Michele Angelaccio, & Daniele Pizziconi. (2008). Adaptive process coordination through mobile file sharing: A crisis management case study analysis. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 242–248). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes an ongoing project that exploits the capability of mobile sharing systems for ad-hoc wireless networks (MANET) operating in a post-emergency scenario. The aim is to support an existing adaptive process management in which users handle multimedia files (e.g. disaster photos) in a nomadic way by exploiting the capability offered by mobile file sharing middleware to reduce the connection time for each nomadic operator performing emergency workflow. The paper compares user activities with and without file sharing capability in order to show the efficiency gain that could be obtained. A preliminary discussion with example of activity diagrams evidences the benefits in terms of workflow efficiency and gives the opportunity in the software project development phase to obtain a more scalable and efficiently performing mobile adaptive process management for crisis scenarios.
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Andrea Marrella, Massimo Mecella, & Alessandro Russo. (2011). Collaboration on-the-field: Suggestions and beyond. 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: In disaster scenarios, emergency operators/first responders need to collaborate in order to reach a common goal. The use of mobile devices and applications in these scenarios is very valuable as they can improve collaboration, coordination, and communication amongst team members. But there are also risks involved while using these mobile applications, e.g., decreasing of performance. Most of the tasks are highly critical and time demanding, e.g., saving minutes could result in saving people's life. Therefore, it is unacceptable to use systems that lack proper interaction principles. In this paper, we provide some suggestions, in the form of lessons learned and/or hints for possible future research activities, on how to effectively support on-the-field collaboration of emergency operators. Such suggestions are based on the authors' experience in a recently concluded successful research project on the use of mobile devices for supporting first responders.
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Bogdan Tatomir, & Leon J.M. Rothkrantz. (2005). Crisis management using mobile ad-hoc wireless networks. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2005 – 2nd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 147–149). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In this paper we describe a disaster management system. It is assumed that each individual in the field is equipped with a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and that can communicate with other PDAs in the vicinity. Together the PDAs form an ad-hoc network. Users can enter their own observations to the PDA, like the position of victims, or a description of the current situation at particular location (e.g. smoke, emergency exits, traffic congestion). This information is entered in a special iconic language. Reversibly, the PDAs inform the users on the overall current situation of the crisis. In order to come to a shared view of the world, the knowledge that is present in the network has to be shared and fused. The proposed way to communicate is via a shared blackboard. This approach facilitates communication in a time and place independent way.
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Louis-Francis Pau, & Peter Simonsen. (2008). Emergency messaging to general public via public wireless networks. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 3–11). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Warnings to the broad population in an emergency situation, irrespective of location and condition, is a public policy responsibility. Public wireless networks offer now the opportunity to deliver emergency warnings in this way with explanations, because in many countries the mobile penetration rates and coverage are higher than any other access form. The paper summarizes the analysis of the selection process between Short messaging services (SMS) and Cell Broadcast (CB) messaging in the context of Denmark based on end user requirements, stakeholder roles and case-based analysis. It demonstrates the many technical, cost-benefit and other trade-offs needed in supporting the population now with a dependable and wide-spread technology. This research is the basis for a national policy.
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Tiago Badre Marino, Bruno Santos Do Nascimento, & Marcos R. S. Borges. (2012). GIS supporting data gathering and fast decision making in emergencies situations. In Z.Franco J. R. L. Rothkrantz (Ed.), ISCRAM 2012 Conference Proceedings – 9th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management. Vancouver, BC: Simon Fraser University.
Abstract: This proposal rises from the Center for Disasters Scientific Support experience over eleven years supporting over a hundred disasters in Latin America. It also presents a case study applied to landslides assessments in Teresopolis (Brazil) city, when all field-generated knowledge was still registered in paper and later, at the base station, uploaded to database and finally available for managers evaluation and decision. The proposed methodology creates a platform (still under development) which allows online registration from different field agents during their evaluations enabling data upload combining mobile devices and telecommunication network (or Wi-Fi) technologies. Teams can also customize forms for different information classes (i.e. landslide assessment, rescued person, blocked road) and still retain the possibility to attach images, videos, other files related to each inspection. Incoming data are stored into a web database available for a real-time coordinators evaluation wherever they are (sometimes over a thousand of miles away from disaster area). © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Abdullah Konak. (2014). Improving network connectivity in emergency ad hoc wireless networks. 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. 36–44). University Park, PA: The Pennsylvania State University.
Abstract: Wireless Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) can to provide first responders and disaster management agencies with a reliable communication network in the event of a large-scale natural disaster that devastates majority of the existing communication infrastructure. Without requiring a fixed infrastructure, MANETs can be quickly deployed after a large-scale natural disaster or a terrorist attack. On the other hand, MANETs have dynamic topologies which could be disconnected because of the mobility of nodes. This paper presents a decentralized approach to maintain the connectivity of a MANET using autonomous, intelligent agents. Concepts from the social network analysis along with flocking algorithms are utilized to guide the deployment decision of agents. Unlike a basic flocking algorithm where all nodes have the same importance, network metrics are used to quantify the relative importance of nodes. Computational results are presented to demonstrate the effect of various local agent behaviors on the global network connectivity.
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Patricia Gómez Bello, Ignacio Aedo, Fausto Sainz, Paloma Díaz, & Jorge De Castro. (2006). M-ARCE: Designing an ubiquitous mobile office for disaster mitigation, services and configuration. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 121–126). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Cooperation and mutual assistance in emergency situations is one of the main objectives of the Latin-American Association of Governmental Organisms of Civil Defense and Protection. To promote such collaboration m-ARCE has been developed; an ubiquitous mobile office for disaster mitigation where users can send and receive information anywhere and anytime. When a catastrophe happens in a country, and almost all infrastructure is destroyed, mobile technology, such as mobile devices and wireless networks, offers the user resources to ask for help and to manage it. Latin-American Countries often suffer catastrophes that provoke numerous human losses and major economic and social problems. International assistance and collaboration with the affected country is necessary to help in its recovery. The Web, like Internet, offers static office services to users who can access information using an infrastructure in indoor environments. On the other hand, mobile computing and networking use the Internet, together with mobile physical devices linked to it, and software platforms built upon it, to design and coordinate systems across countries. In the ubiquitous mobile office design, we describe how services, such as chat, email and wireless communication, should be configured for emergency situation. We make use of ubiquitous hypermedia -linked nodes in ubiquitous spaces- to ensure mobility and accessibility to the mobile device interface, such as PDAs and smartphones.
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Michael R. Bartolacci, Albena Mihovska, & Dilek Ozceylan Aubrecht. (2013). Optimization modeling and decision support for wireless infrastructure deployment in disaster planning and management. 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. 674–677). KIT; Baden-Baden: Karlsruher Institut fur Technologie.
Abstract: Natural disasters and emergencies create the need for communication between and among the affected populace and emergency responders as well as other parties such as governmental agencies and aid organizations. Such communications include the dissemination of key information such as evacuation orders and locations of emergency shelters. In particular, the coordination of efforts between responding organizations require additional communication solutions that typically rely heavily on wireless communications to complement fixed line infrastructure due to the ease of use and portability. While the deployment of temporary mobile networks and other wireless equipment following disasters has been successfully accomplished by governmental agencies and network providers following previous disasters, there appears to be little optimization effort involved with respect to maximizing key performance measures of the deployment or minimizing overall cost to deploy. This work does not focus on the question of what entity will operate the portable base stations or wireless equipment utilized during a disaster, only the question of optimizing placement for planning and real time management purposes. This work examines current wireless network optimization models and points out that none of them include the necessary variables for a disaster planning or emergency deployment context. Due to the fact that the choice of wireless technology impacts the nature of an overall model, a brief discussion of exemplar wireless technologies is included. The work also proposes criteria that must be taken into account in order to have a useful model for deployment of mobile base stations and related wireless communications equipment.
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