Tina Comes, Niek Wijngaards, & Frank Schultmann. (2012). Efficient scenario updating in emergency management. 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: Emergency managers need to assess, combine and process large volumes of information with varying degrees of (un)certainty. To keep track of the uncertainties and to facilitate gaining an understanding of the situation, the information is combined into scenarios: stories about the situation and its development. As the situation evolves, typically more information becomes available and already acknowledged information is changed or revised. Meanwhile, decision-makers need to keep track of the scenarios including an assessment whether the infor-mation constituting the scenario is still valid and relevant for their purposes. Standard techniques to support sce-nario updating usually involve complete scenario re-construction. This is far too time-consuming in emergency management. Our approach uses a graph theoretical scenario formalisation to enable efficient scenario updating. MCDA techniques are employed to decide whether information changes are sufficiently important to warrant scenario updating. A brief analysis of the use-case demonstrates a large gain in efficiency. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Jill L. Drury, Amanda Anganes, Heather Byrne, Maria C. Casipe, Roger Dejean, Simone Hill, et al. (2012). Badge-primed decision making. 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: We have been investigating new decision support methods for emergency responders. Most recently, we have added to our decision support prototype the concept of “badges”: symbols that cue decision makers to the top-ranked option(s) that are the recommended alternatives for a particular decision. This paper provides the rationale for badges, a description of the initial implementation, results from our first experiment with badges, and a discussion of the next steps. As a report on work-in-progress, the primary contribution of this paper is the description of the concept of badges and its proposed use for emergency response decision making. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Jill L. Drury, Gary L. Klein, Mark Pfaff, & Steven O. Entezari. (2012). Establishing collaborative option awareness during crisis management. 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: This paper presents empirical results of the use of a novel decision support prototype for emergency response situations, which was designed to enhance the understanding of the relative desirability of one potential course of action versus another. We have termed this understanding “option awareness.” In particular, this paper describes the process employed by pairs of experiment participants while performing emergency responder roles using different types of “decision space” visualizations to help them collaborate on decisions. We examined the decision making process via a detailed analysis of the communication between the cooperating team members. The results yield implications for design approaches for visualizing option awareness. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Aygul Gabdulkhakova, Birgitta König-Ries, & Dmitry Rizvanov. (2012). Rational resource allocation in mass casualty incidents – Adaptivity and efficiency. 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: Mass casualty incidents (MCI) are highly dynamic situations in which limited available resources need to be quickly and efficiently allocated. In this paper, we suggest considerable extensions to an allocation method that we presented in earlier work. The extensions address two major challenges: First, the need to balance real-world resource usage and second, the need to adapt to changing situations. Additionally, a theoretical evaluation of the efficiency of the suggested approach is described. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Stella Moehrle. (2012). Generic self-learning decision support system for large-scale disasters. 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: Large-scale disasters, particularly failures of critical infrastructures, are exceptional situations which cannot be solved with standard countermeasures. The crises are complex and the decision makers face acute time pressure to respond to the disaster. IT based decision support systems provide potential solutions and assist the decision making process. Many decision support systems in emergency response and management concentrate on one kind of disaster. Moreover, complex structures are modeled and recommendations are made rule-based. This work in progress paper describes the first steps towards the development of a generic and self-learning decision support system. The methodology used is case-based reasoning. The paper concludes with a sample emergency decision process. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Aladdin Shamoug, Radmila Juric, & Shamimabi Paurobally. (2012). Ontological reasoning as a tool for humanitarian decision making. 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: We propose an OWL/SWRL enabled ontological environment which can play a role in reporting and decision making in Humanitarian Crises (HC). We use (5WH): WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY and HOW, as the main vehicle for gathering information for decision making. We implement the semantics of (5WH) through OWL models and perform reasoning with SWRL rules, in order to support decision making and create more efficient Humanitarian Response (HR). Our case study shows the feasibility of the proposal and its outcome. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Kui Wang, Jose Marti, Ming Bai, & K.D. Srivastava. (2012). Optimal decision maker algorithm for disaster response management with I2Sim applications. 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: Disaster response management has become an important area of research in recent years, with authorities spending more resources in the area. Infrastructure resource interdependencies are key critical points for a system to operate optimally. After a disaster occurs, infrastructures would have sustained certain degrees of damage, the allocation of limited resources to maximize human survival becomes a top priority. The I2Sim (Infrastructures Interdependencies Simulator) research group at the University of British Columbia (UBC) has developed a software simulation toolbox to help authorities plan for disaster responses. This paper presents an optimization decision algorithm based on Lagrange multipliers, which provides the theoretical basis for I2Sim software decision maker layer. There is a simple scenario of three hospitals constructed with the I2Sim toolbox to illustrate the interdependencies of water and electricity. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Steven C. Way, & Yufei Yuan. (2012). Towards a context-aware multi-party emergency coordination system framework. 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: A framework for an emergency response system is proposed which is an extension of, but significantly different from, traditional group and distributed group support systems. The framework considers the environmental, organizational, and activity-based issues of emergency response for responders and decision makers. These issues are addressed by incorporating context-aware, multi-agency relationship management, and multiparty coordination components into the framework for a context-aware multiparty coordination system. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Duncan T. Wilson, Glenn I. Hawe, Graham Coates, & Roger S. Crouch. (2012). Estimating the value of casualty health information to optimization-based decision support in response to major incidents. 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: In this paper we describe a work-in-progress decision support program designed for use in the response to major incidents in the UK. The proposed program is designed for use in a continuous fashion, where the updating of its model, the search for solutions to the model through an optimization algorithm, and the issuing of these solutions are carried out concurrently. The model facilitates the inclusion of dynamic and uncertain features of emergency response. The potential of such an approach to deliver high-quality response plans through enabling more accurate modeling is evaluated through focusing on the case of casualty health information. Computational experiments show there is significant value in monitoring the dynamic and uncertain health progression of casualties and updating the model accordingly. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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