evacuated from the highly contaminated district.

Ruined buildings are now being reconstructed and adversely affected farmland is being decontaminated. The victims remained concerned, however, about their future, especially those exposed to even very low-level radiation.

Chernobyl’s Legacy: Health, Environmental and Socio-Economic Impacts, a landmark report released by the Chernobyl Forum in 2005, assessed the 20-year impact of the nuclear explosion at the Chernobyl power plant in 1986. One of its important findings was that 4,000 cases of thyroid cancer, mainly in children, had occurred but that except for nine deaths, all of the children recovered and that there was no evidence of any increase in the incidence of leukemia or cancer among affected residents.

Such facts as these are not generally known, however, many health conditions have been erroneously attributed to radiation exposure and myths and misperceptions have persisted about the threat of radiation, resulting in a “paralyzing fatalism” among residents of affected areas.

The Chernobyl report recommends developing new and innovative ways of risk communication to increase knowledge about the actual health effects of radiation and providing accurate information on the incident’s physical and mental health consequences.

Over the last three years, experts in risk communication in Japan have continued working to disseminate scientifically accurate information about radiation. This issue discusses the current status and questions related to the incident.
Interdisciplinary Framework of Risk Communication as an Integral Part of Environmental Risk Analysis in Postindustrial Risk Society: Three Case Studies of the 1999 Amendment of Air Pollution Control Law, Dioxins, and the EMF Risks
Authors: Ikeda Saburo ,   Professor Emeritus, University of Tsukuba, 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper concerns controversial risk communication issues related to emerging environmental and technological risks in postindustrial risk society. The interdisciplinary risk communication framework is set up to discuss communication issues originating in the high uncertainties and stakes involved in framing and evaluating scientific evidence attached to environmental risk events. Three controversial cases of risk communication – 1) the 1999 Amendment of Air Pollution Control Law, 2) dioxins as endocrine disruptors, and 3) EMF risks – are discussed based on an interdisciplinary risk communication framework focusing on communication issues in terms of “peer review,” “risk characterization,” and “precautionary approach.”
Tsunami Safe Town Planning with Evacuation Simulation
Authors: Yoshida Yoshiyuki ,   YSD Laboratory, 1-32-3 Shimura, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 174-0056, Japan, Kimura Takeshi , Minegishi Yoshikazu , Sano Tomonori ,   A&A Co., Ltd., Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan,   Takenaka Corporation, Koto-ku, Tokyo, Japan,   School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
Published: April 2016

Tsunami evacuation plans have been deliberately developed by local governments in coastal areas in Japan under guidance from the national government since before the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. These plans, however, do not mention the time required for all local residents to evacuate to evacuation areas. This paper reports a procedure to design an effective tsunami safe town planning using multi-agent simulator (MAS) which identify a degree of evacuation risk in objective area. A case study is applied to one of the worst hit town of tsunami, in which additional facilities such as evacuation areas, safe buildings, and evacuation routes are proposed as well.
Consideration of Public Support to Enhance Private Sector’s Business Continuity Management
Authors: Ono Takahiro ,   Nagoya Institute of Technology (NIT), Gokiso-cho, Showa, Nagoya 466-8555, Japan,   Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC), 1-5-2 Wakinohamakaigan Dori, Chuo, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Published: April 2016

Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conducted an online survey in 2011 to determine the extent of the business continuity management (BCM) status of its 21member economies in the private sector. The United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015 (HFA) with several priorities for action (PFA) with the objective of reducing vulnerability and increasing disaster resiliency. This paper considers which subjects of PFA in HFA are important for enhancing the BCM status of the private sector together with APEC survey output in 2011.
About the Japan Initiative for Global Research Network on Infectious Diseases (J-GRID) – An Overview
Authors: Nagai Yoshiyuki ,   Center of Research Network for Infectious Diseases (CRNID), RIKEN, 1-101 Kandajimbocho, Tokyo 101-0051, Japan
Published: April 2016

J-GRID is an undertaking to enhance international research collaboration across national borders, which has been commissioned by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) to Japanese universities and research institutions. The undertaking includes the construction of bilateral collaboration centers in the counterpart countries and their networking. As the headquarters of this network, Center of Research Network for Infectious Diseases (CRNID) was set up at RIKEN. Since its initiation in 3 countries in FY2005, J-GRID has expanded to include 13 research collaboration centers in 8 countries (6 in Asia and 2 in Africa). J-GRID was highly appreciated as an ideal model of Japan’s science and technology diplomacy and an important platform to mitigate the risk of infectious diseases in the counterpart countries, our own country and the world. Recently, the Japanese government decided to create a new funding and managing body named Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), which is expected to start in 2015. The AMED selected 9 special topics of high priority. One of them is “The Control of Emerging and Reemerging Infectious Diseases” and J-GRID is expected to enhance research capacity and make a great deal of contribution in this scheme. Here, I look back on the 10 years journey of J-GRID development since its initiation and discuss the future perspective.
Activity of Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Disease in India
Authors: Shinoda Sumio ,   Collaborative Research Center of Okayama University for Infectious Disease in India, NICED-JICA Building, Banerjee Road, Beliaghata, Kolkata 700010, India, Imamura Daisuke , Mizuno Tamaki , Miyoshi Shin-ichi ,   Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, 1-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Collaborative Research Center for Infectious Disease of Okayama University in India (CRCOUI) is located at the NICED (National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases) in Kolkata, India. The main CRCOUI research project involves measure against diarrheal diseases based on JICA project conducted at the NICED. Specifically, this involved four study themes: (1) Active surveillance of diarrheal patients, (2) Development of dysentery vaccine, (3) Viable but nonculturable (VBNC)Vibrio cholerae, (4) Pathogenic mechanism of various diarrhogenic microorganisms. Diarrheal diseases are a major health problem in developing countries, so our project confirmed the detection system of diarrhogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and protozoa. Project have been applied the system at 2 hospitals in Kolkata. To spread system use to other countries, training courses were conducted for researchers and technicians from the Vietnam and Indonesia Research Center, then similar active surveillance was started in both countries.
Efforts Against Drug-Resistant Bacteria and Bacteremia in Vietnam
Authors: Takeshita Nozomi ,   National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama, Shinjyuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Ohmagari Norio , Kirikae Teruo , Oka Shinichi
Published: April 2016

The National Center for Global Health and Medicine at J-GRID’s bases in Vietnam studies healthcareassociated infections caused by multiple-drugresistant bacteria, which have become an issue in southeast Asian countries. As a pilot study in a single facility, we retrospectively investigated blood culture status and results. From reports over the four years from 2009 to 2012, we counted 45,366 blood cultures. The sampling frequency was 9.59 blood cultures per 1,000 patient-days. Blood culture results in 2009 showed that 16 samples (1.3%) tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 37 (3.0%) for Acinetobacter sp., two strains known to often cause medical infections. This study showed the possibility of obtaining the appropriate number of blood cultures and characteristic of isolated bacteria in Vietnam in the future.
Fundamental Analysis for Flood Risk Management in the Selected River Basins of Southeast Asia
Authors: Shrestha Badri Bhakta ,   International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), Public Works Research Institute (PWRI), 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8516, Japan, Okazumi Toshio , Miyamoto Mamoru , Nabesaka Seishi , Tanaka Shigenobu , Sugiura Ai ,   Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan,   Asakura Integrated Office for Koishibaragawa Dam Constructing Project, Japan Water Agency, Asakura-shi, Fukuoka, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji-shi, Kyoto, Japan
Published: April 2016

Flood features were analyzed and risk knowledge was examined in studies in selected river basins of Southeast Asia. Rainfall runoff features were analyzed in Indonesia’s Solo river basin and in the Philippines’ Pampanga and Cagayan river basins using ground-observed and satellite-based (GSMaP) rainfall data. Flood damage was assessed for risk management by considering physical damage to agricultural and household in the Cambodian flood plain of the Lower Mekong Basin and in the Philippines’s Pampanga river basin. A comparison of simulated and observed runoff hydrographs showed that the accuracy of GSMaP rainfall in the Solo and Cagayan river basins in studied flood events was lower than in the Pampanga river basin case. In the Pampanga and Cagayan river basins, the density of rainfall station networks was below the WMO recommendation, and GSMaP rainfall data would be more effective in getting supplementary information for existing flood-forecasting systems for these river basins. Physical damage to households including residential assets and agricultural damage were estimated quantitatively based on flood features. The estimated value of agricultural and house damage was fairly consistent with reported values. Reliable flood damage data are important for developing flood damage functions and for confirming such estimation. Uncertainties associated with input data, model parameters, and damage information strongly influence the damage estimated. These uncertainties must be considered carefully in flood risk assessment models.
Educational Merits of Lecturing and Discussion Methods in Teaching Disaster Prevention: Toward Improvement of Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior in Merapi Volcano Area Primary Schools
Authors: Tuswadi  ,   Graduate School for International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University, 1-5-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8529, Japan, Hayashi Takehiro ,   Graduate School of Education, Hiroshima University, 1-1-1, Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-8524, Japan
Published: April 2016

This research investigated the educational benefits of improving students’ performance associated with two types of teaching used in integrated disaster prevention lessons. Our research, experimental in nature, applied a pretest/posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 89 students in grade 5 at two primary schools near the Merapi volcano, which is under the Sleman regency of Yogyakarta Special Region Province, Indonesia. Students were classified into experimental and control groups. Using the same lesson content, delivered by one of our researchers, the experimental group was taught through discussions and the control group was taught through lectures. Findings showed that lectures improved two viewpoints in students’ knowledge – one regarding appropriate action taken while indoors during a big earthquake and the other about consequences of a big earthquake regarding a residential fire. Student viewpoints regarding their awareness of living in a disaster-prone area were also found to have improved through the use of lectures. Discussions were found to be helpful in improving only one viewpoint of students’ knowledge about appropriate actions while indoors during a big earthquake. Study results suggest that efforts should be made to develop effective education in volcanic disaster at school focusing on changes in students’ knowledge, attitude, and behavior.
Lessons Learnt from Communication for Disaster Preparedness: A Study on Six Survivors from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011
Authors: Shah Md. Faiz ,   Faculty of Engineering, King Abdulaziz University, North Jeddah 21589, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultan Parves ,   School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Building 19/3.40, Rockhampton, QLD. 4702, Australia
Published: April 2016

Communication is a primary challenge in response to natural and man-made disasters. The purpose of this study is to determine the forms of communications that played a critical role in disaster preparedness during the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami (Tohoku earthquake). The study used a case study research method and included six informants following the purposive sampling technique. Data was collected through unstructured in-depth interviews. The findings suggest that communication in all forms played a vital role in disaster preparedness. In the survivor’s view, however, the impact of broadcast media in establishing situational awareness was limited. Local disaster management efforts, such as, “on call,” or emergency measures, such as, personnel and trucks with communication systems, mobile phone alarms, and sirens were viewed by survivors as useful in transmitting unambiguous, specific messages in a demanding tsunami context. In particular, the study demonstrates that residents’ trust in risk/disaster related messages and mediums play vital roles in subsequent behaviour/response to natural disasters.