Pablo Acuña, Paloma Díaz, & Ignacio Aedo. (2010). Development of a design patterns catalog for Web-based Emergency Management 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 design of Emergency Management Systems is an activity that requires knowledge from various related domains for providing a more complete and usable solution. In this context, design patterns including knowledge from previous experiences can be a useful source of information to support the development of this type of applications. In this paper, we introduce a catalog of design patterns for Web-based Emergency Management Systems collected from design principles, design patterns and existing implementations from involved areas, taking into account requirements particular to this domain.
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Bo Andersson, & Jonas Hedman. (2006). Issues in the development of a mobile based communication platform for the swedish police force and appointed security guards. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 181–187). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper presents the learning experiences from the development of a mobile-based communication platform, called OrdningsVaktsCentralen (OVC). OVC can be translated to Security Guard Central. OVC is designed to enable the Swedish Police Force (SPF) to comply with new legal requirements and enhance their collaboration with Appointed Security Guards (ASG). The focus of this paper is on the early phases of development; in particular on the specific technical issues such as interoperability and standards used in the development of mobile based systems. The learning experiences are as follows: firstly, when developing mobile based systems we suggest and recommend that the analysis phase should be enhanced and it should address the interoperability between mobile phones on one hand and operators on the other hand. Secondly, global and national standards, such as the MMS7 for sending multi-media messages, are not always standardized. It seems that operators and mobile phone manufacturers make minor alterations and interpretations of the standard and thereby some of the benefits found in standards disappear. Thirdly, mobile based communication platforms have a large potential for contributing to the field of emergency management information systems since they can be based on open and nationally accepted standards.
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Ignacio Aedo, Daniel Sanz, Paloma Díaz, & Jorge De Castro. (2006). Modelling emergency response communities using RBAC principles. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 426–434). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: One of the main design challenges of any Emergency Management System (EMS) is the diversity of users and responsibilities that must be considered. Modelling the access capabilities of different communities of users is a relevant concern for which the RBAC (Role-Based Access Control) paradigm provides flexible and powerful constructs. In this paper we describe how we used an RBAC meta-model to specify at different levels of abstraction the access policy of a specific EMS called ARCE (Aplicación en Red para Casos de Emergencia). This approach has made it possible to face access modelling at earlier development stages, so that stakeholders got involved in analytical and empirical evaluations to test the correctness and effectiveness of the access policy. Moreover, since the RBAC meta-model is embedded into a web engineering method, we put into practice a holistic process which addresses different design perspectives (structure, navigation, presentation, interaction and access) in an integrated way.
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Ummul Khair Israt Ara, & Fang Chen. (2012). Information security in crisis management system. 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: Information security is an important part of almost any kind of Information System. Crisis Management Systems (CMS) are a type of Information System that deals with information which needs to be secure. No matter what kind of crisis, natural disasters, man-made crisis or terrorist attacks, the CMS security should not be compromised. There are many challenges regarding exchange of qualified information and interoperability between various Expert Systems and the CMS. It is important to have strong security in terms of technology, skills, security requirements, sensitivity of information and trust-worthiness (Vural, Ciftcibasi and Inan, 2010). Depending on the type of crisis situation, different sets of security components should be triggered, since the security requirements vary between situations. For example, a terrorist attack has different security requirements in the system compared to a natural disaster or a medical emergency. In this paper, the importance of Information Security in CMS will be discussed. Methods for secure exchange of qualified information are analyzed and a secure and dynamic Crisis Management Information Security System (CMISS) design is introduced. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Paul Burghardt. (2004). Combined systems: The combined systems point of view. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 51–56). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Crisis Management Systems are evolving from human organizations making use of information systems towards three-layered networks of human actors, artificial agents and traditional information systems. In order to understand the qualities of such complex “COMBINED” systems a joint effort of the sciences of human and artificial systems is required. To ensure practical results, research efforts should anticipate engineering efforts by providing architectural mechanisms and patterns associated with the qualities and capabilities of Combined Systems as a whole. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Tim J. Grant. (2008). Checklist for comparing emergency management information systems. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 752–763). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes a checklist that has been developed for comparing the functionality of emergency management control centres and their information systems. The intention is to interest the ISCRAM community in using the checklist in various applications and pooling experiences. The Control Centre Visit Checklist has evolved through four iterations. It has been used to study two military C2 systems and one non-military control system, and has been applied by students for course assignments. The paper focuses on the part of the checklist that evaluates the information system from the systems viewpoint. It describes the underlying applications architecture and process model. The Royal Netherlands Army's Battlefield Management System illustrates the application of the checklist. The results show that the checklist aids in identifying where C2 systems can be developed further. The next step is to perform a set of substantial pilot studies for diverse domains, including civilian emergency management systems.
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Niklas Hallberg, Helena Granlund, Jonas Hallberg, & Rogier Woltjer. (2012). Rationale for emergency management systems for local communities: A needs assessment. 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: Information systems have great potential to support emergency management. However, development of such systems is difficult, due to the complexity of emergency management. The ability to be able to reveal the needs for support are essential for successful system developments. The emergency responders at the local community level are the main actors when it comes to emergency management. The objective of this paper is to explore the rationale for emergency management systems at the local community level. This is done by an extensive needs assessment based on 12 interviews with representatives for local as well as regional emergency organizations and 49 governing documents. The analysis uncovers ten areas where emergency management systems can enhance the ability of local communities' to manage emergencies. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Paul McGinnity, David Pollard, & David Dawson. (2004). A management information system to support the radiological protection institute of Ireland's emergency response role: Design and implementation. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 39–44). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: A recent review of the procedures covering the RPII's responsibilities under the National Emergency Plan for Nuclear Accidents has shown the need for a management information system (MIS) to support the organisation's operational plan for emergency preparedness and response. This paper describes the design objectives and the development of a prototype version of this system. Specific functions of the MIS are highlighted along with a description of the motivation behind their development. This very simple MIS has already helped RPII staff members to operate more efficiently. Finally, some ideas for future development are outlined. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Christian Neuhaus, Mario Hannappel, Daniela Giebel, & Sabine Färfers. (2012). Crisis management systems in Germany – A status report about the current functions and developments of private and public crisis managementsystems in Germany. 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: Crisis management systems play a critical role in supporting responders and decision makers in their crisis and emergency management functions. Even though these systems and solutions have been broadly adopted in private and public organizations, very few quantitative studies can be found on their functions, user groups, targeted stakeholders, their technological requirements and their scope of services. The present study gives an outline of our ongoing project and an insight in the first results of a three-year study of crisis management systems in Germany. The study will outline the methods of our analysis and will present some results from an analysis of over more than 170 systems from over 70 vendor/developers. It will then give a conclusion of the results and outline open and future questions. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Carin Rencrantz, Niclas Karlsson, & Rolf Olsson. (2012). A concept for inter-organizational crisis management exercises. 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 large inter-organizational Swedish crisis management exercise was carried out during two months in 2011. It was unique in the sense that it combined both short-term and long-term crisis management involving more than 60 organizations and 6000 participants. This has never been done before in this context and therefore required an elaborated and sophisticated exercise concept. The purpose of this paper is to present the concept of the exercise as well as lessons learned about the concept and the Swedish crisis management system. The exercise was composed of three different phases each involving different methods with respect to exercising and evaluating effective and efficient crisis management. The general conclusion is that the exercise enabled analyzes and handling of both short-term and long-term crisis management. This implies that the exercise concept could be of great use in Sweden and other countries where emergencies call for cooperation between numerous distributed organizations. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Maria A. Santos, António Gonçalves, Sandra Silva, Nuno Charneca, & Miguel Gamboa. (2004). Dam break emergency response Information System. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 27–32). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Although considered of low risk, incidents with dams may cause significant damage both directly and indirectly. Direct losses are usually easier to assess (assuming human lives are quantifiable), but indirect losses are difficult to measure and may take some time before the original situation is restored. Disaster prevention and vulnerability reduction have been topics of major concern in many local, national or international organisations for some years. These can be accomplished through emergency management which begins with hazard identification and planning for disaster mitigation but encompasses other activities as risk analysis, risk response and recovery. Therefore, an emergency management system with capacity to: i) forecast critical situations; ii) warn the population as well as the authorities; and iii) support the civil protection system to deal with an emergency, is a most helpful tool to minimize the impact of an accident. The Information System described herein fulfils mainly the third objective, i.e. it is intended to help the Civil Protection System in Portugal, to respond to an emergency caused by the failure of a dam. It is an Internet-based application, which integrates all relevant data for the implementation of a dam emergency plan. These data include the main characteristics of the dam and its reservoir, the character-isation of the dam downstream valley as well as the response procedures to be followed in an emergency. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Oliver Schmitt, & Tim A. Majchrzak. (2012). Using document-based databases for medical information systems in unreliable environments. 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: Healthcare and crisis management are pervaded by the usage of Information Systems (IS). Virtually all IS rely on data storage. Despite the document-oriented nature of medical datasets, the prevailing kind of database used are relational (RDBMS) ones. In order to find a more adequate solution in a development project for a patientregistry, we evaluated a document-based database incorporated into the data storage layer of a system. To foster the understanding of this technology, we present the background of form-originated data storage in healthcare, introduce document-based databases, and describe our scenario. Based on our findings, we generalize the results with a focus on crisis management. We found that document-based databases such as CouchDB are well-suited for IS in medical contexts and might be a feasible option for the future implementation of systems in various fields of healthcare, crisis response, and medical research. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Daniel Stein, Barbara Krausz, Jobst Löffler, Robin Marterer, Rolf Bardeli, Jochen Schwenninger, et al. (2012). Enriching an intelligent resource management system with automatic event recognition. 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: Event recognition systems have high potential to support crisis management and emergency response. Given the vast amount of possible input channels, automatic processing of raw data is crucial. In this paper, we describe several components integrated in an overall intelligent resource management system, namely abnormal event detection in audio and video material, as well as automatic speech recognition within a public safety network. We elaborate on the challenges expected from real life data and the solutions that we applied. The overall system, based on Event-Driven Service-Oriented Architecture, has been implemented and partly integrated into the end users' infrastructures. The system is continuously running since almost two years, collecting data for research purposes. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Tao Bo, & Bartel A. Van De Walle. (2013). Meeting the sphere standards: An analysis of earthquake response in China. 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. 517–525). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: As a country which frequently suffers from natural disasters, especially earthquakes, China has implemented its own disaster management system to respond to them. The Chinese government gained practical experiences on how to respond to severe earthquakes after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake and 2010 Yushu Earthquake. Although China has done a lot to improve its response operations, challenges remain. This paper analyses what these challenges are by using the Sphere Standard as a benchmark to measure the Chinese response operations. The Sphere project was launched in 1997 by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. It framed a Humanitarian Charter and established the Minimum Standards for response which emphasize meeting the urgent survival needs of people in the affected regions, while asserting their basic human right to a life with dignity. Based on this analysis, suggestions are provided to improve China's earthquake response operations.
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Marcos R. S. Borges, Kelli De Faria Cordeiro, Maria Luiza M Campos, & Tiago Brade Marino. (2011). Linked open data and the design of information infrastructure for emergency management systems. 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: Correct information is a vital resource during disasters. Without adequate information, response actions may be ineffective. What is the source of information of emergency management systems? Besides that originated from sensors, the emergency team and the public in general, a very relevant source is government data, such as demographic and geographic data, road maps, etc. The heterogeneity of information formats is a well-known problem that affects organizations and communities that want to access public data. Today, most public agencies provide access to their data, but the great majority is unreadable by automated mechanisms. Besides, most of them do not provide a dictionary meaning for the published content. A solution to this problem is of particular importance to emergency response organizations that need access to all information available to better respond to disasters and crisis. The linked open data (LOD) initiative allows the interconnection of data, using standards in the context of the semantic web approach. In ideal conditions, government agencies publish their public data, thus allowing the use of automated data concerned consumers, whether they are other government agencies or citizens. Efforts aimed to link government data are growing in several countries around the world. This talk presents the LOD concepts and describes an architecture that uses LOD in the design of an Emergency Management System. It describes a scheme for collecting available data from government agencies, such as departments of health, transport, works, that can supply information needs during an emergency response operation.
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Art Botterell, & Martin Griss. (2011). Toward the next generation of emergency operations systems. 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: For more than half a century the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been a key component of emergency management (EM), homeland security and business continuity practice. Changes in the technical, threat, economic and social environments are placing new pressures on the concept of the EOC in the public, private and community sectors. Investigation of the desirable attributes of a “Next Generation EOC” has led to alternative EOC roles and configurations. This paper describes emerging pressures on, and trends in, emergency and business contingency management systems, and describes a research program to explore solutions to both new and persistent design challenges.
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Monika Büscher, Lisa Wood, & Sung-Yueh Perng. (2013). Privacy, security, liberty: Informing the design of EMIS. 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. 401–410). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: This paper explores issues of security, privacy and liberty arising in relation to ICT supported emergency management. The aim is to inform the design of emergency management information systems (EMIS) and architectures that support emergent interoperability and assembly of emergency management systems of systems. We show how transformations of social and material practices of privacy boundary management create challenges, opportunities and dangers in this context. While opportunities include development of more efficient and agile emergency management models, building on smart city concepts, dangers include surveillance, social sorting and an erosion of civil liberties. Against this backdrop, we briefly explore human practice focused 'privacy by design' as a candidate design avenue.
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José H. Canós-Cerdá, Carmen Penadés, Carlos Solís, Marcos R. S. Borges, & Manuel Llavador. (2010). Using spatial hypertext to visualize composite knowledge in emergency responses. 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: Having the right information at the right time is crucial to make decisions during emergency responses. To fulfill this requirement, emergency management systems must provide emergency managers with knowledge management and visualization tools. The goal is twofold: on one hand, to organize knowledge coming from different sources, mainly the emergency response plans (the formal knowledge) and the information extracted from the emergency development (the contextual knowledge); on the other hand, to enable effective access to information. Formal and contextual knowledge sets are mostly disjoint; however, there are cases in which a formal knowledge piece may be updated with some contextual information, constituting what we call the composite knowledge. In this paper, we extend a knowledge framework with the notion of composite knowledge, and use spatial hypertext to visualize this type of knowledge. We illustrate our proposal with a case study on accessing to information during an emergency response in an underground transportation system.
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Mifan Careem, David Bitner, & Ravindra De Silva. (2007). GIS integration in the Sahana disaster management system. 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. 211–218). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Disaster Management often involves using Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to manage large amounts of data efficiently. Data gathered from disasters are often related to geographic locations, such as the affected geographic region, thus requiring special forms of data management software to utilize and manage them efficiently. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are specialized database systems with software that can analyze and display data using digitized maps and tables for decision making. Preparing and correctly formatting data for use in a GIS is nontrivial, and it is even more challenging during disasters because of tight time constraints and inherent unpredictability of many natural disasters. This paper describes the important role of GIS in disaster management, and discusses the most common characteristics of GIS and their potential use in disaster response. We follow up with a detailed description of the GIS prototype in the Sahana Disaster Management System.
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Tiziana Catarci, Massimiliano De Leoni, Andrea Marrella, Massimo Mecella, Manfred Bortenschlager, & Renate Steinmann. (2010). The WORKPAD project experience: Improving the disaster response through process management and geo collaboration. 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: In complex emergency/disaster scenarios teams from various emergency-response organizations collaborate with each other to achieve a common goal. In these scenarios the use of smart mobile devices and applications can improve the collaboration dynamically. The lack of basic interaction principles can be dangerous as it could increase the level of disaster or can make the efforts ineffective. The paper focuses on the description of the main results of the project WORKPAD finished in December 2009. WORKPAD worked on a two-level architecture to support rescue operators during emergency management. The use of a user-centered design methodology during the entire development cycle has guaranteed that the architecture and the resulting system meet the end-user requirements. The feasibility of its use in real emergencies is also proven by a demonstration showcased in July with real operators. The paper includes the qualitative and quantitative showcase results and mentions some guidelines which can be useful for persons who want to develop emergency-management systems.
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Martine Couturier, & Edith Wilkinson. (2005). Open advanced system for improved crisis management (OASIS). In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 283–286). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The OASIS Project addresses the Strategic objective 2.3.2.9, “Improving Risk Management”, of the second call for tender of the European Commission FP6 Information Society Technologies program. The objective of OASIS is to define and develop an Information Technology (IT) framework based on an open and flexible architecture and using standards that will be the basis of a European Emergency Management system. OASIS is intended to facilitate the cooperation between the information systems used by civil protection organisations, in a local, regional, national or international environment. This Disaster and Emergency Management system aims to support the response operations in the case of large scale as well as local emergencies.
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Dragos Datcu, & Leon J.M. Rothkrantz. (2008). A Dialog Action Manager for automatic 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. 384–393). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper presents the results of our research on the development of a Dialog Action Manager-DAM as part of a complex crisis management system. Imagine the utility of such an automatic system to detect the crisis and to provide support to people in contexts similar to what happened recently at the underground in London and Madrid. Preventing and handling the scenarios of terrorism and other crisis are nowadays maybe the most important issues for a modern and safe society. In order to automate the crisis support, DAM simulates the behavior of an employee at the crisis centre handling telephone calls from human observers. Firstly, the system has to mimic the natural support for the paradigm 'do you hear me?' and next for the paradigm 'do you understand me?'. The people witnessing the crisis event as well as human experts provide reports and expertise according to their observations and knowledge on the crisis. The system knowledge and the data communication follow the XML format specifications. The system is centered on the results of our previous work on creating a user-centered multimodal reporting tool that works on mobile devices. In our paper we describe the mechanisms for creating an automatic DAM system that is able to analyze the user messages, to identify and track the crisis contexts, to support dialogs for crisis information disambiguation and to generate feedback in the form of advice to the users. The reasoning is done by using a data frame and rule based system architecture and an alternative Bayesian Network approach. In the paper we also present a series of experiments we have attempted in our endeavor to correctly identify natural solutions for the crisis situations.
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Tom De Groeve, Luca Vernaccini, & Alessandro Annunziato. (2006). Modelling disaster impact for the global disaster alert and coordination system. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 409–417). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System, jointly developed by the European Commission and the United Nations, combines existing web-based disaster information management systems with the aim to alert the international community in case of major sudden-onset disasters and to facilitate the coordination of international response during the relief phase of the disaster. The disaster alerts are based on automatic hazard information retrieval and real-time running of impact models. This paper describes impact models for earthquakes, tsunamis and tropical cyclones.
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Magiswary Dorasamy, Murali Raman, & Maniam Kaliannan. (2014). Evaluating CEMAS in simulated environment to support disaster management challenges. 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. 444–453). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Researchers and emergency management system designers constantly find ways to produce suitable systems that have best fit between technology, and tasks. However, there is significant gap in the literature on designing information system that places greater emphasis on situational qualities. We posit that situational qualities are as important as information system success qualities such as system quality, information/knowledge quality and service quality. This research work aimed to fill this theoretical gap in designing IS for disaster management and to contribute towards guiding design decisions for future emergency management information systems development. A prototype system called CEMAS was designed and developed to support current challenges in disaster management. The underlying guiding theory for CEMAS was situational qualities interweaved within information system success factors in the form of knowledge management system. This paper presents the evaluation results of CEMAS in a simulated environment for flood.
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Starr Roxanne Hiltz, Linda Plotnick, & Rosalie J. Ocker. (2011). Learning about Emergency Management Information Systems through Partially Distributed Team projects. 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: What are effective ways to train students for designing Emergency Management Information Systems and for working with distant partners on EMIS projects? This paper describes the results of a project whose goal is to assess the effectiveness of Partially Distributed Teams (PDTs) as a pedagogical strategy. A PDT is one type of distributed team, in which two or more co-located subgroups use information and communication technology to collaborate on a task. Much of emergency management involves cross-organizational and often cross-national collaboration in this form. Students need, but lack, learning experiences focused on how to work effectively in such situations. This field study involved more than 700 students from universities in eight countries, working in 80 teams on an EMIS software requirements task. Results indicate that students report positive learning experiences, with international students in international teams reporting the most positive experiences. There are also significant differences among universities.
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