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Jonas Höchst, Lars Baumgartner, Franz Kuntke, Alvar Penning, Artur Sterz, & Bernd Freisleben. (2020). LoRa-based Device-to-Device Smartphone Communication for Crisis Scenarios. In Amanda Hughes, Fiona McNeill, & Christopher W. Zobel (Eds.), ISCRAM 2020 Conference Proceedings – 17th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 996–1011). Blacksburg, VA (USA): Virginia Tech.
Abstract: In this paper, we present an approach to facilitate long-range device-to-device communication via smartphones in crisis scenarios. Through a custom firmware for low-cost LoRa capable micro-controller boards, called rf95modem, common devices for end users can be enabled to use LoRa through a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or serial connection. We present two applications utilizing the flexibility provided by the proposed firmware. First, we introduce a novel device-to-device LoRa chat application that works a) on the two major mobile platforms Android and iOS and b) on traditional computers like notebooks using a console-based interface. Second, we demonstrate how other infrastructure-less technology can benefit from our approach by integrating it into the DTN7 delay-tolerant networking software. The firmware, the device-to-device chat application, the integration into DTN7, as well as the experimental evaluation code fragments are available under permissive open-source licenses.
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Kuntke, F., Baumgartner, L., & Reuter, C. (2023). Rural Communication in Outage Scenarios: Disruption-Tolerant Networking via LoRaWAN Setups. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 975–988). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Since communications infrastructure is subject to many impacts, e.g., destructive natural events, it can potentially collapse at any time. Especially in rural areas, the recovery of public network infrastructure can take some time, so a dedicated communication channel would be advantageous. We explore the possibility of transforming commodity LoRaWAN gateways into meshed network nodes for a digital emergency communication channel. In order to obtain the required parameters, we collected farm locations in Germany with OpenStreetMap. Based on the assumptions of LoRa communication range and considering our use case requirements, connecting farm communities seems theoretically feasible in many areas of our data set. To further analyze our idea, we ran simulations of two common DTN routing protocols with different scenarios. A proof-of-concept implementation allows smaller messages to be transmitted using real hardware and demonstrates that a decentralized communications infrastructure based on commodity hardware is possible.
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Kuntke, F., Bektas, M., Buhleier, L., Pohl, E., Schiller, R., & Reuter, C. (2023). How Would Emergency Communication Based On LoRaWAN Perform? Empirical Findings of Signal Propagation in Rural Areas. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 1042–1050). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies are typically promoted for Internet-of-Things (IoT) applications, but are also of interest for emergency communications systems when regular fixed and mobile networks break down. Although LoRaWAN is a frequently used representative here, there are sometimes large differences between the proposed range and the results of some practical evaluations. Since previous work has focused on urban environments or has conducted simulations, this work aims to gather concrete knowledge on the transmission characteristics in rural environments. Extensive field studies with varying geographic conditions and comparative tests in urban environments were performed using two different hardware implementations. Overall, it was found that the collected values in rural areas are significantly lower than the theoretical values. Nevertheless, the results certify that LoRaWAN technology has a high range that cannot be achieved with other common technologies for emergency communications.
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Edward Mahinda, & Brian Whitworth. (2004). Evaluating flexibility and reliability in emergency response information systems. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 93–98). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: Flexibility, variously known as adaptability, tailorability, and customizability, has long been recognized as important in information system (IS) success. Reliability has known value in IS for the resulting predictability it bestows on a system. However increasing flexibility can increase possible paths for system breakdown, and so contribute to failure, i.e. increasing flexibility can reduce reliability. Reliability and flexibility seem in design “tension”, as one creates change and the other resists it. The combination of reliability and flexibility has been called “ robustness”, and it seems a desirable integration particularly for emergency response systems. However typically these two areas are studied separately. Our approach to evaluating the combination of reliability and flexibility is to define two distinct requirements that neither overlap nor contradict, and can be assessed by system users. A questionnaire instrument for users is proposed for measurement of the flexibility and reliability of a system. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Tim-Jonathan Huyeng, Timo Bittner, & Uwe Rüppel. (2022). Examining the Feasibility of LoRa-based Monitoring in Large-scale Disaster Response Scenarios. In Rob Grace, & Hossein Baharmand (Eds.), ISCRAM 2022 Conference Proceedings – 19th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 541–550). Tarbes, France.
Abstract: Following a natural disaster or other large-scale events which require emergency response assessing and monitoring the situation at hand is of critical importance. However, some infrastructure that is often relied upon such as cellular service or the power grid might be temporarily disrupted or entirely unavailable. In order to be able to still transmit relevant monitoring data gathered from sensors, the use of a low-cost LPWAN with LoRa modulation technique is suggested in the approach presented here. Combined with an analysis of disaster response in Germany the relevant aspects are consolidated in a concept utilizing LoRaWAN with a ChirpStack backend that is easy to set up and entirely independent of external infrastructure. The proposed addition which aims to support disaster control management in Germany is then tested in conjunction with a fictional flooding scenario where an area is monitored with autarkic sensors using LoRaWAN technology.
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Tolt, G., Rydell, J., Tulldahl, M., Holmberg, M., Karlsson, O., & Bissmarck, F. (2023). The MAX Drone for Autonomous Indoor Exploration. In Jaziar Radianti, Ioannis Dokas, Nicolas Lalone, & Deepak Khazanchi (Eds.), Proceedings of the 20th International ISCRAM Conference (pp. 220–230). Omaha, USA: University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Abstract: This paper presents the concept and prototype implementation of a drone for Multi-purpose Autonomous eXploration of indoor environments – MAX. The purpose of MAX is to support first responders in the difficult task of assessing unknown and potentially dangerous or hostile situations in indoor or underground environments. The approach for addressing challenges associated with this task has been to construct a custom-designed drone based on requirements and conditions of first responder missions. This paper reports on the first phase of development of the MAX drone, aimed for experimentation with autonomy functionality in first responder contexts and for enabling further development of advanced higher-level planning functions. It describes the overall design of the MAX drone, its capabilities in terms of robust positioning and autonomous mission execution, along with the status of key enabling algorithms for exploration, such as target point selection and path planning.
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Connie White, Linda Plotnick, Jane Kushma, Starr Roxanne Hiltz, & Murray Turoff. (2009). An online social network for emergency management. 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: Online Social Networking Sites (SNS) are becoming extremely popular and can be employed in a variety of contexts. They permit the establishment of global relationships that are domain related or can be based on some general need shared by the participants. Emergency domain related websites, each with their own stated mission, are becoming widespread. Can a social network offer a solution to bringing emergency domain-related entities together as a 'one stop shop?' We propose to investigate whether the social network paradigm can be used to enable individuals and organizations to collaborate in mutually beneficial ways, in all stages of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Emergency management students were surveyed to examine the concept of social networks and their acceptance as a potential tool. The results of this exploratory research show overwhelming agreement that SNS should be considered a viable solution to the problems plaguing information dissemination and communications in the emergency domain.
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