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EPTE Newsletter from Japan: Typhoon Haiyan
November 18, 2013 | Dominique K. Numakura, DKN ResearchEstimated reading time: 3 minutes
Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines leaving a trail of damage and destruction. The typhoon was the strongest to make landfall in recorded history. It is estimated that more than 10,000 people are dead or missing and millions more remain homeless.
Typhoons are named after number-based conventions and a list based convention in Japan. Number-based conventions are based on the sequential number from the beginning of a typhoon. List-based conventions are based on the list of typhoon names defined in advance by the committee of meteorological organizations worldwide. A new name is automatically chosen from the list upon the genesis of a typhoon.
As the Philippines count the human cost from the devastating typhoon, analysts are adding up the financial burden the country will suffer. The dollar figure could be less than the damage in Japan two years ago from the tsunami. However, the Philippines government cannot estimate the final number because communications are spotty throughout the island. Our modern telecommunication technology is fantastic, but it is no match for Mother Nature and her natural disasters.
There is a big difference between the way we predict an earthquake and a typhoon. The earthquake and tsunami that wiped out Eastern Japan on March 11, 2011 came without much of a warning. I believe that the meteorological agencies from Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines have enough capabilities to forecast the routes and strengths of typhoons several days before arrival.
The area from the Philippines to Okinawa is called Main Street of Typhoons because of the frequency of such storms. The Philippines is regularly in the firing line for powerful typhoons. More than 10 typhoons visit the area each year.
The Philippine Government released warnings about the typhoon a few days prior to its arrival; unfortunately, there were not enough shelters and many lives were lost.
Donations are pouring in for aid in the relief segment of this disaster; however, preparation is invaluable to help save lives. I hope this tragedy places emphasis on utilizing our high-tech capabilities to provide long-term predictions for impending natural disasters.
Dominique K. Numakura, dnumakura@dknresearch.com DKN Research, www.dknresearchllc.com
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Headlines of the Week
(Please contact haverhill@dknreseach.com for further information on the news.)1. AIST (R&D organization in Japan) 10/25The organization has codeveloped a new interposer with high-density embedded components (0.1 mm spaces) for mobile devices.2. NEDO (R&D organization in Japan) 10/28The organization has codeveloped new high-resolution ink jet printing technology with nano-copper ink. It is capable of generating 3-micron lines.3. Toray (Major material supplier in Japan) 10/29The supplier has developed a new PPS resin reinforced by carbon fiber. It can be formed by an injection process with an equivalent mechanical strength as die-casted aluminum.4. JEITA (Industry organization in Japan) 10/31August production of electronics materials in Japan was 11.86 billion yen, a 29% decline from the same month the previous year.5. NICT (R&D organization in Japan) 11/7The organization has developed a new low-noise photon detector with 80% efficiency using super conductive nanowire. It does not require cooling by liquid nitrogen.6. Sony (Major electronics company in Japan) 11/7The company has unveiled the world's thinnest and lightest letter-size digital paper, called “DPT-S1,” with Wi-Fi capability. Thickness: 6.8 mm; weight: 358 grams. 7. Sharp (Major electronics company in Japan) 11/8The company has commercialized a new multi-energy monitor, called “JH-RW6.” It can control a solar generator, secondary battery, and a heat pump at the same time.8. Toppan Printing (Major printing company in Japan) 11/11The company has begun volume production of a new copper wire touch panel module for PC monitors and tablet PCs. It is available in 10” to 27” sizes.9. TSMC (Major semiconductor manufacturer in Taiwan) 11/12The manufacturer approved capital appropriation of approximately US $829.2 million to install. expand, and upgrade its advanced technology capacity.10. Olympus (Major optical device supplier in Japan) 11/12"The supplier has commercialized a new compact video scope, the “IPLEX Series,” with a higher resolution and brightness for narrow and deep objects in industrial uses.
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