Henrique Romano Correia, Ivison da Costa Rubim, Angelica F.S. Dias, Juliana B.S. França, & Marcos R.S. Borges. (2020). Drones to the Rescue: A Support Solution for Emergency Response. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 904–913). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Emergency is a threatening condition that requires urgent action, an effective response and within an emergency scenario there may be risks for responders, as well as for those affected. Response time is crucial for affected individuals and environments to be addressed on their needs. In this context, the goal of this work is to support the agents involved in the emergency response, through an application-supported collaborative solution using drones. This solution aims to collect information from the worked emergency scenario, so that, through the collaboration of specialists, there is a greater support for the decision-making made by the responsible agents within this scenario, causing it to occur in a shorter time, thus speeding up the response to the emergency. In this work, the aim was to validate with experts from the Rio de Janeiro Firefighters, who already work with drones, by evaluating the utility of the solution in real scenarios.
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Edward J. Glantz, Frank E. Ritter, Don Gilbreath, Sarah J. Stager, Alexandra Anton, & Rahul Emani. (2020). UAV Use in Disaster Management. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 914–921). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) provide multiple opportunities to first responders and disaster managers, especially as they continue to improve in affordability as well as capabilities. This paper provides a brief review of how UAV capabilities have been used in disaster management, examples of current use within disaster management, as well as adoption considerations. Example disaster domains include fires, tornadoes, flooding, building and dam collapses, crowd monitoring, search and rescue, and post disaster monitoring of critical infrastructures. This review can increase awareness and issues when considering UAVs by those challenged with the management of crisis and disaster events.
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Benjamin Barth, Govinda Chaithanya Kabbinahithilu, Alexandros Bartzas, Spyros Pantazis, & Tomaso deCola. (2020). A Content Oriented Information Sharing System for Disaster Management. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 922–927). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In response to natural and man-made hazards multiple organisations usually are involved in a very complex situation. On the other hand, extreme weather situations due to the climate change create hazards in areas which were considered safe before. In order to improve the capabilities of involved organisations in responding and preparing for disaster events, the availability of an efficient information sharing approach is a key enabler. To this end, we propose a communication system based on a content oriented architecture tailored to disaster management. It includes a catalogue that is offering web services for publishing and subscribing of disaster information and for further collaboration amongst agencies and first responders. Moreover, the considered approach also allows for full content access control and enables a flexible system. The paper shows the current status of the system design. Next steps will include the implementation and evaluation of the approach.
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Debora Robles Perez, Manuel Esteve Domingo, Israel Perez Llopis, & Federico J. Carvajal Rodrigo. (2020). System and Architecture of an Adapted Situation Awareness Tool for First Responders. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 928–936). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: First responders (FRs) in Europe are currently facing large natural and man-made disasters (e.g. wild fire, terrorist attacks, industrial incidents, big floods, gas leaks etc.), that put their own lives and those of thousands of others at risk. Adapted situation awareneSS tools and taIlored training curricula for increaSing capabiliTies and enhANcing the proteCtion of first respondErs (ASSISTANCE) is an ongoing European H2020 project which main objective is to increase FRs Situation Awareness (SA) for helping and protecting different kinds of FRs' organizations that work together in large scale disasters mitigation. ASSISTANCE will enhance the SA of the FRs organisations during their mitigation activities through the integration of new paradigms, tools and technologies (e.g. drones/robots equipped with a range of sensors, robust communications capabilities, etc.) with the main objective of increasing both their protection and their efficiency.
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Konstantinos Konstantoudakis, Georgios Albanis, Emmanouil Christakis, Nikolaos Zioulis, Anastasios Dimou, Dimitrios Zarpalas, et al. (2020). Single-Handed Gesture UAV Control for First Responders – A Usability and Performance User Study. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 937–951). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have increased in popularity in recent years and are now involved in many activities, professional and otherwise. First responders, those teams and individuals who are the first to respond in crisis situations, have been using UAVs to assist them in locating victims and identifying hazards without endangering human personnel needlessly. However, professional UAV controllers tend to be heavy and cumbersome, requiring both hands to operate. First responders, on the other hand, often need to carry other important equipment and need to keep their hands free during a mission. This work considers enabling first responders to control UAVs with single-handed gestures, freeing their other hand and reducing their encumbrance. Two sets of gesture UAV controls are presented and implemented in a simulated environment, and a two-part user study is conducted: the first part assesses the comfort of each gesture and their intuitive association with basic flight control concepts; and the second evaluates two different modes of gesture control in a population of users including both genders, and first responders as well as members of the general populace. The results, consisting of both objective and subjective measurements, are discussed, hindrances and problems are identified, and directions of future work and research are mapped out.
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Tobias Andersson Granberg, Carl-Oscar Jonson, Erik Prytz, Krisjanis Steins, & Martin Waldemarsson. (2020). Sensor Requirements for Logistics Analysis of Emergency Incident Sites. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 952–960). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Using sensors to collect data at emergency incident sites can facilitate analysis of the logistic operations. This can be used to improve planning and preparedness for new operations. Furthermore, real-time information from the sensors can serve as operational decision support. In this work in progress, we investigate the requirements on the sensors, and on the sensor data, to facilitate such an analysis. Through observations of exercises, the potential of using sensors for data collection is explored, and the requirements are considered. The results show that the potential benefits are significant, especially for tracking patients, and understanding the interaction between the response actors. However, the sensors need to be quite advanced in order to capture the necessary data.
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Michael Holzhüter, & Ulrich Meissen. (2020). A Decentralized Reference Architecture for Interconnected Systems in Emergency Management. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 961–972). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Optimal communication and information exchange are key elements for handling complex crises or disaster situations. With the increasing number of heterogeneous ICT systems, also raises the importance of adequate support for interconnectivity and information logistics between stakeholders to thoroughly gather information and to make quick but precise decisions. The main purpose of the information exchange is then to manage the crisis as quickly as possible, to provide full information to protect first responders' health and safety, to optimally dispatch resources, and to ensure coordination between different relief forces. Based on an end user survey with a particular focus on first responders, this paper introduces an evolutionary architecture to enable information exchange in crises situation or disasters. The aim is to provide a decentralized approach among heterogeneous ICT-systems which abstracts from the underlying communication technologies and heterogeneity of connected systems and fulfills the functional and non-functional requirements from end users.
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Ryan K. Williams, Nicole Abaid, James McClure, Nathan Lau, Larkin Heintzman, Amanda Hashimoto, et al. (2020). Collaborative Multi-Robot Multi-Human Teams in Search and Rescue. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 973–983). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Robots such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed for search and rescue (SAR) can explore areas where human searchers cannot easily go and gather information on scales that can transform SAR strategy. Multi-UAV teams therefore have the potential to transform SAR by augmenting the capabilities of human teams and providing information that would otherwise be inaccessible. Our research aims to develop new theory and technologies for field deploying autonomous UAVs and managing multi-UAV teams working in concert with multi-human teams for SAR. Specifically, in this paper we summarize our work in progress towards these goals, including: (1) a multi-UAV search path planner that adapts to human behavior; (2) an in-field distributed computing prototype that supports multi-UAV computation and communication; (3) behavioral modeling that yields spatially localized predictions of lost person location; and (4) an interface between human searchers and UAVs that facilitates human-UAV interaction over a wide range of autonomy.
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Spyros Chrysanthopoulos, Theofanis Kapetanakis, Giannis Chaidemenos, Stelios Vernardos, Harris Georgiou, & Claudio Rossi. (2020). Emergency Response in Recent Urban/Suburban Disaster Events in Attica: Technology Gaps, Limitations and Lessons Learned. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 984–989). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Emergency response operations in large-scale urban/suburban disaster events is often addressed by the standard protocols and international guidelines for collapsed buildings, heavy debris, etc. However, a wide range of First Responder (FR) operations need to address various other contexts, work environments and hazards. In this paper, two real disaster events are explored as use cases for such urban/suburban FR operations, namely a flash flood and a wildfire, both in Attica, Greece (2017-2018). Based on our team's experience from these mobilizations and active participation in both these events as FR actor in the field, we present the challenges, the complexity of such multi-aspect disaster events, the limitations of emergency response, the technology gaps of the FR teams, as well as the lessons learned during these deployments. Finally, we make some notes on future prospects and possible advancements in tools and technologies that would greatly enhance the operational safety and readiness of the FR teams in such events.
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Henry Agsten. (2020). Effects of Smartphone-Based Alerting on Reducing Arrival Times for Volunteer Fire Departments. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 990–994). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This practitioner paper describes the efforts of a volunteer fire department in Germany to reduce the time to arrive at a place of emergency. It presents the former situation, identifies reasons for delays and highlights the volunteers' first years in utilizing an existing smartphone application for alert and response as a mean to optimize their times of arrival. The paper finally evaluates the effects of the application's usage.
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Kerrianne Morrison, Yee-Yin Choong, Shanee Dawkins, & Sandra Spickard Prettyman. (2021). Communication Technology Problems and Needs of Rural First Responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 817–834). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Although new technology may benefit rural first responders to help them serve their communities, to date little is known about what communication technology problems rural first responders most need addressed and what future technology they desire. To explore the context of use and communication technology problems and needs of rural first responders, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 63 rural first responders across four disciplines: Communications (Comm) Center & 9-1-1 Services, Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, and Law Enforcement. Using qualitative data analysis, interview data were sorted into problems and needs categories. Rural first responders' greatest problems were with reliable coverage/connectivity, interoperability, implementation/information technology (IT) infrastructure, and physical ergonomics. Rural first responders' greatest need for new technology was to address their current problems, but they were interested in new technology that leverages real-time technology and location tracking. Implications for researchers and developers of public safety communication technology are discussed.
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Dimitrios Sainidis, Dimitrios Tsiakmakis, Konstantinos Konstantoudakis, Georgios Albanis, Anastasios Dimou, & Petros Daras. (2021). Single-Handed Gesture UAV Control and Video Feed AR Visualization for First Responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 835–848). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are becoming increasingly widespread in recent years, with numerous applications spanning multiple sectors. UAVs can be of particular benefit to first responders, assisting in both hazard detection and search-and-rescue operations, increasing their situational awareness without endangering human personnel; However, conventional UAV control requires both hands on a remote controller and many hours of training to control efficiently. Additionally, viewing the UAV video-feed on conventional devices (e.g. smartphones) require first responders to glance downwards to look at the screen, increasing the risk of accident. To this end, this work presents a unified system, incorporating single-hand gesture control for UAVs and an augmented reality (AR) visualization of their video feed, while also allowing for backup remote UAV control from any device and multiple-recipient video streaming. A modular architecture allows the upgrade or replacement of individual modules without affecting the whole. The presented system has been tested in the lab, and in field trials by first responders.
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Masahiro Watanabe, Yu Ozawa, Kenichi Takahashi, Eri Takane, Tetsuya Kimura, Soichiro Suzuki, et al. (2021). Hardware Design and Tests of SMURF V1 Platform for Searching Survivors in Debris Cones. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 849–866). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: When a large-scale disaster such as earthquake occurs, a huge number of victims will be trapped under debris in a wide area. Rescue activities in debris are technically not easy and endanger the first responders. There are several methods for improving safety and efficiency of rescue operation, but their availability is limited to a certain area or short operating time. Our project called CURSOR is developing tools to comprehensively search victims using a large number of ground-based robots entering debris transported by aerial drones. Here we show the development of the exploration robot collecting information with several sensors. The robot system was designed based on the requirements and performance was evaluated by ruggedization tests and mobility tests. No critical problem was found in the durability, and the mobility showed as the same as the ordinary wheel. To improve the mobility, we are planning to apply a proposed unique track mechanism.
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Tiina Ristmae, Dimitra Dionysiou, Miltiadis Koutsokeras, Athanasios Douklias, Eleftherios Ouzounoglou, Angelos Amditis, et al. (2021). The CURSOR Search and Rescue (SaR) Kit: an innovative solution for improving the efficiency of Urban SaR Operations. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 867–880). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: CURSOR (Coordinated Use of miniaturized Robotic equipment and advanced Sensors for search and rescue OpeRations) is an ongoing European H2020 project with the main objective to enhance the efficiency and safety of Urban Search and Rescue (USaR) operations on disaster sites. CURSOR's approach relies on the integration of multiple mature and emerging technologies offering complementary capabilities to an USaR system, so as to address several challenges and capability gaps currently encountered during first responder missions. The project's research and development are structured around an earthquake master scenario. CURSOR aspires to advance the state-of the-art in several key aspects, including reduced time for victim detection, increased victim localization accuracy, enhanced real-time worksite information management, improved situational awareness and rescue team safety.
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Claudio Paliotta, Klaus Ening, & Sigurd Mørkved Albrektsen. (2021). Micro indoor-drones (MINs) for localization of first responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 881–889). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we describe our approach to the localization in GNSS-denied and risky unknown environments offirst responders (FRs). The INGENIOUS project is an EU funded project which is developing a new integratedtoolkit to support the operations of FRs. The micro indoor-drones (MINs) developed within the INGENIOUSproject represent a component of the toolkit which will support the localization of FRs in search-and-rescue (SAR)operations. In this paper, the concept behind the MINs and the current achievements are illustrated.
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Enrique Caballero, Angel Madridano, Dimitrios Sainidis, Konstantinos Konstantoudakis, Petros Daras, & Pablo Flores. (2021). An automated UAV-assisted 2D mapping system for First Responders. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 890–902). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Recent advances in the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) sector have allowed such systems to carry a range of sensors, thus increasing their versatility and adaptability to a wider range of tasks and services. Furthermore, the agility of these vehicles allows them to adapt to rapidly changing environments making them an effective tool for emergency situations. A single UAV, or a swarm working in collaboration, can be a handy and helpful tool for First Responders (FRs) during mission planning, mission monitoring, and the tracking of evolving risks. UAVs, with their on-board sensors, can, among other things, capture visual information of the disaster scene in a safe and quick manner, and generate an up-to-date map of the area. This work presents a system for UAV-assisted mapping optimized for FRs, including the generation of routes for the UAVs to follow, data collection and processing, and map generation.
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K. K. Ramakrishnan, Murat Yuksel, Hulya Seferoglu, Jiachen Chen, & Roger A. Blalock. (2021). Resilient Communication for First Responders in Disaster Management. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 903–912). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Effective communication among first responders during and in the aftermath of a disaster can affect outcomes dramatically. In this paper, we discuss the design of a resilient architecture that enables effective first responder communications even in such challenging scenarios. Our ReDiCom (Resilient Disaster Communications) network architecture builds resilience into the framework across all the layers. The information layer allows communication by roles and identities instead of addresses to support communication among dynamically formed first responder teams. The network layer provides robust and resilient communication even when facilities are error- and disruption-prone. The coded communication and computation further improve resilience and enable efficient data processing in disaster management.
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Cecilia Hammar Wijkmark, Ilona Heldal, & Maria-Monika Metallinou. (2021). Experiencing Immersive VR Simulation for Firefighter Skills Training. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 913–921). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) technology has gained interest for training in many domains, including firefighter education and training. However, there is hesitation in accepting immersive VR technology, especially for skills training. This paper examines the results from a field study investigating how first-time users experience immersive VR comparing with hot fire live simulation (HF-LS) training, a training involving several human senses. This study included nineteen firefighter students, eight instructors, and seven experienced firefighters using a VR technology simulating fire, smoke, heat, and via haptic feedback hose and pressure experiences. Data investigating user experiences were collected through questionnaires and observations. The results show that experienced firefighters valued the training using this VR technology higher than students. Further findings illustrate a difference between different user groups regarding expectations on the realism of simulated representations. For example, the visual realism of the smoke and the fire was more appreciated by experienced firefighters than students and instructors.
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Lennart Landsberg, Alexandra Braun, Ompe Aimé Mudimu, & Klaus-Dieter Büttgen. (2021). Considering end user needs when developing new technologies – a new plug and play sensor technology for locating trapped victims. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 922–928). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Building collapses often happen unexpectedly and suddenly. Consequently, people are often buried under the debris. What follows is a complicated search by first responders, which is characterized by time pressure and danger. In the research project SORTIE, a modular and UAV-based technical system is being developed to support the first responders in their search efforts. During the first phase of this project, an extensive requirements analysis was conducted with the involvement of end users. This ensures that the developed technology meets the requirements for later use under realistic circumstance. The project consortium has good experience with this operational approach and is in close cooperation with end users who are part of the consortium. In addition to a comprehensive understanding of building collapses and prevailing conditions, the technical partners were also able to identify requirements that they might not have discovered without the involvement of end users and the appropriate methods.
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Aikaterini Christodoulou, John Lioumbas, Kostantinos Zambetoglou, & Nikoletta Xanthopoulou. (2021). Combined innovative technologies for ensuring water safety in utilities: The city of Thessaloniki case study. In Anouck Adrot, Rob Grace, Kathleen Moore, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2021 Conference Proceedings – 18th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 929–934). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Innovative technologies such as monitoring the quality of surface water aquifers with satellite images, applying UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and drone technology for a variety of operations, water quality measurements with improved techniques along with IoT (Internet of Things) and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies), can provide sufficient data for enhancing water safety in urban water utilities. Specifically, these data could be an effective tool for improving risk assessment process and management of water supply systems. Nevertheless, till now, there is a relative lack of published works that validate the efficiency of combing these technologies on water safety processes by incorporating most of them with a systematic way and during real working conditions in water utilities. This work aims to present the preliminary design concept of a platform that embraces innovating water safety technologies planned to be applied to Thessaloniki's Water Supply and Sewerage Co. S.A Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
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Osaragi, T., Suematsu, T., Oki, T., & Kakizaki, A. (2023). Local Disaster Mitigation Technology with Travel Support Application. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 112–125). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Efficient and rapid rescue activities are vital in the immediate aftermath of a large-scale disaster. However, the locations of the tasks requested (e.g. rescues, relief, special care, and assistance) and those who support, assist, or respond are often spatially separated. In this paper, we developed a Web application (travel support application) to support the efficient travel of responders by integrating a method of optimizing travel and navigation for rescue activities and a system of real-time disaster information collection and sharing. We then demonstrated the efficiency of the travel support application through some field experiments. Also, we conducted a demonstration experiment assuming a flood disaster at the crisis management office of a local government. Finally, the possibility of using the developed system at non-emergencies was examined to address the common problem of disaster prevention systems.
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LaLone, N., Dugas, P. O. T., & Semaan, B. (2023). The Crisis of Designing for Disaster: How to Help Emergency Management During The Technology Crisis We Created. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 126–143). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Emergency Management (EM) is experiencing a crisis of technology as technologists have attempted to innovate standard operating procedures with minimal input from EM. Unsurprisingly, there has yet to be a success. Instead, technologists have focused on consumer culture and fostered a slow-moving crisis as the gap between what consumers and EM can do is deep. At present, the most ubiquitous aspect of technology in disaster is its capacity to exacerbate response, create new kinds of disaster, and create consumer expectations that EM cannot meet. In the present work, we highlight how and why technological production needs to shift its ontological premises dramatically to meet the needs of technology for first responders. From supporting practice to taking a few steps back from the bleeding edge, we offer a range of suggestions based on the technological capacities of emergency management in the present and in the future.
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Zelenka, J., Kasanický, T. š, Gatial, E., Balogh, Z., Majlingová, A., Brodrechtova, Y., et al. (2023). Coordination of Drones Swarm for Wildfires Monitoring. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 144–151). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: As a result of climate change and global weather patterns, large forest fires are becoming more frequent in different parts of the world. The focus of the presented work is on creation of a complex coordination and communication framework for a swarm of drones specially tailored for use in preventing and monitoring of forest fires. The presented algorithm has been testing and evaluating using a computer simulation. The testing and validation in relevant environment is scheduled during a pilot demonstration exercise with real personnel and equipment, which will take place in Slovakia on April 2023. The presented work is a part of the SILVANUS EU H2020 project, whose objective is the creation of a climate resilient forest management platform for forest fire prevention and suppression. SILVANUS draws on environmental, technical, and social science experts to support regional and national authorities responsible for forest fire management in their respective countries.
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Balogh, Z., Gatial, E., Dolatabadi, S. H., Dlugolinský, Štefan, Saltarella, M., Scipioni, M. P., et al. (2023). Communication Protocol for using Nontraditional Information Sources between First Responders and Citizens during Wildfires. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 152–165). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: One of the biggest challenges faced during the wildfires is communication. A specific case represents the need to establish communication between first responders and the public. This paper presents a proposal for a generic protocol to ensure effective communication between fire fighters and many citizens at the incident site or in the surrounding area using nontraditional information sources such as a dedicated mobile app or social media. Specific challenges, concepts and technologies relevant to such communication are described specifically customized for forest fires and wildfires. The protocol itself is provided by proposing information flows between the involved actors. Moreover, several technologies including a Citizen Engagement Mobile App, an Edge Micro Data Center for forward command centers, a Mesh in the Sky communication infrastructure or a Dashboard integrating and displaying all the data in one place is shortly introduced. The presented paper is a work in progress.
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Lorscheidt, J., Wehbe, B., Cesar, D., Becker, T., & Vögele, T. (2023). Increasing diver safety for heavy underwater works by Sonar-to-Video Image Translation. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 166–176). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Supervision of technical dives is particularly important in emergency and disaster response operations to ensure the safety of divers in unexplored locations with uncertain conditions. Diver monitoring relies primarily on voice communication and a video stream that gives the operator a first-person view of the diver. However, in many cases underwater visibility can drop to just a few centimeters, leaving the diver only able to feel his way with his hands and the operator depended only on voice communication, making it very difficult for both of them to identify upcoming hazards. In the DeeperSense research project, we are attempting to reduce the limitations caused by poor underwater visibility by using a sonar in combination with an AI-based algorithm designed to translate the sonar signal into a visual image that is independent of the turbidity of the water and gives an overview of the situation where the eye can no longer see anything. Laboratory results show that visual information can be recovered from sonar data.
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