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Studying the setup and development of an initiative of computer clubs in intercultural neighborhoods, this paper builds on the theory and method associated with value sensitive design to account for the use of off-the-shelf technology in a diverse cultural context, and over an extended period of time. We present three cases from one of these computer clubs, each at a different point in time in the club's development. Central factors are identified that impact the course of a socio-technical initiative. We highlight the challenges inherent in matching existing ICT with the values both explicitly identified in the initiative and which evolve over time. Our study highlights the relevance of open communication structures among researchers and local practitioners, as well as methodological support that is needed to span a wide range of user experiences. Both aspects are key to making value sensitive design a lived experience on the diverse community level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media usage during the recent uprisings in Arab countries has gained increasing attention in human–computer interaction research. This study adds to these insights by providing some findings on the use of information and communications technology (ICT), specifically mobile media, by opposition forces and political activists during the Syrian civil war. The presented study is based on 17 interviews with Syrian FSA fighters, activists, and refugees. A first analysis showed evidence for some very specific use patterns during wartime (compared to media usage of political activists under less anomic conditions). The study also describes a fragmented telecom infrastructure in Syria: government-controlled regions offer fairly intact infrastructures while rebel-controlled regions have been cut off from telephone and Internet. Moreover, the central and very critical role of mobile video for documenting, mobilization, and propaganda is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the July 1, 2011 issue on topics including several factors influencing medical information shared during multidisciplinary meetings (MDTMs), focus of the participants of the meetings while discussing patients on previous acses and role these meetings can play in gathering information for public health purposes.