Erion Elmasllari. (2019). Design and development methods for improving acceptance of IT among emergency responders. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: Various sources report a low adoption of IT-based tools in emergency response, as well as a negative attitude of
responders to such tools. The responders? needs, simply put, are not met by the IT-based tools offered to them.
Observing this situation through a user-centered design lens, we note that such problems typically stem from
insufficient or erroneous context analysis. The deficiencies become even more pronounced when considering that
emergency response represents a complex, adaptive socio-technical system. We also note that the appropriate
methodology for designing ER systems is rarely discussed in literature and in research papers. To fill that void, the
present paper discusses a minimal set of techniques that, both in our experience and according to state of the art
practice, can guide developers towards positively-accepted IT systems for emergency response.
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Gary M. Fetter, Mauro Falasca, Christopher W. Zobel, & Terry R. Rakes. (2010). A multi-stage decision model for debris disposal operations. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: As shown by Hurricane Katrina, disposing of disaster-generated debris can be quite challenging. Extraordinary amounts of debris far exceeding typical annual amounts of solid waste are almost instantaneously deposited across a widespread area. Although the locations and amounts of debris can be easily summarized looking back after recovery activities have been completed, they are uncertain and difficult at best to estimate as debris operations begin to unfold. Further complicating matters is that the capacity of cleanup resources, which is dependent upon available equipment, labor, and subcontractors, can fluctuate during on-going cleanup operations. As a result, debris coordinators often modify initial resource assignments as more accurate debris estimates and more stable resource capacities become known. In this research, we develop a computer-based decision support system that incorporates a multi-stage programming model to assist decision makers with allocating debris cleanup resources immediately following a crisis event and during ongoing operations as debris volumes and resource capacities become known with increasing certainty.
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Siska Fitrianie, & Leon J.M. Rothkrantz. (2009). Computed ontology-based situation awareness of multi-user observations. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: In recent years, we have developed a framework of human-computer interaction that offers recognition of various communication modalities including speech, lip movement, facial expression, handwriting/drawing, gesture, text and visual symbols. The framework allows the rapid construction of a multimodal, multi-device, and multi-user communication system within crisis management. This paper reports the approaches used in multi-user information integration (input fusion) and multimodal presentation (output fission) modules, which can be used in isolation, but also as part of the framework. The latter is able to specify and produce contextsensitive and user-tailored output combining language, speech, visual-language and graphics. These modules provide a communication channel between the system and users with different communication devices. By the employment of ontology, the system's view about the world is constructed from multi-user observations and appropriate multimodal responses are generated.
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Flavio Horita, Ricardo Vilela, Renata Martins, Danielle Bressiani, Gilca Palma, & João Porto de Albuquerque. (2018). Determining flooded areas using crowd sensing data and weather radar precipitation: a case study in Brazil. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1040–1050). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Crowd sensing data (also known as crowdsourcing) are of great significance to support flood risk management. With the growing volume of available data in the past few years, researchers have used in situ sensor data to filter and prioritize volunteers' information. Nevertheless, stationary, in situ sensors are only capable of monitoring a limited region, and this could hamper proper decision-making. This study investigates the use of weather radar precipitation to support the processing of crowd sensing data with the goal of improving situation awareness in a disaster and early warnings (e.g., floods). Results from a case study carried out in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, demonstrate that weather radar data are able to validate flooded areas identified from clusters of crowd sensing data. In this manner, crowd sensing and weather radar data together can not only help engage citizens, but also generate high-quality data at finer spatial and temporal resolutions to improve the decision-making related to weather-related disaster events.
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Stephen C. Fortier. (2013). Developing an incident response process model for chemical facilities. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 941–950). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This research project investigated the incident response mechanism used by the chemical industry for handling extremely hazardous chemicals. The mechanism was described as the policies, procedures, practices, tools, and methods used to conduct incident response. The results from the study determined what technologies, specifically software and information systems, could be utilized to improve the chemical facility incident response mechanism. The chemical industry is responsible for process safety management at all of its facilities, especially those that have off-site consequences in the event of an unplanned release. The processes and procedures of local, regional and national emergency responders have been studied thoroughly. An area of research that is lacking is the study of incident response policies and procedures within the boundaries of a chemical site. Results of the analysis determined that the chemical industry, in general, does not take advantage of available information technology when responding to unplanned releases.
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G.P. Jayasiri, & Raj Prasanna. (2023). Citizen Science for supporting Disaster Management Institutions in Sri Lanka. In V. L. Thomas J. Huggins (Ed.), Proceedings of the ISCRAM Asia Pacific Conference 2022 (pp. 77–88). Palmerston North, New Zealand: Massey Unversity.
Abstract: During 2016, 2017 and 2018, the country witnessed extreme rains which triggered flooding in several urban areas. The number of affected people by the 2018 floods was around 150,000 which shows a significant decrease compared to the events in 2016 and 2017. Several institutions provided their support via funding, relief, and rehabilitation mechanisms during these consecutive disasters. However, there are provisions which can further improve the performance of Disaster Management activities. Given this context, this study is carried out to investigate the application of citizen science concepts in several phases of Disaster Management in Sri Lanka. A scoping review supported by three case studies of floods was considered during the analysis. Limited participation of grass root level communities in decision-making and disaster planning, and issues related to data management are some of the main challenges identified in this study. Participatory mapping, Co-Design Projects, hackathons, and crowdfunding are some of the observed citizen science concepts which can be used to address the challenges and strengthen the Disaster Management activities in Sri Lanka. Further studies including interviews and questionnaire surveys were recommended to justify the findings.
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Gonzalez, J. J., & Eden, C. (2023). Devising Mitigation Strategies With Stakeholders Against Systemic Risks in a Pandemic. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 1000–1013). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Understanding and managing systemic risk has huge importance for disaster risk reduction in our globally connected world. The COVID-19 pandemic is a prominent case for the global impact of systemic risk. Did so the added urgency of the pandemic systemic risk trigger such paradigm shift? The use of qualitative modelling of systemic risk has progressed the field, particularly when policy makers need support urgently and want to utilize a range of interdisciplinary expertise. We have extended to disaster risk reduction a method for causal mapping for problem solving and strategy development targeting complex project management. Our approach delivers useful, useable, and used mitigation to systemic risk in a pandemic using participatory modelling with practitioners, domain experts and power-brokers.
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Norman Groner, & Charles Jennings. (2012). Describing pipeline emergency response communications using situational awareness informational requirements and an informational flow analyses. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: The Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies at John Jay College, CUNY, has begun work on developing best practices for hazardous material pipeline emergency response plans. The approach involves modeling a generic goal-based interagency emergency communications system using a two-step process. First, a situational awareness information requirements analysis will describe the informational requirements essential to an effective emergency response. The requirements analysis involves a goal decomposition approach where the information requirements are related to actionable decisions, goals and emergency response roles. Second, an information flow analysis will informational sources and means to provide required information. The same panel of experts will complete both analyses. Once the communications system is described, a separate Delphi group will use a failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) to estimate the criticality of the components described in the situational awareness requirements and information flow analyses. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Matthew Guardascione, & Allen E. Milewski. (2010). Feedback mechanisms in automated emergency management training. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This study explored automated training for emergency managers and the effects of feedback on performance. A prototype emergency management training application was built to allow the usage of either immediate feedback or delayed, “hotwash” feedback. Users were split into two groups and asked to carry out two emergency management scenarios using one of the feedback mechanisms, and the difference in scores between each feedback type were analyzed There was a general increase in performance across sessions. Further, the improvements in scores between each feedback type showed that users performed significantly better when using the hotwash feedback mechanism compared with the immediate feedback mechanism. In contrast to the performance data, preference data showed no overall differences between the two procedures, although each user had a strong preference for one or the other feedback mechanism. The implications for the design of training systems offering both procedures are discussed.
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Hans Betke. (2015). Structure and Elements of Disaster Response Processes ? A General Meta-Model. In L. Palen, M. Buscher, T. Comes, & A. Hughes (Eds.), ISCRAM 2015 Conference Proceedings ? 12th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Kristiansand, Norway: University of Agder (UiA).
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Dan Harnesk, Sören Samulesson, & John Lindström. (2009). Action research supported implementation of a crisis competence centre. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a regional crisis competence centre in Sweden. The overall research approach utilizes action research methodology to support the development process. The overall development process is divided into three steps; early need finding, the organizational platform, and business development. This paper is devoted to the first phase – early need finding – which deals with the specific needs and demand of four municipality organizations and how these requirements can be converged into a organizational setting that correspond to national crisis management strategies as well as regional responsibilities in crisis management. The research approach is action based and the theoretical considerations to support progress in development activities are from the Actor Network Theory (ANT). The main conclusion from the research is that the formation of a crisis competence centre revolves around sharing competences, and compromising between internal and external objectives in the progress towards a common goal.
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Henke, S., Widera, A., & Hellingrath, B. (2023). Evaluation-driven Disaster Management Exercises: A Collaborative Toolkit. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 989–999). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Disaster management exercises are a core component of humanitarian organizations’ preparedness strategies. They entail diverse purposes, from training capabilities of participants to testing response plans to enhancing collaboration between organizations and many more. However, it is uncertain how much exercises contribute to preparedness. Rigorous evaluation is needed to exploit learning opportunities of an exercise. Therefore, exercises must target evaluable objectives, which is complicated by the socio-technical openness of the exercise system, the heterogeneity of organizational needs, and the scarcity of resources. Many different tools aim to support evaluation but are limited to specific use cases, resulting in a fragmented overview for practitioners. Due to the excessive effort involved, practitioners often consider exercise evaluation to be of secondary importance. This study thus proposes the conceptual design of a combined toolkit that supports the practitioners in a more rigorous but resource-efficient evaluation to make disaster management exercises more evaluation-driven.
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Michael Hiete, & Mirjam Merz. (2009). An indicator framework to assess the vulnerability of industrial sectors against indirect disaster losses. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Natural and man-made hazards may affect industrial production sites by both direct losses (due to physical damage to assets and buildings) and indirect losses (production losses). Indirect losses, e.g. from production downtimes, can exceed direct losses multiple times. Thus, the vulnerability of industrial sectors to indirect losses is an important component of risk and its determination is an important part within risk analysis. In this paper a conceptual indicator framework is presented which allows to assess the indirect vulnerability of industrial sectors to different types of disasters in a quantitative manner. The results are useful for information sharing and decision making in crisis management and emergency planning (mitigation measures, business continuity planning), since the developed indicator system helps to take the complex phenomenon of industrial vulnerability and the underlying interdependencies into account. Besides the identification and conceptual motivation of the indicators, methodical aspects such as standardization, weighting and aggregation are addressed.
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Jan Martin Jansen, Bas Lijnse, & Rinus Plasmeijer. (2010). Towards dynamic workflow support for crisis management. In C. Zobel B. T. S. French (Ed.), ISCRAM 2010 – 7th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Defining Crisis Management 3.0, Proceedings. Seattle, WA: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Current process support technology for crisis management is often limited to either sharing of information or hard-coded process support through dedicated systems. Workflow management systems have the potential to improve crisis response operations by automating coordination aspects. Unfortunately most contemporary systems can only support static workflows, hence yielding inflexible support systems. Recent work on the use of functional programming techniques for workflow modeling has led to the development of the iTask system. It uses function combination to model dynamic data-driven processes and generates executable workflow support systems. Because of its focus on dynamic processes it appears promising for development of flexible crisis response systems. In this paper we present an initial discussion of the potential of the iTask system for crisis management applications. We give an overview of the iTask system, and discuss to what extent it meets the requirements of the crisis management domain.
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Yasir Javed, & Tony Norris. (2013). Computerized system to enhance situation awareness: Key challenges associated with the design, evaluation, and extension of a prototype. In J. Geldermann and T. Müller S. Fortier F. F. T. Comes (Ed.), ISCRAM 2013 Conference Proceedings – 10th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 951–961). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Successful decision making and task execution in emergency management require appropriate levels of situation awareness (SA). This paper proposes an ontology-based model for the design of a computer-based system, Situation Aware Vigilant Emergency Reasoner (SAVER) that supports the individual, shared and team SA of managers in emergency situations. SAVER is evaluated in simulated experiments that demonstrate the improvements in SA performance. The paper provides a complete description of the SAVER design, implementation, evaluation and its proposed extension from a proof-of-concept to a production environment.
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Jaziar Radianti, Santiago Gil Martinez, Bjørn Erik Munkvold, & Morgan Konnestad. (2018). Co-Designing a Virtual Training Tool for Emergency Management. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 960–970). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Responders and decision makers can be trained through simulation tools where participants learn how to deal with an ongoing crisis and make decisions through a realistic, simulated environment using a game or gamification approach. Training through a simulated, virtual crisis tool would be a more affordable way of conducting a drill, as a supplement to field drills. In this paper, we describe the requirements' elicitation process for co-design of a virtual training tool for emergency management. The cooperative design process included researchers and end-users together to generate potential solutions for a defined problem. The elicitation process involved brain-storming, interviews and a workshop together with representatives from emergency stakeholders. A systematic qualitative data analysis was conducted. The paper reports our analysis results which serve as a basis for further development of an emergency management virtual training tool using an extreme weather scenario.
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Jelle Groenendaal, Ira Helsloot, & Christian Reuter. (2022). Towards More Insight into Cyber Incident Response Decision Making and its Implications for Cyber Crisis Management. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1025–1036). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Organizations affected by a cyber-attack usually rely on external Cyber Incident Response (CIR) consultants to conduct investigations and mitigate the impact. These CIR consultants need to make critical decisions that could have major impact on their clients. This preliminary investigation aims to get a better understanding of CIR decision -making and answers the following questions: (1.) To what extent do experienced CIR consultants use a Recognition-Primed Decision (RPD) Making strategy during their work? (2.) What are the implications for cyber crisis management as well as for training and decision -making? To answer these questions, we conducted a literature review and interviewed six experienced CIR consultants using the Critical Decision Method. Our analysis reveals that CIR consultants recognize situations based on past experiences and apply a course of action that has worked effectively in the past. This course of action is mainly aimed at collecting and evaluating more data. This finding differs from other operational domains, such as the military and fire department, where recognition is usually followed immediately by action. For cyber crisis management, this means that crisis management teams should decide to what extent and in what ways they want to mitigate the risk of responding belatedly to cyber events, which could potentially lead to unnecessary data theft and sustained business disruption. Another implication is that crisis management teams should consider whether additional forensic investigations outweigh the expected benefits throughout the response process. For instance, if the likely entry-point of the attacker has been discovered, how much effort should be devoted to exclude other potential entry-points. Reflecting on the status-quo, several implications for training and decision making are provided.
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Jan Steen Jensen, & Jan Pehrsson. (2009). Central response to large chemical accidents. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Present scenarios, issues, requirements, experience and solutions from a central government organisation supporting local emergency management organisations. The presentation will cover the experience collected in the DIADEM project by the Danish Emergency Management Organisation with the focus of using ARGOS for response to chemical incidents.
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Jo Erskine Hannay, & Yelte Kikke. (2019). Structured crisis training with mixed reality simulations. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: We argue that current technology for crisis training does not explicitly cater well enough for managing training
objectives and skill building metrics throughout the lifespan of training. We suggest how successful crisis training
may be enabled by interoperating next-generation exercise management tools with mixed-reality simulations. We
propose an architecture consisting of (1) a front-end in which training objectives, essential skills, corresponding
events and metrics can be declared, (2) a back-end consisting of simulations that implement the events and metrics
and (3) a middleware which transfers information between the front-end and back-end to enable semi-automatic
composition of the simulations and performance analysis. The purpose of this architecture is to facilitate learning
through the principles of deliberate practice. We indicate where emerging technologies are necessary to achieve this.
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Josey Chacko, Christopher Zobel, & Loren Rees. (2018). Challenges of Modeling Community-Driven Disaster Operations Management in Disaster Recurrent Areas: The Example of Portsmouth, Virginia. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1022–1029). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Although one of the dominant paradigms in managing disaster operations is that of modeling decisions around the activities of humanitarian organizations, recent literature has highlighted the importance of managing disaster operations from the perspective of the affected community. Modeling community-driven disaster operations has a unique set of challenges, however, several of which are highlighted in this research effort. These include engaging the community and coordinating amongst multiple decision makers, defining a clear community objective, and planning with long decision horizons. Using the urban area of Portsmouth, Virginia as a case study, this work in progress paper demonstrates a decision approach which addresses these critical elements of community-driven disaster operations management.
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Erland Jungert, & Niklas Hallberg. (2009). Capabilities of C2 systems for crisis management in local communities. In S. J. J. Landgren (Ed.), ISCRAM 2009 – 6th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: Boundary Spanning Initiatives and New Perspectives. Gothenburg: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Development of information systems support for crisis management in local communities must be based on the needs of the crisis management actors as well as capabilities of information technology (IT). IT provides extensive possibilities, but is difficult to adapt to the users' needs. A profound exploration of the needs of systems for crisis management is often neglected. Hence, the management of major crisis has been held back because of the lack of useful tools. This paper presents an architecture for system for the local communities. The development of the architecture was based on a needs analysis, including interviews with crisis management at a local community level. The architecture is also based on novel design issues that have lead to the development of a conceptual model structure called the mission support model whose main concepts mainly include (1) user roles, (2) services and (3) views.
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Katelynn Amaris Kapalo, Pamela Wisniewski, & Joseph J. LaViola Jr. (2019). First In, Left Out : Current Technological Limitations from the Perspective of Fire Engine Companies. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: The cognitive demands and skills required of a fire engine company when assessing the scene of an incident and
the systems they use to manage this information are a matter of life or death. We conducted a case study with an
entire fire battalion in Florida (35 firefighters at varying levels of command) to assess their routine technology
needs. Using a cognitive work analysis approach, we found that the firefighters in our study relied on mission
critical systems that often failed, as well as disparate secondary systems that lacked integration. Capability gaps
and inaccessible data also increased the likelihood of errors, creating frustration in the systems that both helped
and hindered these firefighters in their daily job tasks. We describe what firefighters need from technology in its
present state and we outline usability issues for technology designers and practitioners to leverage in the design
of future systems.
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Kathleen Ann Moore. (2019). Dark Web, Black Markets: The Utility of Dark in Disaster Recovery Research. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: Black markets that develop after disaster events have potential to disrupt recovery efforts, and the Dark Web is the perfect facilitator of these markets. Lack of knowledge about the Dark Web: how to access it, how to safely, efficiently navigate the space, and prevailing myths about its dangers likely lead to this deficiency of research. To date, this area is a critically unexplored area of the Internet in the crisis research literature. This work examines this area of the Internet for utility and insight relevant to crisis managers. A pilot study on Puerto Rico in the months following Hurricane Maria reveals possible indicators of the development of black markets for prescription drugs, food, and water, which can impact long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts when these items are diverted from legal supply chains. As more people adopt this hidden part of the Internet, researchers and managers must do more to pay attention to activities that occur in this space.
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Kevin Wesendrup, Nicola Rupp, Adam Widera, & Bernd Hellingrath. (2019). Challenges and Trends of Data Management for Firefighting in Germany and the Netherlands. In Z. Franco, J. J. González, & J. H. Canós (Eds.), Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management. Valencia, Spain: Iscram.
Abstract: For successful firefighting, information is key. In this work, a general overview of the current challenges and
trends of data management for firefighting in Germany and the Netherlands are examined. This was accomplished
by conducting a literature review to find out the current state-of-the-art in research. The results of the literature
review are then compared with expert sentiments and gaps between research and practice are revealed. Through
the review, six challenge categories are identified: cartographic data harmonization, IS standardization,
information gathering from unstructured data, canonical bodies of knowledge, and data-driven firefighting
support. The challenges and trends are discussed in the context of Germany and the Netherlands and significant
differences are presented. Lastly, the gaps between research and practice are thoroughly analyzed and potentials
for future work revealed.
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Kuntke, F., Bektas, M., Buhleier, L., Pohl, E., Schiller, R., & Reuter, C. (2023). How Would Emergency Communication Based On LoRaWAN Perform? Empirical Findings of Signal Propagation in Rural Areas. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 1042–1050). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies are typically promoted for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, but are also of interest for emergency communications systems when regular fixed and mobile networks break down. Although LoRaWAN is a frequently used representative here, there are sometimes large differences between the proposed range and the results of some practical evaluations. Since previous work has focused on urban environments or has conducted simulations, this work aims to gather concrete knowledge on the transmission characteristics in rural environments. Extensive field studies with varying geographic conditions and comparative tests in urban environments were performed using two different hardware implementations. Overall, it was found that the collected values in rural areas are significantly lower than the theoretical values. Nevertheless, the results certify that LoRaWAN technology has a high range that cannot be achieved with other common technologies for emergency communications.
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