A Descriptive Analysis of Cohesion within Virtual and Physical Small Groups of Mothers in Bandwidth-Constrained Communities in Cape Town

Isolation contributes to deteriorating health outcomes during the first 1000 days of a child’s life (the period from conception to two years). Mothers and their growing babies are at risk of pregnancy- related complications and malnutrition during this sensitive pe- riod due to inadequate information. This study describes how a faith-based organization (FBO) in Cape Town leverages available resources in both physical and virtual spaces to support moth- ers through antenatal classes. We observed seven small groups in their physical spaces, interviewed seven mothers and analyzed fifteen WhatsApp chat groups to understand the group structure, dynamics, and interactions. When the model was introduced to the mothers in the physical and virtual spaces simultaneously, cohesion was achieved and sustained. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, where strong indications of stress and isolation were evident, a strange paradox was noted: all groups showed weak ties (with minimal communication among members). It was hard to explain the non-commitment despite efforts from the moderators to encourage sharing among mothers. We identified two underlying causes: a minimal sense of belonging to the group and bandwidth constraints. Further analysis showed that bandwidth constraints digitally excluded some mothers from active participation. These findings indicated the need for HCI and technology designers to de- sign less bandwidth-intensive interactive platforms for inclusivity

Information-Seeking, Finding Identity: Exploring the Role of Online Health Information in Illness Experience

The identities we hold have a relationship with how we come to express and understand our experiences of illness. Language forms a means for us to express this understanding and experience to others, and receive information to clarify our own experiences. Having access to new information when undergoing an illness experience can be integral in supporting decision-making for one’s health and well-being and change how we understand ourselves and our experience. Individuals are exposed to information about experiences of illness via search engines, social media, and other platforms online. This online health information may thus significantly influence the decision-making process. Research is needed to understand how the affordances of diverse online hubs for health information influence how people understand illness experiences and seek care. How people use the internet for information-seeking is often researched in individual health conditions. This workshop aims to explore the different methods researchers have used to understand online information-seeking journeys and to identify how the internet is, or can be, used to help users make sense of, and give meaning to, their experiences. Through convening a methodologically diverse set of researchers, we hope to generate a foundation and cohesive field of inquiry and community within HCI

Minimising negative externalities cost using 0-1 mixed integer linear programming model in e-commerce environment

Background: Although the Internet boosts business profitability, without certain activities like efficient transportation, scheduling, products ordered via the Internet may reach their destination very late. The environmental problems (vehicle part disposal, carbon monoxide [CO], nitrogen oxide [NOx] and hydrocarbons [HC]) associated with transportation are mostly not accounted for by industries. Objectives: The main objective of this article is to minimising negative externalities cost in e-commerce environments. Method: The 0-1 mixed integer linear programming (0-1 MILP) model was used to model the problem statement. The result was further analysed using the externality percentage impact factor (EPIF). Results: The simulation results suggest that (1) The mode of ordering refined petroleum products does not impact on the cost of distribution, (2) an increase in private cost is directly proportional to the externality cost, (3) externality cost is largely controlled by the government and number of vehicles used in the distribution and this is in no way influenced by the mode of request (i.e. Internet or otherwise) and (4) externality cost may be reduce by using more ecofriendly fuel system