Information and Communication Technologies for Humanitarian Services (Telecommunications)

Description

Humanitarian services seek to promote welfare to save lives, maintain human dignity, alleviate suffering, strengthen preparedness, and provide material and logistical assistance in response to humanitarian crises. They are thus different from development aids that address underlying socioeconomic factors and provides support for the social, economic and political developments of developing nations. Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are becoming the backbone technologies for providing quality and efficient services and are playing an increasingly important and sophisticated role in humanitarian-service activities. Many ICT-based solutions exist such as tools to support the work of humanitarian organizations, mobile applications and solutions to provide health services, open source web portals for disaster management systems, and mobile and autonomous devices to provide assistance. This edited book covers new developments, innovations, and research outcomes for the creation and deployment of effective ICT technologies and solutions to support humanitarian services. Coverage includes theories as well as information, mobile and networking applications that foster information exchange and cooperation in the humanitarian and emergency management fields. Aimed at ICTs and computer engineers, professionals, and researchers working on practical and lasting ICT solutions to support humanitarian services, this will also be a useful reference for advanced students and lecturers in the field, entrepreneurs and researchers from government, non-government and industry organizations, as well as professional in NGO organizations, ethics committees, and policymakers. Cover Contents About the editor Foreword 1 Introduction 1.1 Motivation for this book 1.2 Overview of chapters References 2 Where are the women? How to design information and communication technology to be inclusive of women and girls in humanitarian settings 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Know the starting point for women and girls 2.3 Systemic barriers to inclusive access 2.4 Sample studies on inclusion: Lebanon and Uganda 2.4.1 Ownership and possession 2.4.2 Barriers to use 2.4.3 Affordability/prohibitive cost 2.4.4 Disapproval: restrictive social norms/security and safety 2.4.5 Relevance and literacy 2.4.6 Access matters 2.5 Recommendations: design for inclusivity 2.5.1 Build an inter-disciplinary team 2.5.2 Woman-and girl-centered design 2.5.3 Consider guiding principles 2.5.4 Mind the gap (assess locally) 2.5.5 Address the barriers (do not treat male culture over women's as the accepted norm) 2.5.6 Focus on women and girls' participation 2.6 Conclusion References 3 Profound technologies: towards exploring the technological disruption and the challenges for a more humanized and inclusive education 3.1 Analysis of technology as cultural anthropology 3.2 Modernity and postmodernity: an incomplete cultural transition 3.2.1 Main characteristics of modernity 3.2.2 Positive macro consequences of modernity 3.2.3 Negative macro consequences of modernity 3.2.4 The idea of postmodernity 3.3 The context of technological disruption and the challenges of humanization 3.3.1 Main characteristics of disruptive technologies 3.3.2 A deeper look into disruptive technologies 3.3.2.1 Technological disruption 3.3.2.2 Intelligent cities 3.3.2.3 Collaborative economies and work automation 3.3.2.4 AI and education 3.4 Two reference models to explain the dynamics of the globalized world 3.4.1 The pedagogical circuit model of knowledge management 3.4.2 The 5R model 3.5 The 3D man and the new pyramid of needs 3.6 Reflections on a humanized and inclusive appropriation of technologies in society, culture and education 3.7 Conclusions References 4 New frontiers of human wisdom: information, communication and consciousness empowered decision-making under the broader realm of reality 4.1 Neural network-assisted information system dynamics for business decision-making 4.1.1 Data interface of SD–ANN 4.1.2 Decision interface 4.1.3 Direction for future research 4.2 Science of cognitive consciousness and decision-making: a convergent systemic interface to ANN and GA 4.2.1 Dynamics systems approach towards cognitive consciousness 4.2.2 GA: consciousness gene 4.3 Quantum consciousness, neural genetic correlate and quantum computation interface: new frontier for decision-making 4.3.1 Science of quantum consciousness and neural design 4.3.2 Objective reduction postulate of quantum consciousness 4.3.3 Quantum consciousness and genetic framework: genetic correlate to quantum conscious neurons 4.3.4 Quantum uncertainty and genetic certainty 4.3.5 Computation of quantum consciousness: the brain as measuring device 4.4 Integrative and causal epistemology of consciousness 4.4.1 Downward causation and the elements of super causality 4.4.1.1 Brain 4.4.1.2 Mind 4.4.1.3 Consciousness 4.4.2 Role of tendency in creating actual and subsequent conscious events 4.4.3 Modelling super causality 4.5 Information consciousness within the realm of creation and its mathematical interpretation 4.5.1 Mathematical interpretation of information consciousness 4.5.2 Information consciousness as vector field and explanation for ΔC0↔1 4.5.3 Line integral loop dynamics 4.5.4 Consistency with energy conservation law and Schrödinger equation 4.5.5 Collective observation and power law 4.5.6 Cosmic-scale dynamics of evolution and contraction-phases of universe 4.5.7 New horizons 4.5.8 Summary of key points 4.6 Practicing high-order consciousness at low-order reality: towards building a corporate model of consciousness system dynamics 4.6.1 Quantum business management and new venture creation as business oriented manifestation of cognitive-spiritual consciousness 4.6.2 Quantum postulates of new venture 4.6.3 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 5 A sustainable knowledge framework for technological advancements in humanitarian assistance 5.1 Understanding the context 5.2 Need for knowledge framework 5.3 Methodology 5.4 Disaster profile in India 5.4.1 Disaster profile of the state of Andhra Pradesh 5.4.2 Disaster profile of the state of Kerala 5.5 Disasters in discussion 5.5.1 Hudhud Cyclone 5.5.2 Kerala Floods 5.6 Similarities and differences in handling disasters 5.6.1 Leadership 5.6.2 Disaster response force 5.6.3 Local communities 5.6.4 Technology 5.7 Lessons learnt from Hudhud Cyclone and Kerala Floods 5.8 Knowledge framework 5.9 Conclusion References 6 ICT for early assessing the disaster amplitude, for relief planning, and for resilience improvement 6.1 Introduction: ICT in assessing disasters' amplitude and for disaster relief – a literature review 6.2 Empirical characterization of SN responses to major events and disasters 6.2.1 Introductory issues 6.2.2 Using Twitter 6.2.3 Keyword selection 6.3 Models 6.3.1 Models for connections in an SN – distributions 6.3.2 Models of temporal evolution of the SN traffic 6.4 Improving information extraction and predictions 6.5 ICT-based improvements for enhanced disaster resilience 6.6 Discussion and conclusions Acknowledgements Authors' contributions References 7 Use cases of blockchain technology for humanitarian engineering 7.1 Humanitarian engineering: an example 7.2 A framework for understanding humanitarian engineering 7.2.1 Stakeholders for humanitarian engineering 7.2.2 Sustainable development goals 7.2.3 Sectors for humanitarian engineering 7.3 Technological perspective of humanitarian engineering 7.4 A blockchain primer 7.4.1 Distributed ledger 7.4.2 Cryptography 7.4.3 Consensus protocol 7.4.4 Smart contracts 7.5 Sectoral applications of blockchain technology 7.5.1 Blockchain technology in agriculture 7.5.2 Blockchain for financial services 7.5.3 Blockchain in education 7.5.4 Blockchain in energy sector 7.5.5 Blockchain for e-governance 7.5.6 Applications of blockchain in environment and climate change 7.5.7 Blockchain in health sector 7.6 A cost–benefit analysis of adopting technology 7.7 Conclusion References 8 Big data-driven disaster resilience 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Methodology 8.2.1 Research design 8.2.2 Search strategy 8.2.3 Inclusion and exclusion criteria 8.3 Results of the study 8.4 Discussion 8.4.1 Big data sources 8.4.1.1 Satellite imagery 8.4.1.2 Aerial imagery and videos 8.4.1.3 WSW network 8.4.1.4 Light detection and ranging 8.4.1.5 Simulation data 8.4.1.6 Spatial data 8.4.1.7 Crowdsourcing 8.4.1.8 Social media 8.4.1.9 Mobile-based GPS and record of call data 8.4.2 Big data approach for disaster management 8.4.2.1 Preparedness 8.4.2.2 Mitigation/prevention 8.4.2.3 Response 8.4.2.4 Recovery 8.4.3 Challenges for the implementation of big data approach 8.4.3.1 Data collection, privacy and accuracy 8.4.3.2 Analytics of big data 8.4.3.3 Infrastructure for big data 8.4.3.4 Gaps between the capacity of human and technology 8.4.3.5 Lack of coordination among related organizations 8.4.3.6 Challenges related to ethical and political aspect 8.5 Recommendations for enhancing resilience 8.6 Conclusion References Appendix A 9 Design and development of a rapid damage assessment for Albay elementary schools in the Philippines 9.1 Background of the study 9.1.1 Hyogo Framework for Action for 2005–15 9.1.2 Damage assessment 9.1.3 Geographic information system 9.1.4 The Philippine Disaster Management System 9.1.5 Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office 9.1.6 School Evacuation Center 9.1.7 Elementary schools of Albay Province 9.1.8 Importance of the study 9.1.9 Objectives of the study 9.2 Methodology 9.2.1 Scope and limitation 9.2.2 Sources of data 9.3 Results and discussion 9.3.1 Rapid damage assessment current procedures 9.3.2 System design 9.3.3 Physical design 9.3.4 Rapid damage assessment system features 9.3.5 Rapid damage assessment system report formats 9.3.6 System evaluation 9.4 Conclusions References 10 Technologies for emergency rollout of broadband public protection and disaster relief (BB-PPDR) communications in humanitarian crisis zones 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Spectrum harmonisation and coexistence challenges 10.3 Motivation 10.4 Target use cases and waveform selection 10.5 An insight to the FBMC modulation 10.5.1 Multicarrier schemes for dynamic spectrum allocation 10.5.2 FBMC-based system model 10.6 Digital linearisation techniques for enhanced and efficient LTE-FBMC spectral coexistence and experimental validation 10.6.1 Linearisation of PAs operated under FBMC waveforms 10.6.2 Proposed digital linearisation architecture and principles 10.6.3 CFR tuning, DPD linearisation and experimental evaluation 10.6.3.1 CFR simulations and measurement results 10.6.3.2 DPD behavioural modelling simulation and CFRþDPD measurements 10.6.4 Impact of the digital linearisation in spectral coexistence 10.7 Conclusion Acknowledgements References 11 Connecting the disconnected: a combination of DTN, CDN, TCP/IP, and OpenFlow approach 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Network model for connecting the disconnected 11.3 Related work 11.4 Details of network entities 11.4.1 End user 11.4.2 Server 11.4.2.1 Admin server 11.4.2.2 Movable server 11.4.2.3 Local server 11.5 Data flow mechanism 11.5.1 Multi-user data management 11.5.2 Content delivery mechanism 11.5.3 Storage management 11.6 Software entities 11.6.1 Software entity at server 11.6.1.1 ProxyServerApp 11.6.1.2 Software architecture of ProxyServerApp 11.6.2 Software entity at end user 11.6.2.1 UserApp 11.6.2.2 Software architecture of UserApp 11.6.2.3 Visualisation and user interface 11.7 Adoption of the proposed network model for supporting community needs 11.7.1 Serving rural youth 11.7.1.1 Disseminating etiquettes in youth 11.7.1.2 Enlarging employment opportunities 11.7.2 Serving rural women 11.7.3 Promoting health and Medicare 11.7.3.1 Availing health care 11.7.3.2 Raising healthcare awareness 11.7.4 Elevating educational facilities 11.7.4.1 Offline e-library 11.7.5 Promoting business and commerce 11.7.6 Lifting agricultural development 11.7.7 Elevating rural communication 11.7.7.1 Interconnection within villages 11.7.7.2 Offline community network 11.7.7.3 Convey information 11.7.7.4 Weather forecast 11.8 Requirements for implementation 11.9 Conclusion References 12 A framework for developing a smart and adaptive environment for aging population 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Literature review 12.3 Activity theory and activities of daily living 12.3.1 Overview of activity theory 12.3.2 Overview of activities of daily living 12.4 Overview of complex activity recognition algorithm 12.5 Proposed framework 12.5.1 ADL-based task recommendation system 12.5.1.1 Modeling an "average user"using the ADL-based task recommendation system 12.5.1.2 Modeling a "specific user"using the ADL-based task recommendation system 12.5.2 Fall prediction in the context of ADLs 12.6 Results and discussion 12.6.1 Modeling an "average user"using the ADL-based task recommendation system 12.6.2 Modeling a "specific user"using the ADL-based task recommendation system 12.6.3 Fall prediction in the context of ADLs 12.7 Conclusion and future work References 13 Design, implementation, and evaluation of a mobile game for blind people: toward making mobile fun accessible to everyone 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Related works 13.3 Game design and development 13.3.1 Game description/features 13.3.2 Level description 13.3.3 Overview of the gameplay 13.4 Experimental evaluation 13.4.1 Study participants 13.4.2 Procedure and data collection 13.4.3 Analysis and result 13.4.3.1 Game usability 13.4.3.2 Level organization 13.4.3.3 Player's attitude 13.4.3.4 Effect of demographics 13.5 Conclusion 13.5.1 Main outcomes 13.5.2 Research contribution 13.5.3 Limitations and future work References 14 Challenges and opportunities of adopting ICTs in the humanitarian sector in Nigeria 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Humanitarian crisis in Nigeria 14.3 ICT and humanitarian response 14.4 Challenges and opportunities for ICT in the Nigerian humanitarian sector 14.5 Adopting ICTs for humanitarian response in north-eastern Nigeria 14.5.1 Theories explaining the adoption of innovations 14.5.2 Social shaping of technology 14.6 The proposed framework 14.7 Conclusion and further research References 15 Deciphering adoption and adaption of ICTs in humanitarian services: the southern African context 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Methodology 15.2.1 Study area 15.2.2 Data collection 15.3 Findings and discussion 15.3.1 ICTs and flood humanitarian issues 15.3.2 ICTs and drought humanitarian issues 15.3.3 ICTs and epidemiological humanitarian issues 15.3.3.1 Communicable diseases 15.3.3.2 Non-communicable diseases 15.3.4 ICTs and conflict humanitarian issues 15.3.5 Challenges of adopting ICTs in humanitarian services in the region 15.4 Conclusions References 16 Conclusions Index Back Cover