Rosemarijn Looije, Mark A. Neerincx, & Geert-Jan M. Kruijff. (2007). Affective collaborative robots for safety & crisis management in the field. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 497–506). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: The lack of human-robot collaboration currently presents a bottleneck to widespread use of robots in urban search & rescue (USAR) missions. The paper argues that an important aspect of realizing human-robot collaboration is collaborative control, and the recognition and expression of affect. Affective collaborative robots can enhance joint human-robot performance by adapting the robot's (social) role and interaction to the user's affective state and the context. Current USAR robots lack these capabilities. This paper presents theory, application domains, and requirements for affective collaborative robots based on the current state of the art. With methods from cognitive architectures, affective computing, and human-robot interaction, three core functions of affective collaborative robots can be realized: sliding autonomy, affective communication, and adaptive attitude. These robot functions can substantially enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue workers and meanwhile reduce their cognitive workload. Furthermore, robots with such functions can approach civilians in the field appropriately.
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Maurizio Marchese, Lorenzino Vaccari, Pavel Shvaiko, & Juan Pane. (2008). An application of approximate ontology matching in eResponse. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 294–304). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Ontology matching is a key problem in many metadata intensive application domains, including emergency response, data integration, peer-to-peer information sharing, web service composition, and query answering on the web. In this paper we present an emergency response scenario based on the organizational model as used in Trentino region, Italy. We provide a formalization of this scenario with the help of lightweight coordination calculus. Then, we discuss an automatic approximate structure preserving matching algorithm which we applied within the emergency response scenario. The evaluation results, though preliminary, are encouraging.
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Maurizio Marchese, Lorenzino Vaccari, Gaia Trecarichi, Nardine Osman, & Fiona McNeill. (2008). Interaction models to support peer coordination in crisis management. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 230–241). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: All phases of emergency management activities – that we will reference hereafter as eResponse activities – depend on data from a variety of sources and involve a range of different organizations and teams at various administrative levels with their own systems and services. The existence of numerous and different actors, policies, procedures, data standards and systems results in coordination problems with respect to data analysis, information delivery and resource management.. In this paper we present a novel approach based on interaction models distributed through a peer to peer infrastructure and we show how it can be applied in the context of crisis management to support coalition formation and process coordination in open environments. In particular, a prototype eResponse simulation system – built on a P2P infrastructure – has been developed to execute interaction models describing common coordination tasks in emergency response domain. Preliminary evaluation of the proposed framework demonstrates its capability to support such eResponse tasks.
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Teresa Onorati, Alessio Malizia, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2010). Interaction design for web emergency management information systems. 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: The interaction design for web emergency management information systems (WEMIS) is an important aspect to keep in mind due to the criticality of the domain: decision making, updating available resources, defining a task list, trusting in proposed information. A common interaction design strategy for WEMIS seems to be needed but currently there are few references in literature. Our aim is to contribute to this lack with a set of interactive principles for WEMIS. From the emergency point of view, existing WEMIS have been analyzed to extract common features and to design interaction principles for emergency. Furthermore, we studied design principles extracted from the Turoff's model relating them to emergency phases and features. In particular, in this paper, we choose to follow the current trend in the definition of emergency life cycles. In our approach, referring to general policies in literature, the emergency management process is divided into two different sub cycles: back-end and front-end. From the interaction point of view, a formalization process based on the interactive PIE model has been defined. The result we propose here is a set of design principles for supporting interactive properties for WEMIS.
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Stijn Oomes, & Martijn Neef. (2005). Scaling-up support for emergency response organizations. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 29–34). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: We present the design of an information system that supports the process of scaling-up of emergency response organizations. This process is vital for effective emergency response but tends to go awry in practice. Our proposed system consists of multiple distributed agents that are capable of exchanging organizational information. Each agent assists one part of the organization by visualizing the organization and allowing the user to update the information of its closest collaborators. When the agents communicate, they exchange and merge their organizational representations. The structure of other parts of the organization is updated indirectly through multiple interactions between different agents. We tailor our design to two specific procedures that are in common use today: the Coordinated Regional Incident Response Procedure (GRIP) that is applied in the Netherlands, and the Incident Command System (ICS) that is used in a number of areas in the United States of America.
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Ooms, D. (2023). Civil-Military Interaction: a Case Study to validate a Conceptual Framework. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 501–515). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: International peace operations in response to complex emergencies require effective interaction between international civil and military participants and local actors. Although these operations frequently occur worldwide, civil-military interaction (CMI) remains problematic. CMI problems are described in the literature at length. However, the knowledge management aspects of these problems have received less attention. The feasibility of technical support solutions for CMI should be investigated using a design science approach. This requires validated models of the structural and behavioral characteristics of the CMI domain. A CMI conceptual framework providing such models has been proposed earlier and should be validated. A case study has been conducted into a Netherlands military CMI organization. This study provides for initial user validation of the models. In follow-on research, the validated conceptual framework is used to structure the investigation of CMI problems, knowledge process deficiencies, and their causal relations. It may subsequently support knowledge engineering-based solution design.
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Dick Ooms, & Willem-Jan Van Den Heuvel. (2012). Business not as usual: Civil-military interactionfrom an e-business perspective. 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 peace support operations, military and civil actors are often cooperating in international coalitions. In such operations, effective and efficient coordination and information sharing is a prerequisite for effective Civil-Military Interaction (CMI), but the literature shows that this still leaves much room for improvement. Most research in this area takes a behavioral-science approach. We argue that existing research could be complemented with a design-science approach, which is an Information Systems problem-solving paradigm with its roots in engineering. After developing a high level CMI information exchange model and identifying inhibitors for information exchange, this paper provides a comparison between CMI in peace support operations and the collaboration of commercial enterprises using the e-Business paradigm. Based on observed similarities, the paper argues that the enabling technology for e-Business could overcome current inhibitors for effective and efficient information exchange for CMI in peace support operations, and is complementary to other mechanisms for information exchange. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Dick Ooms, & Willem-Jan Van Den Heuvel. (2014). If every nail looks different, you need different hammers: Modeling civil-military interaction. 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. 349–353). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: In the response to emergencies and disasters, effective cooperation and information exchange between military and civil actors is essential. However, in practice, the quality of civil-military interaction (CMI) leaves much to be desired. Our research takes an engineering approach, which is complementary to most behavioral-oriented research in the CMI domain. In particular, we seek to support CMI processes with innovative Information Technology solutions. To this end, we are developing a comprehensive conceptual model of the CMI domain, which is currently lacking. This paper contributes to its development by investigating candidate technologies and defining CMI domain model requirements. Exploiting these requirements as criteria, we have evaluated three modeling methods and languages, i.e. the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the Business Process Modeling Notation (BPMN) and the Design and Engineering Methodology for Organizations (DEMO). Based on the comparative study, we conclude that a combination of these is required for modeling the CMI domain.
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Christine Owen, Jan Douglas, & Gregory Hickey. (2008). Information flow and teamwork in Incident Control Centers. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 742–751). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper reports research in progress into a study of information flow and teamwork in Incident Management Teams (IMTs) in Australia. The research project, funded by the Bushfire Co-operative Research Centre. The overall research design includes interviews with experienced personnel, observations of real-time incidents and training simulations and a national questionnaire of incident management practices. Data reported in this conference session will focus on a sample of observation data conducted in two training simulations of a wildfire incident. Observations were video recorded and key IMT members wore lapel microphones. Video data has been coded for use of artifacts (e.g., maps, status boards) and room movement. Audio data has been coded for by the quantity and quality of interactions within and between IMT functions. The presentation aims to contribute to an understanding of what enables and constrains effective teamwork and information flow within Incident Control Centers (ICCs) in Australia.
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Raj Prasanna, Lili Yang, & Malcolm King. (2011). Evaluation of a software prototype for supporting fire emergency response. 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: Despite recent work on information systems, many first responders in the UK Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) are unable to develop sufficient understanding of the situation to enable them to make good decisions. As a partial requirement of the development of information system for the UK fire and rescue services, a software prototype consisting of a number of human computer interfaces are developed and subsequently evaluated to explore how to present useful information for firefighters during their response operations. This paper exclusively discusses the findings arising from end-user demonstration sessions conducted via participative type of prototype evaluation which is aimed to understand the appropriateness and usefulness of the proposed software prototype. This paper contributes to improve the designing of the human computer interfaces and human computer interaction for supporting fire fighters during fire emergency response.
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André Sabino, Rui Nóbrega, Armanda Rodrigues, & Nuno Correia. (2008). Life-saver: Flood emergency simulator. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 724–733). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper proposes an agent-based simulation system for Dam Break Emergency Plan validation. The proposed system shows that integrating GIS data with an agent-based approach provides a successful simulation platform for the emergency plan validation process. Possible strategies to emergency plan modeling and representation are discussed, proposing a close relation with the actual workflow followed by the entities responsible for the plan's specification. The simulation model is mainly concerned with the location-based and location-motivated actions of the involved agents, describing the likely effects of a specific emergency situation response. The simulator architecture is further described, based on the correspondence between the representation of the plan, and the simulation model. This includes the involving characteristics of the simulation, the simulation engine, the description of the resulting data (for the later evaluation of the emergency plan) and a visualization and interaction component, enabling the dynamic introduction of changes in the scenario progression.
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Samer Chehade, Nada Matta, Jean-Baptiste Pothin, & Remi Cogranne. (2020). Ontology-Based Approach for Designing User Interfaces: Application for Rescue Actors. 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. 54–65). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: Nowadays, rescue actors still lack backing to exchange information effectively and ensure a common operational picture. Several studies report a low adoption of communication systems in rescue operations as well as a negative position of actors to such systems. The real needs of stakeholders, simply put, are not satisfied by the offered systems. Observing this circumstance through a user-centred design focal point, we notice that such issues ordinarily originate from inadequate design techniques. For this reason, we aim to implement Rescue MODES, a communication system oriented to support awareness amongst French actors in rescue operations based on their needs. In this paper, we propose an approach and introduce a platform that allows final users to design system interfaces in a customised way. This approach is based on an application ontology and an interaction model.
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Elly Searle. (2010). What is the best possible design for all my users?: A single question to guide user-centered design in low-resource environments. 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 paper discusses how methodological frameworks are often too cumbersome to be used in full by field workers in low-resource environments. When time, money, and political capital are scarce, there often isn't time to follow every prescribed step. This research looks at helping field workers incorporate user-centered design when creating technology solutions through a single-question framework. It follows the author's case study of considering different wording for the single question, and then describes her experience implementing the lightweight framework while redesigning an attendance system for Entity Green Training in Jordan. The method is promising as an efficient way to expand one's thinking during the design process, but needs more testing to validate its benefits for workers who lack training in user-centered design methods. This research is particularly valuable for people working in low-resource environments where they lack the time and money to iteratively fix problematic designs.
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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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Gaia Trecarichi, Veronica Rizzi, Lorenzino Vaccari, Maurizio Marchese, & Paolo Besana. (2009). Open Knowledge at work: Exploring centralized and decentralized information gathering in emergency contexts. 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: Real-world experience teaches us that to manage emergencies, efficient crisis response coordination is crucial. ICT infrastructures are effective in supporting the people involved in such contexts, by supporting effective ways of interaction. They also should provide innovative means of communication and information management. At present, centralized architectures are mostly used for this purpose; however, alternative infrastructures based on the use of distributed information sources, are currently being explored, studied and analyzed. This paper aims at investigating the capability of a novel approach (developed within the European project OpenKnowledge1) to support both centralized and decentralized architectures for information gathering. For this purpose, we developed an agent-based e-Response simulation environment fully integrated with the OpenKnowledge infrastructure and through which existing emergency plans are modelled and simulated. Preliminary results show the OpenKnowledge capability of supporting the two afore-mentioned architectures and, under ideal assumptions, a comparable performance in both cases.
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Chris J. Van Aart, & Stijn Oomes. (2008). Real-time organigraphs for collaboration awareness. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 651–659). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Collaboration awareness, as extension to organization awareness, is knowing how organizations do work and achieve their goals. This knowledge moves on a scale from stated prescribed ways of acting (such as procedures and protocols) to informal channels of communication, teamwork and decision-making. Based on available static and dynamic data, standardized insights can be given about collaboration in emergency situations in the form of organigraphs. We argue that for gaining practical collaboration awareness, both the formal structure of an organization as well as informal interactions should be inspected. Informal interaction includes informal communication channels, actual decision making on the spot and multi-disciplinary joint activities. We have implemented our system in the form of a web-based visualization tool. This tool would have been useful in the Hercules disaster, giving insights in informal information exchange, possibly preventing fatal decisions.
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Martin Voshell, & Stijn Oomes. (2006). Coordinating (Shared) perspectives in robot assisted search & rescue. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 188–196). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: From high fidelity field exercises to disaster response deployments, search and rescue robots are being readily integrated into rescue operations. Previous research has proposed that for such new technology to be successful in an operation the organization architecture needs to support the coordination of shared perspectives between the human team members and the robotic platforms. For this, the robot platforms need to be effective team players in the field of practice. Based on this conceptual model, this paper introduces a novel software interface utilizing virtual position and orientation indicators to alleviate perceptual ambiguities and navigation problems experienced by robot handlers and problem holders. By actively orchestrating and sharing these indicators between handler and operator displays, the interface caters to user expertise and to the natural competency of the human perceptual system. These probes provide a basic tool for aiding robot navigation and way-finding fundamental to effective team coordination and communication in urban search and rescue missions.
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Nuwan Waidyanatha, Tharaka Wilfred, Kasun Perera, Manoj Silva, & Brenda Burell. (2012). Complexity and usability of voice-enabled alerting and situational reporting decoupled systems. 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: Telephone calls are the predominant telecommunication mode in Sri Lanka. Leveraging voice-based applications for disaster communication would be acceptable and sustainable. The findings in this paper are from an experiment concerning interactive voice for connecting community-based emergency field operatives with their central coordination hub. Challenge was in interchanging the Freedom Fone (FF) Interactive Voice Response (IVR) generated, Sinhala and Tamil language, speech data with the text-based 'Sahana' disaster management system for analysis and decision support. Emergency Data Exchange Language (EDXL) interoperable content standard was adopted for mediation. Low quality voice data resulting in incomplete information was a barrier to automating transformations between text and speech. Replacing those processes with human procedure significantly degrades the reliability. Moreover, human interaction with decoupled software systems, to accomplish the sequence of tasks, points to instabilities. This paper discusses the complexities and usability shortcomings discovered through controlled-exercises in Sri Lanka. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Don J.M. Willems, & Louis Vuurpijl. (2007). Designing interactive maps for crisis management. In K. Nieuwenhuis P. B. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Intelligent Human Computer Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM 2007 Academic Proceedings Papers (pp. 159–166). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of pen input recognition systems that are suited for so-called interactive maps. Such systems provide the possibility to enter handwriting, drawings, sketches and other modes of pen input. Typically, interactive maps are used to annotate objects or mark situations that are depicted on the display of video walls, handhelds, PDAs, or tablet PCs. Our research explores the possibility of employing interactive maps for crisis management systems, which require robust and effective communication of, e.g., the location of objects, the kind of incidents, or the indication of route alternatives. The design process described here is a mix of “best practices” for building perceptive systems, combining research in pattern recognition, human factors, and human-computer interaction. Using this approach, comprising data collection and annotation, feature extraction, and the design of domain-specific recognition technology, a decrease in error rates is achieved from 9.3% to 4.0%.
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Xiang Yao, Murray Turoff, & Michael J. Chumer. (2009). Designing a group support system to review and practice emergency plans in virtual teams. 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 the 21st century, rapid changes of our society necessitate continuous review and practice of emergency plans. Traditional face-to-face (FtF) interactions to make emergency plans and train responders seem insufficient. The virtual team (VT), a new team form allowing dynamic recruitment of experts from global extent and conduction of teamwork whenever it is needed, provides a more agile solution. This paper introduces a group support system called Collario (Collaborative Scenario) aiming to facilitate effective collaboration in creating and discussing scenarios in VTs and to utilize scenarios as the vehicle to review and practice emergency plans on a continuous basis. This research is still in progress. Three professionals have been involved in system demonstrations and interviews. Although it is still too early to make any conclusions, it is encouraging to know that all the three experts thought Collario easy to use and might be useful for various emergency preparedness purposes.
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Jun Zhuang, John Coles, Peiqiu Guan, Fei He, & Xiaojun Shan. (2012). Strategic interactions in disaster preparedness and relief in the face of man-made and natural 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: Society is faced with a growing amount of property damage and casualties from man-made and natural disasters. Developing societal resilience to those disasters is critical but challenging. In particular, societal resilience is jointly determined by federal and local governments, private and non-profit sectors, and private citizens. We present a sequence of games among players such as federal, local, and foreign governments, private citizens, and adaptive adversaries. In particular, the governments and private citizens seek to protect lives, property, and critical infrastructure from both adaptive terrorists and non-adaptive natural disasters. The federal government can provide grants to local governments and foreign aid to foreign governments to protect against both natural and man-made disasters. All levels of government can provide pre-disaster preparation and post-disaster relief to private citizens. Private citizens can also make their own investments. The tradeoffs between protecting against man-made and natural disasters – specifically between preparedness and relief, efficiency and equity – and between private and public investment, will be discussed. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Christopher W. Zobel, Stanley E. Griffis, Steven A. Melnyk, & John R. MacDonald. (2012). Characterizing disaster resistance and recoveryusing outlier detection. 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: Most definitions of disaster resilience incorporate both the capacity to resist the initial impact of a disaster and the ability to recover after it occurs. Being able to characterize and analyze resilient behavior can lead to improved understanding not only of the capabilities of a given system, but also of the effectiveness of different strategies for improving its resiliency. This paper presents an approach for quantifying the transient behavior resulting from a disaster event in a way that allows researchers to not only describe the transient response but also assess the impact of various factors (both main and interaction effects) on this response. This new approach combines simulation modeling, time series analysis, and statistical outlier detection to differentiate between disaster resistance and disaster recovery. Following the introduction of the approach, the paper provides a preliminary look at its relationship to the existing concept of predicted disaster resilience. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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