Description:
This paper describes the progress of our research into collaborative document writing for emergency management. Our focus is specifically on the use of web technologies to improve communication and shared knowledge in emergency situations. We present a prototype system built using Differential Synchronisation with flexible locking and user attribution features. Based on the past shortcomings of technologies and documents such as situation reports, we consider the potential benefits of a web-based system with flexible locking and user attribution for collaborative situation report writing.
Description:
The rise of social networking has bought enormous benefits to society, including the ability to reconnect with lost friends and family, make new acquaintances, and instantly share experiences globally with different “circles” in one’s life. Facebook now has 750 million users, or around 12.5% of the global population, where newcomers like Google+ are growing in the millions each week. Some business-oriented services like Linkedin are changing the face of recruiting, integrating professional networks and recommendations with new roles as they become available. However, with all new technologies come risks, and sitting behind the assessment of risks are threats. In this special issue, we cover some of the most serious threats, and indicate some areas of action to mitigate them. Indeed, Weir, Smeed and Toolan investigate the similarities between crimes and scams in social networks and traditional media – “old wine in new bottles” indeed!