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Purpose: This study examined how ableism influences blind and visually impaired women's experiences accessing and engaging in exercise, physical activity, and sport. Methods: Ten women between the ages of 27 and 45 years completed a one-on-one audio-recorded virtual interview where they reflected on the meaningfulness of their exercise, physical activity, and/or sport experiences, as well as described any experiences related to direct, indirect, systemic, or internalized ableism within or when attempting to access those physical activity experiences. The interview transcripts were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Findings: The analysis resulted in the construction of 2 themes that depicted the participants' experiences: (1) "It's exhausting": navigating inaccessibility and (2) "You feel like a fish out of water": internalized ableism. Discussion: The themes highlight the participants' experiences which were largely focused on being forced to navigate inaccessible environments which resulted in exhaustion and expressions of internalized ableism. These findings provide insight into what makes and does not make a physical activity space accessible and welcoming for blind and visually impaired adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disability is a basic human condition that affects a significant proportion of the world's population, yet many disability- and accessibility-relevant issues remain pressing and insufficiently addressed. With three experiments, the current research investigates potential reasons for why marketplace disability accessibility has not been universally accepted. Potential barriers to greater accessibility in marketplaces may arise because such efforts appear at odds with other salient priorities, at micro (i.e. consumer) and macro (i.e. firm, policy, or societal) levels. In the proposed framework and resulting experiments, micro-level trade-offs prompt perceptions of personal cost and macro-level trade-offs prompt perceptions of firm morality. In turn, these perceptions mediate firm evaluations, showing that consumers at baseline respond negatively to accessibility. Critically, however, several practical interventions emerge from these processes. Marketers can mitigate consumers' negative responses to accessibility by employing simple framing choices such as emphasizing who benefits or noting what the purpose of the offering is. By demonstrating one way to better understand perceptions of the full spectrum of the consumer population, this research provides pathways for consumer researchers to further delve into disability-related research in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suburban areas have lower density development than urban areas, which may make them less accessible for the growingpopulation of low- and moderate-income suburban residents, particularly those without a personal vehicle. This research examines factors that lead these households to move to suburban areas and identifies accessibility barriers they face. We use a mixed-methods approach with Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) data from the U.S. Census, online/in-person surveys (n=208), and interviews conducted in English and Spanish (n=25) with households in Contra Costa County with an income of less than $75,000. To understand key differences in housing and transportation choices between urban and suburban residents, these data were compared to survey and interview data from low-income Oakland residents from 2020-2021. We found that low- and moderate-income households choose to live in suburbs due to rising rents and otherrequirements (e.g., credit score, rental history) in urban areas, and a desire for home ownership and safer environment for children. Yet lack of tenant protections is leaving them vulnerable to rising rents in suburban areas. Transportation costs are higher in suburbs due to longer commutes and higher reliance on personal vehicles. Despite higher levels of carownership in the suburbs, households often go without a car due to maintenance issues or inability to make car payments. When faced with the lack of an automobile, suburban households have few quality transportation alternatives.

The Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) pilots in Oakland and Los Angeles, launched in 2021, were innovative initiatives to address transportation equity and access issues in historically underserved communities. These experimental programs examined the impact of providing flexible transportation benefits to low-income residents. However, the current program designs fall short of achieving accessibility and sustainability objectives. Instead, they serve as initial steps in exploring UBM as a potential transportation equity strategy. The report explores the motivation behind local agencies initiating UBM pilots despite existing transportation benefit initiatives, and provides insights from program practitioners on the challenges and opportunities in UBM implementation.

California boasts nine national parks that are home to a plethora of recreational, cultural, and professional opportunities. It is no surprise that national parks draw in millions of recreational and non-recreational trips from across the country and internationally, however how visitors choose to arrive at these federal lands is a major consideration for land management, policy, and infrastructure decisions. According to the National Park Service’s Visitor Use Statistics, an overwhelming majority of visitors arrive by automobile. Alternative transportation options to national parks in California may increase visitor diversity and encourage the modal shift away from car travel. Additionally, transportation infrastructure has the potential to take up more natural spaces in national parks as population growth and recreational popularity increases in the coming years. Roadway widening, repaving, and other disruptive events can have negative impacts on adjacent ecosystems and communities, as well as contribute to public health issues. In this report, the existing conditions of transit to national parks in California are examined in relation to census tract-level sociodemographic and origin-destination data to reveal the spatial distribution of visitor origins and gaps in national park accessibility. From an equity perspective, findings suggest that median household income is proportional to the network distance between a given trip origin and national park destination, and household vehicle access and race are strongly correlated with national park visitation. By examining the current transit network to national parks, select characteristics of park visitation, and demographics of these visitors, this research aims to reveal opportunities for expanded transit connectivity to California’s national parks. Recommendations are presented to provide guidance to decision makers in the realm of transportation access to recreational spaces.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis, a rare multisystem condition, often requires complex, multidisciplinary care. Its low prevalence underscores the importance of efforts to ensure the availability of high-quality patient education materials for better outcomes. ChatGPT (OpenAI) is a large language model powered by artificial intelligence that offers a potential avenue for disseminating accurate, reliable, and accessible educational resources for both patients and providers. Its user-friendly interface, engaging conversational responses, and the capability for users to ask follow-up questions make it a promising future tool in delivering accurate and tailored information to patients. OBJECTIVE: We performed a multidisciplinary assessment of the accuracy, reproducibility, and readability of ChatGPT in answering questions related to amyloidosis. METHODS: In total, 98 amyloidosis questions related to cardiology, gastroenterology, and neurology were curated from medical societies, institutions, and amyloidosis Facebook support groups and inputted into ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4. Cardiology- and gastroenterology-related responses were independently graded by a board-certified cardiologist and gastroenterologist, respectively, who specialize in amyloidosis. These 2 reviewers (RG and DCK) also graded general questions for which disagreements were resolved with discussion. Neurology-related responses were graded by a board-certified neurologist (AAH) who specializes in amyloidosis. Reviewers used the following grading scale: (1) comprehensive, (2) correct but inadequate, (3) some correct and some incorrect, and (4) completely incorrect. Questions were stratified by categories for further analysis. Reproducibility was assessed by inputting each question twice into each model. The readability of ChatGPT-4 responses was also evaluated using the Textstat library in Python (Python Software Foundation) and the Textstat readability package in R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing). RESULTS: ChatGPT-4 (n=98) provided 93 (95%) responses with accurate information, and 82 (84%) were comprehensive. ChatGPT-3.5 (n=83) provided 74 (89%) responses with accurate information, and 66 (79%) were comprehensive. When examined by question category, ChatGTP-4 and ChatGPT-3.5 provided 53 (95%) and 48 (86%) comprehensive responses, respectively, to general questions (n=56). When examined by subject, ChatGPT-4 and ChatGPT-3.5 performed best in response to cardiology questions (n=12) with both models producing 10 (83%) comprehensive responses. For gastroenterology (n=15), ChatGPT-4 received comprehensive grades for 9 (60%) responses, and ChatGPT-3.5 provided 8 (53%) responses. Overall, 96 of 98 (98%) responses for ChatGPT-4 and 73 of 83 (88%) for ChatGPT-3.5 were reproducible. The readability of ChatGPT-4s responses ranged from 10th to beyond graduate US grade levels with an average of 15.5 (SD 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Large language models are a promising tool for accurate and reliable health information for patients living with amyloidosis. However, ChatGPTs responses exceeded the American Medical Associations recommended fifth- to sixth-grade reading level. Future studies focusing on improving response accuracy and readability are warranted. Prior to widespread implementation, the technologys limitations and ethical implications must be further explored to ensure patient safety and equitable implementation.

This article seeks to address the need for research supporting localization efforts in placement assessment. We argue that as a highly technical communication endeavor, directed self-placement (DSP) and its developers can benefit from research in technical and professional communication (TPC). We synthesize the theoretical relations between DSP and TPC, especially regarding models of localization, and demonstrate how implementing user experience (UX) design can help address placement equity concerns by foregrounding accessibility and usability from the beginning. We follow this discussion of DSP and TPC scholarship with storied examples from our institution, providing a sample range of UX methods that (1) are flexible across contexts, (2) are relatively manageable to implement, and (3) are cognizant of WPA, staff, and students’ time, labor, and compensation concerns. We propose DSP as a form of advocacy, and we demonstrate how UX method/ologies are an excellent choice for DSP localization efforts toward equity and accessibility.

External connectivity refers to the service opportunities provided by community open spaces that are influenced by the factors such as traffic distance, road conditions, residence patterns, and population distribution. It is an important factor in determining access to community open spaces. This has important implications for promoting walking behavior and community physical activity among aging urban populations. Using the accessibility evaluation method, we proposed an external connectivity of the community open spaces model from the community perspective and conducted an empirical study using the Overseas Chinese Town community in Shenzhen as an example. External connectivity of the community open spaces can be used to evaluate the efficiency of community open spaces, serving as a reference for open space optimization. Moreover, it has applicable value in promoting physical activity and healthy aging among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The inclusion of minor and pseudo-cereals enhances the nutritional quality of a gluten-free diet. Yet, affordability determines practical implementation. Environmental concerns should also be considered as moving towards a more sustainable diet. How do these aspects of sustainability manifest themselves in a special diet, such as gluten-free? Methods: An international pilot survey among practicing dietitians was conducted during the Congress of The European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD, Budapest, 2023). Respondents marked their recommendation for eight gluten-free cereals based on five criteria, including nutritional quality, accessibility/price, and climate change. Differences were analysed using Cohran's Q and pairwise post-hoc tests (N = 38). Results: There were significant differences in the recommendation for cereals (p < 0.05 for each grain), with quinoa (89.5%), gluten-free oats (89.5%), rice (86.8%), and corn (65.8%) being the most recommended. Buckwheat (55.3%), millet (50.0%), amaranth (44.7%) and sorghum (26.3%) were less recommended. Although gluten-free oats were recommended overall, quinoa was recommended for its nutritional content, and rice and corn were recommended for accessibility/price. No cereal received a high recommendation for climate change. Conclusions: According to this pilot survey, nutritional content and accessibility/price were the most important criteria for evaluating gluten-free grains. Dietitians were willing to integrate climate change considerations into practice, but more information is needed. The recommendation for minor and pseudo-cereals contradicted the importance emphasised by the literature. Further research is needed to integrate these aspects, helping dietitians formulate recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have a profoundly higher risk of death or injury than their peers when natural disasters occur. International policies call for inclusive disaster risk reduction education (DRRE) to help ameliorate this situation. This paper focuses on Indonesia, which has one the highest incidences of these disasters. A three-part structured literature review was undertaken regarding DRRE and children with SEND, followed by a questionnaire to in schools. Firstly, potential papers were screened against explicit criteria, yielding 23 papers for inclusion in the review. Secondly, these 23 papers were screened for identifiable DRR programmes, producing 12 items. Thirdly, evaluations of these 12 programmes were sought. The findings revealed that children with SEND were largely absent within the published research, the DRRE programmes, and all subsequent evaluations of the DRRE programmes. Questionnaire responses from 769 teachers from across Indonesia indicated that DRRE was often lacking, and that no programmes that were being used were accessible for all children. This is the first study to gain this insight and it concludes that there is a need for DRRE across mainstream, inclusive, and special schools, which has an inclusive and enagaing pedagogy that is accessible for all children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of human-computer interaction, deformable user interfaces are gaining more attention. Gestures performed by bending the deformable device are commonly investigated in the literature. These bend gestures' inherent tactile and kinaesthetic feedback and their association with spatial directions benefit both blind and low vision (BLV) and sighted users. Bend gestures are naturally associated with two descriptors of bend, which are location and direction. One potential opportunity to extend this gesture space is to investigate additional descriptors of bend gestures without introducing new locations. In this context, size and angle are the two common additional descriptors of bend gestures. In this work, we conducted two (preliminary and main) studies to investigate BLV and sighted users' performance and preference for multiple magnitude levels of size and angle of bend on a smartphone-sized deformable prototype. Finally, we discuss the results and propose user group-specific design recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessibility is a vital measure of convenience for seniors in accessing urban park green spaces (UPGS). However, current research on accessibility for seniors faces challenges in terms of the reliability of results, and existing categorization methods lack an exploration of accessibility equity. Consequently, there are limited references for city managers to formulate urban planning programs. In this context, this study focuses on Ningbo City, China, and establishes a framework connecting accessibility research and urban planning practices by (1) utilizing the smallest unit in urban planning and zoning regulations as the study's basis; (2) enhancing the reliability of accessibility results through improved input data for the two-step floating catchment area (2SFCA); and (3) exploring accessibility equity by constructing an Accessibility Difference Index (ADI) and employing Hotspot Analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient. The study identified blocks as the smallest unit for accessibility analysis by extracting centerlines from major urban roads. Additionally, the study controlled park division shapes using the Slenderness Ratio and incorporated Baidu population data and path planning time, resulting in more precise 2SFCA results. Consequently, the findings indicated inadequate accessibility in areas where seniors gathered and in the periphery of the study area. Public transportation can significantly improve accessibility equity. The results of the correlation analyses at 15 and 30 min supported this finding. Additionally, the results from the ADI revealed a left-skewed distribution in the assessment data on accessibility equity at 15, 30, and 45-min intervals. Therefore, the accessibility equity for seniors in Ningbo was insufficient. Finally, this paper proposes solutions based on the 2SFCA model, including enhancing the areas and quality of UPGS and optimizing the distribution of seniors. This study can inform urban planning by enhancing transport planning and improving minimum standards for UPGS in zoning regulations. This framework assesses the degree of equity in specific blocks and can guide equity planning in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-report questionnaires are commonly used in depression research with little consideration of their reading ease. This study aimed to increase the reading ease of the commonly-used Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms Self Report (QIDS-SR) and assess the impact of the change in wording on the measure's psychometric properties. The study had three phases: 1) Flesh-Kincaid readability statistics of the original and modified wording were compared; 2) a sample of n = 95 participants rated the modified wording for perceived change in meaning and ease of understanding; 3) a second sample of n = 136 participants completed two versions of the QIDS-SR (original, modified, or one of each) alongside the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity of the modified version were assessed. The modified QIDS-SR had significantly higher reading ease, was considered easier to understand and was not perceived to have a significant change in meaning. Its psychometric properties were unaffected. The wording of the questionnaire was successfully simplified to increase its accessibility and this had no notable impact on the psychometric properties of the measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adolescents in the United States. Traditional injury education interventions for children often are inaccessible due to cost and logistics in underserved communities, exacerbating injury disparities. A new approach is needed to close this gap for families with preschool children. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEORY: Collaborating with Head Start preschools optimizes engagement and accessibility to families in underserved communities. Involving caregivers and community organizations addresses the limitations of conventional interventions and community‐specific injury prevention concerns. IMPLICATIONS FOR SCHOOL HEALTH POLICY, PRACTICE, AND EQUITY: Pop‐up Safety Town offers a more affordable model for injury prevention education, particularly in underserved regions. The model's approach, using adaptable education, mobile and reusable materials, and volunteer staffing, offers greater potential for achieving sustainable impact in these underserved communities. CONCLUSIONS: Pop‐up Safety Town presents a novel upstream solution to address disparities in injury prevention education in underserved communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Sustainable Development Goals stipulate that persons with disabilities have equal rights to access and safely use transport systems. The aim of the current study is to explore stakeholders' perspectives of the relationship and prioritization between safety and accessibility in the Swedish discussion of disability and transport. The data consist of interviews with 15 informants from the National Council for Disability and Transport and other key stakeholders. Reflexive thematic analysis led to identification of four themes: basis for priorities is a matter of governing; challenges to measuring and evaluating different values; importance of knowledge and building forums; and a universal system of accessibility and safety is a challenge. The results indicate the road ahead for a possible holistic and sustainable governance in the transport systems. However, how this will be put into practise is not yet defined. Points of interest: According to several regulations, persons with disabilities have equal rights to safety and accessibility in the transport system. However, there are challenges to combining different concepts and perspectives. Lack of mandates for institutions to address both safety and accessibility leads to goal conflicts and a risk that focuses become entrenched with clearly defined boundaries. There are challenges in evaluating different values and perspectives in relation to accessibility. A facilitating aspect for sustainability regarding safety and accessibility is to create opportunities and systems to allow for the exchange of knowledge. Integration of safety and accessibility may be encouraged by the use of existing sets of holistic approaches (i.e. Vision Zero and Universal Design). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When transport systems are accessible and inclusive, people with disability experience dignity. Alternatively, when personal mobility is constrained by physical, social and/or communication, barriers, people with disability experience exclusion and an increasing vulnerability to indignity. This study sought to qualitatively explore the role of trains and buses in an Australian city in supporting access, inclusion and dignified mobility experiences for people with disability. Twenty-six semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants with diverse visible and invisible disabilities and were analysed thematically using Framework Analysis. The findings highlight the complexities involved with navigating public transport systems while maintaining dignity for people with disability. Accessible and inclusive information, infrastructure, and interactions with staff ensured dignified mobility experiences. If any part of a journey was inaccessible, participants were vulnerable to indignity. Dignified mobility experiences represent a complex and dynamic interaction between personal experiences and preferences, impairment-specific requirements, transport infrastructure, interpersonal experiences, and information inclusivity. Points of interest: Public transport systems can play an important role in enabling, facilitating and sustaining dignity for people with disability. People with disability experience theoretical and practical gaps when using trains and buses. Gaps result from infrastructure, environment, information, and attitudinal barriers. Universal Design, access to accessible and inclusive information, and empathic attitudes help create dignified mobility experiences for people with disability when using buses and trains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of color experience has become a central concern in the development of devices for blind and visually impaired individuals. Several techniques have been implemented, taking into consideration other sensory modalities, in an attempt to find the most suitable solution to intersemiotically translate this visual information. The primary objective of this paper is to investigate various approaches to convey chromatic information for individuals with low vision or blindness and emphasize the importance of multi‐modal integration and cross‐modal interaction among different senses. This research brings together a wide variety of strategies utilized to translate color codes, such as patterns, temperatures, scents, music, and vibrations, with the aim of uncovering the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. A review of the existing literature suggests that interaction between multiple sensory channels is more effective in compensating for lack of vision. As a particularly relevant case study, attention will be paid to the enjoyment of art by people with visual impairments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential of mobile health applications to improve healthcare outcomes and accessibility, particularly among older individuals, is significant. However, challenges such as small fonts, complex navigation, and unintuitive design hinder their effective use by older adults. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring equitable access to healthcare. This study aims to identify the unique difficulties older people face with mobile health apps and explore innovative ways to enhance usability and accessibility. Through design analysis and user testing, the research seeks to address these obstacles and propose solutions. The study examines usability issues and suggests a practical framework that integrates assistive technology and dynamic procurement processes to ensure the availability of user-friendly apps. Emphasizing the importance of user testing with older adults, the research offers actionable insights for improving the overall experience of seniors using mobile health apps. The framework provides practical solutions for resolving these problems, ultimately improving seniors' overall experience utilizing the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaccination is crucial in reducing the spread of disease and improving overall patient mortality. Limited information exists regarding pharmacist accessibility outside traditional medical settings or impact on older patients' intention to vaccinate. This study aimed to examine patient perceptions regarding pharmacist accessibility and vaccination intention. Researchers used a quantitative research method of older people from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. A survey was given to community-dwelling older people who attended different vaccine clinics. The survey included 10 questions describing reasons for not receiving vaccines in the past, how likely they are to receive vaccines if administered at community events, and the importance of having easy access to vaccines. For Likert-type items, a 5-point scale was used. The surveys were collected electronically and anonymously from several community events. Aggregate data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. One hundred seventy-eight responses were collected. The average age of participants was 75 years, and 70.8% were females. Of the respondents, 44.9% preferred to receive vaccines at a community center, 17.4% at the doctor's office, 4.5% at a clinic, and 9.6% at a sporting event like a boxing match. Men were more likely to receive a vaccine at a sporting event, while women were more likely to be interested in receiving a vaccine at a community center (P < 0.05). Respondents somewhat agreed (median = 4, interquartile range = 3-5) that they do not have transportation to places with vaccines. Age was significantly and negatively correlated with educational attainment (P < 0.001). However, as participants' ages increased, they were significantly more likely to have a belief that vaccines do not work (P = 0.011). The study addressed how pharmacists should consider more community outreach events in convenient locations, like community centers, for older people to improve vaccination rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This United Kingdom (UK)-based interdisciplinary proof-of-concept study explores the use of video remote interpreting (VRI) platforms to facilitate communication for deaf individuals using signed languages during their entry into Police Scotland's custody. The study employs three custody VRI simulations to assess the efficacy and limitations of VRI in this context. A unique framework is applied to scrutinise the management of equal access to routine police procedures, revealing disparities in the distribution of responsibility and highlighting the constrained capacity of interpreters. The research emphasises the need for law enforcement to move beyond mere interpreter provision – whether on-site or remote – and advocates for a holistic consideration of the overall experience of deaf people during police interactions. Furthermore, it underscores the imperative for interpreters to cultivate versatile skills, enabling them to address procedural and communication challenges, particularly when the welfare and safety of citizens are at stake. This investigation prompts a comprehensive re-evaluation of the support systems in place for deaf individuals in police custody, urging a shift towards a more inclusive and nuanced approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose reducing ends are believed to play a vital role in the cellulose recalcitrance to enzymatic conversion. However, their role in insoluble cellulose accessibility and hydrolysis is not clear. Thus, in this study, reducing ends of insoluble cellulose derived from various sources were modified by applying reducing and/or oxidizing agents. The effects of cellulose reducing ends modification on cellulose reducing ends, cellulose structure, and cellulose accessibility to cellulase were evaluated along with the impact on cellulose hydrolysis with complete as well purified cellulase components. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) reduction and sodium chlorite‐acetic acid (SC/AA) oxidation were able to modify more than 90% and 60% of the reducing ends, respectively, while the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) reagent applied for various cycles oxidized cellulose reducing ends to various extents. X‐ray diffractograms of the treated solids showed that these treatments did not change the cellulose crystalline structure and the change in crystallinity index was insignificant. Surprisingly, it was found that the cellulose reducing ends modification, either through selective NaBH4 reduction or BCA oxidation, had a negligible impact on cellulose accessibility as well on cellulose hydrolysis rates or final conversions with complete cellulase at loadings as low as 0.5 mg protein/g cellulose. In fact, in contrast to what is traditionally believed, modifications of cellulose reducing ends by these two methods had no apparent impact on cellulose conversion with purified cellulase components and their synergy. However, SC/AA oxidation resulted in significant drop in cellulose conversion (10%–50%) with complete as well purified cellulase components. Nonetheless, further research revealed that the cause for drop in cellulose conversion for the SC/AA oxidation case was due to primary hydroxyl groups (PHGs) oxidation and not the oxidation of reducing ends. Furthermore, it was found that the PHGs modification affects cellulose accessibility and slows the cellulase uptake as well resulting in significant drop in cellulose conversions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The walkability is closely related to the lifestyle and health of local residents. Unreasonable community design may result in spatially segregated spaces, creating walking barriers for residents and reducing walking accessibility. If a community's physical layout can be optimized through better walking-related planning at the community level, people would be more convenient to reach more facilities with a better walking accessibility. A microscale measurement method for walkability at the community level is necessary to assist in community planning. This study developed a new measurement of walkability using a hexagon-based adaptive crystal growth algorithm and verified its effectiveness by examining the impact of gated communities on walkability. Taking three communities in Beijing as cases, this study created two kinds of accessibility planes (with-wall and no-wall) to compare changes in walkability between gated and open communities. The findings show that gate and wall removal can partially improve community walkability and that the algorithm can accurately measure community walkability in different scenarios. The proposed algorithm provides a new perspective for walkability measurements and offers a scientific tool for people-oriented community planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of easy-read and plain language is a challenging task, requiring well-educated experts to write context-dependent simplifications of texts. Therefore, the domain of easy-read and plain language is currently restricted to the bare minimum of necessary information. Thus, even though there is a tendency to broaden the domain of easy-read and plain language, the inaccessibility of a significant amount of textual information excludes the target audience from partaking or entertainment and restricts their ability to live life autonomously. Large language models can solve a vast variety of natural language tasks, including the simplification of standard language texts to easy-read or plain language. Moreover, with the rise of generative models like GPT, easy-read and plain language may be applicable to all kinds of natural language texts, making formerly inaccessible information accessible to marginalized groups like, a.o., non-native speakers, and people with mental disabilities. In this paper, we argue for the feasibility of text simplification and generation in that context, outline the ethical dimensions, and discuss the implications for researchers in the field of ethics and computer science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gambling and its harmful effects on human health and well-being represent a significant public health concern in many countries, with electronic gambling machines (EGMs) recognized as one of the most detrimental forms of gambling. Previous research has established an association between EGM accessibility, expenditure, gambling harm, and the socioeconomic status (SES) of neighborhoods. However, there is limited understanding of the direct impact of SES and EGM accessibility on individual player expenditures. Prior estimations of expenditure often rely on self-reported data or venue-level revenue statistics. This study uses high spatial resolution socioeconomic data together with individual-level account-based location and expenditure (point of sales) data (71,669 players, 745 EGM venues) to explore the association between EGM accessibility and neighborhood SES and to examine whether the EGM expenditure of neighborhood residents is associated with EGM accessibility and neighborhood SES. Data and methods: Player account data include information on the home location and expenditure of the entire EGM gambling population across every EGM venue located in the Helsinki region, Finland. High-resolution (250 × 250 m) grid-level data on socioeconomic variables were used to obtain the local socioeconomic conditions of the players. EGM accessibility was estimated for every grid cell using a calibrated gravity model derived from the player account data. Statistical analyses included correlation analysis, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and regression models. Results: First, significantly higher levels of EGM accessibility were found in areas with lower local SES. Second, regression analysis revealed that both higher EGM accessibility and lower local SES were associated with higher annual losses per adult. These results, in combination with visual and spatial autocorrelation analyses, revealed that accessibility to EGM gambling is highly concentrated, especially in lower socioeconomic neighborhoods with higher levels of EGM expenditure. Conclusions: The results lay the groundwork for future spatial research on gambling harm, expenditure, accessibility, and SES utilizing detailed account data on the interaction between players and venues. The results underscore the importance of spatial restrictions when regulating EGM accessibility, particularly in areas with vulnerable populations, as a crucial measure for public health and harm prevention. The results also enable targeted gambling harm prevention actions at the local level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 7.4% of Canadians over the age of 15 report being blind or partially sighted; this impacts their daily functioning in public spaces [1]. Technological advances have included the proliferation of self-serve kiosk in many consumer settings. However, absent from discussions of community accessibility is the experiences of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. To better understand the experiences of this population with self-serve kiosks. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used to analyze survey data collected as part of a survey by Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) of people who are blind, Deafblind partially sighted about their use of self-serve kiosks. 731 participants were surveyed, representing a response rate of 3.5% across Canada. 64.14% of participants faced barriers in completing a task using self-serve technology. Human assistance was required to complete the tasks in most instances. 65.74% of participants reported they did not enjoy using self-serve kiosks and 60.90% of participants reported they would not continue to use self-serve kiosks in the future. The findings highlight a need to promote accessibility in the creation and implementation of self-serve kiosks in order to further their use and decrease exclusion of people who are blind and partially sighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Aim Method Main Contribution Conclusion WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on this subject What this paper adds to existing knowledge What are the clinical implications of this work? Accessibility of data visualization has been explored for users with visual disabilities but the needs of users with language disabilities have seldom been considered.This scoping review synthesised what is known about data visualization for adults with language disabilities, specifically the acquired language disability, aphasia and Developmental Language Disorder. It sought to extract key findings and identify what practices support effective visualization for decision making for people with language disabilities.Papers were included if they investigated visualization of data, and the consumers of the data visualization were people with aphasia or developmental language disability. Seven databases were searched: CINAHL, Academic Search, Medline, PsychINFO, Ovid, ACM Digital Library and IEEE Xplore. Included studies were charted to extract title, author(s), year, country, paper type, scientific field, participant number(s), participant group(s), main topic, subtopic, method, task description, task category, data visualization, summary, key findings relevant to the review question, and guidelines or recommendations. Narrative synthesis was used to describe how people with language disability have interacted with data visualization from a range of literature.Six studies (seven publications) were included in the review. One study came from the field of health, one from a disability rights collaboration and four studies from computer science. No studies satisfying the review criteria explored data visualization for Developmental Language Disorder; however, five studies explored participants with cognitive disabilities that included impairments of language, so these were included. A range of visualization designs were found. Studies predominantly explored understanding of visualization (4/6). One study explored how to express data visually, and one explored the use of the visualization that is, for an action, choice, or decision. Cognitively accessible data visualization practices were described in four papers and synthesized. Supportive practices reported were reducing the cognitive load associated with processing a visualization and increasing personal relevance of data visualization.Accessible data visualization for adults with aphasia and Developmental Language Disorder has only minimally been explored. Practices to specifically support users with language disability are not yet apparent. As data use in making everyday decisions is widespread, future research should explore how people with language disabilities make use of data visualization. Visual resources are used widely to support people with language disabilities in understanding of language. That is, icons, maps timelines and so forth, are used to support auditory processing. However, data visualization is used routinely by people without a language disability to support everyday decisions for example, visualization of live traffic data is used to provide users with the best route to their destination. It is unclear whether any work has explored data visualization for people with language disabilities.  This paper brings together research on the use of data visualization by adults with either Developmental Language Disorder or aphasia, collectively people with language disabilities. It highlights a gap in the design of inclusive data visualization for language disabilities and the minimal research exploring the use of data visualization for decision making in these populations. Access to data can be empowering. It has potential to enable agency in decisions and increase social participation. The existing gap in knowledge about how to design inclusive data visualization for people with language disabilities thus poses a risk of exclusion and threats to informed decision making. Highlighting the current field of literature may drive research and clinical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractPublic transport inherently involves encounters with other people. For women, negotiating everyday overcrowded, unsafe, and unreliable conditions is a major barrier to accessing public transport mobility that triggers emotions. Using qualitative research methods – in-depth interviews and visual surveys – this study delves beyond understanding the barriers and looks at the affective realm to comprehend how affects and emotions shape accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of public transport for women in Kolkata. The disruptive affects of overcrowded, unsafe, and unreliable conditions produce emotional ordeals, increase travel time and costs, and restrict mobility. The sense of despair that emerges compels women to adjust, accept, and even opt out of overcrowded, unsafe, and unreliable public transport more often than not. This paper argues that affects, emotions, reactions, and consequences are entangled and impact the accessibility, acceptability, and affordability of public transport. The contribution of this paper lies in bringing to the fore the need for feminist inquiries into gendered mobility inequalities and the role of affects and emotions therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite substantial investment in improving healthcare among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, barriers to access and utilization of services persist, especially to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. In response to adolescents' health service needs due to their vulnerability, interventions aimed at improving access and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services have been implemented in specific regions of Zambia. To highlight progress in the access and the overall delivery of services in Zambia, in the wake of a system-level funding mechanism, this paper aims to understand the accessibility, availability, acceptability and quality (AAAQ) of health services provided to young people. Materials and methods: In a qualitative case study, 48 discussions-32 individual interviews with stakeholders and 16 focus group discussions, consisting of 128 male and female adolescents were conducted in six districts from Eastern, Southern and Muchinga provinces of Zambia. Interviews were audio-recorded, recordings transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were analysed using deductive thematic analysis, using the AAAQ framework and Atun's framework on integration, as a guide to reporting the findings. Results: We found that adolescents knew of and had access to common commodities and services-male condoms, health education and HIV counselling and testing. However, availability was affected by access-related barriers such as frequent stock-outs and insufficiently trained healthcare providers. In addition, accessibility was more restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and compounded by the low acceptability of SRH service among adolescents across all contexts. This led to the use of alternatives such as herbal medicine and maintained common myths and misconceptions. The overall quality was marred by the lack of dedicated spaces for adolescent health services and the lack of information, education and communication (IEC) materials in some spaces. Conclusion: While it was noted that some services were available for adolescents in all the study sites, numerous barriers inhibited access to these services and had an impact on the quality-of-service provision. With the added restriction to SRH service asses for young people, due to the low acceptability of adolescent SRH service use, the overall integration of adolescent SRH interventions into routine service provision was low and can be improved by targeting contextual barriers and maintaining best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the five evidence-based steps to use in structuring a personal diversity statement. These steps include preparing an introduction that goes beyond demonstrating one's definitional knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA), stating DEIA academic or healthcare-related teaching contributions, and stating service-related contributions to advance DEIA.

Analysing the spatial distribution patterns of the urban tourism and leisure industry is crucial for meeting the dual demands of residents and visitors for a better quality of life. Most existing studies on spatial distribution characteristics and the accessibility of leisure tourism have been carried out individually and lack the relationship between the tourism and leisure industry and accessibility. Based on Qingdao's POI data, spatial visualisation methods and Geodetector are used to explore spatial distribution, accessibility, and influencing factors. (1) It is found that the overall and various types of the tourism and leisure industry in Qingdao exhibit clustered distribution, with an imbalance between coastal and inland areas. (2) There are notable spatial disparities in overall accessibility within Qingdao, with most regions falling within the 70-min isochrone. The spatial distribution of accessibility at the county level aligns with the overall accessibility patterns. (3) Various factors influence the spatial distribution of the tourism and leisure industry. Per capita disposable income is the primary factor affecting the spatial layout of Qingdao's tourism and leisure industry. After interacting with other factors, GDP per capita and tourist trips become key influencing factors. These findings can promote the sustainable development of urban tourism in Qingdao and provide a valuable reference for other cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting sustainable and equitable public transportation services is essential for addressing disparities and preventing social exclusion among diverse population groups for daily activities. This paper proposes a comprehensive approach to assess transport disadvantages and identify areas with limited access to public transport and services. By combining statistical and geographic techniques, we analyze demographic, socioeconomic, and travel data to spatially contextualize areas based on the social structure and understand the characteristics of population groups facing transportation challenges in the Porto Metropolitan Area. Cluster analysis results revealed four distinct clusters with homogeneous characteristics. In contrast, service area analysis assessed the public transport coverage to identify served zones, the population within these zones, and activities reached in the region. Our findings indicate that suburban and rural areas often lack access to public transport stops, aggravated by lower service frequencies, leading to high reliance on private cars for essential activities, such as work and education. Despite the good geographical coverage of rail and bus stops, urban and central–urban areas also suffer from inadequate service frequencies, impacting public transport usage. Improving service quality in high-demand areas could encourage greater public transport utilization and enhance accessibility. Identifying areas facing inequities facilitates targeted policy interventions and prioritized investments to improve accessibility and address mobility needs to access services effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with visual impairment and additional disabilities (VIAD) have difficulty accessing the visual information related to their parents' facial expressions and gestures. Similarly, it may be hard for parents to detect their children's subtle expressions. These challenges in accessibility may compromise emotional availability (EA) in parent--child interactions. The systematic use of the bodily-tactile modality for expressive and receptive communicative functions may function as a strategy to compensate for a child's lack of vision. This multiple-case study explored the effects of a bodily-tactile early intervention for three mothers and their one-year-old children with VIAD. Methods: Video data from baseline, intervention, and follow-up sessions were analyzed using a bodily-tactile coding procedure and EA Scales. Results: During the intervention, all mothers began to use a more bodily-tactile modality in early play routines and in different communicative functions. They increased their use of anticipatory cues, noticing responses, and tactile signs. Moreover, the children were more emotionally available to their mothers during the intervention and follow-up compared to the baseline. Conclusion: The results indicated that, during a short intervention, mothers could adopt a systematic use of the bodily-tactile modality in interactions with their children with VIAD. The results also suggest that, when mothers increased flexibility in communication channels, it was positively linked to their children's EA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The NCCN guidelines recommend genetic testing in those patients at increased risk of breast cancer in order to identify candidates for increased frequency of screening or prophylactic mastectomy. However, genetic testing may now identify patients who may benefit from recently developed targeted breast cancer therapy. In order to more widely identify these patients, we implemented genetic counseling for all patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: In 2021, all patients evaluated within a Midwestern community hospital system diagnosed with breast cancer were offered genetic counseling. This group of patients was compared to a cohort of patients in 2021 who were offered genetic counseling based on NCCN guidelines. With Pearson's chi square, Fisher's Exact test, Mann–Whitney U, and multivariate regression as appropriate, individual demographic data and genetic testing completion between 2019 and 2021 were evaluated. Results: A total of 973 patients were reviewed. 439 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and 534 in 2021. Demographics and stage at diagnosis (p = 0.194) were similar between years. Completion of genetic testing increased from 204 (46.5%) in 2019 to 338 (63.3%) in 2021 (p < 0.01) with the universal counseling protocol. Specifically, genetic testing completion increased significantly in older patients (p = 0.041) and patients receiving Medicare benefits (p = 0.005). The overall pathogenic variants found increased from 32 to 39 with the most common including BRCA2 (n = 11), CFTR (n = 9), CHEK2 (n = 8), BRCA1 (n = 6). Conclusion: Universal genetic counseling was related to a significant increase in genetic testing completion and an increase in pathogenic variants found among breast cancer patients, specifically in subpopulations which may have been previously excluded by traditional NCCN genetic testing screening guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLittle research has examined the aspects of PMs’ use among individuals who are blind or visually impaired (BVI) who face extra challenges while entering credentials, such as low typing rates, low typing accuracy, shoulder surfing attacks, and verification of the entered data. This paper explores how knowledgeable BVI individuals are of digital security threats; the status of accessibility in security software; awareness of PMs among BVI; and the factors that drive rejection or adoption of PMs. Our findings revealed that the self-reported knowledge of digital security threats is high; there are many accessibility shortcomings in various security software; and the awareness of PMs among BVI individuals is relatively high, although actual use is far less. About 1/4-th of the participants in the study who tried using PMs rejected them. We found that inaccessibility, cross-platform differences, and security concerns as the top rejection factors. By contrast, convenience, effort saving, and accuracy were the primary adoption factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document focuses on urban dispersion and accessibility in the Metropolitan Zone of the Valley of Mexico and its influence on the university student population. This is achieved through the analysis of three groups of data: mobility surveys of the student community, school performance monitoring data provided by the University, and data from Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía (INEGI) on the location of main transportation in the city. The research provides results on the geographical dispersion of students, their dependence on the public transportation system, and how this situation is related to accessibility and academic performance, particularly in the case of students with greater lag. Finally, the importance of implementing these studies in businesses and schools that will contribute to the development of transportation and urban planning policies that reduce social disparities and improve mobility in the urban environment is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the application of Support Vector Machine (SVM) to enhance Braille letter recognition through image processing, a critical technology aimed at improving information accessibility for the general public. Braille letters, as a vital tactile writing system for this community, are represented by patterns of dots interpreted through touch. By employing SVM method optimized using Grid Search, the study achieved an 82% accuracy in classifying Braille letter images from a test dataset of 1560 images. These results confirm SVM's effectiveness in recognizing and classifying Braille letters, validating the efficiency of this approach in Braille image classification. The implications of this research include significant contributions to technology supporting inclusivity and information accessibility, emphasizing the importance of structured and optimized systems in addressing the challenges of recognizing different characters in the Braille writing system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The popularity of yoga has surged in recent years; however, yoga practitioners have remained a largely homogenous population. Research reflects that most practitioners are of a higher socioeconomic status. There are access barriers to yoga for lower income individuals, likely due to factors such as financial constraints and logistical challenges. The primary goal of this review was to synthesize literature on yoga research among low-income populations and better understand the feasibility and acceptability of such interventions. A secondary goal was to assess the consistency of metrics for reporting feasibility and acceptability across such studies using the CheckList Standardizing the Reporting of Interventions for Yoga (CLARIFY) guidelines as a framework. Third, the authors sought to propose additional standardized CLARIFY guidelines that may enhance reporting on the diversity of yoga research populations, adherence, and retention. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar were searched in May 2022 using a prespecified search string. Articles assessing a yoga intervention in predominantly low-income adult populations were deemed eligible for inclusion. Results: The search resulted in 512 potential articles. Eleven were deemed eligible for inclusion. The included studies reported mostly positive effects of yoga on the target outcome (i.e., pain/disability, quality of life/wellness, and psychiatric symptoms). Recruitment and retention data showed generally good attendance and high study completion rates. Common study design components included recruitment embedded within preexisting medical settings, proximal yoga locations, and mitigation of yoga-related costs. Finally, the authors noted inconsistency in the reporting of adherence, retention, and other sociodemographic characteristics of participants and yoga instructors (e.g., race, ethnicity, and income). Discussion: Yoga may promote physical and mental health for low-income individuals. Important facilitators to access are noted, such as proximal study settings, as well as barriers such as the need for childcare that can be addressed in future research. In addition, several study design considerations could help address the specific needs of low-income participants in yoga research, such as compensating participants, recruiting within existing medical settings, and providing yoga-related equipment at no cost. Finally, the authors suggest specific ways to enhance reporting of study metrics related to socioeconomic diversity, by adding to the preexisting CLARIFY guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Management of idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is complex requiring contributions from multiple specialized disciplines. In practice, this creates considerable organizational and communicational challenges. To meet those challenges, we established an interdisciplinary integrated outpatient clinic for IIH with a central coordination and a one-stop concept. Here, we aimed to evaluate effects of this one-stop concept on subjective patient satisfaction and economic outcome in patients with IIH. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we compared the one-stop era with integrated care (IC, 1-JUL-2021 to 31-DEC-2022) to a reference group receiving standard care (SC, 1-JUL-2018 to 31-DEC-2019) regarding subjective patient satisfaction (assessed by the Vienna Patient Inventory). Multivariable binary linear regression models were used to adjust for confounders. Results: Baseline characteristics of the IC group (n = 85) and SC group (n = 81) were comparable (female: 90.6% vs. 90.1%; mean age: 33.6 vs. 32.8 years, educational level: ≥9 years of education 60.0% vs. 59.3%; located in Vienna 75.3% vs. 76.5%). Compared to SC, management within IC concept was associated with statistically significantly higher subjective patient satisfaction (beta = 0.93; p < 0.001) with the strongest effects observed in satisfaction with treatment accessibility and availability (beta = 2.05; p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses of patients with migration background and language barrier consistently indicated stronger effects of IC in these groups. Conclusions: Interdisciplinary integrated management of IIH statistically significantly and clinically meaningfully improves patient satisfaction – particularly in socioeconomically underprivileged patient groups. Providing structured central coordination to facilitate and improve access to interdisciplinary management provides means to further improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social recognition of cultural landscapes has increased in recent years. Culture must be accessible to all citizens, helping them to interpret the cultural landscape in the most respectful and autonomous way possible. Nevertheless, the link between accessibility and heritage requires a sensitive perception of the environment and individuals in their different situations. Usually, however, only partial solutions are offered, whereas a global, truly sustainable, and inclusive approach should be adopted. In this sense, information design can play an essential role in the enjoyment and knowledge of heritage landscapes. The aim of this article is to present some reflections on this topic, which have led a group of teachers and students from the Laboratory of Architectural, Cultural, and Heritage Landscape of the University of Valladolid (LAB/PAP) to develop experimental design proposals for the archaeological site of Tiermes, in Soria, Spain. The method applied is based on field research, case studies, project proposals, workshops, and user testing. The resulting proposals emerge from the previous research developed by the LAB/PAP. They will focus on information design to present this extraordinary site in an inclusive way. The final discussion will decide which of these proposals will be easier and more useful to implement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure full participation of people with disabilities in research, accessibility of the instruments employed is essential. This paper describes an exploratory research which included the adaptation of the AIR Self-Determination Scale and the Promotion of Autonomous Decision-Making Scale. The adaptation was designed to enable Hebrew-speaking young adults with physical disability, autism, psychosocial disability, complex learning disabilities, deafness or hearing impairment, or blindness or visual impairment, to complete a self-report questionnaire. It included extensive wording simplifications. In addition, original Likert scales were reduced, and symbols were added to improve accessibility. The forms were modified to a coloured format with more visible headings, including use of a screen reader and additional visual adaptations. The adaptation process included three phases: questionnaire adaptation, examination of face and content validity, and a reliability assessment of the final version. The process was informed by input from young adults with disabilities. We conclude that simplified language, symbols, and visual effects should be considered when adapting questionnaires for people with disabilities. In addition, consulting with individuals with disabilities as experts by experience, should be integral to the adaptation of instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palliative care (PC) clinicians are well poised to help people with disabilities (PWD) live well in the context of serious illness. PC prioritizes person-centered care with a focus on function, autonomy, and quality of life. This approach aligns with principles of high-quality care for PWD. An understanding of the unique experiences and needs of PWD can advance the delivery of comprehensive, equitable PC for this population. In this article, we provide 10 tips to help PC clinicians develop an informed disability lens in their approach to care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the collections and accessibility of parish libraries in early modern England and the subjects in which their readers were most interested. The period covered begins with the 1558 accession of Elizabeth I, which preceded by only a few years the establishment of the first post-Reformation parish library, and ends with the Parochial Libraries Act of 1709, which ensured that libraries could not be dismantled and dispersed without permission from the appropriate authorities. This article argues that parish libraries were established in this period to provide people of gentry rank and below with a religious education and that, despite previous historians' arguments to the contrary, the works in these collections were appropriate to the intended audience. It further contends that despite physical access restrictions imposed on these libraries by their founders, their books were read, and that readers' interests focused on four themes that were central to early modern Protestantism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a practical and theoretical exploration of a (highly) specialised type of comics re-mediation, namely, audio described (AD) comics for the Blind and Partially Sighted (BPS). Building on relevant work in comics studies and translation studies, it is argued that translation activity, broadly seen to include interlingual as well as intersemiotic translation (Jakobson 1959), helps rewrite original works. Translation is defined as a blend, or a hybrid mental space combining characteristics of source and target contexts. As such, it entails the imbrication of personal memory, collective memory and the diffusion of a translator's memory in linguistic codes, social milieus, textual traditions and digital capabilities at play. AD exhibits the same blend logic in that it selectively contains visual source-text information in target-text audio performance. An exploratory comics AD pilot project at The Cartoon Museum (London) serves as an exemplar. The project consists of three phases: a focused interview with the creative team (describer, curator, comic artists); scripting and performance of three AD samples; and collecting feedback from BPS visitors. The project reveals how collective memory started to form in this dialogic process and, ultimately, which aspects of AD practice may be deemed to be effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microalgae are booming as a sustainable protein source for human nutrition and animal feed. Nevertheless, certain strains were reported to have robust cell walls limiting protein digestibility. There are several disruption approaches to break down the cell integrity and increase digestive enzyme accessibility. This review's intent is to discuss the digestibility of microalgae proteins in intact cells and after their disruption. In intact single cells, the extent of protein digestibility is chiefly related to cell wall structural properties (differing among strains) as well as digestion method and when added to food or feed protein digestibility changes depending on the matrix's composition. The degree of effectiveness of the disruption method varies among studies, and it is complicated to compare them due to variabilities in digestibility models, strains, disruption method/conditions and their consequent impact on the microalgae cell structure. More exhaustive studies are still required to fill knowledge gaps on the structure of microalgal cell walls and to find efficient and cost-effective disruption technologies to increase proteins availability without hindering their quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As large open spaces, such as national and regional parks, have become popular as recreational destinations, car dependency to access those open spaces has created capacity challenges. Due to these issues, transit-to-parks (T2P) initiatives—public transportation services connecting populated areas to large parks—have gained global traction. Limited research has examined these sustainability initiatives, and more knowledge is needed about how these initiatives are created and function. To address these gaps, this study explores motivations, facilitators, and challenges related to T2P initiatives in the U.S. and Canada. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 practitioners involved in the planning or operation of T2P initiatives in the two countries. Motivations for T2P included parking and congestion issues, environmental concerns, equity, and economic development. Facilitators of T2P initiatives included robust partnerships, community engagement, and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of tailored narratives and coalition-building. The primary challenges mentioned were limited funding and labor, inadequate infrastructure, and siloed agencies and politics. This study reveals the complex dynamics of T2P initiatives and provides practical implications for transit agencies, public lands agencies, and community advocates seeking to enhance more sustainable and equitable access to nature. • We examine emerging transit-to-parks (T2P) initiatives in the U.S. and Canada. • T2P initiatives are driven by traffic, environmental, social, and economic motivations. • Policy advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement emerge as critical facilitators. • Challenges include limited funding and labour, inadequate infrastructure, and siloed agencies and politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neighborhood sustainability assessment (NSA) systems assess neighborhood sustainability through different themes. Most NSA systems originated from developed countries, with limitations in assessing micro-level transportation infrastructure. The NSA systems lack alignment with Indian regulations and policies and have limitations in assessing informal transportation modes, affordability, and street-vending-related issues. This research developed the sustainable transportation assessment index (SusTAIN) framework to assess mixed-use neighborhoods in India and overcome the limitations of NSA systems. The method was to identify and evaluate qualitative and quantitative indicators and sub-indicators from NSA systems, Indian transportation regulations and policies, and transportation system studies from the literature. Indicators were integrated into the four subthemes of (i) accessibility, (ii) mobility nodes and network, (iii) external factors associated with mobility, and (iv) land-use and socioeconomic factors' assessment. The authors evaluated the framework through the Geographical Information System (GIS), site surveys, and benchmark values from the literature. This research demonstrated the interrelationship of indicators and the sub-indicators between them. Finally, the authors discussed the SusTAIN composite index formation method. The framework is vital for the local application of national sustainable urban development policies. The SusTAIN framework application enables local governments to evaluate the transportation sustainability of neighborhoods and identify potential optimization areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing inequality and fostering economic growth is the tenth global goal of the United Nations for sustainable development. Rail transport significantly influences spatial structures, industrial distributions, and is vital for regional economic integration. Despite its importance, the impact of rail transport on economic equity has not been thoroughly explored in current literature. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the spatiotemporal characteristics of rail transport accessibility and its implications for economic equity in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area. We considered high-speed, intercity, and conventional rail transport and employ three distinct indicators—door-to-door travel time, weighted average travel time, and potential accessibility—to provide a nuanced assessment of accessibility in the region. Each indicator provides a unique perspective on how accessibility affects economic equity, collectively broadening the scope of the analysis. From 1998 to 2020, the evolution of rail transport and its consequent impact on regional economic equity is scrutinized. Advanced econometric methods, namely ordinary least squares, and spatial Durbin models, are combined with the Gini coefficient and Lorenz curve for comprehensive quantitative analysis. This approach highlights the dynamic influence of rail transport development on economic equity, contributing to the sustainable urban development discourse. The results reveal that although rail transport advancements bolster connectivity and economic growth, they also exacerbate regional economic inequality. This study provides valuable insights for urban planning and policymaking by elucidating the complex relationship between rail transport accessibility and economic equity. Our findings underscore the importance of implementing balanced and inclusive transport policies that foster growth and efficiency while mitigating socioeconomic disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]