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Author Amanda L. Hughes
Title Participatory design for the social media needs of emergency public information officers 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 727-736
Keywords Information systems; Risk management; Crisis informatics; Design activity; Design recommendations; Emergency management; Emergency public informations; Participatory design; Social media; Work practices; Design
Abstract This paper describes the design, execution, and results of a participatory design workshop with emergency public information officers (PIOs). During the workshop, PIOs and researchers explored ideas and designs for supporting the social media needs of PIO work. Results indicate that PIO perceptions of social media have changed as they have learned to incorporate activities of the public into their work, yet they still struggle with issues of trust and liability. Based on workshop design activities, the paper offers a set of design recommendations for supporting the social media needs of PIO work practice such as the ability to monitor, document, and report social media activity.
Address Computer Science, Utah State University, United States
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 (up)
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 603
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Author Muhammad Imran; Carlos Castillo; Jesse Lucas; Patrick Meier; Jakob Rogstadius
Title Coordinating human and machine intelligence to classify microblog communications in crises 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 712-721
Keywords Information systems; Classification accuracy; Disaster response; Human intelligence; Large-scale datum; Machine computations; Machine intelligence; Real-world datasets; Supervised classifiers; Artificial intelligence
Abstract An emerging paradigm for the processing of data streams involves human and machine computation working together, allowing human intelligence to process large-scale data. We apply this approach to the classification of crisis-related messages in microblog streams. We begin by describing the platform AIDR (Artificial Intelligence for Disaster Response), which collects human annotations over time to create and maintain automatic supervised classifiers for social media messages. Next, we study two significant challenges in its design: (1) identifying which elements must be labeled by humans, and (2) determining when to ask for such annotations to be done. The first challenge is selecting the items to be labeled by crowd sourcing workers to maximize the productivity of their work. The second challenge is to schedule the work in order to reliably maintain high classification accuracy over time. We provide and validate answers to these challenges by extensive experimentation on real world datasets.
Address Qatar Computing Research Institute, Qatar; University of Madeira, Portugal
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 (up)
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 612
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Author Theresa I. Jefferson; John R. Harrald
Title Estimating the impacts associated with the detonation of an improvised nuclear device 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 80-84
Keywords Disasters; Information systems; Radiation protection; Urban planning; Building structure; Computer based tools; Improvised nuclear devices; Man-made disasters; Planning process; Preparedness; Response capability; Scale and scope; Detonation
Abstract The explosion of an improvised nuclear device (IND), in any American city, would cause devastating physical and social impacts. These impacts would exceed the response capabilities of any city, state or region. The potential loss and suffering caused by an IND detonation can be dramatically reduced through informed planning and preparedness. By incorporating estimates of the impacts associated with the detonation of an IND into the planning process, jurisdictions can estimate the scale and scope of their response requirements. A prototype, computer-based tool was developed to quantify the human impacts associated with an IND detonation. Using various types of information such as the approximation of the prompt radiation footprint, blast footprint, and thermal footprint of the detonation, along with an estimation of the level of protection provided by building structures the system calculates the number and type of injuries that can be expected in a monocentric urban area.
Address Loyola University Maryland, United States; Virginia Polytechnic Institute, State University, United States
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 (up)
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 624
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Author Kenneth Joseph; Peter M. Landwehr; Kathleen M. Carley
Title An approach to selecting keywords to track on twitter during a disaster 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 672-676
Keywords Data mining; Disasters; Information systems; Keyword searching; Novel methodology; Situational awareness; Social media; Twitter; Social networking (online)
Abstract Several studies on Twitter usage during disasters analyze tweets collected using ad-hoc keywords pre-defined by researchers. While recent efforts have worked to improve this methodology, open questions remain about which keywords can be used to uncover tweets contributing to situational awareness (SA) and the quality of tweets returned using different terms. Herein we consider a novel methodology for uncovering relevant keywords one can use to search for tweets containing situational awareness. We provide a description of the methodology and initial results which suggest our approach may lead to better keywords to use for keyword searching during disasters.
Address Carnegie Mellon University, United States
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 (up)
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 640
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Author Sigmund Kluckner; Katrin Ellice Heintze; Willi Wendt
Title Designing for the user: Tailoring a simulation software interface to the needs of crisis managers 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 528-532
Keywords Computer software; Graphical user interfaces; Information systems; Management information systems; Crisis management; Crisis management systems; Graphical user interfaces (GUI); Simulation; Simulation software; User centered designs; Warning; Working environment; Design
Abstract This paper presents the development and evaluation for a graphical user interface (GUI) of a simulation tool in crisis management, which follows a User-Centered Design (UCD) approach. UCD places the focus of the development on the needs, abilities and the background of end users, by passing iteratively through four development phases: (1) the analysis of the end users' personal background and work context; (2) the specification of requirements; (3) the design of the system; and (4) the final evaluation of the design with end users. This approach is particularly suited for crisis management systems, since their efficient usage has profound impacts on the execution of crisis response actions, and in turn on the well-being of citizens. Our work gives valuable insights into the characteristics and the working environment of crisis management practitioners. Furthermore, it sheds light on the design issues which should be taken into account when developing GUIs in crisis management.
Address AIT – Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria; University of Stuttgart IAT, Germany
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Practitioner Cases and Practitioner-Centered Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 657
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Author Abdullah Konak
Title Improving network connectivity in emergency ad hoc wireless networks 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 36-44
Keywords Ad hoc networks; Artificial intelligence; Disaster prevention; Disasters; Information systems; Intelligent agents; Social networking (online); Ad hoc wireless networks; Communication infrastructure; Computational results; Decentralized approach; Flocking; Network connectivity; Reliable communication; Swarm Intelligence; Mobile ad hoc networks
Abstract Wireless Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) can to provide first responders and disaster management agencies with a reliable communication network in the event of a large-scale natural disaster that devastates majority of the existing communication infrastructure. Without requiring a fixed infrastructure, MANETs can be quickly deployed after a large-scale natural disaster or a terrorist attack. On the other hand, MANETs have dynamic topologies which could be disconnected because of the mobility of nodes. This paper presents a decentralized approach to maintain the connectivity of a MANET using autonomous, intelligent agents. Concepts from the social network analysis along with flocking algorithms are utilized to guide the deployment decision of agents. Unlike a basic flocking algorithm where all nodes have the same importance, network metrics are used to quantify the relative importance of nodes. Computational results are presented to demonstrate the effect of various local agent behaviors on the global network connectivity.
Address Penn State Berks, United States
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 (up)
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 659
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Author Craig E. Kuziemsky; Ahsan Hadi; Tracey L. O'Sullivan; Daniel E. Lane; Wayne Corneil
Title An ontology for contextual information system design 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 165-169
Keywords Design; Disaster prevention; Disasters; Information systems; Systems analysis; Collaboration; Community engagement; Context; Contextual information systems; Disaster management; IS design; Think aloud; Think aloud methods; Human resource management
Abstract Collaborative teamwork is becoming more common in several domains including healthcare and disaster management. While collaborative teamwork can benefit from information system (IS) support, designing IS models to support collaboration is a significant challenge owing to the variations in tasks and people that must be supported, and the different contexts within which collaboration takes place. Collaborative teamwork can vary greatly because of context, which is the integration of diverse, dynamic, and heterogeneous needs for groups to achieve a specific goal. However in the literature there has been limited emphasis on how contextual underpinnings can be incorporated into IS design. This paper uses a case study of the design of a user-driven prototype disaster management IS. We used the think aloud method to capture participant thoughts while interacting with the IS prototype. The think aloud data was analyzed and used to develop an ontology of contextual considerations to support IS design.
Address Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa, Canada; Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Canada; Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Canada
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Community Engagement in Crisis Informatics Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 667
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Author Leire Labaka; Josune Hernantes; Tina Comes; Jose Mari Sarriegi
Title Defining policies to improve critical infrastructure resilience 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 429-438
Keywords Decision making; Economics; Industrial hygiene; Information systems; Occupational diseases; Public works; Critical infrastructure protection; Delphi method; Group model building; Resilience; Sequential decision-making; Vulnerability; Critical infrastructures
Abstract Industrial accidents increasingly threaten society and economy; the increasing exposure and vulnerability of our modern interlaced societies contributes to intensifying their impact. Critical Infrastructures (CIs) have a prominent role, since they are vital for the welfare of the population and essential for the economic growth. As hazards are hard to predict, decision-makers need to implement adequate adaptation and mitigation strategies to improve CI resilience. Although CI resilience has attracted increasing attention, empirical studies are rare. Research on the implementation of policies aiming at identifying a clear sequence of measures to improve CI resilience is lacking. Therefore, we present a framework to identify resilience policies across four dimensions (technical, organizational, economic and social) and to define the temporal order in which the policies should be implemented. This research provides a framework grounded in our empirical work. Future work will aim at developing quantitative approaches to complement our results.
Address TECNUN, University of Navarra, Spain; University of Agder, Norway
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Planning, Foresight and Risk Analysis Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 670
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Author Vitaveska Lanfranchi; Suvodeep Mazumdar; Fabio Ciravegna
Title Visual design recommendations for situation awareness in social media 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 792-801
Keywords Data visualization; Design; Information systems; Visualization; Design recommendations; Emergency responders; Online social medias; Real-time information; Situation awareness; Situational awareness; Social media; Visual analytics; Emergency services
Abstract The use of online Social Media is increasingly popular amongst emergency services to support Situational Awareness (i.e. accurate, complete and real-time information about an event). Whilst many software solutions have been developed to monitor and analyse Social Media, little attention has been paid on how to visually design for Situational Awareness for this large-scale data space. We describe an approach where levels of SA have been matched to corresponding visual design recommendations using participatory design techniques with Emergency Responders in the UK. We conclude by presenting visualisation prototypes developed to satisfy the design recommendations, and how they contribute to Emergency Responders' Situational Awareness in an example scenario. We end by highlighting research issues that emerged during the initial evaluation.
Address OAK Group, University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Visual Analytics for Crisis Management Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 678
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Author Vitaveska Lanfranchi; Stuart N. Wrigley; Neil Ireson; Uta Wehn; Fabio Ciravegna
Title Citizens' observatories for situation awareness in flooding 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 145-154
Keywords Flood control; Floods; Information systems; Models; Sensors; Water; Decision making process; Digital technologies; Flood management; Governance; Netherlands; Research plans; Situation awareness; Observatories
Abstract Citizens' observatories are emerging as a means to establish interaction and co-participation between citizens and authorities during both emergencies and the day-to-day management of fundamental resources. In this paper we present a case study in which a model of citizens' observatories is being been translated into practice in the WeSenseIt project. The WeSenseIt citizens' observatory provides a unique way of engaging the public in the decision-making processes associated with water and flood management through a set of new digital technologies. The WeSenseIt citizens' observatory model is being implemented in three case studies based in the UK, the Netherlands and Italy. We describe the findings and our experiences following preliminary evaluations of the technologies and the model of co-participation and describe our future research plans.
Address University of Sheffield, United Kingdom; UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education, Netherlands
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Community Engagement in Crisis Informatics Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 680
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Author Yuanyuan Li; Wenguo Weng; Tao Chen; Hongyong Yuan
Title A Chinese earthquake database for casualty modelling 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 493-497
Keywords Database systems; Information systems; Models; Risk assessment; Risk perception; Casualty; China; Comprehensive information; Database records; Earthquake database; Earthquake events; Historical earthquakes; Seismic parameters; Earthquakes
Abstract In order to conduct empirical casualty modelling in China, Chinese historical earthquake events is the essential basis. However, commonly used casualty databases that focus on Chinese earthquakes and provide comprehensive information rarely exist. Regarding this situation, we derived an earthquake casualty database of Mainland China from authorized Chinese published data sources. The casualty database records 520 earthquake events with magnitude 5.0 and greater where at least one casualty is recorded in the time span from 186 BC through December 2011. Each earthquake case contains information on seismic parameters, deaths tolls, number of heavy injuries and light injuries, as well as areas and population of affected regions from intensity VI to intensity IV. Compared with PAGER-CAT, this casualty database provides 146 unique earthquake events and provides more detailed information on heavy injuries and light injures, as well as areas and exposure population of affected regions. This casualty database is an essential supplement for global casualty databases and provides a basis for earthquake casualty modelling on post-earthquake risk estimation in China.
Address Institute of Public Safety Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Planning, Foresight and Risk Analysis Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 696
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Author Yiewi Li.; Yu Guo; Naoya Ito
Title An exploration of a social-cognitive framework for improving the human-centric risk communication 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 394-398
Keywords Information retrieval; Risk perception; Environmental risk perceptions; Environmental risks; Human-centric; Information environment; Information seeking behaviors; Online surveys; Predictive power; Risk communication; Information systems
Abstract With the aim of improving human-centric risk communication, this research in progress paper argues for a social-cognitive perspective focusing on the interaction between laypeople and the information environment. A model is designed to predict laypeople's environmental risk perception and information seeking behavior. Using data from a national online survey (N=1,032), our research is an effort to test the predictive power of the socialcognitive model. Practical implications are also discussed in this paper.
Address Graduate School of International Media, Communication, and Tourism Studies, Hokkaido University, Japan; Research Faculty of Media and Communication, Hokkaido University, Japan
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Planning, Foresight and Risk Analysis Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 697
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Author Ma Ma; H. Zhang; Yi Liu
Title Development of a joint official microblog platform to improve interactive communication with the public under a centralized system 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 782-786
Keywords Hardware; Centralized systems; Crisis communications; Interactive; Micro-blog; Social media; Information systems
Abstract Social media bring both challenges and opportunities to crisis management. This paper summarizes the difficulties in crisis communication under a centralized jurisdiction system by looking into online collective behaviors in mainland China. The paper then introduces the development of an official microblog and proposes a joint official microblog platform to improve interactive communication in a centralized system. The functional design of this platform is introduced in detail and the future improvement of the platform is discussed.
Address Institute of Public Safety Research, Tsinghua University, China
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 (up)
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 733
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Author Matthias Max; Sigmund Kluckner; Susann Jentzsch
Title Trainings for crisis information systems in civil protection: A German perspective 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 518-527
Keywords Artificial intelligence; Computer simulation; Decision support systems; Personnel training; Research and development management; Civil protection; Command and control centers; Crisis management; Personal experience; Qualitative study; Simulation; Streamline operations; Technical development; Human resource management
Abstract Much research and technical development has been conducted to make crisis management more efficient, especially regarding crisis information systems used to streamline operations of authorities during a crisis. Experts from the German Red Cross mention that there is a need for the development and improvement of specific training methods and structures for such new crisis information systems in command and control centers. They also say that computer simulations could be a practical possibility to train crisis management and response staff. To substantiate this information, interviews were conducted with key officials in the field of German civil protection: command and control center staff, command and control center software trainers and crisis information system managers. This paper presents a qualitative study in the field of training German response personnel in crisis management information systems. The results are presented in three sections: suitable training strategies and structures, challenges and best practices for the implementation of trainings and using simulation as a training method for crisis information systems. The results contain personal experiences, opinions and known best-practices of the interview partners.
Address German Red Cross, Austria; AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, Austria
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Practitioner Cases and Practitioner-Centered Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 748
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Author Fiona McNeill; Andriana Gkaniatsou; Alan Bundy
Title Dynamic data sharing for facilitating communication during emergency responses 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 369-373
Keywords Chains; Communication; Data interpretation; Dynamic data sharing; Emergency response; Intelligent queries; Matching; Proof of concept; Query; Query answering; Information systems
Abstract This paper describes the CHAIn system, which is designed to facilitate data sharing between disparate organisations during emergency response situations by resolving mismatches in their data. It uses structured data matching to reformulate failed queries in cases where these failed because of incompatibilities between the query (derived from the source schema) and the schema of the queried datasource (the target schema). This reformulation is done by developing matches between the source schema and the target schema. These matches are then used to reformulate the query and retrieve responses relevant to those expected by the original query. Despite the growing interest in intelligent query answering, integration of data matching into query answering is novel, and allows users to successfully query datasources even if they do not know how the data in that source is organized, which is often the case during emergency responses. We describe the proof-of-concept system we have developed and an encouraging initial evaluation.
Address Heriot-Watt University, United Kingdom; University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Intelligent Systems Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 758
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Author Ulrich Meissen; Frank Fuchs-Kittowski
Title Towards a reference architecture of crowdsourcing integration in early warning systems 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 334-338
Keywords Disaster prevention; Disasters; Information systems; Management information systems; Alert systems; Architectural principles; Disaster management; Early warning; Early warning systems; Geo-crowdsourcing; Integrated architecture; Reference architecture; Architecture
Abstract Crowdsourcing has the potential to become a crucial information source in disaster management. In order to become effective as an integrated part of disaster management systems it is important to set the general architectural foundations for such integrations beyond prototypical experiments. This paper discusses general architectural principles of the application of crowdsourcing in Early Warning Systems (EWS). An integrated architecture is proposed to use classical sensor data and crowdsourcing in an EWS solution. Therefore, typical components of crowdsourcing applications are identified and mapped to monitoring subsystems of EWS's. Three main structural variants of applying crowdsourcing in early warning systems along the example of a prototypical extension of two existing large-scale hydro-meteorological warning systems are presented.
Address Fraunhofer FOKUS, HTW Berlin, Germany
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Geographic Information Science Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 761
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Author Ulrich Meissen; Markus Hardt; Agnès Voisard
Title Towards a general system design for community-centered crisis and emergency warning systems 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 155-159
Keywords Disaster prevention; Information systems; Meteorological problems; Mobile devices; Systems analysis; Alerting; Community engagement; Early warning; Reference architecture; Situation awareness; Disasters
Abstract Early Warning Systems (EWS) provide an effective measure for better disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation. The effectiveness of EWS depends highly on the ability to distribute alert message to the persons that will be affected. In this context mobile devices play already a vital role in the ability to reach people in time and at the endangered location. Most existing approaches focus on mass dissemination methods via SMS and Cell-Broadcasting. As these approaches are effective to inform masses about a disaster with one message for all they have their weaknesses in telling the people how to respond according to their location and provide individual guidance (e.g. by maps) within specific communities. Research in disaster management gives strong evidence that the later is often crucial for better disaster response. Accordingly, we witness an increasing demand for more community-centered warnings systems solutions. This paper introduces the general foundations and architecture for alert services on mobile devices that adapt incoming alert information to the profile and situation of user groups and even individual users. The approach is scalable for different communitycentered warning systems. Its first applicability and community engagement effects are shown in the example of the community-centered public disaster alert system in Germany and a target group specific weather hazard alert system, KATWARN and WIND with currently over 2.5 million subscribed users, which was developed by the authors.
Address Fraunhofer FOKUS, Berlin, Germany; Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Community Engagement in Crisis Informatics Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 762
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Author Torbjørg Træland Meum
Title An action design research approach to developing emergency management systems 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 175-179
Keywords Civil defense; Disasters; Information systems; Management information systems; Risk management; Action research; Design research; Emergency management; Social media; User participation; Design
Abstract We propose Action Design Research (ADR) as an approach to promote user participation and mutual learning in the design and development of systems for emergency management based on social media technologies. We outline some design challenges related to the dynamic and evolving nature of social media, and emphasize an iterative design process that is strongly oriented toward collaboration and change involving both the researcher and the user community. In particular, we emphasize the transformative power of social media and argue for design approaches that take into account the new dimension of e-participation throughout the design process.
Address Department of Information Systems, University of Agder, Norway
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Community Engagement in Crisis Informatics Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 772
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Author Stella Moehrle
Title On the assessment of disaster management strategies 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 215-219
Keywords Artificial intelligence; Decision support systems; Disaster prevention; Information systems; Case based reasoning systems; Decision makers; Disaster management; Disasters
Abstract Decision support systems can recommend strategies for disaster management, which can be further discussed by decision-makers. To provide rationales for the recommendations, the strategies need to be assessed according to relevant criteria. If several strategies are available, the criteria can be used for ranking the strategies. This paper addresses the issue concerning the choice of suitable criteria from several perspectives. The assessment integrates concepts on robustness, experience with regard to the implementation of a strategy, quantifiable ratios which can be deduced from simulations, and system-specific parameters. Objectives are to facilitate transparency with respect to the assessments, to provide a basis for discussions concerning the strategies, and to preserve adaptability and flexibility to account for the variability of disasters and users' preferences. The assessment should be used for ranking solutions gained from a case-based reasoning system and to reveal contributions of criteria values to the overall assessment.
Address Institute for Nuclear and Energy Technologies, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Decision Support Systems Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 776
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Author Kayvan Yousefi Mojir; Sofie Pilemalm
Title Emerging communities of collaboration: Co-location in emergency response systems in the 'Safety house' in Sweden 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 546-555
Keywords Houses; Information systems; Risk management; Colocations; Emergency management; Emergency response systems; Emergency response time; Emergency situation; Joint decision making; Network governances; New forms; Emergency services
Abstract Co-location as a form of network governance is a way of organizing response teams when responding to an emergency situation. At the 'Safety house' in the province of Jämtland in Sweden main emergency response actors and supporting actors work together in a shared physical place in order to facilitate the process of cooperation and joint decision making. In order to identify the strengths, weaknesses, obstacles, needs and information system role, we explored this case by looking at how the involved actors experience this new working context. We applied an analytical framework developed specifically for new forms of emergency response. It was found that co-location of actors increases the efficiency in using professional response resources and shortens the emergency response time. Information systems can have a significant role in improving the collaboration between actors at the 'Safety house'. However secrecy issues, the problem of control and politics and the evaluation of the performance of actors are major challenges which face further development of the co-location concept.
Address Linköping University, Sweden
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Practitioner Cases and Practitioner-Centered Research Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 779
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Author Thomas Münzberg; Marcus Wiens; Frank Schultmann
Title A strategy evaluation framework based on dynamic vulnerability assessments 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 45-54
Keywords Climate change; Decision support systems; Flood control; Information systems; Linear programming; Multiobjective optimization; Risk perception; Decision supports; Evaluation framework; Flood management; Goal programming; Management strategies; Strategy evaluations; Test strategies; Vulnerability assessments; Risk assessment
Abstract Assessing a system's vulnerability is a widely used method to estimate the effects of risks. In the past years, increasingly dynamic vulnerability assessments were developed to display changes in vulnerability over time (e.g. in climate change, coastal vulnerability, and flood management). This implies that the dynamic influences of management strategies on vulnerability need to be considered in the selection and implementation of strategies. For this purpose, we present a strategy evaluation framework which is based on dynamic vulnerability assessments. The key contribution reported in this paper is an evaluation framework that considers how well strategies achieve a predefined target level of protection over time. Protection Target Levels are predefined objectives. The framework proposed is inspired by Goal Programming methods and allows distinguishing the relevance of time-dependent achievements by weights. This enables decision-makers to evaluate the overall performance of strategies, to test strategies, and to compare the outcome of strategies.
Address Institute for Nuclear and Energy Technologies, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany; Institute for Industrial Production, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
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 (up)
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 798
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Author Aibek Musaev; De Wang; Calton Pu
Title LITMUS: Landslide detection by integrating multiple sources 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 677-686
Keywords Bayesian networks; Disasters; Hazards; Information systems; Integration; Landslides; Nasa; Rain; Rain gages; Landslide detection; Litmus; Multi-source integrations; Physical sensors; Social sensors; Data integration
Abstract Disasters often lead to other kinds of disasters, forming multi-hazards such as landslides, which may be caused by earthquakes, rainfalls, water erosion, among other reasons. Effective detection and management of multihazards cannot rely only on one information source. In this paper, we evaluate a landslide detection system LITMUS, which combines multiple physical sensors and social media to handle the inherent varied origins and composition of multi-hazards. LITMUS integrates near real-time data from USGS seismic network, NASA TRMM rainfall network, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. The landslide detection process consists of several stages of social media filtering and integration with physical sensor data, with a final ranking of relevance by integrated signal strength. Applying LITMUS to data collected in October 2013, we analyzed and filtered 34.5k tweets, 2.5k video descriptions and 1.6k image captions containing landslide keywords followed by integration with physical sources based on a Bayesian model strategy. It resulted in detection of all 11 landslides reported by USGS and 31 more landslides unreported by USGS. An illustrative example is provided to demonstrate how LITMUS' functionality can be used to determine landslides related to the recent Typhoon Haiyan.
Address Georgia Institute of Technology, United States
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 (up)
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 801
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Author Dick Ooms; Willem-Jan Van Den Heuvel
Title If every nail looks different, you need different hammers: Modeling civil-military interaction 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 349-353
Keywords Design; Information systems; Unified Modeling Language; Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN); Civil-military interaction (CMI); Design science; Domain model; Engineering methodology; Information exchanges; Information technology solutions; Model languages; Behavioral research
Abstract In the response to emergencies and disasters, effective cooperation and information exchange between military and civil actors is essential. However, in practice, the quality of civil-military interaction (CMI) leaves much to be desired. Our research takes an engineering approach, which is complementary to most behavioral-oriented research in the CMI domain. In particular, we seek to support CMI processes with innovative Information Technology solutions. To this end, we are developing a comprehensive conceptual model of the CMI domain, which is currently lacking. This paper contributes to its development by investigating candidate technologies and defining CMI domain model requirements. Exploiting these requirements as criteria, we have evaluated three modeling methods and languages, i.e. the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and the Design and Engineering Methodology for Organizations (DEMO). Based on the comparative study, we conclude that a combination of these is required for modeling the CMI domain.
Address Netherlands Defence Academy, Tilburg University, Netherlands; European Research Institute for Service Science, Tilburg University, Netherlands
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Humanitarian Information Systems Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 816
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Author Christopher E. Oxendine; Emily Schnebele; Guido Cervone; Nigel Waters
Title Fusing non-authoritative data to improve situational awareness in emergencies 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 762-766
Keywords Damage detection; Earth (planet); Damage assessments; Emergency; Emergency evacuation; Emergency operations; Evacuation; Non-authoritative data; Situational awareness; Spatio-temporal data; Information systems
Abstract In order to coordinate emergency operations and evacuations, it is vital to accurately assess damage to people, property, and the environment. For decades remote sensing has been used to observe the Earth from air, space and ground based sensors. These sensors collect massive amounts of dynamic and geographically distributed spatiotemporal data every day. However, despite the immense quantity of data available, gaps are often present due to the specific limitations of the sensors or their carrier platforms. This article illustrates how nonauthoritative data such as social media, news, tweets, and mobile phone data can be used to fill in these gaps. Two case studies are presented which employ non-authoritative data to fill in the gaps for improved situational awareness during damage assessments and emergency evacuations.
Address Department of Geography and Environmental Engineering, United States Military Academy, United States; Department of Geography and GeoInformation Science, George Mason University, United States; Department of Geography, Penn State University, United States
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 (up)
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 825
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Author Marius J. Paulikas; Andrew Curtis; Thomas Veldman
Title Spatial video street-scale damage assessment of the Washington, Illinois Tornado of 2013 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 329-333
Keywords Damage detection; Geographic information systems; Information systems; Building damage; Built environment; Damage assessments; Local moran's i; Spatial analysis; Spatial videos; Tornado damage; Z-score analysis; Tornadoes
Abstract This paper advances a growing body of mobile mapping work which captures building scale tornado damage in order to reveal vulnerabilities, or protections, within an otherwise apparently homogenous damage path. The hope is to find how micro geography, or built environment structure patterning might lead to policy advances with regards to rebuilding of critical infrastructure in tornado prone areas. This paper will use spatially encoded video to record damage patterns for the Washington, Illinois tornado of November 17, 2013. What makes this event notable is the location and time of year which can be considered outside the norm. Individual building damage data are coded using the Tornado Injury Scale (TIS) and then analyzed using two forms of local area spatial analysis – a Getis-Ord (Gi) z-score analysis to identify hotspots of damage, and a Local Moran's I to identify building outliers within hotspots.
Address Dept. of Geography, Kent State University, United States; GIS Health and Hazards Lab, Dept. of Geography, Kent State University, United States
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 (up)
ISSN 2411-3387 ISBN 9780692211946 Medium
Track Geographic Information Science Expedition Conference 11th International ISCRAM Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management
Notes Approved no
Call Number Serial 834
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