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Abhish Khanal, Deepak Chand, Prakash Chaudhary, Subash Timilsina, Sanjeeb Prasad Panday, Aman Shakya, et al. (2020). Search Disaster Victims using Sound Source Localization. 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. 1022–1030). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Sound Source Localization (SSL) are used to estimate the position of sound sources. Various methods have been used for detecting sound and its localization. This paper presents a system for stationary sound source localization by cubical microphone array consisting of eight microphones placed on four vertical adjacent faces which is mounted on three wheel omni-directional drive for the inspection and monitoring of the disaster victims in disaster areas. The proposed method localizes sound source on a 3D space by grid search method using Generalized Cross Correlation Phase Transform (GCC-PHAT) which is robust when operating in real life scenario where there is lack of visibility. The computed azimuth and elevation angle of victimized human voice are fed to embedded omni-directional drive system which navigates the vehicle automatically towards the stationary sound source.
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Harrison Cole. (2020). Accessible Mitigation Planning: Tactile Hazard Map Design and Evaluation. 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. 1031–1037). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: While creating a community hazard mitigation plan (HMP) has become recognized as a key component of successful disaster management, significant portions of the process are often inaccessible to people with vision disabilities. Maps in particular are often large, visually dense documents that are printed on two-dimensional paper, or distributed via PDF with no alternate text. For people with profound low vision or who are blind, alternative media is required. The research discussed here proposes that tactile maps may present an accessible and cost-effective medium for representing geospatial data relevant to the hazard mitigation planning process. Using flood insurance rate maps (FIRMs) distributed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a starting point, this paper proposes an evaluatory framework for transcribing conventional maps into tactile documents, as well as characterizing users' experiences using them for mitigation planning, directions for future research and generalizing the process for applications in other domains.
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Jaziar Radianti, Terje Gjøsæter, & Weiqin Chen. (2021). Slaying the SA Demons – Humans vs. Technology – A Content Analysis. 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. 946–958). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we examine Situation Awareness (SA) and the application of Endsley's Demons of SA in different contexts and research areas and perform content analysis to examine how they are used, and to what degree they are perceived as stemming from human error or weaknesses in technology and if any suggestions for mitigation are primarily focused on the human or the technology side. Based on our findings, we propose universal design as a tool that can counter the effects of the demons of SA by improving the usability and accessibility of SA-supporting technology and thereby removing barriers to SA, rather than challenging the users to overcome not only barriers that are a result of the complexity of the situation itself, but also additional barriers that are caused by inferior and suboptimal design of the technology in use.
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Jelle Groenendaal, & Ira Helsloot. (2021). Why Technology Not Always Adds Value to Crisis Managers During Crisis: The Case of The Dutch Nation-Wide Crisis Management System LCMS. 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. 936–945). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Technology undeniably plays an important role in supporting crisis managers to respond to crisis. However, when improperly designed or used, technology can be ineffective or even be detrimental to the crisis response. Therefore, in this paper we bring together insights from the scientific literature and identify 5 principles for the design and use of technology to aid crisis managers effectively. These principles might seem trivial but there are several examples of technology used in practice that show the opposite. To illustrate this, we use as a case study the Dutch nation-wide crisis management system LCMS which is used in the Netherlands by all safety regions and other public organizations to maintain and share a common operational picture supporting large-scale crisis management collaboration. We explain why crisis evaluations and research time and again show that LCMS has failed to add value for crisis managers during crisis by using the identified principles.
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John Sören Pettersson. (2022). Key Concepts for Effective Use of Digital-supported Table-top Crisis Management Exercises. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 864–875). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Several researchers and contingency agencies have suggested good practices for crisis management exercises. Resource-constrained practitioners in the field report difficulties finding cost-efficient ways to maintain exercise cycles. This paper draws on experiences from working with professional crisis response coordinators who adapted material for table-top exercises to learning management systems, executed the exercises and evaluated team performance. This paper discusses the elimination of bottlenecks and unexpected benefits arising from more flexible exercise designs in terms of synchrony, continuity, and location. While these concepts capture the essence of the various opportunities for flexibility, they need some supporting features in the design of digital exercises. This paper argues for putting emphasis on the writing/speech dichotomy when analysing exercise designs from the perspective of the entire exercise life cycle, including evaluations and preparations for further exercises. Additionally, how requests for individual answers are planned appears to be an effective instrument for efficient exercise design and evaluation during the conducting of an exercise.
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Johnny Douvinet. (2022). Evaluating the Public’s Reaction to Simulated Alerts on Mobile Phones in France: Scale Effects, and Challenges. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 847–862). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: In case of sudden and extreme life-threatening situation, the most efficient system fulfils the requirement of mobile phone emergency alerting information services. But how much information and what type of content must be used in a textual message, and how adapt this alert to a large audience and diversified contexts? This paper proposes to address this challenge, 1) by presenting results obtained in France during simulated “alerting days”, with sampling revealing the perception and understanding of SMS and CB by a non-specialized audience (161 respondents), and 2) by comparing findings obtained in different contexts (students and teaching staff in a university, crisis managers and stakeholders in an industrial context, citizens working near high-risky areas). Even if reactions to an alert are individual, similar patterns emerge, suggesting that standardized and non-random needs exist.
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Jonas Höchst, Lars Baumgartner, Franz Kuntke, Alvar Penning, Artur Sterz, & Bernd Freisleben. (2020). LoRa-based Device-to-Device Smartphone Communication for Crisis Scenarios. 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. 996–1011). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an approach to facilitate long-range device-to-device communication via smartphones in crisis scenarios. Through a custom firmware for low-cost LoRa capable micro-controller boards, called rf95modem, common devices for end users can be enabled to use LoRa through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or serial connection. We present two applications utilizing the flexibility provided by the proposed firmware. First, we introduce a novel device-to-device LoRa chat application that works a) on the two major mobile platforms Android and iOS and b) on traditional computers like notebooks using a console-based interface. Second, we demonstrate how other infrastructure-less technology can benefit from our approach by integrating it into the DTN7 delay-tolerant networking software. The firmware, the device-to-device chat application, the integration into DTN7, as well as the experimental evaluation code fragments are available under permissive open-source licenses.
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Katelynn Kapalo, Kevin Pfeil, Joseph Bonnell, & Joseph LaViola. (2022). Evaluating the Impact of 2D vs. 3D Building Plans for Fireground Incident Command Decision-Making. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 824–835). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Building construction and building layout represent two key critical pieces of information for a fire suppression operation. However, fireground incident commanders (FGCs) frequently do not have access to critical, updated information about a structure, including details that could potentially support more effective response. This gap in the information pipeline has led to significant injuries and fatalities for both civilians and first responders. Towards this end, this paper focuses on evaluating the efficacy of a user interface prototype for supporting decision-making during a simulated commercial structure fire. Sixty-four firefighters (n = 64) from North America participated in this study. Overall, there were no statistical differences in the performance of the firefighters between the two experimental conditions (2D vs. 3D). This study provides preliminary support for the use of 3D models in pre-incident planning practices. More importantly, this initial data serves as a baseline for the development of evidence-based standards for displaying pre-incident planning information to FGCs digitally.
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Laura Petersen, Grigore M. Havarneanu, Natasha McCrone, Garegin Markarian, Åsa Burlin, & Per-Erik Johansson. (2022). CBRNe, a Universally Designed App for That? In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 836–846). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: While a wide range of disaster apps are currently available, few address the topic of CBRNe (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and explosive) risks and threats. The proven value of disaster apps in emergency management and the unique ways in which citizens prepare for and respond to CBRNe incidents merit that such an app exist. However, disaster apps also have their limitations, namely uptake and accessibility. The PROACTIVE project is filling these gaps by co-creating together with vulnerable groups an accessible CBRNe disaster app. This article examines the results from four workshops held with the potential end-users recruited from vulnerable groups. Following the MoSCoW methodology, requirements were established and their relevance to the Universal Design principles discussed. For instance, it was found that the app Must have a less chaotic interface which would help meet the principle of simple and intuitive use. Lastly, the app redesign is showcased.
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Laura Petersen, Grigore M. Havarneanu, Natasha McCrone, Garik Markarian, & George Kolev. (2021). Universal Design & the PROACTIVE project CBRNe app. 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. 959–966). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: A wide range of disaster apps are currently available on various app stores, however few existing disaster apps address the issue of CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive) threats. The unique ways in which citizens prepare for and respond to CBRNe incidents merit that such an app exist. But citizens are not a homogenous group, and therefore the concept of universal design will be implemented when filling this gap. The EU H2020 PROACTIVE project will address this by co-creating together with citizens, including vulnerable groups, a disaster app able to be used during CBRNe incidents. This article lays out the methodology X will employ in order to create and validate the disaster app and states some core requirements already co-developed
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Lucia Castro Herrera, & Terje Gjøsæter. (2022). Community Segmentation and Inclusive Social Media Listening. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1012–1023). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Social media analytics provide a generalized picture of situational awareness from the conversations happening among communities present in social media channels that are that are, or risk being affected by crises. The generalized nature of results from these analytics leaves underrepresented communities in the background. When considering social media analytics, concerns, sentiment, and needs are perceived as homogenous. However, offline, the community is diverse, often segmented by age group, occupation, or language, to name a few. Through our analysis of interviews from professionals using social media as a source of information in public service organizations, we argue that practitioners might not be perceiving this segmentation from the social media conversation. In addition, practitioners who are aware of this limitation, agree that there is room for improvement and resort to alternative mechanisms to understand, reach, and provide services to these communities in need. Thus, we analyze current perceptions and activities around segmentation and provide suggestions that could inform the design of social media analytics tools that support inclusive public services for all, including persons with disabilities and from other disadvantaged groups.
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Pouyan Fotouhi Tehrani, Niklas von Kalckreuth, & Selma Lamprecht. (2020). Toward an Integrative Model of Trust for Digital Emergency Communication. 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. 1012–1021). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Digital technologies have become an integral enabler of communication during various phases of emergency management (EM). A crucial prerequisite of effective communication between authorities and the public during EM is the establishment of adequate mutual trust. Trust, however, is an elusive concept which is not easily translatable into technical settings. In this paper we propose an integrative model of trust in digital communication and show how such model can be advantageous in assessing and improving trust relations in context of EM. Our interdisciplinary model, which is based on findings from psychology, sociology and computer sciences provides an abstraction which not only seizes both subjective and objective as well as personal and non-personal, \eg institutional or cultural, aspects of trust but at the same time is concrete enough to be applicable to real-life scenarios.
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Terje Gjøsæter, Jaziar Radianti, & Weiqin Chen. (2020). Towards Situational Disability-aware Universally Designed Information Support Systems for Enhanced Situational Awareness. 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. 1038–1047). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: This paper takes on the challenge of designing situational awareness information systems that take into account not only the prevalence of so-called demons of situational awareness, but also situational disabilities that will typically occur in a disaster situation, both in the control room and in the field among the general public as well as first responders. It further outlines how a situational awareness information system process model can be adapted and used as a basis for designing situational awareness information support systems that address these issues with the help of Universal Design principles.
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