Yokohama Port Research Articles

Mental health needs associated with COVID-19 on the diamond princess cruise ship: A case series recorded by the disaster psychiatric assistance team

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection prevention measures have led to a variety of mental health issues. Although several self-care methods have been recommended for those quarantined, evidence regarding how best to support quarantined people experiencing a mental health crisis is limited.In February 2020, the Diamond Princess cruise ship was quarantined in Yokohama port, Japan following a passenger testing positive for COVID-19. We were sent to address the mental health issues as the Disaster Psychiatric Assistance Team (DPAT). In the present study, we examined the acute mental health needs of the passengers and crew collected by the DPAT using the standard Emergency Medical Team daily reporting system.We assessed 206 cases (99 men and 107 women) with generic health issues and 127 cases (39 men and 88 women) with mental health issues. Mental health issues including disaster stress-related symptoms were as frequent as physical health events associated with COVID-19. The most significant mental health issue was anxiety, as an acute psychological reaction to the quarantine situation. Women and crews most frequently needed mental health support. Mental health improved in most clients after brief counseling. Although several passengers experienced suicidal ideation, there were no cases of actual suicide attempts during the quarantine period.This case has been regarded as a well-known public health event at the beginning of the COVID-19 era. In addition to physical health support, disaster mental health support was essential to save lives. Our findings may facilitate responses to future quarantines, accidents, and mental health crises.

Quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR Systems to Detect SARS-CoV-2.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked at Yokohama Port on February 3, 2020, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing using nasopharyngeal swab samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals has been the main way to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in almost all clinical laboratories in Japan. With the diffusion of sets containing the primers and probe, the gold standard real-time RT-PCR test has permeated throughout the country. To prevent the spread of infection, real-time RT-PCR testing is important to confirm whether people are positive, asymptomatic, or negative for COVID-19. Now, in addition to pharyngeal swab, saliva and blood samples can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Here, we introduce a clinical laboratory test performed using the High Pure viral nucleic acid kit and subsequent real-time RT-PCR system to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in serum, plasma, or whole blood in a hospital in Yokohama, Japan.

Development of Corona-virus-disease-19 Vaccines.

The year 2020 opened with news of an epidemic of pneumonia caused by a new coronavirus similar to the SARS coronavirus in Wuhan, China, and subsequently caused a worldwide pandemic. In Japan, the first infected person was found in January, and later, more than 700 passengers and crew members of the Diamond Princess, a large cruise ship that called at Yokohama port, were found to be infected, and the ship was forced to respond to the outbreak. The causative virus was quickly identified as a beta coronavirus similar to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus of 2003 and was named SARS coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was named COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2, like SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, infects the epithelial cells of the lungs and causes viral pneumonia. As of March 7, 2021, more than 116 million people have been infected and more than 2.5 million people have died worldwide. As a result of the global pandemic, regional blockades have been imposed around the world, and the development of vaccines and therapeutic agents has become an urgent necessity in order to restore normal social activities. In this review, the experience of the development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is described.

Two Cases of COVID-19 Pneumonia：One Case from the Cruise ship, Diamond Princess, and the Other, A Case of Community Transmission

We encountered two female patients with COVID-19 Eone transferred from the cruise ship, Diamond Princess, docked in the Yokohama port, and the other with community transmission of the infection The former patient had asymptomatic pneumonia, which subsided spontaneously The latter patient suffered from severe rapidly worsening pneumonia which necessitated mechanical ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, but eventually showed complete resolution of the disease Although the lung involvement in those two cases at their first evaluation seemed to be equal, they exhibited very different clinical courses Eone showing self-limiting asymptomatic pneumonia and the other showing severe progressive pneumonia

Descriptive study of COVID-19 outbreak among passengers and crew on Diamond Princess cruise ship, Yokohama Port, Japan, 20 January to 9 February 2020

An outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) occurred on the Diamond Princess cruise ship making an international journey, which led to quarantine of the ship at Yokohama Port, Japan. A suspected COVID-19 case was defined as a passenger or crew member who developed a fever or respiratory symptoms, and a confirmed COVID-19 case had laboratory-confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Between 3 and 9 February 2020, 490 individuals were tested for SARS-CoV-2 and 172 were positive (152 passengers (median age: 70 years; interquartile range (IQR): 64–75; males: 45%) and 20 crew (median age: 40 years; IQR: 35–48.5; males: 80%). Other than the Hong Kong-related index case, symptom onset for the earliest confirmed case was 22 January, 2 days after the cruise ship left port. Attack rates among passengers were similar across the decks, while beverage (3.3%, 2/61) and food service staff (5.7%, 14/245) were most affected. Attack rates tended to increase with age. A comprehensive outbreak response was implemented, including surveillance, provision of essential medical care, food and medicine delivery, isolation, infection prevention and control, sampling and disembarkation.

Medical Transport for 769 COVID-19 Patients on a Cruise Ship by Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team.

The Diamond Princess cruise ship, carrying 3711 passengers and crew members, docked at Yokohama Port in Japan on February 3, 2020. A quarantine was immediately instituted because 1 passenger who had disembarked in Hong Kong was confirmed to have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). After the quarantine began, all passengers and crew were tested using the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction assay on the ship, 696 of whom tested positive. In total, 769 patients, including 696 with COVID-19, required transport to a hospital. The Japan Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) successfully picked up and safely transported the COVID-19 patients using a novel classification system to prioritize patients. The Japan DMAT transported 203 patients to hospitals in Kanagawa and another 566 patients to hospitals in 15 different prefectures.

Challenges in the Practice of Sexual Medicine in the Time of COVID-19 in Japan

The rapid spread of a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has led to an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In Japan, the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing rapidly with a risk of overshooting. In February 2020, Japan ranked as the second highest in the number of COVID-19 cases, after the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked in Japan at the Yokohama port.1 (The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Japan (2020) About coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Chronology of COVID-19 Cases on the Diamond Princess Cruise Ship and Ethical Considerations: A Report From Japan.

The Diamond Princess cruise ship has been anchored at the Yokohama port in Japan since February 3, 2020. A total of 691 cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection had been confirmed as of February 23. The government initially assumed that the infection was not spreading aboard and therefore indicated that any persons who either tested negative for the virus or were asymptomatic should immediately disembark. However, on February 5, the government set a 14-day health observation period because of the severity of the infection. Passengers confirmed to be free from infection began disembarking on Day 15 (February 19) of the quarantine. The effectiveness and validity of infection control, justification for the timing of inspections, and even the nature of COVID-19 itself now are all in question. The ethical considerations related to cruise ship infection control include the reasonable justification for isolation, the psychological fragility and quality of life of the isolated passengers and crew members, the procedural justice inherent in a forced quarantine, and the optimization of control measures.The international coordination framework and the global ramifications of such outbreaks should be reevaluated by the international community. Denying a ship's entry based on local politics is incompatible with global justice. Events such as these require an international response and global regulations that seek to reduce disparities.

COVID-19 first stage in Japan - how we treat 'Diamond Princess Cruise Ship' with 3700 passengers?

COVID-19 first stage in Japan - how we treat 'Diamond Princess Cruise Ship' with 3700 passengers?

Toshiba H2One hydrogen energy system for Yokohama

In Japan, the City of Yokohama's Port & Harbor Bureau has placed an order with Toshiba Corporation for an H2One™ independent hydrogen energy supply system. The clean, low-carbon system – the first to be ordered by a local government organisation – will be installed at the Yokohama Cargo Center on Daikoku Futo, an artificial island and pier within the port.

都市臨海部における港湾緑地整備の新たな方向性に関する研究

The port open space planning policy was prescribed in 1973. However, this rule remains without a change. A purpose of this study is to clarify the next matter through the above. 1) To clarify the actual situation of the design of the port open spaces as a case study in Kawasaki Port and Yokohama Port. 2) To grasp the actual situation and the problem of the port-open-space which was designed by administration and private enterprise In Yokohama Port. The results of this study are as follows. 1) The needs of the port open space is Public access to approach from hinterland to port space, Opened port shore line for public, Space to watch the port scenery. 2) The port open space which is designed by administration and the private enterprise needs the promotion system and clarification of the responsibility. This study suggests the need of the linear port open space and the designated manager system through these results.

Thermal Conditions for the Overwintering of Tropical Originated Green Mussel Perna viridis at the Artificial Seashore Facilities in Yokohama Port, Tokyo Bay, from 2010 to 2011.

Thermal Conditions for the Overwintering of Tropical Originated Green Mussel <i>Perna viridis</i> at the Artificial Seashore Facilities in Yokohama Port, Tokyo Bay, from 2010 to 2011.

Life Traits of Tropical Green Mussel Perna viridis at the Artificial Seaside Facilities, Yokohama Port, Tokyo Bay, from 2008 to 2010.

Life Traits of Tropical Green Mussel <i>Perna viridis</i> at the Artificial Seaside Facilities, Yokohama Port, Tokyo Bay, from 2008 to 2010.

Wave-in-deck loads on coastal bridges and the role of air

Recent failures of coastal bridges during extreme storm events have focused attention on the need for research on wave loading of coastal structures suspended above the still water level. This paper presents findings from large-scale experimental work carried out in the wave basin of the Yokohama Port and Airport Technical Investigation Office. Measurements from physical model tests are used to gain insights on the dynamics of wave-loading of coastal bridges and to derive an “ad-hoc” prediction method for both quasi-static and impulsive wave loads. The effect of openings in the bridge deck is also discussed, and guidance derived for design purpose.

数値モデルによる東京湾の船底防汚塗料(銅ピリチオン)に対する生態リスクの軽減方法の検討

We performed an ecological risk assessment on antifouling paints that contain copper pyrithione (CuPT) which are applied to vessels visiting Tokyo Bay. The Margin of Exposure (MOE = NOEC/EEC) method was used in the risk assessment, with the NOEC set to 0.25μg/L (Skeletonema costatum Growth inhibitor). The EEC was estimated by using a chemical fate model developed at AIST. The Uncertainty Factor (UF) was set to be 100 for this ecological risk assessment. The calculation period was for year 2008, when antifouling paints containing TBT will be substituted for alternative paints, such as those containing CuPT.In this study, the ecological risk was found to be significant because the MOE values were below the UF in the commercial ports of Yokohama, Tokyo and Chiba, but not throughout the entire study area.In Tokyo Bay, the ecological risk posed by CuPT in antifouling paints is at its greatest in the Yokohama port area. In a bid to reduce this risk, we estimated potential reduction in CuPT concentration in high MOE area, such as Yokohama port. This, by the effects of dispersion using water flow and by enhancing photodegradation.

Field Experiments on the Lasting of Sand Capping Technique on Nutrient Release Reduction and the Influence of Suspended Sediments on the Effects

Nutrients are released from the contaminated sediments on the sea bottom. In order to improve the sediment quality, sand capping techniques were utilized at several coastal seas. However, the technique is worry about the effectiveness due to newly deposited sediments on sea bottom. This paper describes the lasting of sand capping techniques on nutrient release reduction from contaminated sediments by field experiments at MM21 district in Yokohama Port. From the study, it is found that the lasting of sand capping techniques on nutrient release reduction is still remained. But the effect of sand capping technique is decreasing due to newly deposited contaminated sediments on clean sand capping sands.

Benthos Fauna of Experimentally Reproduced Tidepool in Yokohama Port and Airport Technology Investigation Office near Yokohama Port

Benthos Fauna of Experimentally Reproduced Tidepool in Yokohama Port and Airport Technology Investigation Office near Yokohama Port

大型セル式岸壁の地震時の挙動に関する数値解析

A high seismic resistant quay wall at Yokohama Port is designed in conformity with the new technical standard for port and harbor structures revised in April 2007. The cell type quay wall is largest in the world (24.5m in diameter and 32m in height of the cell). Two-dimensional finite element analysis in effective stress is conducted for dynamic response of the quay wall. Stresses of steel cells, arcs and their joints are examined with three-dimensional static finite element analysis, in case of not only uniform but also inequable quay wall foundation.

新港湾基準に準拠した大水深耐震強化岸壁の性能設計

A system of performance-based design was introduced to the new technical standard for port and harbor facilities, revised in April 2007. The new standard allows greater flexibility of design while requires more advanced technical knowledge to designers. As an example, a high seismic resistant quay wall at Yokohama Port is designed in conformity with the new technical standard, examining a concrete method to specify performance requirement for quay walls..

Application of Numerical Analysis and Model Experiment on Seismic Design of Large Steel Celltype Quay Wall

The construction of a high seismic resistant quay, MC-3 began in February 2008 at Minami-Honmoku Pier of Yokohama Port. The large steel celitype quay with 24.5m in diameter and 32m in height is designed in conformity with the new technical standard for port and harbor structures revised in April 2007. Deformation and damage of structures must be evaluated accurately, based on performance-based design introduced to the new standard. Two-and three-dimensional finite element analyses and model shake table tests are conducted in this study, to evaluate performance ofthe quay during L2 earthquake.