bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arsenic Originating in Kusatsu Hot Springs, Gunma, Japan, and Arsenic Pollution Status of Kusatsu Rivers
Authors: Kikawada Yoshikazu ,   Faculty of Science and Technology, Sophia University, 7-1 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8554, Japan, Kawai Satoshi , Shimada Kazuhiko , Oi Takao ,   Kansai SE Center, Nihon Parkerizing Co., Ltd., 2145-1 Komizo, Nakashima, Kurashiki-shi, Okayama 710-0803, Japan,   Faculty of Science, Kyushu University, 6-10-1 Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan
Published: April 2016

Kusatsu hot springs at the eastern foot of the Kusatsu-Shirane volcano is a famous spa area in Japan. Its hot springs are strongly acidic making local rivers acidic, requiring lime water neutralization. We determined the arsenic concentration in hot springs, rivers, and neutralization products, to calculate the mass balance of arsenic in river systems. Hot springs supply a total of 45 tons a year in arsenic to local rivers, which transport some 28 tons a year — most of which is accounted for by Bandaiko hot spring and the Yu River. After neutralization, these flow into the Shinaki Dam reservoir, which accumulates large amounts of suspended neutralization products. Mass balance calculation suggests that arsenic dissolved in river water is nearly completely coprecipitated with or adsorbed by neutralization products, so that Shinaki Dam reservoir accumulates some 25 tons of arsenic yearly.
Recent Peat Fire Activity in the Mega Rice Project Area, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Authors: Putra Erianto Indra ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13 W8, Kita-Ku, Sapporo 060-8628, Japan, Hayasaka Hiroshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Usup Aswin ,   Hokkaido Institute of Hydro-climate, N14 W3, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0014, Japan,   Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangkaraya, Palangkaraya 73112, Indonesia
Published: April 2016

The original objective of theMega Rice Project (MRP) in CentralKalimantan, Indonesia – to convert onemillion hectares of tropical swamp forest to paddy fields – instead produced large areas of abandoned farmland with bare peat subject to frequent fires. To understand how peat fire occurrence is related to drought, we analyzed 1997 to 2007 United States Department Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hotspot data, sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, and weather data. We found that peat fire activity was proportional to drought severity as determined by SST anomalies, and that peat fires – the number of hotspots – correlated strongly with SST anomalies, implying that MRP area peat fires are related to peat dryness. Surface fires start when ground water levels (GWL) are about 20 cm below the ground surface, and hundreds of such fires can occur with deeper GWL. A detailed and precise hotspot distribution map showed that large MRP areas (Blocks A and C) located on deep peat layers have high fire density due to ongoing human disturbance, classifying MRP area peat fires as a man-made disaster.
An Emergency Restoration Model for Water Supply Network Damage due to Earthquakes
Authors: Nagata Shigeru ,   Kajima Technical Research Institute, 2-19-1 Tobitakyu, Chofu-shi, Tokyo 182-0036, Japan, Kageyama Kohei , Yamamoto Kinya ,   Risk Management Dept. Engineering & Risk Service Corporation, 7-5-7 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan
Published: April 2016

In this paper the two analytical models which predict damage, post-earthquake restoration strategies and its period of water supply pipeline network are presented. The detailed model evaluates emergency restoration period of water supply pipeline network using the actual network data and the several restoration strategies that was provided from the experiences of past earthquakes. The simplified model also evaluates restoration period by strategy restoring from the side of distribution reservoir using the 1 km grid data of pipeline length of pipe type and diameter estimated from population data of reference area and water-supply pipeline expansion data. Using actual data of water supply pipeline network of three waterworks bureaus in Japan, we studies the accuracy of grid data of the proposed pipeline length modeling of the simplified model. Finally the efficiency and accuracy of approximate restoration period using the simplified model are confirmed by comparing with the results of two models about damage estimates and restoration periods.
Pre-Disaster Restoration Measure of Preparedness for Post-Disaster Restoration in Tokyo
Authors: Nakabayashi Itsuki ,   Department of Urban System Science, Graduate School of Urban Environmental Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, 1-1 Miunami-Osawa, Hachioji City, Tokyo 192-0397, Japan, Aiba Shin , Ichiko Taro
Published: April 2016

Learning from the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been preparing the restoration and reconstruction measures from a huge amount of damages caused by next Tokyo Earthquake. We are developing the methodology of earthquake restoration exercise with local government and residents according to TMG's restoration measures. In this paper, such unique trials of pre-disaster restoration measures in Tokyo are introduced and evaluated.
The Development and Validation of Disaster Response Competency Profile Indices
Authors: Tatsuki Shigeo ,   Department of Sociology, Doshisha University, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8580, Japan
Published: April 2016

This study aimed to identify observable and measurable traits that were shared among highly competent disaster responders, to construct screening instruments that assess disaster responder competencies, and to examine the construct as well as predictive validity of the instruments. Focus group interviews of competent disaster responders were conducted in order to capture statements that typified their characteristics. Conceptual clustering of the statements produced three distinct categories, and they were found being associated with three major disaster response functions: 1) incident commander, 2) management staff (intelligence, planning, and logistics), and 3) operations personnel. The following cross-validation interviews formed the basis from which to construct a preliminary multiple-choice instrument as well as two other types. Three different instruments measuring three different competencies were then administered to fifty disaster responders, and thirty-three questionnaires were returned. This provided multitrait-multimethod (MTMM) data and the structural equation modeling (SEM) validated the construct validity of the scales, which were named the Disaster Response Competency Profile Indices (DRCPI). The second study compared simulated disaster responses performed by the most competent teams of incident commander, management staff, and operations personnel, as determined by means of the instrument, with those performed by the least competent. The team results were successfully predicted by the DRCPI.
Participatory Risk Communication Method for Risk Governance Using Disaster Risk Scenarios
Authors: Nagasaka Toshinari ,   Disaster Prevention System Research Center, National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention, 3-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0006, Japan, Tsubokawa Hiroaki , Usuda Yuichiro , Nagamatsu Shingo , Miura Shinya , Ikeda Saburo
Published: April 2016

The capability of resident-led responses to disasters has declined in recent years due to rapid changes in social and urban structures in Japan. In order to improve regional disaster prevention capabilities with regard to disaster risk, which includes a multitude of uncertainties induced by societal changes, it is necessary to reorganize conventional ways of disaster risk management from top-down to bottom-up principle of complementarity with residents as the base point. A multilayered disaster prevention system, corresponded to the diversity of local self-governing activities by residents in ordinary times, would improve regional capabilities for disaster prevention and also increase the likelihood that these capabilities could be expressed in the response at the time of a disaster. This is what we postulate in this paper as a new mode of 'disaster risk governance'. The effectiveness of this postulation will be verified based on a case study of the disaster response by residents in the Kitajo district of Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture at the time of the Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake, which occurred on July 16, 2007. On that basis, we have developed a new disaster risk communication method in which residents and other stakeholders can ; i) develop an awareness of the current situation of the disaster risk governance structure and related problems, ii) organize a variety of district self-government networks in ordinary times, iii) build a multilayered disaster prevention system that makes use of those networks and other local resources for disaster prevention, and iv) link these efforts to specific disaster prevention activities. To confirm its effectiveness, we have applied this method to the residents-led workshops with voluntary disaster prevention organizations in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
“Disaster Immunity” - A New Concept for Disaster Reduction in Adaptation to Disaster Hazard Intensification
Authors: Oshikawa Hideo ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyushu  University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan, Asai Koji , Tsukahara Kenichi , Komatsu Toshimitsu ,   Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Yamaguchi University,   Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Published: April 2016

We introduce a new “disaster immunity” concept in place of conventional “disaster management capacity” that reflects dynamic transitions in society and nature more accurately than the fixed conventional “disaster management capacity” concept. Because awareness deeply impacts on disaster management, the new concept captures disaster dynamics and could play an important role in disaster reduction. Since global warming involves disaster hazard intensification, it is not enough to simply strengthen existing measures. As an example, Japan responds to particular temperate zone patterns through long-term disaster management infrastructures. Society and nature in Japan have disaster management capacity matching typical temperate zone hazards. A rapid transition to subtropical climate patterns within the next several decades to a century is expected to generate large gaps between disaster hazards and disaster management capacity of human society and nature, leading to an imbalance. Under unstable conditions, society and nature have become increasingly vulnerable due to decreased “immunity.” Increasing “disaster immunity” is thus an urgent and important issue.
Assessing Climate Change Impact on Water Resources in the Tone River Basin, Japan, Using Super-High-Resolution Atmospheric Model Output
Authors: Takara Kaoru ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan, Kim Sunmin , Tachikawa Yasuto , Nakakita Eiichi ,   Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering Laboratory, Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University, C1, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8540, Japan
Published: April 2016

We examined the potential impact of climate change on Tokyo metropolitan water resources in the Tone River basin using output from a super-high-resolution global atmospheric general circulation model, AGCM20, having 20-km spatial resolution and 1-hour temporal resolution. AGCM20 is run on the Earth Simulator and being developed under the Japanese government’s Kakushin21 program. AGCM20 has an advantage in simulating orographic rainfall and frontal rain bands, so we used its output to analyze Tone River basin water resources. The basin covers 16,840 km2and the main channel is 322 km long from its source to the Pacific Ocean. AGCM20 outputs hourly precipitation and daily variables such as snowfall, rainfall, snowmelt, evaporation, and transpiration for a present period, 1979-1998, and a projected period, 2075-2094. A comparison of these two periods showed that snow-related variables will decrease and all others will increase. Based on a comparison of ordered daily precipitation curves (ODPC) between AGCM20 and the Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System (AMeDAS), a high-resolution Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) surface observation network, we corrected AGCM20 precipitation data bias, and calculated the standardized precipitation index (SPI) drought indicator. The SPI for less than 6 months does not show noticeable variations under climate change, but the yearly SPI predicts more frequent dry conditions, indicating increased future vulnerability to subtle droughts.
Infrastructure’s Role Against Climate Change
Authors: ISHII  ,   Chairman, CTI Engineering Co., Ltd., 3-21-1 Nihonbashi-Hamacho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan, Yumio  ,   Chair, WFEO Disaster Risk Management Task Group,   Immediate Past President, Japan Society of Civil Engineers
Published: April 2016

Since the human beings have appeared on the earth, “Infrastructure” has been supporting their society with supplying Safety, Convenience and Environment. “Infrastructure” should consist of “Structural Measures” and “Nonstructural Measures” as well, though hard structure is most commonly recognized. At the same time, disasters jeopardizing societal Safety are apt to be considered natural but we must recognize all the disasters are societal. Therefore, not only direct damages to hard structures but also indirect and intangible damages to societal systems should be counted. The counter measures, structural and nonstructural ones covering short and very long range phenomena shall be considered. The measures are mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG) and adaptation to climate change based on the State-of-Art technologies. The high economic growth of Japan has been supported by development of disaster prevention infrastructures, however, their crucial role tends to be overlooked. The potential disaster caused by climate change remains unrecognized by the politicians and the budget for disaster prevention has, under the Japanese government policy, been reduced. The sections that follow discuss the roles and responsibilities of infrastructures and Japanese civil engineers in challenges presented by potential disaster caused by climate change.
Significance of Studies for Recovery and Restoration Measures in Adaptation to the Intensification of Flood Disasters
Authors: Mochizuki Tsuneyoshi ,   Director, Foundation for Riverfront Improvement and Restoration, Ichiban-cho FS building 3F, 8 Ichiban-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0082, Japan
Published: April 2016

It is urgent that adaptation measures be implemented in response to the intensification of natural disasters caused by global warming. In this paper, three basic measures and requirements for implementation for the adaptation measures are presented. This paper also presents a significance of pre-disaster studies done on recovery and restoration measures as an effective mechanism in the promotion of adaptation measures. In addition, two pre-disaster studies which can be considered for their preparatory stage are presented. Lastly, a possible direction future pre-disaster studies on recovery and restoration measures will take is reviewed.
The 1755 Lisbon Tsunami: Tsunami Source Determination and its Validation
Authors: Santos Angela ,   Centro de Geofisica de ’Evora, University of Evora, Rua Rom ao Ramalho, 59, 7000 ’Evora, Portugal, Koshimura Shunichi , Imamura Fumihiko ,   Tsunami Engineering Laboratory, Disaster Control Research Center, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University
Published: April 2016

The Lisbon Earthquake of November 1, 1755, one of the most catastrophic events that has ever occurred in Portugal, Spain, or Morocco, caused severe damage and many casualties. The tsunami generated by this earthquake is well documented in historical accounts, it was reported throughout the North Atlantic Ocean, as it reached not only Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, but also the Madeira and Azores Archipelagos, England, Ireland, and the Caribbean. In spite of the importance of this event, the source of the tsunami remains unknown. In this paper, the authors reevaluate some of the historical tsunami travel times obtained by previous authors. Based on these times, wave ray analysis is used to determine the location of the tsunami source area. These results, combined with turbidites obtained by previous authors at the Tagus and Horseshoe Abyssal Plains, lead to the conclusion that the source of the 1755 Lisbon Tsunami could be located in the area of the Gorringe Bank. Then, a hydrodynamic simulation is carried out with this area presupposed as the source. The numerical model results provide good agreement when compared with both historical and sedimental records. However, in the past, the Gorringe Bank has been dismissed as the source of this tsunami for several reasons. Therefore, these issues are discussed and discredited. As a consequence of all these facts, it can be concluded that the origin of the 1755 Lisbon Earthquake and Tsunami could be located in the area of the Gorringe Bank.
Continuous Long-Term Seafloor Pressure Observation for Detecting Slow-Slip Interplate Events in Miyagi-Oki on the Landward Japan Trench Slope
Authors: Hino Ryota ,   Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan, Ii Shiori , Iinuma Takeshi , Fujimoto Hiromi
Published: April 2016

In starting continuous seafloor pressure observation in the Miyagi Oki region, where a M 7.5 interplate earthquake is expected within the next three decades, we distributed pressure stations to enable us to determine slow-slip event size and location along the top of the subducting Pacific Plate as precisely as possible. Numerical simulation indicated that ∼ 2 cm uplift is expected above a thrust faulting event of Mw=6.8 at a depth of ∼ 40 km. Combining continuous onshore global positioning system (GPS) time series and seafloor pressure observation is expected to significantly improve spatial resolution of interplate slip distribution over inversion results using only GPS data alone. Pressure change due to the predicted amount of seafloor movement is comparable to or slightly less than that caused by dynamic ocean processes. Seafloor pressure data from long-term continuous observation using the spatially dense array provided by our study is invaluable for understanding spatiotemporal patterns in seafloor pressure variations caused by two different origins – the lithosphere and the hydro-atmosphere.
Toward Advanced Earthquake Cycle Simulation
Authors: Hirahara Kazuro ,   Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Oiwake-cho, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
Published: April 2016

Recent earthquake cycle simulation based on laboratory derived rate and state friction laws with super-parallel computers have successfully reproduced historical earthquake cycles. Earthquake cycle simulation is thus a powerful tool for providing information on the occurrence of the next Nankai megathrust earthquake, if simulation is combined with data assimilation for historical data and recently ongoing crustal activity data observed by networks extending from the land to the ocean floor. Present earthquake cycle simulation assumes simplifications in calculation, however, that differ from actual complex situations. Executing simulation relaxing these simplifications requires huge computational demands, and is difficult with present supercomputers. Looking toward advanced simulation of Nankai megathrust earthquake cycles with next-generation petaflop supercomputers, we present 1) an evaluation of effects of the actual medium in earthquake cycle simulation, 2) improved deformation data with GPS and InSAR and of inversion for estimating frictional parameters, and 3) the estimation of the occurrence of large inland earthquakes in southwest Japan and of Nankai megathrust earthquakes.
Conditions for Consecutive Rupture of Adjacent Asperities
Authors: Kato Naoyuki ,   Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
Published: April 2016

Numerical simulation of earthquake cycles is carried out using a three-dimensional infinite uniform elastic model with a planar fault in which frictional stress obeys a rate- and state-dependent law. Two circular asperities with velocity-weakening frictional properties are embedded in a model fault plane, and velocity-strengthening friction is assumed in remaining regions. Different values of the characteristic slip distance L are given to the two asperities so that seismic rupture nucleated at the asperity with smaller L may be arrested at the asperity with larger L. Seismic rupture is arrested in the large L asperity for high contrast in L when shear stress at the large L asperity is low. The condition for rupture arrest is examined using a phase plane plot of frictional stress and slip velocity to show that varying effective stiffness of an asperity is important for consecutive rupture. Effective stiffness of an asperity decreases during an interseismic period due to inward propagation of aseismic sliding.
Newly Proposed Disaster Mitigation and Recovery for the Next Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquakes
Authors: Kaneda Yoshiyuki ,   Disaster Mitigation Research Group, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology  Hibiya Central Bldg. 6F 1-2-9 Nishishinbashi Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0003, Japan, Ohori Michihiro , Nakamura Takeshi
Published: April 2016

To integrate research results of this project and apply to practical disaster mitigation measures, we arrange and construct working groups in Nagoya city, Osaka city and Kochi city. In these cities, severe damages of next megathrust earthquakes around the Nankai trough are estimated, therefore, we will discuss with administrative organs, public corporations of life lines and researchers etc. in each working group. In discussions of working group, we introduce advanced researches to understand the present and future expected researches of the Nankai trough in each other. Furthermore, we will extract characteristic issues and estimated damages of strong motions, long period motions and tsunamis based on the future scenarios of next meagthrust earthquakes in each working group. And fruits of working group discussions will contribute to constructions of new disaster mitigation measures in administrative organs, public corporations of life lines etc.
Special Issue on Japan’s Advanced Technology for Building Seismic Protection
Authors: Kasai Kazuhiko
Published: April 2016

Modern buildings have more complex, important functions than ever before, and damage to these functions adversely impacted on socioeconomic activity during and after the 1995 Hyogo-Ken Nanbu Earthquake that leveled much of Kobe, Japan. Although many such buildings protected the lives of occupants, their impaired functioning required costly structural and nonstructural repair.

Questions have been raised about conventional building structure performance enabling inelastic deformation or considerable damage during a major earthquake, as shown in Fig. 1a. Advanced technology such as building base isolation, shown in Fig. 1b, and passive control by dampers, shown in Fig. 1c, was developed prior to the Kobe disaster and became rapidly accepted after it, in line with a strong desire to better protect structural and nonstructural components. In base isolation, a building is placed on a flexible isolator that absorbs lateral ground movement, preventing vibration in the upper parts of the structure, as shown in Fig. 1b. In passive control, dampers connected to the structural frame dissipate seismic input energy, reducing kinetic energy and vibration of the building, as shown in Fig. 1c.

Such advanced technology is currently used for all major buildings and even for small residences in Japan to better protect buildings and their contents. Japan has produced a large number of buildings with the technology, and is believed to have conducted the most extensive research in realizing base isolation and passive control schemes.

This special issue of JDR addresses the present and future of Japan’s advanced technology with special reference to major activities related to design, construction, and research. Its purpose is to globally disseminate and share knowledge on promising schemes to help protect lives and social assets against catastrophic earthquakes.

This issue covers the current status of base isolation and passive control schemes, unique projects promoting technology for structurally challenging cases, building requirements necessitating the use of advanced technology, the status of current codes and specifications, and new directions in technology.

Papers in this issue were authored by leading structural designers and researchers in Japan, to whom we hereby express our deepest gratitude for their invaluable efforts.
Iconic Architectural Forms Enabled by Base-Isolation
Authors: Nakai Masayoshi ,   Advanced Structural Engineering Department, Takenaka Corporation, 1-1-1 Shinsuna, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0075, Japan, Tanno Yoshio , Kozuka Hirokazu , Ohata Masato ,   Design Management Department, Takenaka Corporation,   Production Management Department, Takenaka Corporation
Published: April 2016

As building trends move to integrate façade architecture and structure, collaboration between architects and structural engineers has produced a number of novel buildings. In earthquake-prone countries such as Japan, however, where considerations such as earthquake load dominate design, structural engineers must often make difficult design decisions in meeting the requirements of building owners and architects. This article introduces the Prada Boutique Aoyama building project integrating façade and structure concepts while implementing earthquake-robust base isolation.
A Seismic Isolated Long-Span Overhanging Urban Infrastructure
Authors: Nakamura Yutaka ,   Institute of Technology, Shimizu Corporation, 3-4-17 Etchujima, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8530, Japan, Saito Toshiaki , Tamura Kazuo
Published: April 2016

The design and construction of a long-span, seismic isolated office building located in Tokyo and completed in October 2003, meets the needs of a sustainable urban environment. The 6-story building is 20 m × 80 m and uses a large-scale “trussed cage” structure, the upper part of which is supported on six base isolators on independent columns, creating an expansive area at ground level. The building’s seismic design uses artificial earthquake input movement taking into account the soft soil of the site and the frequency of Japan’s earthquakes. We detail the structural system and design concept, construction process, and health monitoring in the section that follow.
Seismic Isolation Retrofit for Large-Scale Government Building Identified as Cultural Assets
Authors: Nishizawa Takao ,   Structural Engineering Department, NIKKEN SEKKEI Ltd., Japan, 4-15-32 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0008, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Aichi Prefectural Government building in Nagoya, designated a national registered cultural asset and an important disaster prevention facility, was found in 2002 to be seismically inadequate for anticipated earthquakes. While seismic retrofitting has been considered, however, no report has, to our knowledge, compared retrofitting alternatives in depth. The building is located in a Nagoya district scheduled for disaster prevention measures anticipating the Tokai and Tonankai earthquakes - two “super shakers” expected to devastate major Japanese cities, including Tokyo, and decimate the urban population in the not too distant future. These quakes are expected to produce long-term earthquake movement with amplified long-period components and to damage long-period structures such as skyscrapers and base-isolated buildings. In 2003, we selected seismic retrofitting as the optimum answer given the prefectural building’s features. We made objective comparisons working with academic experts and, in 2004, jointly examined the building using simulated earthquake motion based on the latest knowledge and data, making the main building a highly earthquake-resistant structure. This paper reports our findings and the aftermath of recommendations. The building appearance and building structure conception diagram are shown in Fig. 1.
Earthquake Early Warning Technology Progress in Taiwan
Authors: Wen Kuo-Liang ,   National Science and Technology Center for Disaster Reduction, Taiwan, Shin Tzay-Chyn , Wu Yih-Min , Hsiao Nai-Chi , Wu Bing-Ru ,   Institute of Geophysics, National Central University, Taiwan,   National Center for Research on Earthquake Engineering, Taiwan,   Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan,   Department of Geosciences, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
Published: April 2016

The dense real-time earthquake monitoring network established in Taiwan is a strong base for the development of the earthquake early warning (EEW) system. In remarkable progress over the last decades, real-time earthquake warning messages are sent within 20 sec after an event using the regional EEW system with a virtual subnetwork approach. An onsite EEW approach using the first 3 sec of P waves has been developed and under online experimentation. Integrating regional and onsite systems may enable EEW messages to be issued within 10 sec after an event occurred in the near future. This study mainly discusses the methodology for determining the magnitude and ground motion of an event.
Earthquake Early Warning Hospital Applications
Authors: Horiuchi Yoshihito ,   Disaster Medical Center, National Hospital Organization, Midori-cho, 3256 Tachikawa-city 190-0014, Tokyo, Japan
Published: April 2016

Earthquake early warning (EEW) applications have been studied and tested at the National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center since 2003. Hospitals are thought to be especially vulnerable in disasters. That is why special measures must be taken to prevent casualties. Based on these studies and our experience with earthquakes, three practical automatic applications have been implemented and readied for standby - (1) automatic alarm generation through the hospital’s broadcasting and visual warning systems, (2) automatic centralized elevator use, and (3) automatic door opening. The first action to be taken right after a warning is for medical staff, patients, and others to protect themselves from the immediate danger of falling objects and to avoid accidents during medical intervention backed by instruction manuals and training. Lifeline support and computer data saving should be applied and are being studied, and these are insufficient due to a lack of basic knowledge, high primary investment cost, and secondary maintenance cost. All of these necessitate a reliable, inexpensive standard EEW model and public financial support.
Practical Site-Specific Earthquake Early Warning Application
Authors: Kanda Katsuhisa ,   Kobori Research Complex, Kajima Corporation, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8502, Japan, Nasu Tadashi , Miyamura Masamitsu
Published: April 2016

Real-time hazard mitigation we have developed using earthquake early warning (EEW) (1) enhances seismic intensity estimation accuracy and (2) extends the interval between when an EEW is issued and when strong tremors arrive. We accomplished the first point (enhancing seismic intensity estimation) by reducing estimation error to less than that commonly used based on an attenuation relationship and soil amplification factor by considering source-location and wave propagation path differences based on site-specific empiricism. We accomplished the second point (shortening the time between warnings and when tremors arrive) using a high-speed, reliable communication network for receiving EEW information from the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and quickly transmitting warning signals to users. In areas close to quake epicenters, however, warnings may not arrive before the arrival of strong ground motions. The on-site warning system we developed uses P-wave pickup sensors that detect P-wave arrival at a site and predict seismic intensity of subsequent S-waves. We confirmed the on-site warning prototype’s feasibility based on numerical simulation and observation. We also developed an integration server for combining on-site warnings with JMA information to be applied to earthquakes over a wide range of distances. We installed a practical prototype at a construction site near the 2008 Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake epicenter to measure its aftershocks because JMA EEW information was too late to use against the main shock. We obtained good aftershock results, confirming the prototype’s applicability and accuracy. Integration server combination logic was developed for manufacturing sites requiring highly robust, reliable control.
History and Challenge of Tsunami Warning Systems in Japan
Authors: Imamura Fumihiko ,   Disaster Control Research Center, Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Aoba 6-6-11, Sendai 980-8579, Japan, Abe Ikuo
Published: April 2016

History of development of Tsunami Warning System in Japan started in 1952 after the tsunami warning/forecast system formulated at Sanriku is introduced. The system estimated the earthquake epicenter and magnitude, and issued the forecast by referring to the tsunami forecast maps. In 1999, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has introduced the computer-aided simulation system for quantitative tsunami forecasting, in which tsunami arrival times and heights are simulated and stored in the database for forecasting tsunamis. The JMA has been further updating the system and now can issue the forecast 2 to 3 minutes after occurrence of an earthquake. By reviewing the response of the people for past tsunamis forecasting and information in an example case of the 2006 Kurile Earthquake tsunami, we discuss the issues such as accuracy, detail and canceling in order to improve the system.
Effectiveness of Small Onshore Seawall in Reducing Forces Induced by Tsunami Bore: Large Scale Experimental Study
Authors: Oshnack Mary Elizabeth ,   Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331-3212, USA, Aguíñiga Francisco , Cox Daniel , Gupta Rakesh , Lindt John van de ,   Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas 78363-8203, USA,   Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1372, USA
Published: April 2016

Tsunami force and pressure distributions on a rigid wall fronted by a small seawall were determined experimentally in a large-scale wave flume. Six different seawall heights were examined, two of which were exposed to a range of solitary wave heights. The same experiment was done without a seawall for comparison. The measured wave profile contained incident offshore, incident broken, reflected broken, and transmitted wave heights measured using wire resistance and ultrasonic wave gauges. Small individual seawalls increased reflection of the incoming broken bore front and reduced force on the rigid landward wall. These findings agree well with published field reconnaissance on small seawalls in Thailand that showed a correlation between seawalls and reduced damage on landward structures.
Method for Estimating Collision Force of Driftwood Accompanying Tsunami Inundation Flow
Authors: Matsutomi Hideo ,   Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Akita University 1-1 Tegata Gakuen, Akita 010-8502, Japan
Published: April 2016

A practical method for estimating maximum superposed force due to simultaneous or near-simultaneous collision of pieces of driftwood accompanying tsunami inundation flow and its probability of occurrence is presented by examining inundation flow velocity (≅ collision velocity), acceleration distance within which the driftwood velocity becomes almost the same as inundation flow velocity, collision force, collision force duration, rise time from start to peak collision force, driftwood collision probability and by systematically integrating examination results.
Review of Recent Tsunami Observation by Offshore Cabled Observatory
Authors: Matsumoto Hiroyuki ,   Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), 2-15 Natsushima, Yokosuka 237-0061, Japan, Kaneda Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses near- and far-field tsunami observations at the Hokkaido, Japan, offshore cabled observatory, focusing on the 2006 Kuril Island earthquake (Mw 8.3) as a far-field event and the 2008 off-Tokachi earthquake (Mw 6.8) as a near-field event. The Kuril Islands earthquake was detected as a series of tsunami signals by 2 bottom pressure gauges roughly 1 hour after the earthquake. Tsunami amplitudes observed offshore were 3 cm and off-coastal amplitudes were a few tens of centimeters. In the 2008 near-field off-Tokachi earthquake (Mw 6.8), a tsunami signal was detected simultaneously with the earthquake, which had a source amplitude of 4 cm. Our tsunami calculation reproduced the first wave well, but discrepancies about arrival time and amplitude arose for the second and later waves. Offshore tsunami sensors such as bottom pressure gauges, deep-ocean assessment and reporting of tsunami (DART) buoys, and kinematic global positioning system (GPS) buoys may thus become keys in early tsunami warning once appropriate dataset processing is implemented.
Does the Type of News Coverage Influence Donations to Disaster Relief? Evidence from the 2008 Cyclone in Myanmar
Authors: Brown Philip H. ,   Colby College, Department of Economics 5246 Mayflower Hill, Waterville, ME, USA, Wong Po Yin ,   Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Maryland 2200 Symons Hall, College Park, MD, USA
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the relationship between media coverage of a major natural disaster and charitable giving for disaster relief, focusing on three questions: first, was media coverage of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008 correlated with charitable giving to disaster relief in Myanmar? Second, were charitable contributions earmarked for disaster relief in Myanmar impacted by the occurrence of a second major natural disaster — the May 2008 earthquake in Wenchuan, China? Third, how did different types of news stories affect same-day charitable giving to disaster relief efforts in Myanmar? These questions are analyzed in a rich multivariate regression framework, and results show that charitable giving is indeed correlated with media coverage, that donations to disaster relief in China appear to compete with those to disaster relief in Myanmar, and that “event-driven” news stories strongly and positively influence the level of giving whereas news stories classified as “institutional” or “human-interest” do not have any discernible impact.
Mobile GIS Application Development for Emergency Damage Assessment in a Disaster
Authors: Tonosaki Norihiro ,   ESRI Japan Corporation, 2-7-1 Hirakawa-chou, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan, Urakawa Go , Omura Kei , Nawa Yuji , Hamamoto Ryota , Hayashi Haruo ,   Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   NTT Data CCS Corporation,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

The magnitude 6.8 Niigata Chuetsu earthquake occurred on October 23, 2004. A major responsibility of cities in Japan hit by earthquakes is to conduct effective disaster relief while assessing the changing situation. On such assessment requiring large numbers of temporary workers is damage assessment, e.g., of buildings and lifelines. We organized emergency damage investigation, unifying damage investigation and post investigation information processing based on knowledge from GIS-based support by the Kyoto University’s Disaster-prevention Research Institute. The two-part effort consisted of easy-input GIS applications and technology handling information from field damage investigation, automated geographic information and photographic association at disaster sites and creating reports on investigation results. We thus streamlined emergency damage investigation in aiding affected areas.
Disaster-Victim Database Development Using GeoWrap Method -From the 2004 Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake to the 2007 Niigataken Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake-
Authors: Yoshitomi Nozomu ,   Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan, Hayashi Haruo , Matsuoka Katsuyuki , Terano Hidenori , Inoguchi Munenari , Urakawa Go ,   Exceed Corporation, Abira-Kawasaki 1402, 7-4 Ogawa-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-Shi, Kanagawa, Japan,   ESRI Japan Corporation,   Research Center for Natural Hazard and Disaster Recovery, Niigata University, 8050 Igarashi Nino-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata city, Niigata 950-2181, Japan,   Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

The objective of this research is to develop an information processing procedure that is capable of integrating various data sources for the purpose of building a centralized victims’ database that can be utilized throughout the city to support various relief activities. In most cities stricken by disaster, availability of data resources is limited in both quantity and quality. However, it is vital to build an accurate Victims’ Database promptly in order to provide satisfactory services to disaster victims. Therefore, this paper proposes GeoWrap, a new methodology in information processing, that can maximize available datasets of differing accuracy while building accurate databases. GeoWrap effectiveness is examined by developing the victim database for Kashiwazaki City in Japan.
Building Local-Government Service-Oriented GIS Through 2007 Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake Experience
Authors: Honma Tsutomu ,   Planning and Policy Section, Kashiwazaki City, 5-50 Chuo-cho, Kashiwazaki city, Niigata 945-8511, Japan, Urakawa Go , Inoguchi Munenari , Tonosaki Norihiro , Hayashi Haruo ,   Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   Research Center for National Disaster and Recovery, Niigata University, 8050 Ikarashi Nino-cho, Nishi-ku, Niigata city, Niigata 950-2181, Japan,   ESRI Japan Co., Ltd., 2-7-1 Hirakawa-chou Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0093, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

Implementing enterprise geographic information systems (EGIS) for local governments usually involves high initial and follow-up cost, e.g., for data maintenance, caused by excessively detailed base maps based on public survey specifications, even though suchmaps are not needed for most municipal operations. This study analyzes requirements for reducing costs of an implementation and maintenance of local-government EGIS (LGEGIS). The study also analyzes goals for local-government EGIS (LGEGIS). Both the analysis in this research are based on the case of the Kashiwazaki City EGIS in response to the 2007 Niigata Chuetsu-oki Earthquake.
Geography Network for Sharing Geospatial Information in Disaster Management
Authors: Nawa Yuji ,   ESRI Japan Corporation, 2-7-1 Hirakawa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0093, Japan, Urakawa Go , Ikemi Hiro , Hamamoto Ryota , Hayashi Haruo ,   Institute of Sustainability Science, Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan,   Facluty of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0387, Japan,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Published: April 2016

The Chuetsu earthquake restoration and revival support geographic information system (GIS) project was launched after the 2004 Chuetsu earthquake. It was the first project to gather disaster GIS data at one place, and provide them by Web GIS from off–site of the disaster site in Japan. To facilitate sharing disaster geospatial information, we introduced a framework of Geography Network as GIS portal. The GIS portal was based on loosely–coupled system architecture. Therefore, it was able to change the system structure by system requirement of the project. The GIS portal was used continuously and commonly for the 2005 Fukuoka Earthquake and 2005–2006 Heavy Snow Disaster and the 2007 Chuetsu-Oki Earthquake. In this paper, we define the system requirement to share disaster geospatial information by knowledge from case studies, and describe a practical method to build the framework, demonstrate the benefit from the framework.
Smart Disaster Reduction Against Torrential Downpours: Micromedia Creation
Authors: Hayashi Haruo ,   Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan, Tamura Keiko , Kitada Satoshi , Sudo Satomi ,   Risk Management Office, Niigata University, Ikarashi 2-Nocho, Nishi-ku, Niigata 950-2181, Japan,   Graduate School of Informatics, Kyoto University, 36-1 Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan,   i-forum
Published: April 2016

In response to frequent flooding disasters due to local torrential downpours, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA), along with other organizations, has advanced rapid tracking systems for torrential rains. It is also noted that people can now be easily located by the widespread dissemination of mobile phones and car navigation systems with easy-to-use global positioning systems (GPS). Unfortunately, the current practice of disseminating disaster information has failed to incorporate recent these technological innovations. In this paper, we propose a way to establish a new information dissemination media called “micromedia,” which provides individuals with disaster prevention information in real time, regardless of their location.
A Proposal for Effective Emergency Training and Exercise Program to Improve Competence for Disaster Response of Disaster Responders
Authors: Takemoto Kayoko ,   Science Craft, Ltd., Tennou-cho, Echizen-shi, Fukui 915-0068, Japan, Motoya Yutaka , Kimura Reo ,   Graduate school of Environment and Disaster Research, Fuji Tokoha University, 325 Ohbuchi, Fuji city, Shizuoka 417-0801, Japan
Published: April 2016

This paper develops a training and exercise program to improve the competence of disaster responders in emergency situations. The concept of instructional design, one of the theories of learning in the field of education, is used to set learning goals and develop the overall training and exercise program. The learning program developed in the study includes three stages of learning: “learning,” “drilling,” and “exercising.” The program has been improved through three implementations. As a result, evaluations of the effectiveness of the program of training and practice show that it effectively improves one’s disaster response competencies.
Logit Analysis of Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Famine in Uganda
Authors: Okori Washington ,   Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda, Obua Joseph , Baryamureeba Venansius ,   Department of Forest Biology and Ecosystems Management, Faculty of Forestry and Nature Conservation, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062 Kampala, Uganda
Published: April 2016

Socioeconomic factors affecting food security in Uganda were studied in 2004-2005, and secondary agricultural production data collected by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics used to determine famine-prone households. The relationship between predictor and outcome variables was determined using a logistic regression model. Famine risk at different strata of predictive variables was analyzed using bivariate analysis. The model was fitted with 13 factors, with those significantly related to food insecurity found to be distance to gardens, household size, amount of labor input, livestock number, distance to main roads, household income, household head age, and agricultural shock. Further study using a predictive model combining environmental stress and socioeconomic factors would improve food insecurity prediction.