Narjès Bellamine-Ben Saoud, Julie Dugdale, Bernard Pavard, Mohamed Ben Ahmed, Tarek Ben Mna, & Néjia Ben Touati. (2004). Towards planning for emergency activities in large-scale accidents: An interactive and generic agent-based simulator. In B. C. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2004 – 1st International Workshop on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 173–177). Brussels: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: In this paper we describe the design and development of an interactive and generic agent based simulator, providing valuable support for organizing the emergency rescue plans of a large-scale accident. Analysis of real rescue activities has been conducted in collaboration with medical experts in order to understand the collaborative process and the involved actors and features. Based on the emergency analysis, an agent-based model and simulator was constructed including (1) the autonomous Agents – representing victims with evolving illness and rescuers (doctors, nurses, fireman) collaborating to rescue the first ones; (2) the Environment -representing the accident site having obstacles and dangerous areas and where the victims are initially spread and the doctors move to explore -perceive – treat and helpers evacuate; (3) the Interactions between rescuers – exploring collectively, evacuating by pairs, communicating directly or via artefacts- (4) the Organization of actors as distributed “independent” sub-teams in various site sub-zones or as a centralized whole team conducted by the rescue chief; and (5) the User interfaces allowing mainly initial configuration of the simulations (e.g. number of victims and states, followed strategies, rescuers behaviours), continuous visual control of the process of rescuing (e.g. site overview with acting-interacting agents, graphics, text descriptions), dynamic changes of parameters of an on-going simulation (e.g. adding new victims, adding new rescuers, or adding dangerous zones or new obstacles on sites) as well as step-by-step simulation. This simulation shows that it is possible to create a virtual environment with cooperating agents interacting in a dynamic environment. On-line and off-line analysis of simulation traces and results enable us first understanding complex situations in rescuing activities in large-scale accidents, and than planning for responding to crisis situation. This simulation approach is useful for identifying the best scenarios and eliminating potential catastrophic combinations of parameters and values, where rescue performance could be significantly impacted. © Proceedings ISCRAM 2004.
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Graham Coates, Glenn I. Hawe, Duncan T. Wilson, & Roger S. Crouch. (2011). Adaptive co-ordinated emergency response to rapidly evolving large-scale unprecedented events (REScUE). 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: This paper presents an overview of ongoing research into the development of an integrated framework aimed at adaptive co-ordination of emergency response to dynamic, fast evolving and novel events on a large-scale. The framework consists of (i) a decision support system, supported by rapid adaptive search methods, to enable the real time development of tailored response plans including emergency responder team composition and task allocation to these teams, and (ii) an agent-based simulation of emergency response to large-scale events occurring in real geographical locations. The aim of this research is to contribute to understanding how better agent-based simulation coupled with decision support can be used to enable the effective co-ordination of emergency response, involving the collective efforts and actions of multiple agencies (ambulance services, fire brigades, police forces and emergency planning units), to rapidly evolving large-scale unprecedented events.
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Douglas A. Samuelson, Matthew Parker, Austin Zimmerman, Loren Miller, Stephen Guerin, Joshua Thorp, et al. (2008). Agent-based simulations of mass egress after Improvised Explosive Device attacks. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 59–70). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: For the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) of the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, we developed agent-based computer simulation models of mass egress from a stadium and a subway station following one or more attacks with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs.) Anti-IED countermeasures we modeled included improved guidance to exits, baffles to absorb shock and shrapnel, and, for the stadium, egress onto the playing field. We found improved real-time information systems that provide better guidance to exits would substantially expedite egress and could reduce secondary (trampling and crush) casualties. Our results indicate that models like these can be useful aids to selecting countermeasures, and for training, preparation and exercises. We also discuss the unusual problems such models pose for real-time event management and for validation and evaluation.
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Glenn I. Hawe, Duncan T. Wilson, Graham Coates, & Roger S. Crouch. (2012). STORMI: An agent-based simulation environment for evaluating responses to major incidents in the UK. 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 paper describes work-in-progress regarding STORMI, an agent-based simulation environment for evaluating the response by the emergency services to hypothetical major incidents in the UK. At present, STORMI consists of two main components: a Scenario Designer and a Simulator. The Scenario Designer enables the setting up of a hypothetical multi-site mass casualty incident anywhere in the UK, along with the resources which may be considered for responding to it. This provides input to the Simulator, which through its Multiple Program Multiple Data architecture, models the agents and their environment at a higher level of detail inside incident sites than it does outside, thus focusing attention on the areas of most interest. Furthermore, the multiple programs of the Simulator execute concurrently, thus targeting multi-core processors. © 2012 ISCRAM.
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Glenn I. Hawe, Graham Coates, Duncan T. Wilson, & Roger S. Crouch. (2011). Design decisions in the development of an agent-based simulation for large-scale 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: As part of ongoing research into optimizing the response to large-scale emergencies, an agent-based simulation (ABS) is being developed to evaluate different rescue plans in silico. During the development of this software, decisions regarding its design have been required in order to best satisfy the following specific application requirements: (1) the construction of a sufficiently detailed virtual environment, representing a real geographical area; (2) the programming of a wide variety of agent behaviors using a minimal amount of code; (3) the computational handling of the “large-scale” nature of the emergency; and (4) the presentation of a highly visual user interface, to encourage and facilitate use of the software by practitioners involved in the project. This paper discusses the decisions made in each of these areas, including the novel use of policy-based class design to efficiently program agents. Future developments planned for the software are also outlined.
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Lauren Bateman, & Erica Gralla. (2018). Evaluating Strategies for Intra-Organizational Information Management in Humanitarian Response. In Kees Boersma, & Brian Tomaszeski (Eds.), ISCRAM 2018 Conference Proceedings – 15th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 145–157). Rochester, NY (USA): Rochester Institute of Technology.
Abstract: Information management is critical in humanitarian response, yet intra-organizational information management practices have not been well-studied. This paper evaluates several strategies for intra-organizational information management. An agent-based model represents the dynamics of information-gathering and -sharing, in order to examine the impact of each strategy on (1) the time required to acquire adequate information for decision-making and (2) the amount of excess information acquired in the process. The results show that holding regular information-sharing meetings significantly reduces the time to acquire adequate information, but does not reduce information overload; however, deploying an information management specialist reduces both time required and information overload. The results support recommendations for humanitarian organizations deciding how to improve their internal information management approaches.
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Alec Pawling, Tim Schoenharl, Ping Yan, & Greg Madey. (2008). WIPER: An emergency response system. In B. V. de W. F. Fiedrich (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2008 – 5th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 702–710). Washington, DC: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: This paper describes the WIPER system, a proof of concept prototype, and progress made on its development to date. WIPER is intended to provide emergency response managers with an integrated system that detects possible emergencies from cellular communication data, attempts to predict the development of emergency situations, and provides tools for evaluating possible courses of action in dealing with emergency situations. We describe algorithms for detecting anomalies in streaming cellular communication network data, the implementation of a simulation system that validates running simulations with new real world data, and a web-based front end to the WIPER system. We also discuss issues relating to the real-time aggregation of data from the cellular service provider and its distribution to components of the WIPER system.
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Heiko Roßnagel, & Olaf Junker. (2010). Evaluation of a mobile emergency management system – A simulation approach. 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: Large public events such as sporting events, concerts, fairs and street festivals are quite common in metropolitan areas. Because of the high frequency of such events and the increasing number of involved parties, those being responsible for the organization and execution have to cope with increasing complexity and shortening time frames for planning and preperation. Because of the high concentration of passengers, unplanned incidents that occur during these public events can have devastating effects and can lead to crises and disasters. Emergency management systems that utilize mobile communication infrastructures can provide prompt information delivery to save human lives. In this paper we propose a system design for mobile emergency management and outline our approach of evaluating this system design using multi-agent based simulation. To make our simulation of passenger movements as realistic as possible we gathered empirical data for a large event as well as for normal rush hour traffic.
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Heiko Roßnagel, Jan Zibuschka, & Olaf Junker. (2011). On the effectiveness of mobile service notification for passenger egress during large public events. 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 this contribution we evaluate the effectiveness of mobile services for passenger egress of a train station during a large public event using an agent-based simulation approach. For this simulation we built a virtual replica of the Cologne central train station and collected empirical data on passenger numbers and their movements during a large public event. We simulate several different scenarios and compare the results using key performance indicators, such as time for egress. Our results show that dedicated cell broadcast messages under the described circumstances can be used to decrease evacuation time significantly and that the simulation can be used to quickly investigate the relevant key performance indicators needed to asses and evaluate the effectiveness of different notification and evacuation strategies.
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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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Sadeeb Ottenburger, & Thomas Münzberg. (2017). An Approach for Analyzing the Impacts of Smart Grid Topologies on Critical Infrastructure Resilience. In eds Aurélie Montarnal Matthieu Lauras Chihab Hanachi F. B. Tina Comes (Ed.), Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response And Management (pp. 400–411). Albi, France: Iscram.
Abstract: The generation and supply of electricity is currently about to undergo a fundamental transition that includes extensive development of smart grids. Smart grids are huge and complex networks consisting of a vast number of devices and entities which are connected with each other. This fact opens new variations of disruption scenarios which can increase the vulnerability of a power distribution network. However, the network topology of a smart grid has significant effects on urban resilience particularly referring to the adequate provision of vital services of critical infrastructures. An elaborated topology of smart grids can increase urban resilience. In this paper, we discuss the role of smart grids, give research impulses for examining diverse smart grid topologies and for evaluating their impacts on urban resilience by using an agent based simulation approach which considers smart grid topology as a model parameter.
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Tim Schoenharl, Greg Madey, Gábor Szabó, & Albert-László Barabási. (2006). WIPER: A multi-agent system for emergency response. In M. T. B. Van de Walle (Ed.), Proceedings of ISCRAM 2006 – 3rd International Conference on Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management (pp. 282–287). Newark, NJ: Royal Flemish Academy of Belgium.
Abstract: This paper describes the proposed WIPER system. WIPER is intended to provide emergency planners and responders with an integrated system that will help to detect possible emergencies, as well as to suggest and evaluate possible courses of action to deal with the emergency. The system is designed as a multi-agent system using web services and the service oriented architecture. Components of the system for detecting and mitigating emergency situations can be added and removed from the system as the need arises. WIPER is designed to evaluate potential plans of action using a series of GIS enabled Agent-Based simulations that are grounded on realtime data from cell phone network providers. The system relies on the DDDAS concept, the interactive use of partial aggregate and detailed realtime data to continuously update the system and allow emergency planners to stay updated on the situation. The interaction with the system is done using a web-based interface and is composed of several overlaid layers of information, allowing users rich detail and flexibility.
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Tomoichi Takahashi. (2007). Agent-based disaster simulation evaluation and its probability model interpretation. 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. 369–376). Delft: Information Systems for Crisis Response and Management, ISCRAM.
Abstract: Agent-based simulations enable the simulation of social phenomenon by representing human behaviors using agents. Human actions such as evacuating to safe havens or extinguishing fires in disaster areas are important during earthquakes. The inclusion of human actions in calculating the damage at disaster sites provides useful data to local governments for planning purposes. In order to practically apply these simulation results, these results should be tested using actual data. Further, these results should be analyzed and explained in a manner that people who are not agent programmers can also understand easily. First, the possibility of applying agent-based approaches to social tasks is shown by comparing the simulation results with those obtained from other methods. Next, we propose a method to present agent behaviors using a probability model and discuss the results of applying this method to the RoboCup Rescue simulation data. These will delve into future research topics for developing agent based social simulations to practical ones.
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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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Wolfgang Raskob, Stefan Wandler, & Evgenia Deines. (2015). Agent-based modelling to identify possible measures in case of Critical Infrastructure disruption. 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: Understanding critical infrastructures and in particular protecting them in case of natural or man-made threats or disasters is the objective of our research. As use case, the security of the power supply in the year 2030 for the city of Karlsruhe was selected. This scenario contains interdependencies between the electrical power grid and IT components as well as critical infrastructures such as water supply and health care. To simulate the critical infrastructure, their dependencies and potential measures to mitigate effects, agent based simulation models have been developed and applied. The ultimate objective of the research activity is to develop a holistic analysis framework to quantify and evaluate requirements and design decisions of the many players in such complex infrastructures.
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