Standard Access Research Articles

Automated Monitoring of Web User Interfaces

Application development for the modern Web involves sophisticated engineering workflows – including user interface (UI) aspects. Such user interfaces comprise Web elements that are typically created with HTML/CSS markup and JavaScript-like languages, yielding Web documents. Their testing entails performing checks to examine visual and structural parts of the resulting UI software against requirements such as usability, accessibility, performance, or, increasingly, compliance with standards. However, current techniques are largely ad-hoc and tailor-made to specific classes of requirements or Web technologies and extensively require human-in-the-loop qualitative evaluations. Web UI evaluation so far has lacked formal foundations, which would provide assurances of compliance with requirements in an automatic manner. To this end, we devise a methodology and accompanying technical framework for web UIs. In our approach, requirements are formally specified in a spatio-temporal logic able to capture both the layout of visual components as well as how they change over time, as a user interacts with them. The technique we advocate is independent of the underlying technologies a Web application may be developed with, as well as the browser and operating system used. To concretely support the specification and evaluation of UI requirements, our framework is grounded on open-source tools for instrumenting, analyzing, and reporting spatio-temporal behaviors in webpages. We demonstrate our approach in practice over Web accessibility standards posing challenges for automated verification.

PictoAndes: A Customizable Communication Board for Inclusive Education and Multicultural Accessibility

Children with speech and language difficulties often face significant challenges in expressing their needs, emotions, and thoughts, which can lead to frustration, social isolation, and hindered participation in educational and social activities. Addressing this issue, we present a customizable communication board designed to facilitate effective and autonomous communication for these children. Unlike traditional solutions, this application offers a culturally adaptive and user-centered approach, enabling the inclusion of personalized pictograms, such as representations of familiar objects, to create a more relatable and engaging gamified experience. The platform “PictoAndes” leverages modern technology and gamification principles to transform therapy into an interactive and motivating process. By integrating pictograms that resonate with users’ unique contexts, the board enhances communication, strengthens emotional connections, and fosters a sense of belonging. Built on agile methodologies, the application provides a dynamic solution that adapts to individual needs and evolving challenges, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity. The evaluation of the platform, guided by WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards, demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing communication barriers and promoting active participation. Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 10, this project contributes to inclusive education and reduced inequalities by offering a practical and transformative tool. By empowering children to express themselves in meaningful ways, the customizable communication board represents a significant step toward enhancing the quality of life and fostering social inclusion for individuals with speech and language difficulties.

Development of Counseling Sites with Digital Accessibility Features for the Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Current counseling services, such as those available through sikons.upgris.ac.id, lack full accessibility for students with disabilities, particularly those who are blind and visually impaired. Studies reveal significant accessibility barriers across educational websites, impeding equal access for users with disabilities. This study addresses these gaps by developing an accessible counseling platform aligned with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) to ensure inclusive access for all students. Using the ADDIE model's structured stages of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, this study aims to create a technically advanced, user-centered application that enhances usability and independence for students with disabilities. Results from user acceptance testing with 11 participants indicated a high satisfaction rate of 89,33%, demonstrating that the platform effectively meets users' needs, significantly improving accessibility and usability in educational counseling services. This outcome underscores the importance of integrating accessibility standards to foster inclusivity and equitable participation in digital educational resources.

Mobility Challenges and Inclusive Solutions for People with Physical Disabilities in India

This study examines the complex mobility challenges encountered by individuals with physical disabilities in India and seeks to identify inclusive solutions that can improve their accessibility and autonomy. Significant barriers to their full societal participation include inadequate infrastructure, limited transportation options, societal stigma, economic constraints, and gaps in policy implementation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research incorporates surveys, interviews, and field observations to analyze these issues. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced accessibility standards and their enforcement, increased investment in accessible transportation, greater affordability and availability of assistive devices, as well as inclusive educational and employment opportunities. Additionally, public awareness campaigns are essential to address social stigma. The research advocates for a comprehensive framework of inclusive solutions, which encompasses universal design principles, accessible transportation systems, assistive technologies, support services, policy advocacy, and participatory design methodologies. By adopting these strategies, India can foster a more inclusive and equitable society, enabling persons with physical disabilities to fully exercise their right to mobility and engage meaningfully in all facets of life. The researchers are collaborating with a prominent NGO active in the field of disability in Bengaluru, and a study involving beneficiaries of CSR Program driven in association of NGO partner is planned.

Translational Network Neuroscience: 9 Roadblocks and possible solutions

Abstract Translational network neuroscience aims to integrate advanced neuroimaging and data analysis techniques into clinical practice to better understand and treat neurological disorders. Despite the promise of technologies such as functional MRI and diffusion MRI combined with network analysis tools, the field faces several challenges that hinder its swift clinical translation. We have identified 9 key roadblocks that impede this process: (1) Theoretical and basic science foundations; (2) Network construction, data interpretation, and validation; (3) MRI access, data variability, and protocol standardization; (4) Data sharing; (5) Computational resources and expertise; (6) Interdisciplinary collaboration; (7) Industry collaboration and commercialization; (8) Operational efficiency, integration and training; and (9) Ethical and legal considerations. To address these challenges, we propose several possible solution strategies. By aligning scientific goals with clinical realities and establishing a sound ethical framework, translational network neuroscience can achieve meaningful advances in personalized medicine and ultimately improve patient care. We advocate for an interdisciplinary commitment to overcoming translational hurdles in network neuroscience and integrating advanced technologies into routine clinical practice.

INCLUSIVE DESIGN FOR COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

This article delves into the critical role of inclusive design in addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals with cognitive disabilities. It highlights how inclusive design transcends the traditional one-size-fits-all approach, focusing on creating user-centered systems that accommodate diverse needs, including those with cognitive impairments such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism spectrum disorder. The discussion explores key principles of accessibility standards like WCAG, emphasizing participatory design and methodologies to reduce cognitive overload. Furthermore, it examines advanced technologies, including AI and VR/AR, to enhance adaptability and personalization. By presenting case studies, guidelines, and potential pitfalls, the article underscores the importance of empathy-driven innovation and iterative design in fostering equity and usability. This work serves as a comprehensive guide to integrating inclusive practices into design processes, fostering an accessible digital and physical environment for all.

ENCOURAGING NEW-BUILD, SMALL, AFFORDABLE, AND ACCESSIBLE HOMES IN AOTEAROA, NEW ZEALAND

Abstract The growing need for mainstream housing to be accessible is an international issue, driven by ageing populations and ‘ageing-in-place’ policies. Alongside the impetus to improve housing accessibility, is interest in building smaller dwellings, potentially better suited to an ageing population. Internationally, some jurisdictions mandate accessible standards in new-build housing, while others adopt national voluntary accessibility standards. In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ) there is no mandatory requirement and few incentives for new-build housing to be accessible. Only an estimated 2% of dwellings are accessible, while one in six people need modifications to live safely in their homes. Our study addresses the dearth of NZ research into achieving accessibility within a small footprint (50m2-75m2). Its focus on new-builds directly addresses a research gap in international literature, which is largely concerned with home modifications rather than new homes built to accessible standards. We report on findings from interviews with housing providers, architects/designers and builders/developers involved in the production of accessible, small homes. Key themes are: accessible design is perceived as good design; awareness, knowledge and understanding of accessible design and its implementation varies; user-centered accessible design is not well understood nor applied; and trade-offs are made between accessibility, affordability and size. Findings contribute to housing policies and practice by identifying levers to improve accessibility in new-build housing. Findings reinforce calls for a multi-pronged approach to achieve housing accessibility, and suggest that “explorative learning” about accessibility is emerging.

Improving Road and Sidewalk Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Infrastructure Challenges and Legal Compliance in Indonesia

Research to address significant challenges related to public infrastructure accessibility, especially for disabilities, regarding regulations that govern accessibility, the implementation in the field is still far from adequate. The research aims to evaluate the condition of public infrastructure, identify accessibility barriers for disabilities, and provide recommendations for future improvements. A mixed-methods approach, with participatory research methodology, provides significant contributions to disability and urban planning. Probability sampling method, with 150 respondents, physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities, as well as experiences and challenges of accessibility. Data analysis, qualitative and quantitative methods, thematic analysis to analyze qualitative data about PWD experiences, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis for quantitative data. The findings indicate that road and sidewalk infrastructure is inadequate, with uneven surfaces, a lack of supporting facilities such as ramps, and unclear signage. Persons with disabilities are isolated from participating in public spaces, highlighting the gap between regulations and their implementation on the ground. The findings emphasize the integration of universal design in future infrastructure planning. Involving disabilities in planning results in more inclusive and effective solutions. Improving training and awareness for urban planners, along with regular monitoring of public infrastructure, ensures compliance with accessibility standards, moving towards a Smart Disability City (SDC)

Legal Standards for Cross-Border Access to Electronic Evidence in Criminal Procedure: An Albanian Perspective on International Standards

With the development of Information and Communication Technology and digitalization usage expanding significantly in the society, the production and transmitting of data is evermore based on the means of cloud computing. Consequently, the relevance of electronic evidence in criminal proceedings has augmented, encompassing both cybercrimes and traditional offences. Considering the borderless nature of data exchange, supranational regulations and cooperation, the gathering of e-evidence presents a challenging process for criminal proceedings, particularly when it comes to human rights’ implication. Examining the Council of Europe and European Union frameworks on the handling of electronic evidence, the study assesses in particular the procedures and legal issues concerning cross-border electronic data exchange within different jurisdictions in the realm of criminal procedure. The main focus is on the Albanian experience, conducting a comparative analysis on the country’s compliance with electronic evidence rules, whilst addressing data protection safeguards in criminal procedure.

AN ANALYSIS of the SAKARYA KARAMAN BARRIER-FREE NATION'S GARDEN BASED ON UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Individuals with disabilities experience limitations in their physical, mental, emotional, or sensory capacities, often necessitating support or specific accommodations to navigate daily activities and interactions. These challenges may encompass mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, or communication. From a design perspective, it is imperative to ensure that environments, products, and services are accessible and usable, addressing the diverse needs and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. To foster inclusion and promote social equality, designers must prioritize universal design principles and accessibility standards. This study evaluates the accessibility of the Sakarya Karaman Barrier-Free Nation's Garden through the lens of universal design principles. Although the park was designed as a barrier-free environment adhering to these principles, several significant deficiencies were identified. The evaluation revealed that the park fails to fully meet key principles such as equitable use, safety and security, minimized physical effort, and appropriate dimensions and spaces for pathways. These shortcomings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive reassessment of the park to implement requisite modifications, ensuring it accommodates the needs of individuals with disabilities effectively.

The MIEM guidelines: Minimum information for reporting of environmental metabarcoding data

Environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding has become a popular tool for assessing biodiversity from environmental samples, but inconsistent documentation of methods, data and metadata makes results difficult to reproduce and synthesise. A working group of scientists have collaborated to produce a set of minimum reporting guidelines for the constituent steps of metabarcoding workflows, from the physical layout of laboratories through to data archiving. We emphasise how reporting the suite of data and metadata should adhere to findable, accessible, interoperable and reproducible (FAIR) data standards, thereby providing context for evaluating and understanding study results. An overview of the documentation considerations for each workflow step is presented and then summarised in a checklist that can accompany a published study or report. Ensuring workflows are transparent and documented is critical to reproducible research and should allow for more efficient uptake of metabarcoding data into management decision-making.

Diyarbakır Hasan Pasha Inn: A thorough evaluation of risk analysis and accessibility concerns

The importance of accessibility in maintaining historical and cultural structures is evident across all facets of society. It is crucial to ensure that these structures remain secure, readily available, and sustainable, as they represent significant cultural heritage for both the local community and tourists. In this study, the risk analysis and accessibility status of the historic Hasan Pasha Inn in Diyarbakır’s Sur district were thoroughly explored. The Inn holds a significant historical and cultural location on Gazi Street, across from the Ulu Mosque. The primary goals of the research are to identify current risks, conduct a methodical analysis, and offer suggestions for risk mitigation. The Inn’s accessibility was assessed by aligning headings with the accessibility guide. The analysis utilized the 5x5 L-type matrix method to systematically evaluate risks based on specific criteria and determine their relative importance. Risk factors were categorized as minor (0–6), medium (8–12), major (16–20), and disaster (25 and above). A total of 31 risks were identified and grouped under different headings. Precautions were suggested for each risk with the goal of reducing the Inn’s overall risk levels. Measures such as improving physical access, enhancing emergency preparedness, implementing safety measures, and undertaking maintenance and repair projects are being pursued to promote tourism and enhance safety in the neighborhood for both locals and visitors. The study concludes by outlining the necessary actions to improve accessibility and safety at the Hasan Pasha Inn, while also contributing to the preservation of this historic building. The proposed measures aim to make the Inn more accessible to both locals and tourists, and to ensure the sustainability of this culturally significant site. The findings of the study will serve as a valuable resource for enhancing accessibility standards and conserving historic buildings. The limited number of publications on accessibility in historical buildings reveals the need to raise awareness in this field and offer solution suggestions; Therefore, the work we carry out is of great importance. It is expected that this study will offer insights for future risk analyses and accessibility evaluations of similar structures.

US Army Accession and Retention Standards: Impact on Obesity and Medical Readiness

ABSTRACT Introduction Military body fat standards were implemented in the 1980s to prevent obesity and associated poor military readiness. In the past 2 decades, enforcement of existing Army body composition standards has been eroded by the steady increase in national obesity rates, the demand for new recruits especially during the 2007 surge in Iraq, and the COVID epidemic in 2020. The diminishing qualified recruit pool puts a new focus on accession standards. The purpose of accession standards is to ensure that recruits will meet soldier standards, but accession standards have been relaxed to improve recruitment with an assumption that most recruits will achieve the retention standards during initial entry training. A new method of percent body fat estimation (%BF) adopted by the Army in 2024 further liberalizes both accession and retention standards. This study examined the impact of current accession and retention %BF standards on the proportion of the US population that would be disqualified from Army service. Methods This analysis was based on National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) statistical sampling of the US population, where height, weight, abdominal circumferences, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) %BF data were available (n = 26,090, including 13,302 men and 12,788 women). The proportion of individuals in the NHANES data failing to meet weight screen and %BF standards based on age and sex categories were calculated using DXA and the new Army anthropometric method. A recent large dataset from another service was used to compare the new method to DXA. Results Near one-third to one-half of American men and women failed to meet the current Army body composition standard (29, 39, 48, and 50% of men and 39, 45, 46, and 50% of women for age groups 17–20, 21–27, 28–29, and 40–59). More men than women benefited from more liberal accession standards to enter the Army above the retention standard to which they will be held after initial entry training (an additional 12, 11, 15, and 15% of men and 7, 1, 2, and 1% of women who met accession standards exceeded retention standards and would be expected to lose %BF after entry). Approximately one-fourth of women exceeded %BF but were under the height–weight screen; <10% of men were in this category. No men but 16% of the youngest women had low lean mass (<35 kg). Discussion Army body composition standards are generous, extending to the limits of increased metabolic health risks and providing underestimates of actual %BF based on the behavior of circumference-based methods of body fat estimation. However, current standards do not accurately select or track physical readiness, especially for women, and should be updated. Modernization of physical readiness standards to meet the needs of the Army of 2030 could include adoption of new technologies that directly assess central adiposity, adequate muscle mass, and replace fitness testing with cardiac output metrics. With half of US adults projected to be obese by 2030, it is time for a review of the strategic goals of modernized military readiness standards.

The changing epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis: epidemic surveillance and disease prevention challenges

The increasing number of cases of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) reported in recent years in Europe and, more recently, in Poland is a consequence of factors related to climate and environmental change leading to increasing tick populations and human behavior favoring exposure. In Poland, there is considerable regional variation in the incidence of TBE, resulting, among other factors, from underreporting of all cases and limited access to laboratory diagnostics. The consequence is low public awareness of the disease and insufficient use of vaccination as optimal prevention. The current system of surveillance for TBE in Poland needs to be improved: the introduction of standardised standards of clinical practice and wider access to laboratory. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(6):569-582.

VIIDA and InViDe: computational approaches for generating and evaluating inclusive image paragraphs for the visually impaired

Background Existing image description methods when used as Assistive Technologies often fall short in meeting the needs of blind or low vision (BLV) individuals. They tend to either compress all visual elements into brief captions, create disjointed sentences for each image region, or provide extensive descriptions. Purpose To address these limitations, we introduce VIIDA, a procedure aimed at the Visually Impaired which implements an Image Description Approach, focusing on webinar scenes. We also propose InViDe, an Inclusive Visual Description metric, a novel approach for evaluating image descriptions targeting BLV people. Methods We reviewed existing methods and developed VIIDA by integrating a multimodal Visual Question Answering model with Natural Language Processing (NLP) filters. A scene graph-based algorithm was then applied to structure final paragraphs. By employing NLP tools, InViDe conducts a multicriteria analysis based on accessibility standards and guidelines. Results Experiments statistically demonstrate that VIIDA generates descriptions closely aligned with image content as well as human-written linguistic features, and that suit BLV needs. InViDe offers valuable insights into the behaviour of the compared methods – among them, state-of-the-art methods based on Large Language Models – across diverse criteria. Conclusion VIIDA and InViDe emerge as efficient Assistive Technologies, combining Artificial Intelligence models and computational/mathematical techniques to generate and evaluate image descriptions for the visually impaired with low computational costs. This work is anticipated to inspire further research and application development in the domain of Assistive Technologies. Our codes are publicly available at: https://github.com/daniellf/VIIDA-and-InViDe .

Adult Learning and Investment Practices of Persons with Disability in Informal Microfinance Groups in Uganda

Microfinance can be an effective strategy for poverty reduction among Persons with Disability. However, lack of investment and livelihood knowledge and skills and consumption tendencies may undermine this strategy. A qualitative case study that explored the investment practices of Persons with Disability in informal microfinance groups was conducted in Uganda. Findings revealed that despite barriers to learning and investment, Persons with Disability who had positive attitudes borrowed from informal microfinance groups and invested profitably. They learned from a wide range of sources in their community. The study concludes that despite barriers, Persons with Disability borrow and invest and that attitudes, knowledge and skills, severity of impairment and location, influence their investment choices. To enhance investment, it is recommended that barriers to adult learning and investment be removed through sensitisation and training, monitoring compliance with accessibility standards and policy reforms.

Fulfillment of the Health Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Indonesia has ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and regulates the right to health services through Law Number 8 of 2016, but there are still challenges in ensuring equal access for people with disabilities in Indonesia. Lack of accessibility of health facilities and discrimination faced by people with disabilities. Using normative legal research methods and statutory provision approaches, this article examines how persons with disabilities can exercise their rights and how the Government of Indonesia implements policies to protect the rights of persons with disabilities. The results show that despite legal protection efforts, gaps still exist in terms of physical accessibility and health services for people with disabilities. Many facilities do not meet accessibility standards, and medical personnel's understanding of the rights of people with disabilities is still limited. Even though several regulations in Indonesia emphasize equal access to health services, much attention is still paid to the issue of physical accessibility, inadequate information, and lack of understanding and awareness on the part of healthcare providers. To achieve equal access for people with disabilities, it is necessary to strengthen legal protection and implement policies and concrete steps in improving facilities, information, and education for health workers.

STAIR DESIGN AND FLOOR HEIGHT DIFFERENCES IN RELATION TO SAFETY CONCEPTS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The need for safe school buildings is further emphasized by the impact of natural disasters, which shows the importance of prioritizing investment in school infrastructure. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of the dimensions of the stairs with student anthropometry, regarding safety aspects in daily use, and provide design improvements to improve the safety of children in the school environment. This research is a descriptive-evaluative qualitative case study at SDN Ketawanggede from August 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis. The results show that there are disparities in the implementation of safety and accessibility standards in schools with varying infrastructure conditions, focusing on both urban and rural areas, to identify disparities and best practices. The long-term impact of implementing safety measures, such as anti-slip materials, consistent step dimensions, and improved ramps, on the incidence of accidents and injuries among students, is analyzed. The practical outcome of this research includes actionable design solutions to mitigate safety hazards, particularly addressing differences in school floor heights and staircase dimensions. The study provides a valuable resource for policymakers, school administrators, and architects involved in designing and maintaining school facilities.

Judicial Federalism and Abortion in Mexico and the United States

As the US Supreme Court was preparing to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Mexican Supreme Court issued a series of sweeping rulings to liberalize abortion—part of a larger trend across Latin America (Daby and Moseley 2022; Fernandez Anderson 2017; Reuterswärd 2020; Ruibal 2014). Mexico has created a nationwide standard of access to abortion services, whereas the United States has abandoned universal legal abortion and embraced a patchwork system in which each state has different laws regulating reproductive healthcare. Why are these two neighbors on such divergent paths? This contribution to the symposium compares the ways that federalism and judicial politics have interacted in Mexico and the United States to explain the different trajectories of abortion policy. The divergent paths of the United States and Mexico can be explained by the two countries’ different experiences with democracy and political and institutional differences between the judiciaries. A different civil-society and constitutional context also has played a role.

European standards of judicial control at the stage of pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings

The article examines the European standards for the judicial control at the stage of pretrial investigation in criminal proceedings, with an emphasis on the compliance of the provisions of Article 303 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine with the standards of the European Court of Human Rights. In the conditions of reforming the Ukrainian legal system with the aim of integration into the European community, the problem of ensuring effective judicial control is extremely urgent. It is proposed under the European standards of judicial control at the stage of pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings to consider a set of legal norms, principles and guarantees enshrined in the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and precedent practice of the European Court of Human Rights, which ensure an effective, fair and legal judicial review and control over the actions, decisions or inaction of pre-trial investigation bodies for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedoms of a person. Groups of European standards in criminal proceedings are highlighted: firstly, standards relating to the legality of detention and detention, secondly, standards relating to the reasonableness of suspicion, thirdly, standards of effectiveness of pre-trial investigation, fourthly, standards of access to justice in criminal proceedings. It has been established that part of the standard of access to justice is the standard of effectiveness of judicial control. It has been proven that the standard of effectiveness of judicial control at the stage of pre-trial investigation is, in our opinion, an important element of access to justice, as it ensures: protection of the rights of individuals at the stage of pre-trial investigation in criminal proceedings, transparency and accountability of the process, prevention of human rights violations, appeal of procedural decisions. It was concluded that although Article 303 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Ukraine provides tools for judicial control, the existing mechanisms do not always meet European standards due to problems of access to justice and speed of trial. The need to implement international standards is to ensure effective protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens and to strengthen trust in the judicial system of Ukraine. The work emphasizes that further adaptation of national legislation to European requirements will contribute to increasing the effectiveness of judicial control at the pre-trial investigation stage.