|   | 
Details
   web
Records
Author Ronja Addams-Moring; Markku Kekkonen; Shushan Zhao
Title A simple taxonomy for mobile emergency announcement systems Type Conference Article
Year 2005 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2005
Volume Issue Pages 309-316
Keywords Civil defense; Information systems; Mobile telecommunication systems; Taxonomies; Ad hoc MEA system; Crisis information; Disaster recovery; Incident Management; MEA system; Mobile emergency announcement system; Pre-planned MEA system; Public warning; Semi ad hoc MEA system; Information management
Abstract Mobile communications networks and devices can be and have been used by authorities to warn and instruct the general public during crises. However, our understanding of how mobile technologies could best be used for emergency announcements (public warnings) is currently limited. To clarify one part of this field of study, we define and describe a simple taxonomy for mobile emergency announcements (MEA) systems. The taxonomy has three categories: preplanned MEA systems, ad-hoc MEA systems and semi ad-hoc MEA systems. Differences in functional, security and other requirements were found between MEA systems belonging to different taxonomy categories, both concerning how each category of MEA systems can meet the common requirements, and concerning which requirements are the most important for each category of MEA systems. The differences between the categories were especially clear for these requirements: the understandability and credibility of the MEAs and the security of a MEA system.
Address Helsinki University of Technology, Finland; STUK – Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, Finland
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Brussels Editor B. Van de Walle, B. Carle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9076971099 Medium
Track EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT AND WARNING SYSTEMS Expedition Conference 2nd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 253
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Christine Adler; Marion Krüsmann; Thomas Greiner-Mai; Anton Donner; Javier Mulero Chaves; Àngels Via Estrem
Title IT-supported management of mass casualty incidents: The e-triage project Type Conference Article
Year 2011 Publication 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011 Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2011
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Database systems; Digital communication systems; Disasters; Distributed database systems; Human engineering; Information systems; Satellite communication systems; Stresses; User interfaces; Communication infrastructure; Database synchronization; Digital communications; Distributed database; E-Triage; Mass casualty incidents; Rescue operations; Satellite communications; Interoperability
Abstract Voice, analogue mobile radio, and paper have een successfully used for decades for coordination of emergencies and disasters, but although being simple and robust this approach cannot keep pace with todays requirements any more. Emerging and established digital communication standards open the door to new applications and services, but the expected benefit needs to be carefully evaluated against robustness, interoperability, and user-friendliness. This paper describes a framework for IT-supported management of mass casualty incidents, which is currently under implementation and study. The four pillars of the concept are handheld devices for use both in daily rescue operations and in disasters, autonomous satellite-based communication infrastructure, a distributed database concept for maximal availability, and psychological acceptance research.
Address Ludwig Maximilians University, Dept. Psychology, Munich, Germany; Euro-DMS Ltd., Olching, Germany; DLR, Institute of Communications and Navigation, Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany; TriaGnoSys GmbH, Weßling, Germany
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Lisbon Editor M.A. Santos, L. Sousa, E. Portela
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9789724922478 Medium
Track Mobile and Sensor Networks Expedition Conference 8th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 255
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Michael R. Bartolacci; Christoph Aubrecht; Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht
Title A portable base station optimization model for wireless infrastructure deployment in disaster planning and management Type Conference Article
Year 2014 Publication ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2014
Volume Issue Pages 50-54
Keywords Base stations; Disaster prevention; Disasters; Information systems; Mathematical models; Optimization; Wireless telecommunication systems; Ad hoc mobile networks; Cellular mobile networks; Disaster planning; Optimization modeling; Real-time management; Wireless communications; Wireless infrastructure deployments; Wireless telecommunications; Emergency services
Abstract Disaster response requires communications among all affected parties including emergency responders and the affected populace. Wireless telecommunications, if available through a fixed structure cellular mobile network, satellites, portable station mobile networks and ad hoc mobile networks, can provide this means for such communications. While the deployment of temporary mobile networks and other wireless equipment following disasters has been successfully accomplished by governmental agencies and mobile network providers following previous disasters, there appears to be little optimization effort involved with respect to maximizing key performance measures of the deployment or minimizing overall 'cost' (including time aspects) to deploy. This work-in-progress does not focus on the question of what entity will operate the portable base during a disaster, but on optimizing the placement of mobile base stations or similar network nodes for planning and real time management purposes. An optimization model is proposed for the staging and placement of portable base stations to support disaster relief efforts.
Address Pennsylvania State University – Berks, United States; AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria; World Bank, United States; Sakarya University, Turkey
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher The Pennsylvania State University Place of Publication University Park, PA Editor S.R. Hiltz, M.S. Pfaff, L. Plotnick, and P.C. Shih.
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Analytic Modeling and Simulation Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 294
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Patricia Gómez Bello; Ignacio Aedo; Fausto Sainz; Paloma Díaz; Jorge De Castro
Title M-ARCE: Designing an ubiquitous mobile office for disaster mitigation, services and configuration Type Conference Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2006
Volume Issue Pages 121-126
Keywords Disasters; Information systems; Internet; Ubiquitous computing; Wireless networks; Wireless telecommunication systems; Disaster mitigation; Emergency situation; Indoor environment; International assistance; Multinational cooperations; Pda; Ubiquitous hypermedia; Wireless communications; Mobile devices
Abstract Cooperation and mutual assistance in emergency situations is one of the main objectives of the Latin-American Association of Governmental Organisms of Civil Defense and Protection. To promote such collaboration m-ARCE has been developed; an ubiquitous mobile office for disaster mitigation where users can send and receive information anywhere and anytime. When a catastrophe happens in a country, and almost all infrastructure is destroyed, mobile technology, such as mobile devices and wireless networks, offers the user resources to ask for help and to manage it. Latin-American Countries often suffer catastrophes that provoke numerous human losses and major economic and social problems. International assistance and collaboration with the affected country is necessary to help in its recovery. The Web, like Internet, offers static office services to users who can access information using an infrastructure in indoor environments. On the other hand, mobile computing and networking use the Internet, together with mobile physical devices linked to it, and software platforms built upon it, to design and coordinate systems across countries. In the ubiquitous mobile office design, we describe how services, such as chat, email and wireless communication, should be configured for emergency situation. We make use of ubiquitous hypermedia -linked nodes in ubiquitous spaces- to ensure mobility and accessibility to the mobile device interface, such as PDAs and smartphones.
Address DEI Laboratory, Computer Science Department, Carlos III University of Madrid, Avda. de la Universidad 30, 28911 Leganés, Spain; Dirección General de Protección Civil y Emergencias, Ministry of Interior, Quintiliano 21, 28002 Madrid, Spain
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Newark, NJ Editor B. Van de Walle, M. Turoff
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9090206019; 9789090206011 Medium
Track INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEMS WORKFLOW MANAGEMENT Expedition Conference 3rd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 299
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Dirk Bradler; Benjamin Schiller; Erwin Aitenbichler; Nicolas Liebau
Title Towards a distributed crisis response communication system Type Conference Article
Year 2009 Publication ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2009
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Communication systems; Electric network topology; Crisis response; Current technology; Distributed communications; Distributed systems; Key success factors; Large scale disasters; Reliable communication; Testing framework; Information systems
Abstract Reliable communication systems are one of the key success factors for a successful first response mission. Current crisis response communication systems suffer from damaged or destroyed infrastructure or are just overstressed in the case of a large scale disaster. We provide an outline for a distributed communication approach, which fulfills the requirements of first responders. It is based on a layered network topology and current technology used in research projects or already established products. In addition, we propose a testing framework for the evaluation of a crisis response communication system.
Address TU Darmstadt, Germany
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Gothenburg Editor J. Landgren, S. Jul
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9789163347153 Medium
Track Human-Computer Interaction Expedition Conference 6th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 342
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Colleen J Buono; Theodore C. Chan; William G. Griswold; Ricky Huang; Fang Liu; James Killeen; Doug Palmer
Title WIISARD: Wireless internet information system for medical response to disasters Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2008
Volume Issue Pages 126
Keywords Disasters; Wireless telecommunication systems; Emergency responders; Mass casualty; Natural disasters; San Diego; Terrorist attacks; University of California; Wireless internet; Wireless technologies; Information systems
Abstract Called the Wireless Internet Information System for Medical Response in Disasters, or WIISARD, the use of sophisticated wireless technology to coordinate and enhance care of mass casualties in a terrorist attack or natural disaster is the focus of a federally funded research project at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The project brings together broad-based participation from academia, industry, the military, and emergency responders from the City and County of San Diego.
Address University of California San Diego, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Washington, DC Editor F. Fiedrich, B. Van de Walle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780615206974 Medium
Track Communication Systems and Technologies for Crisis and Disaster Responses Expedition Conference 5th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 351
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Andrea Capata; Andrea Marrella; Ruggero Russo; Manfred Bortenschlager; Harald Rieser
Title A geo-based application for the management of mobile actors during crisis situations Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2008
Volume Issue Pages 219-229
Keywords Civil defense; Disasters; Geographic information systems; Information systems; Mobile devices; Mobile telecommunication systems; Risk management; Web services; Crisis situations; Emergency management; Geographic information; Manet; Outdoor environment; Peer to peer; Pervasive computing applications; Transparent access; Mobile ad hoc networks
Abstract The widespread availability of network-enabled handled devices has made the development of pervasive computing applications an emerging reality particularly suitable for managing emergency/disaster situations. Moreover in emergency management scenarios, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are gaining momentum for their capacity to capture, analyze and manage geo-referenced data. In this paper we discuss an architecture designed to support rescue teams operating in outdoor environments and equipped with mobile devices working in a P2P fashion within a Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET). Our system has been designed to effectively address the on-field working persons' need for geographic information that cannot be supplied by conventional paper-based maps. Our approach provides a transparent access to geo-information and to GIS functionalities, and it addresses issues specifically relevant to emergency management scenarios in open fields.
Address Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, SAPIENZA Universit di Roma, Italy; Salzburg Research Forschungsgesellschaft M.b.H, Austria
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Washington, DC Editor F. Fiedrich, B. Van de Walle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780615206974 Medium
Track Process- and Geo-aware Systems for Crisis Management Expedition Conference 5th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 370
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Rebecca E. Carella; Susan P. McGrath
Title ARTEMIS personal area networks for emergency remote triage and information management Type Conference Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2006
Volume Issue Pages 592-597
Keywords Automation; Personal communication systems; Risk management; Artemis; Automated systems; Embedded sensors; Emergency management; Emergency response; Patient survivals; Remote location; Situational awareness; Information management
Abstract The Automated Remote Triage and Emergency Management Information System (ARTEMIS) project seeks to provide situational awareness to all level of commands in order to increase patient survival rate during emergencies. By moving the burden of triage off of the medic and into an automated system, more time will be able to be spent on casualty care rather than assessment. Continual monitoring of responders and casualties will alert medics of critical changes in a patient's health that might normally have gone undetected after a patient is initially triaged. ARTEMIS employs a network of embedded sensors worn by responders and casualties to gather the data required for greater situational awareness and to relay the data back to appropriate levels of command both on the field and in remote locations.
Address Dartmouth College, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Newark, NJ Editor B. Van de Walle, M. Turoff
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9090206019; 9789090206011 Medium
Track PERSONAL AREA NETWORKS FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE Expedition Conference 3rd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 374
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Benny Carlé; Fernand Vermeersch; Carlos Rojas Palma
Title Systems improving communication in case of a nuclear emergency: Two information exchange systems in the Belgian Nuclear Research Center Type Conference Article
Year 2004 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2004
Volume Issue Pages 57-62
Keywords Artificial intelligence; Civil defense; Communication systems; Decision support systems; Information management; Information systems; Radioactive materials; Risk management; Crisis communications; Crisis response; Decision support system (dss); Emergency management; Emergency response; Nuclear emergencies; Emergency services
Abstract Creating a 'common view' between all stakeholders on the course of an emergency situation and the possible consequences is a challenge for any crisis management organisation. In the SCKâEUR¢CEN nuclear emergency preparedness research two projects address two different and particular communication or information management challenges. The HINES system aims at creating a common view by using an information system as a communication tool in an on-site nuclear emergency response room. The MODEM project uses XML-technology to stimulate communication between scientific experts from different countries and institutes by facilitating the exchange of information used in decision support models used to assess the impact of a release of radioactive material in the environment. Both systems are implemented in prototype phase and used regularly during exercises. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
Address SCK CEN, Belgian Nuclear Research Center, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Brussels Editor B. Van de Walle, B. Carle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9076971080 Medium
Track Poster Session Expedition Conference 1st International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 89
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Steven Curnin; Christine Owen
Title A typology to facilitate multi-agency coordination Type Conference Article
Year 2013 Publication ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2013
Volume Issue Pages 115-119
Keywords Civil defense; Disasters; Information systems; Boundary spanning; Diagnostic tools; Emergency management; Information and communication systems; Inter-organizational; Multi agencies; Organizational boundaries; Situation awareness; Risk management
Abstract Multi-agency coordination in emergency management presents many challenges. Agencies that normally operate independently have to assemble into a unified supra organization to achieve a common goal. To achieve successful multi-agency coordination organizations need to span organizational boundaries and provide linkages with multiple agencies. This requires interorganizational compatibility of information and communication systems. Necessary for this success are the stakeholders responsible for facilitating these organizational boundary spanning activities. This paper proposes that the preliminary research findings can create a typology of dimensions crucial to facilitating multi-agency emergency management coordination. It is envisaged that the typology will culminate into a diagnostic tool that will enable stakeholders to examine the breakdowns and successes of multi-agency emergency management coordination.
Address University of Tasmania, Australia
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie Place of Publication KIT; Baden-Baden Editor T. Comes, F. Fiedrich, S. Fortier, J. Geldermann and T. Müller
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9783923704804 Medium
Track Coordination and Collaboration Expedition Conference 10th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 419
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht; Michael R. Bartolacci
Title The impact and opportunities for wireless communications in chinese disaster planning and management Type Conference Article
Year 2012 Publication ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2012
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Disaster prevention; Information systems; Risk management; Wireless telecommunication systems; China; Disaster planning; Disaster reduction; Emergency management; Emergency responders; Management activities; Natural and man-made disasters; Wireless communications; Disasters
Abstract Natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, fires as well as those of manmade origins, such as dam breaches, necessitate communication between and among emergency responders, governmental officials, and the impacted populace. As the third largest country in terms of area and first in terms of population, China is no stranger to natural and manmade disasters of varying kinds. Until recently, the country had no central focus on dealing with such events and allowed local officials for the most part to plan and carry out all of the activities involved in disaster planning and management. Advances in the Chinese economy and more of a nationalist slant on policies have attempted to broaden the planning scope and management across the country with varying results. The deployment of wireless communications across China has assisted in disaster planning and management activities, but inconsistent policies and a haphazard approach to its deployment have hindered its ability to fully aid such activities. With a population of more than 1.3 billion (2010 Census) and its wide geography, China is one of the most natural disaster-affected countries in the world. Many natural disasters occur in China frequently and often result in severe damage and loss of life. In response to these events, several strategies for emergency management should be implemented, but in particular the integration of the deployment of wireless networks throughout the rural parts of the country with disaster/emergency planning for the same areas should be undertaken. © 2012 ISCRAM.
Address Sakarya University, Turkey; Penn State University- Berks, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Simon Fraser University Place of Publication Vancouver, BC Editor L. Rothkrantz, J. Ristvej, Z.Franco
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780864913326 Medium
Track Wireless Connectivity Management Expedition Conference 9th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 181
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Siska Fitrianie; Zhenke Yang; Leon J.M. Rothkrantz
Title Developing concept-based user interface using icons for reporting observations Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2008
Volume Issue Pages 394-405
Keywords Communication systems; Information systems; Mobile devices; Visual communication; Communication interface; Icon-based interfaces; Language interface; Mobile device applications; Reporting observations; Spatial arrangements; Spatial configuration; Structured messages; User interfaces
Abstract In recent years, we have developed a visual communication interface for reporting observations in which messages can be constructed using a spatial arrangement of icons. Each icon on the interface represents a concept or idea. This paper reports about research on a visual language interface, which allows users to create structured messages of icon strings simultaneously in a two-dimensional parallel and spatial configuration. The developed system provides drawing tools and predefined sets of icons that support a free and natural way to sketch and describe crisis situations. A coherent and context dependent interpretation of the icon configuration can be constructed by the employment of ontology. In addition, the interface is also able to convert the interpretation into crisis scenarios as feedback to the user on his/her input.
Address Man-Machine Interaction Group, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Washington, DC Editor F. Fiedrich, B. Van de Walle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780615206974 Medium
Track Observation Systems in Crisis Situations Expedition Conference 5th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 496
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Siska Fitrianie; Ronald Poppe; Trung H. Bui; Alin Gavril Chitu; Dragos Datcu; Ramón Dor; Denis Hofs; Pascal Wiggers; Don J.M. Willems; Mannes Poel; Leon J.M. Rothkrantz; Louis G. Vuurpijl; Job Zwiers
Title A multimodal human-computer interaction framework for research into crisis management Type Conference Article
Year 2007 Publication Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2007
Volume Issue Pages 149-158
Keywords Character recognition; Communication systems; Disasters; Human computer interaction; Speech recognition; Communication modalities; Evaluation methods; Facial Expressions; Multi-modal information; Multimodal human computer interaction; Multimodal system; Rescue simulation; Technological aspects; Face recognition
Abstract Unreliable communication networks, chaotic environments and stressful conditions can make communication during crisis events difficult. The current practice in crisis management can be improved by introducing ICT systems in the process. However, much experimentation is needed to determine where and how ICT can aid. Therefore, we propose a framework in which predefined modules can be connected in an ad hoc fashion. Such a framework allows for rapid development and evaluation of such ICT systems. The framework offers recognition of various communication modalities including speech, lip movement, facial expression, handwriting and drawing, body gesture, text and visual symbols. It provides mechanisms to fuse these modalities into a context dependent interpretation of the current situation and generate appropriate the multimodal information responses. The proposed toolbox can be used as part of a disaster and rescue simulation. We propose evaluation methods, and focus on the technological aspects of our framework.
Address Man-Machine Interaction Group, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands; Human Media Interaction Group, University of Twente, Netherlands; Nijmegen Institute for Cognition and Information, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Delft Editor B. Van de Walle, P. Burghardt, K. Nieuwenhuis
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9789054874171; 9789090218717 Medium
Track HCIS Expedition Conference 4th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 497
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Adam Flizikowski; Witold Holubowicz; Anna Stachowicz; Laura Hokkanen; Taina Kurki; Nina Päivinen; Thomas Delavallade
Title Social media in crisis management – The iSAR+ project survey Type Conference Article
Year 2014 Publication ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2014
Volume Issue Pages 707-711
Keywords Disaster prevention; Information systems; Mobile telecommunication systems; Risk management; Citizens; Crisis management; Disaster relief; Social media; User requirements; Surveys
Abstract Social media together with still growing social media communities has become a powerful and promising solution in crisis and emergency management. Previous crisis events have proved that social media and mobile technologies used by citizens (widely) and public services (to some extent) have contributed to the post-crisis relief efforts. The iSAR+ EU FP7 project aims at providing solutions empowering citizens and PPDR (Public Protection and Disaster Relief) organizations in online and mobile communications for the purpose of crisis management especially in search and rescue operations. This paper presents the results of survey aiming at identification of preliminary end-user requirements in the close interworking with end-users across Europe.
Address University of Technology and Life Sciences Poland, Poland; ITTI Ltd., Poland; Emergency Services College, Finland; University of Eastern Finland, Finland; Thales, France
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher The Pennsylvania State University Place of Publication University Park, PA Editor S.R. Hiltz, M.S. Pfaff, L. Plotnick, and P.C. Shih.
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Social Media in Crisis Response and Management Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 499
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Mark Gaynor; Alan Pearce; Scott Brander
Title Open infrastructure for a nationwide emergency services network Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2008
Volume Issue Pages 133-138
Keywords Information systems; Network architecture; Wireless telecommunication systems; 700MHz spectrum; Broadband wireless network; Federal communications commission; Public private partnerships; Public safety; Theoretical modeling; Emergency services
Abstract The paper suggests and supports a public policy in which the Federal Communications Commission should seize a unique opportunity to resolve some of the nation's critical communications problems in times of crises with the allocation of a portion of the spectrum at 700 MHz for the deployment of a nationwide interoperable emergency broadband wireless network built by a public-private partnership. It then presents a convincing theoretical model that advocates that an open and/or neutral, as opposed to a closed, network will add greater efficiency, greater choice, while advancing public safety along with the deployment of new and valuable technologies, applications and services.
Address Boston University, United States; Information Age Economics, United States; Harvard University, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Washington, DC Editor F. Fiedrich, B. Van de Walle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780615206974 Medium
Track Communication Systems and Technologies for Crisis and Disaster Responses Expedition Conference 5th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 524
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Jong Yul Kim; Wonsang Song; Henning Schulzrinne
Title An enhanced VoIP emergency services prototype Type Conference Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2006
Volume Issue Pages 102-109
Keywords Emergency services; Information systems; Voice/data communication systems; Location information; Physical locations; Public safety answering points; Sip; Third parties; Virginia; VoIP; Internet telephony
Abstract In this document we describe enhancements made to the prototype for emergency services in VoIP originally proposed and implemented in (Mintz-Habib, Rawat, Schulzrinne and Wu, 2005). In particular, we describe alternative methods of acquiring the physical location of an emergency caller and a novel way of using location information to determine call destination. We also introduce psapd, an enhanced third party call controller at the public safety answering point (PSAP), and discuss new features made possible by psapd. Preparations are underway in Texas and Virginia to install and test the enhanced prototype.
Address Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Newark, NJ Editor B. Van de Walle, M. Turoff
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9090206019; 9789090206011 Medium
Track COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE Expedition Conference 3rd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 651
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Diego Klappenbach; Silvia Hollfelder; Andreas Meissner; Stefan Wilbert
Title From analog voice radio to ICT: Data communication and data modeling for the German NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle Type Conference Article
Year 2004 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2004
Volume Issue Pages 145-150
Keywords Chemical equipment; Electronic data interchange; Information systems; Wireless telecommunication systems; Achievable throughputs; Flexible communication; Nuclear; biological and chemical reconnaissances; Public safety; Public safety systems; Reconnaissance vehicle; Reliable communication; Wireless communications; Fleet operations
Abstract In Germany, the public safety system is largely organized by the German Federal States, which operate, among other equipment, a fleet of Nuclear, Biological and Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicles (NBC RVs) to take measurements in contaminated areas. Currently, the NBC RVs, which have been centrally designed and procured by the German Center for Civil Defense, verbally report measured values to a Central Control Unit (CCU) over the assigned Public Safety Organization (PSO) analog voice radio channel. This procedure has several disadvantages. The channel is not secure, puts a natural limit on the achievable throughput and thus on the number of NBC RVs that can be operational simultaneously. Also, while data is being reported, other PSO members are blocked from sending. Finally, a proprietary model is used to structure the NBC RV data, so the data can only be aggregated and evaluated at the CCU but not by any other PSO unit. To overcome these problems, we propose in this paper a heterogeneous and flexible communication platform that complies with reliability and coverage requirements for PSO. More specifically, our proposed system is designed to replace current ways of communicating between NBC RVs and the CCU. We also propose to standardize data structures for data exchange to enable PSO cooperation. A drastically higher number of measured values can then be transmitted to the CCU, and the data can be processed in a much more effective manner in the CCU as well as in cooperating PSO task forces. Ultimately, this will improve NBC RV missions and consequently shorten PSO response time when dealing with NBC disasters. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
Address Fraunhofer IPSI, Dolivostr. 15, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany; Center for Civil Defense, Federal Office of Administration, Bonn, Germany
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Brussels Editor B. Van de Walle, B. Carle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9076971080 Medium
Track Emergency Response ICT Expedition Conference 1st International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 141
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Paul Klapwijk; Leon J.M. Rothkrantz
Title Topology based infrastructure for crisis situations Type Conference Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2006
Volume Issue Pages 504-512
Keywords Communication; Information systems; Mobile devices; Mobile telecommunication systems; Topology; Context- awareness; Crisis situations; Dynamic role assignment; Fittest node; Situation awareness; Mobile ad hoc networks
Abstract Recent terrorist attacks and natural disasters have forced humanity to respond to crisis situations effectively as possible. In these situations especially the first hours rescue workers cannot always rely on existing communication infrastructure. Knowledge about the situation is to be gathered to obtain an aggregate world model of the situation. Decisions can be taken based on this world model. The solution we propose consists of using a Mobile Ad-Hoc Network (MANET), in which the nodes are organized in a topology in order to facilitate the necessary functionalities. Communication between the nodes takes place via a distributed blackboard structure. This architecture supports services developed with the purpose of assisting rescue workers. The agents (humans/sensors) in the network provide data as input to the network. Our approach takes care of processing of this input data to provide users with appropriate information and to obtain a shared world model. As a proof of concept we implemented a prototype of our approach on a number of mobile devices and tested the idea in real life.
Address Man-Machine Interaction Group, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, Netherlands
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Newark, NJ Editor B. Van de Walle, M. Turoff
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9090206019; 9789090206011 Medium
Track DESIGN AND STANDARDS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Expedition Conference 3rd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 655
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Konstantinos Koufos; Krisztina Cziner; Pekka Parviainen
Title Multicast video performance evaluation for emergency response communications Type Conference Article
Year 2007 Publication Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2007
Volume Issue Pages 595-604
Keywords Ad hoc networks; Image communication systems; Mobile ad hoc networks; Multicasting; Network routing; Routing algorithms; Telecommunication links; Telecommunication networks; Edge effect; Multicast routing; Network simulators; On-demand multicast routing protocols; Random Waypoint mobility model; Unidirectional links; Emergency services
Abstract Group-oriented services including data dissemination, group calls and real-time video transmission are considered as an important application in public safety communications. The main interest is in one-way real-time video transmission from the hot spot to multiple recipients. This is important for efficient emergency response. The changing topology of the multi-hop communication links in a public safety environment makes routing and multicasting extremely challenging task. The purpose of this paper is to study the performance of wireless mobile ad-hoc networks with one-way multicast video traffic. To consider a realistic public safety scenario, the effect of extensive unidirectional links is investigated. The system performance study of various ad-hoc network configurations is done by simulations. For wireless multicast routing, the On Demand Multicast Routing Protocol is used. The performance results are compared with the requirements provided by Statement of Requirement document of standardization project MESA.
Address Teknillinen Korkeakoulu, TKK, Finland
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Delft Editor B. Van de Walle, P. Burghardt, K. Nieuwenhuis
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9789054874171; 9789090218717 Medium
Track MSCT Expedition Conference 4th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 660
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Aamir Mahmood; Konstantinos Koufos; Krisztina Cziner
Title Multicast voice performance within a public safety cell Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2008
Volume Issue Pages 18-24
Keywords Computer simulation; Equipment testing; Information systems; Reliability analysis; Voice/data communication systems; Distributed Coordination Function; Emergency scenario; Initial deployments; Mobility model; Public safety communications; Simulation studies; Statistical properties; Voice over Internet protocol; Multicasting
Abstract In public safety communications the first responders are getting directions about the tactical action plan with multicast voice whereas they can report back to the dispatcher with unicast voice. In this paper, the aim is to find the maximum number of voice calls for situation reporting in the presence of multicast voice for tactical coordination. In order to increase the reliability of our analysis we verify our simulator against a test bed prototype consisting of three 802.11 terminals. The simulation study is applied within a mobile cell. The proposed mobility model applies for initial deployment in emergency scenarios. We investigate the statistical properties of the model by simulations.
Address Teknillinen Korkeakoulu, TKK, Finland
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Washington, DC Editor F. Fiedrich, B. Van de Walle
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780615206974 Medium
Track Communication Systems and Technologies for Crisis and Disaster Response Expedition Conference 5th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 735
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Tiago Badre Marino; Bruno Santos Do Nascimento; Marcos R. S. Borges
Title GIS supporting data gathering and fast decision making in emergencies situations Type Conference Article
Year 2012 Publication ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2012
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Geographic information systems; Information systems; Landslides; Mobile devices; Mobile telecommunication systems; Risk management; Telecommunication networks; Wireless networks; Data gathering; Data Sharing; Disaster areas; Emergency management; Field assessment; Latin America; Online registration; Web database; Disasters
Abstract This proposal rises from the Center for Disasters Scientific Support experience over eleven years supporting over a hundred disasters in Latin America. It also presents a case study applied to landslides assessments in Teresopolis (Brazil) city, when all field-generated knowledge was still registered in paper and later, at the base station, uploaded to database and finally available for managers evaluation and decision. The proposed methodology creates a platform (still under development) which allows online registration from different field agents during their evaluations enabling data upload combining mobile devices and telecommunication network (or Wi-Fi) technologies. Teams can also customize forms for different information classes (i.e. landslide assessment, rescued person, blocked road) and still retain the possibility to attach images, videos, other files related to each inspection. Incoming data are stored into a web database available for a real-time coordinators evaluation wherever they are (sometimes over a thousand of miles away from disaster area). © 2012 ISCRAM.
Address Universidade Federal Do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Simon Fraser University Place of Publication Vancouver, BC Editor L. Rothkrantz, J. Ristvej, Z.Franco
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780864913326 Medium
Track Geographic Information Science and Technology Expedition Conference 9th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 163
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Andrea Marrella; Massimo Mecella; Alessandro Russo
Title Collaboration on-the-field: Suggestions and beyond Type Conference Article
Year 2011 Publication 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011 Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2011
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Information systems; Mobile devices; Wireless networks; Disaster scenario; First responders; Geo-collaboration; Mobile applications; Possible futures; Research activities; Suggestions and research hints; Task assignment; Mobile telecommunication systems
Abstract In disaster scenarios, emergency operators/first responders need to collaborate in order to reach a common goal. The use of mobile devices and applications in these scenarios is very valuable as they can improve collaboration, coordination, and communication amongst team members. But there are also risks involved while using these mobile applications, e.g., decreasing of performance. Most of the tasks are highly critical and time demanding, e.g., saving minutes could result in saving people's life. Therefore, it is unacceptable to use systems that lack proper interaction principles. In this paper, we provide some suggestions, in the form of lessons learned and/or hints for possible future research activities, on how to effectively support on-the-field collaboration of emergency operators. Such suggestions are based on the authors' experience in a recently concluded successful research project on the use of mobile devices for supporting first responders.
Address Dipartimento di Informatica e Sistemistica, SAPIENZA Universit di Roma, Italy
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Lisbon Editor M.A. Santos, L. Sousa, E. Portela
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9789724922478 Medium
Track Mobile and Sensor Networks Expedition Conference 8th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 746
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Andreas Meissner; Zhou Wang; Wolfgang Putz; Jan Grimmer
Title MIKoBOS-a mobile information and communication system for emergency response Type Conference Article
Year 2006 Publication Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2006
Volume Issue Pages 92-101
Keywords Disaster prevention; Information systems; Satellite communication systems; Disaster relief operations; Effectiveness and efficiencies; Emergency Response Information Systems; Information provision; Mobile C3I Clients; Mobile communications; Natural and man-made disasters; Satellite communications; Emergency services
Abstract The role of communication and information provision in coping with natural and man-made disasters and emergency situations is becoming increasingly important. In this paper we present an integrated mobile information and communication system, MIKoBOS, for emergency response operations that enables reliable data communication within the emergency site as well as between the site and the headquarters. It provides the responsible personnel involved in the emergency operation at different levels with anytime-anywhere access to relevant information. Compared to traditional voice-dominated approaches, the proposed system can greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of communication and coordination during disaster relief operations. Promising experimental performance results are provided for use with a number of terrestrial and satellite networks.
Address Fraunhofer IPSI, Germany; Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium Place of Publication Newark, NJ Editor B. Van de Walle, M. Turoff
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9090206019; 9789090206011 Medium
Track COMMUNICATION CHALLENGES IN EMERGENCY RESPONSE Expedition Conference 3rd International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 764
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Michael R. Bartolacci; Albena Mihovska; Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht
Title Optimization modeling and decision support for wireless infrastructure deployment in disaster planning and management Type Conference Article
Year 2013 Publication ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2013
Volume Issue Pages 674-677
Keywords Base stations; Decision support systems; Disaster prevention; Disasters; Equipment; Information dissemination; Information systems; Mobile telecommunication systems; Optimization; Wireless networks; Communication solutions; Disaster planning; Optimization modeling; Real-time management; Wireless communications; Wireless infrastructure deployments; Wireless network optimizations; Wireless technologies; Wireless telecommunication systems
Abstract Natural disasters and emergencies create the need for communication between and among the affected populace and emergency responders as well as other parties such as governmental agencies and aid organizations. Such communications include the dissemination of key information such as evacuation orders and locations of emergency shelters. In particular, the coordination of efforts between responding organizations require additional communication solutions that typically rely heavily on wireless communications to complement fixed line infrastructure due to the ease of use and portability. While the deployment of temporary mobile networks and other wireless equipment following disasters has been successfully accomplished by governmental agencies and network providers following previous disasters, there appears to be little optimization effort involved with respect to maximizing key performance measures of the deployment or minimizing overall cost to deploy. This work does not focus on the question of what entity will operate the portable base stations or wireless equipment utilized during a disaster, only the question of optimizing placement for planning and real time management purposes. This work examines current wireless network optimization models and points out that none of them include the necessary variables for a disaster planning or emergency deployment context. Due to the fact that the choice of wireless technology impacts the nature of an overall model, a brief discussion of exemplar wireless technologies is included. The work also proposes criteria that must be taken into account in order to have a useful model for deployment of mobile base stations and related wireless communications equipment.
Address Penn State University, Berks, United States; CTIF-Aalborg Univerity, Denmark; Sakarya University, Turkey
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie Place of Publication KIT; Baden-Baden Editor T. Comes, F. Fiedrich, S. Fortier, J. Geldermann and T. Müller
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9783923704804 Medium
Track Analytical Modelling and Simulation Expedition Conference 10th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 295
Share this record to Facebook
 

 
Author Helena Mitchell; Jeremy Johnson; Salimah LaForce
Title Wireless emergency alerts: An accessibility study Type Conference Article
Year 2010 Publication ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings Abbreviated Journal ISCRAM 2010
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Information systems; Mobile devices; Mobile telecommunication systems; Radio; Risk management; Wireless telecommunication systems; Accessibility; Alerting; Emergency communication; Federal communications commission; Short messaging service; Human resource management
Abstract Since 2001, entities in the U.S. have produced studies which address issues regarding the progress of including people with disabilities in emergency planning at the Federal, state and local levels. There is general agreement among these stakeholders that there must be engagement of emergency personnel, robust, reliable and accessible emergency communications to ensure a high quality of public safety. A key step is the development of emergency communication technologies that serve emergency management and public safety personnel's ability to communicate with the public. It is critical that these next-generation warning systems be developed such that persons with disabilities are given equal access to emergency alerts. This paper discusses a research and development effort to identify the accommodations needed by people with disabilities in these next-generation, mobile emergency alerting systems. Prototyping mobile phone-based emergency alert systems are discussed and summative findings from field trials conducted with sensory challenged individuals are presented.
Address Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM Place of Publication Seattle, WA Editor S. French, B. Tomaszewski, C. Zobel
Language English Summary Language English Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN Medium
Track Open Track Expedition Conference 7th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 774
Share this record to Facebook