Samaneh Madanian, David Airehrour, Marianne Cherrington, & NikhilKumar Patil. (2018). Smart Cap for Visually Impaired in Disaster Situations. In Kristin Stock, & Deborah Bunker (Eds.), Proceedings of ISCRAM Asia Pacific 2018: Innovating for Resilience – 1st International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management Asia Pacific. (pp. 317–325). Albany, Auckland, New Zealand: Massey Univeristy.
Abstract: Natural and manmade disasters pose a myriad of challenges, which are more severe for individuals with disabilities. Ordinarily to perform daily activities, the disabled get support from assistive technological devices and services; these are commonly disrupted during and after disasters. A proposed solution to support those with visual impairment is a cost-effective wearable 'Smart Cap'. The Smart Cap provides narratives about the surrounding environment while establishing communication between the user (the visually impaired) and a rich online reservoir of knowledge base system capable of vocalising narratives. As a proof-of-concept, this study is implemented using Raspberry Pi, the Amazon Web Services and a P-Cap fitted with a camera. The aim of this research work is to provide an assistive technology to help the visually impaired navigate their way out of any potentially disastrous situation like other citizens would. The proposed system and its usage in disaster situations is an innovative, cost-effective solution specifically addressing the needs of visually impaired persons.
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Sofie Pilemalm, Tobias Andersson Granberg, Rebecca Stenberg, & Anders Axelsson. (2012). Emergency response in rural areas. 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 study, security and safety in rural parts of Sweden is investigated. New ways of organizing for efficient response can be found in the extended collaboration between societal sectors and in utilizing the local social capital. New categories of first responders and their requirements are identified and we propose non-technical and technical solutions as support. The results' application to large-scale crises is discussed. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Stella Polikarpus, Tobias Ley, Hans Hazebroek, Graham Edgar, Geoffrey Sallis, Steven Baker, et al. (2022). Authoring Virtual Simulations to Measure Situation Awareness and Understanding. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 428–433). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Measuring situation awareness (SA) and situation understanding (SU) is an important topic for Command & Control research. Virtual simulations (VS) have been proposed as a suitable method for measuring SA/U, but, there is little research into how to build scenarios for VS so that SA/U can be measured reliably. In this study, we used two different VS scenarios and the Quantitative Analysis of Situation Awareness (QASA) method to measure, and provide feedback on, actual and perceived SA/U. Two VS scenarios were tested in Estonia with 36 trainees. The results of the different scenarios were compared to establish whether the scenario storylines and authoring process resulted in differences in SA or SU. We conclude that reliable assessment results were produced with both authoring processes, and further suggest that the Collaborative Authoring Process Model for Virtual Simulations (CAPM) be used for VS creation.
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Steve Peterson. (2016). More Research Needed on the Concurrent Usage of Information Systems during Emergencies. In A. Tapia, P. Antunes, V.A. Bañuls, K. Moore, & J. Porto (Eds.), ISCRAM 2016 Conference Proceedings ? 13th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: This abstract highlights research challenges to improving effectiveness of integrating information and communication technologies during emergencies. Proposed as a research focus is the integration of proven virtual activation processes with an unobtrusive research presence. This positions the research presence during a real-time emergency to glean previously unknown information/rationales on how decision-makers decide and take action. Establishing a collaborative partnership by combining a ?research presence? with the ?virtual operation capability,? is essential. Mutual understanding must embrace the precept of no disruption to first responders in actual response and recovery efforts. Consensus should be reached in identifying measurable outcomes for the research. The collaborative effort opens a groundbreaking area for consideration of study in crisis response and management. It would shed new light on an underexplored, critical area of emergency management and has the potential to further enhance the value of information and communication systems in preparing, responding, and recovering from emergencies.
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Steven R. Haynes, Mark J. Jermusyk, & Frank E. Ritter. (2014). Utility-theoretic training for mass casualty incidents. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 473–482). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: This paper describes an approach to training emergency responders for mass casualty incidents. The approach is derived from a methodology and supporting software system called Summit. The Summit approach uses an integration of scenarios, hierarchical task analysis, interaction modeling, and expected utility theory to represent how actors engage in complex tasks; here we model mass casualty incident (MCI) activities supported by interactive technologies. Our goal is to ground MCI training in realistic scenarios and to demonstrate required response capabilities through associated hierarchical task analyses (HTA). The terminal nodes in an HTA are interactions, that provide a fine-grained model of the actors, technologies, data, and methods involved in realizing the required capability. The components of an interaction may have associated utility factors (benefits, costs, and risks) that provide learners with a rationale-based resource for understanding how different technologies are used to support MCI response efforts. Assessment of the approach is underway within a local EMS organization.
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Tayler Ruggero, & Brian Tomaszewski. (2018). Geographic Information Capacity (GIC) Across International Scales: Comparing Institutional Structures of Germany to the United States. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 1153–1155). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Over the last three decades, the number and severity of natural disasters all across the world has been increasing exponentially (Basher, 2006). This paper intends to consider geographic information capacity (GIC) as it relates to government, government regulated organizations, and international organizations, including the United Nations, and their involvement in disaster risk reduction and management. Specifically, the paper aims to understand similarities and differences and the connection between two governmental disaster management organizations, FEMA in the United States and BBK and THW in Germany. We present a comparative analysis on the two countries in terms of their organizational structures, how their structures affect geographic information capacity and how geographic information capacity is related to disaster risk reduction and disaster response. Future work can make comparisons across more countries, including developing countries, to see what structural changes can be made in government entities to help increase GIC when disaster strikes.
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Theresa I. Jefferson, & John R. Harrald. (2014). Estimating the impacts associated with the detonation of an improvised nuclear device. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 80–84). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: The explosion of an improvised nuclear device (IND), in any American city, would cause devastating physical and social impacts. These impacts would exceed the response capabilities of any city, state or region. The potential loss and suffering caused by an IND detonation can be dramatically reduced through informed planning and preparedness. By incorporating estimates of the impacts associated with the detonation of an IND into the planning process, jurisdictions can estimate the scale and scope of their response requirements. A prototype, computer-based tool was developed to quantify the human impacts associated with an IND detonation. Using various types of information such as the approximation of the prompt radiation footprint, blast footprint, and thermal footprint of the detonation, along with an estimation of the level of protection provided by building structures the system calculates the number and type of injuries that can be expected in a monocentric urban area.
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Thomas Münzberg, Marcus Wiens, & Frank Schultmann. (2015). The Effect of Coping Capacity Depletion on Critical Infrastructure Resilience. 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).
Abstract: Coping capacities (CCs) are often implemented at Critical Infrastructure (CI) facilities to ensure a continuous supply of vital services and products for a population during lifeline disruptions. Through various restrictions, these redundant backups are frequently limited and, hence, only allow a supply continuity for a short duration. The capacity depletes with the duration of the disruptions. In this paper, we discuss how this decrease is evaluated in disaster management. To get an enhanced insight, we introduce to a representative decision problem and used a demonstrative example of a power outage to discuss how decision maker consider the effect of CC depletion and how analytical approaches could address this issue. For doing so an expert survey and an analytical approach were implemented and applied. The comparison and the discussion of the results motivate further research directions on this topic.
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Tim J. Grant. (2011). Combining information sharing and seeking in networked coalitions. In E. Portela L. S. M.A. Santos (Ed.), 8th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management: From Early-Warning Systems to Preparedness and Training, ISCRAM 2011. Lisbon: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Coalitions are the rule in crisis management and military operations. Although the partners do not form part of an organizational hierarchy, they need to share information to find their place in the coalition, to prepare plans collaboratively, to synchronize their actions, to evaluate their achievements, and to negotiate changes in their relationships. Interviews of experienced military officers have shown that information sharing in coalitions is more complex than one-way information transmission. It has the characteristics of an information market in which security regulations give information a scarcity value, with both sources and recipients initiating action. The emerging literature on information markets includes few process models. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical, four-stage process model for information sharing between coalition partners in the context of Network Enabled Capabilities. The model combines information sharing and seeking, integrates intelligence collection, and supports a range of market mechanisms.
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Tim J. Grant, F.L.E. Geugies, & Peter A. Jongejan. (2013). Social media in command & control: A proof-of principle experiment. 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. 52–61). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: The literature on the organizational use of social media in crisis response and management is largely concerned with communication between organizations and the general public (“citizens”). By contrast, there are few papers on the use of social media within organizations for operational purposes. One essential operational capability in such organizations is Command & Control (C2) or its equivalent. Our research focuses on the use of social media in C2 for crisis management at the operational and tactical levels. To enable the use of social media in C2, Jongejan and Grant (2012) extended Reuter, Marx and Pipek's (2011) theoretical framework. In the research reported in this paper, the extended framework was tested by performing a proof-of-principle experiment for a famine relief scenario with human subjects in the laboratory. The results show that more extensive concept demonstrations and field experimentation are justified.
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Yangyang Meng, Xiangliang Tian, Chang Liu, Zhongwen Li, Zhijie Zhou, & Maohua Zhong. (2020). Research on Emergency Capability Evaluation of Network Operation-Based Urban Rail Transit. 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. 530–544). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In the process of network operation, it is of great significance to evaluate the emergency capability for the safety and resilience of urban rail transit. In this work, we proposed an emergency capability evaluation model of network operation-based urban rail transit by building a four-level index system. AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method demonstrated the effectiveness of the evaluation index system. The ranking of index importance Wi characterizes the emergency capability of network operation-based urban rail transit. Taking Shenzhen Metro as an example, this study analyzed the risk in the actual network operation, evaluated the emergency capability of network operation and calculated the comprehensive score of emergency capability. Furthermore, based on the correlation analysis results from the emergency capability indexes, we put forward some measures to improve the weaker indexes in the evaluation. The results indicate that the emergency capability evaluation method of network operation-based urban rail transit proposed in this study can better guide the emergency management of network operation-based urban rail transit.
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Yrjo Raivio, & Ronja Addams-Moring. (2006). Mobile emergency announcements with really simple syndication (RSS 2.0). In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 164–171). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Broadcasting methods, such as the radio, the television and sirens, have been the main choices for delivering emergency announcements (EA)-Also called public warnings, emergency alerts or citizens warnings-during the last 60 odd years. Unfortunately, broadcast EAs do not reach all people, and the reason for the EA and the actions required can remain unclear. Today, the high penetration of personal mobile phones offers new options to authorities. As a result, a new research and implementation area, Mobile Emergency Announcement (MEA), has emerged. The GSM Short Message System (SMS) is already deployed for MEA delivery. Simultaneously, in the World Wide Web (WWW) a novel news delivery technology, called Really Simple Syndication 2.0 (RSS) is spreading. This paper describes a concept for how RSS can be harnessed for MEA use. First, MEA requirements are briefly reviewed. Second, the eXtended Markup Language (XML) based Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and the syndication protocol RSS 2.0 are presented. Third, the central implementation issues are presented. Finally, the proposed solution is critically reviewed.
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Zachary Sutherby, & Brian Tomaszewski. (2018). Conceptualizing the Role Geographic Information Capacity has on Quantifying Ecosystem Services under the Framework of Ecological Disaster Risk Reduction (EcoDRR). In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 326–333). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: The use of ecosystems for EcoDRR is a beneficial and a viable option for community stakeholders. For example, ecosystems can mitigate the effects of hazards experienced in anthropogenic communities. Ecosystem services are the underlying reason for this benefit. EcoDRR is the idea of sustainable management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems to maximize ecosystem services and reduce disaster risks and impacts. The use of geospatial technologies to monitor large-scale ecosystems are often subject to Geographic Information Capacity (GIC), or the ability of ecosystem stakeholders to utilize all existing geographic information, resources, and capacities to monitor ecosystem services. Though these tools are useful, currently there is not a tool that specifically quantifies ecosystem services in the context of DRR. The main contribution of this paper is a conceptual framework intended to quantify ecosystem services in the context of EcoDRR.
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Zhou Sen, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2014). How intellectual capital reduces stress on organizational decision-making performance: The mediating roles of task complexity and time pressure. In and P.C. Shih. L. Plotnick M. S. P. S.R. Hiltz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2014 Conference Proceedings – 11th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 220–224). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Previous research claimed that organizational stress, due to task complexity and time pressure, leads to considerably negative effects on the decision-making performance of individuals and organizations. At the same time, intellectual capital (IC), in providing intangible internal and external organizational assets has a positive effect on organizational decision-making performance. This paper develops a structural equation model to analyze the relationships among IC, task complexity, time pressure and decision-making performance. Empirical data are collected from 374 participants, who are from universities, institutes, enterprises, government, with different occupations and expertise. We present two conclusions. First, IC consisting of internal capital, human capital and external capital leads to a reduced complexity of tasks and reduced time pressure and hence reduced organizational stress. Second, reduced organizational stress results in higher levels of performance for organizational decision-making.
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