[ES] Esta tesis presenta un análisis profundo y soluciones innovadoras para los retos abordados en la Investigación Criminal (IC) y la Gestión de Emergencias (GE), con un enfoque particular en la colaboración interagencial y el manejo de datos en entornos complejos. La investigación comienza estableciendo la relevancia de una colaboración eficaz entre diversas agencias para el manejo efectivo de la información en la era digital, especialmente en el contexto de la IC y la GE. Se destaca cómo la proliferación del contenido digital y la generación masiva de datos han transformado estos campos, presentando tanto oportunidades como desafíos significativos. La tesis revisa exhaustivamente el estado del arte en estas áreas, identificando las principales limitaciones y posibilidades de desarrollo. Se analizan aspectos críticos como la gestión de la información, las tecnologías de Big Data (BD), la respuesta rápida en emergencias, la interoperabilidad y la colaboración entre agencias, y los desafíos tecnológicos en sistemas complejos. Asimismo, se exploran cuestiones como la gestión de datos heterogéneos, la escasez de recursos y formación y los desafíos asociados al volumen y complejidad de los datos. Respondiendo a estos desafíos, se propone una arquitectura innovadora que aborda la eficiencia e interoperabilidad de los sistemas actuales en la prevención y resolución de crímenes y en la GE. Esta arquitectura se adapta específicamente a las necesidades de los usuarios finales de los proyectos MAGNETO y ASSISTANCE, incorporando de manera eficiente diferentes componentes de software y empleando tecnologías como RMI, SOAP, REST, y JMS. Se enfatiza la transición hacia arquitecturas basadas en microservicios, utilizando un API Gateway para mejorar la modularidad y la escalabilidad. La aplicabilidad de esta arquitectura se demuestra en los proyectos MAGNETO y ASSISTANCE, donde se abordan retos específicos. MAGNETO, enfocado en la lucha contra el crimen, integra y analiza datos de diversas fuentes, mientras que ASSISTANCE se centra en la mejora de la Situational Awareness (SA) de los First Responders (FR) mediante la integración de tecnologías avanzadas como UAVs, robots, y sistemas de realidad virtual y aumentada. Ambos proyectos demuestran una mejora significativa en la colaboración interagencial y la efectividad en situaciones de emergencia y lucha contra el crimen. Finalmente, la tesis concluye con una reflexión sobre los logros obtenidos y plantea posibles áreas de investigación para el futuro. Se sugiere expandir la aplicación de la arquitectura a otros contextos, abordando barreras como la del idioma en la interoperabilidad y explorando la integración de tecnologías emergentes como la realidad aumentada y el IoT. Se pone el énfasis en la necesidad de continuar mejorando las capacidades de respuesta ante emergencias y la lucha contra el crimen en la era digital. La tesis representa un avance significativo en estos campos, proporcionando soluciones tecnológicas avanzadas y abriendo caminos para futuras investigaciones y desarrollos. / [CA] Aquesta tesi presenta una anàlisi profunda i solucions innovadores per als reptes abordats en la Investigació Criminal (IC) i la Gestió d'Emergències (GE), amb un enfocament particular en la col·laboració interagencial i la gestió de dades en entorns complexos. La investigació comença establint la rellevància d'una col·laboració eficaç entre diverses agències per al maneig efectiu de la informació en l'era digital, especialment en el context de la IC i la GE. Es destaca com la proliferació del contingut digital i la generació massiva de dades han transformat aquests camps, presentant tant oportunitats com desafiaments significatius. La tesi revisa exhaustivament l'estat de l'art en aquests camps, identificant les principals limitacions i oportunitats per a millores. S'analitzen aspectes crítics com la gestió de la informació, les tecnologies de Big Data (BD), la resposta ràpida en emergències, la interoperabilitat i la col·laboració entre agències, i els desafiaments tecnològics en sistemes complexos. També s'examinen problemes com la gestió de dades heterogènies, l'escassetat de recursos i capacitació, i els desafiaments associats amb el volum i complexitat de les dades. Responent a aquests desafiaments, es proposa una arquitectura innovadora que aborda l'eficiència i interoperabilitat dels sistemes actuals en la prevenció i resolució de crims i en la GE. Aquesta arquitectura s'adapta específicament a les necessitats dels usuaris finals dels projectes MAGNETO i ASSISTANCE, integrant eficaçment components de software diversos i utilitzant tecnologies com RMI, SOAP, REST, i JMS. S'emfatitza la transició cap a arquitectures basades en microserveis, utilitzant un API Gateway per a millorar la modularitat i l'escalabilitat. L'aplicabilitat d'aquesta arquitectura es demostra en els projectes MAGNETO i ASSISTANCE, on s'aborden reptes específics. MAGNETO, enfocat en la lluita contra el crim, integra i analitza dades de diverses fonts, mentre que ASSISTANCE es centra en la millora de la Situational Awareness (SA) dels First Responders (FR) mitjançant la integració de tecnologies avançades com UAVs, robots, i sistemes de realitat virtual i augmentada. Ambdós projectes demostren una millora significativa en la col·laboració interagencial i l'efectivitat en situacions d'emergència i lluita contra el crim. Finalment, la tesi conclou amb una reflexió sobre els assoliments obtinguts i proposa futures línies d'investigació. Es suggereix expandir l'aplicació de l'arquitectura a altres contextos, abordant barreres com la de l'idioma en la interoperabilitat i explorant la integració de tecnologies emergents com la realitat augmentada i l'IoT. S'emfatitza la necessitat de continuar millorant les capacitats de resposta davant emergències i la lluita contra el crim en l'era digital. La tesi representa un avanç significatiu en aquests camps, proporcionant solucions tecnològiques avançades i obrint camins per a futures investigacions i desenvolupaments. / [EN] This thesis presents an in-depth analysis and innovative solutions to the challenges faced in Criminal Investigation (CI) and Emergency Management (EM), with a particular focus on interagency collaboration and data management in complex environments. The research begins by establishing the importance of effective collaboration between various agencies for efficient information management in the digital age, especially in the context of CI and EM. It highlights how the proliferation of digital content and massive data generation have transformed these fields, presenting both opportunities and significant challenges. The thesis thoroughly reviews the state of the art in these fields, identifying major limitations and opportunities for improvements. Critical aspects such as information management, Big Data (BD) technologies, rapid response in emergencies, interoperability, and collaboration between agencies, and technological challenges in complex systems are analyzed. Issues such as the management of heterogeneous data, resource scarcity and training, and challenges associated with data volume and complexity are also examined. In response to these challenges, an innovative architecture is proposed that addresses the efficiency and interoperability of current systems in crime prevention and resolution and in EM. This architecture is specifically tailored to the end-user needs of the MAGNETO and ASSISTANCE projects, efficiently integrating various software components and utilizing technologies such as RMI, SOAP, REST, and JMS. The transition to architectures based on microservices is emphasized, using an API Gateway to improve modularity and scalability. The applicability of this architecture is demonstrated in the MAGNETO and ASSISTANCE projects, where specific challenges are addressed. MAGNETO, focused on combating crime, integrates and analyzes data from various sources, while ASSISTANCE focuses on improving the Situational Awareness (SA) of First Responders (FR) through the integration of advanced technologies such as UAVs, robots, and virtual and augmented reality systems. Both projects demonstrate significant improvements in interagency collaboration and effectiveness in emergencies and crime fighting. Finally, the thesis concludes with a reflection on the achievements obtained and proposes future lines of research. It suggests expanding the application of the architecture to other contexts, addressing barriers such as language in interoperability, and exploring the integration of emerging technologies like augmented reality and IoT. The need to continue improving response capabilities in emergencies and combating crime in the digital age is emphasized. The thesis represents a significant advancement in these fields, providing advanced technological solutions and paving the way for future research and developments. / Garrido Peñalver, VJ. (2024). Arquitectura de interoperabilidad para mejorar las capacidades de análisis de información y toma de decisiones [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/204259

Comprehensive emergency management and response is crucial for disaster prevention and health emergencies. However, in African countries with an abundance of natural disasters and a rising surge in cardiovascular and obstetric emergencies, little research exists on emergency response. This study examines the fire emergency response in Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Ghana's second largest city. We use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools including location -allocation modeling to evaluate the existing system of fire facilities, identify gaps in service, and suggest locations for new fire stations to maximize population coverage. Our results show that fire stations within KMA are poorly distributed and large portions of the metropolis are underserved, a situation that is partly responsible for the huge losses of lives and property during fire outbreaks.

This dissertation analyzes how local governments adapt to the fiscal stress of major disasters. Unifying theories of fiscal stress with emergency management theories, the dissertation presents a model of what influences local governments coping strategy use following disasters. Using new survey data and secondary financial data on cities, counties, and school districts that experienced Hurricane Harvey, findings show that local governments adapt in a variety of ways; of 137 local governments that responded, 66 percent used some number of coping strategies, with only 5 of 62 possible strategies not being used by any local governments. For those which did adapt, they on average used 7.06 strategies, and tended to show a preference towards revenue increasing strategies and rebuilding the community through new capital projects, with less emphasis on expenditure cuts compared to some prior literature findings on fiscal stress. The results indicate that local governments step up and provide new services necessary during the recovery process, to serve their community, despite fiscal stress. A negative binomial model shows partial support for the hypotheses that local governments with lower prior fiscal condition and greater hazard exposure will use more coping strategies. The findings show mixed results on whether institutional rules that restrict financial structures lead school districts to use more coping strategies than cities during the recovery process.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Technology: Emergency Medical Care, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Earthquakes are the most frequently occurring natural disaster around the world and it is associated with a large outpouring of humanitarian assistance from the world. Existing models for humanitarian non-governmental organizations (NGO) focus on a variety of preparation and response decisions for aid distribution, but tend not to discuss medical rescue teams responding to international disasters and where they would fit into. Aim The aim of this study was to explore the preparedness of South African Non-Governmental Organisation relief teams for international earthquake response. The ultimate aim was to develop a framework for SA NGO teams responding to international earthquake disasters. Methods This qualitative study made use of a range of data collection tools including documentary sources and interviews, so that it could illuminate the study from all sides and to ensure all relevant data from people and organisations that span the globe could be collected. Conclusion and recommendations The result of the study was a conceptual map of the study recommendations which can be used in the development of a framework for improving South African NGO relief teams‟ response efficiency and effectiveness to international earthquake disasters. The research concludes with a series of recommendations which include: assigning the teams under a leading international academic and operational body and to identify qualified, well prepared and professional personnel on a database for rapid deployment. / Research and Post Graduate Development and Support.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Technology: Public Management, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Disasters have inflicted a heavy cost on human, materials and physical resources, and degradation to the environment. Furthermore, disasters have negative physical impacts (which include casualities and property damage) and social impacts (which include psych-osocial, socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and socio-political). A comprehensive review of the literature has revealed that the development of disaster management strategies must be undertaken before the event strikes. Moreover, disaster management requires effective community-based strategies which will include programmes and measures to prevent, prepare, mitigate and recover from the impacts of disasters. The purpose of the study is to contribute to the formulation of a robust disaster management framework and plan including the creation of a fully equipped disaster management centre within the eThekwini Municipality. Moreover, to enable the disaster management department within the eThekwini Municipality to function effectively and efficiently by applying new systematic strategies in disaster risk reduction. Futhermore, to add value to the body of knowledge in South Africa as there are limited number of research on disaster management, and to add value to policy, protmote investment and protect vulnerable communities by implementing disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation. The research was undertaken at Foreman and Kennedy Road informal settlements located in Clare Estate within Ward 25. A disaster management survey was self-administered to the population size of 220 respondents from which 140 respondents completed the questionnaires thereby generating a response rate of 63.6%. Interveiws were also conducted amongst eThekwini Municipality officials dealing mainly with disaster reduction. The dimensions of the study are disaster preparedness, prevention, response, recovery and rehabilitation, financial implications and future expectations. The data was analysed using Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS). Associations between variables were determined using Pearson chi-square. This study presents the research findings on disaster management by using frequency iv tables, graphs and cross-tabulations tables which have been compiled for each question. Analysis of the data revealed significant differences between the biographical variables (age, gender, marital status, education, occupation, income, number of children, number of dependants, race and tenure) and the five dimensions (disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and rehabilitation, financial implications and future expectations) respectively. Interpretation of results indicated that there exists significant relationships amongst the key variables of the study relating to disaster management. This study contributes to various academic disciplines, local government and society at large as it suggests strategies and recommendations that may be implemented to overcome disaster management challenges and attain disaster risk reduction. The study recommends that eThekwini Municipality should comply with the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 which requires the establishment of a disaster management centre, disaster management framework and the plan. Furthermore, the study recommended that the council should develop a system to classify hazard mitigation strategies in terms of five categories which are hazard source control, community protection works, land-use practices, building construction practices and building contents protection. The study recommends that the eThekwini Municipality should recognise recovery period mitigation and incorporate this objective into recovery planning. On the financial implications aspect, the study recommends that eThekwini Municipality should provide financial assistance on the disaster management prevention and preparedness strategies.

Magistro baigiamajame darbe teoriniu aspektu analizuojama ekstremalių valdymo samprata bei svarbiausi jas charakterizuojantys aspektai, įvardijamos galimos ekstremalios situacijų pasekmės, nagrinėjami gelbėjimo sistemos valdymo ypatumai esant ekstremalioms situacijoms, aptariama Civilinės saugos ir gelbėjimo sistemos Lietuvoje struktūra jos uždaviniai, išsamiai nagrinėjami ekstremalių situacijų ir gelbėjimo sistemos valdymo ypatumai. Ekspertinio tyrimo pagalba analizuojama ekstremalių situacijų ir gelbėjimo sistemos valdymo Telšių apskrityje situacija, problemos. / Master's thesis analyzed the theoretical aspect of emergency management concept and the most important aspects to characterize, identify the possible consequences of an emergency, life-saving issue management system features in extreme situations, discusses the civil protection and rescue system in Lithuania structure of the tasks in detail in the Emergency and Rescue Management System Features. Study of expert analysis of emergency management and rescue system general situation and problems of Telšiai.

The 2010 earthquake in Haiti, which killed an estimated 316,000 people, offered many lessons in mass-fatality management (MFM). The dissertation defined MFM in seeking information and in recovery, preservation, identification, and disposition of human remains. Specifically, it examined how mass fatalities were managed in Haiti, how affected individuals sought information about fatalities, and what needs motivated them. Data from 28 in-depth, partially structured interviews, conducted during two field visits ending 21 weeks after the earthquake, were included in a case study. The data analysis revealed the MFM was severely inadequate. One interviewee, a senior UN official, stated, "There was no fatality management." The analysis also indicated a need to learn whereabouts of the deceased motivated individuals to visit spots the deceased were last seen at. It sought to illumine information-seeking practices, as discussed in the works of J. David Johnson and others, by developing a new model of information flow in MFM. In addition, it reaffirmed Donald Case and Thomas Wilson's theoretical proposition – that need guides any seeking of information – in the case of Haiti. Finally, it produced recommendations regarding future directions in MFM for emergency managers and information scientists, including possible use of unidentified body parts in organ transplants. Overall, the dissertation, which was supported by two grants of the National Science Foundation, attempted to add to relatively scanty literature in information seeking in MFM.

The study is undertaken for a more compressive understanding for organizational theory and its applicability to tendency towards improvisation during emergency times among individuals in Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) in Saudi Arabia. The analysis involved an examination of direct effect of learning on tendency towards improvisation and possible mediating effects between organizational learning and tendency towards improvisation among individuals in NPOs, while controlling for key demographic differences (e.g. individuals’ age, education level and years in service, number of full-time staff and volunteers). Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to full-time employees in 13 NPOs in three cities in the western area of Saudi Arabia, namely Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah (N= 304). The main statistical method employed to hypotheses examination was Structural Equation Modeling. The hypothesis examination resulted in three out of five hypnotized paths are to be significant. Two direct relations were interpreted as outcomes of organizational learning, with increases in the level of organizational learning is being positively related to individuals’ self –efficacy and agility. The third significant path interpreted as individuals’ agility is positively related to their tendency to improvise during emergency times, which indicates organizational learning has indirect effect on tendency towards improvisation. Finally, the applicability of organizational learning theory to the field of emergency management and suggestions for future research in light of the findings of this research are also discussed.

The following is a case study of the University of New Orleans Disaster Resistant University project. The Disaster Resistant University project involved the creation, adoption, and implementation of an all-hazards campus mitigation plan. On August 29, 2005 Hurricane Katrina struck the City of New Orleans. This disaster caused the need for a reassessment of the original campus mitigation plan. Both the original plan, and its reassessment, are the subject of this case study.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Technology: Industrial Engineering, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / The SADC region has seen both man-made and natural disasters killing over 90 thousand people and affecting millions in the past 33 years. Most of these deaths were as a result of lack of infrastructure and preparedness. Looking at the challenges for providing relief to victims/evacuees throughout the entire disaster and post-disaster periods in the region, the emphasis of this thesis is on last mile transportation of resources, victims, emergency supplies, aiming to optimize the effectiveness (quick­I response) and efficiency (low-cost) of logistics activities including humanitarian supply chain. A survey was used for data collection. Statistical analysis helped determine the impact of disaster relief chains and lead to the development of a mathematical model that shall equip the region with mechanisms for response and recovery operations. An EXCEL optimization tool was used to find the optimal way of transporting relief in the region in case of a disaster. / PDF Full-text unavailable. Please refer to hard copy for Full-text / M