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Web-based pulmonary telehabilitation: a systematic review

2024 , Ayala-Chauvin, Manuel Ignacio , Chicaiza Claudio, Fernando , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Jadán Guerrero, Janio , Verónica Maldonado-Garcés , Esteban Ortiz-Prado , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Mayra Carrión-Toro , Marco Santórum , Mario Gonzalez-Rodriguez , Camila Madera , Wilmer Esparza

Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation (WBPTR) can serve as a valuable tool when access to conventional care is limited. This review assesses a series of studies that explore pulmonary telerehabilitation programmes delivered via web-based platforms. The studies involved participants with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Of the 3190 participants, 1697 engaged in WBPTR platforms, while the remaining 1493 comprised the control groups. Sixteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Web-based pulmonary telerehabilitation led to an increase in daily step count (MD 446.66, 95% CI 96.47 to 796.86), though this did not meet the minimum clinically important difference. Additionally, WBPTR did not yield significant improvements in the six-minute walking test (MD 5.01, 95% CI − 5.19 to 15.21), health-related quality of life as measured by the St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (MD − 0.15, 95% CI − 2.24 to 1.95), or the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD 0.17, 95% CI − 0.13 to 0.46). Moreover, there was no significant improvement in dyspnoea-related health status, as assessed by the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (MD − 0.01, 95% CI − 0.29 to 0.27) or the modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (MD − 0.14, 95% CI − 0.43 to 0.14). Based on these findings, this review concludes that WBPTR does not offer substantial advantages over traditional care. While slight improvements in exercise performance were observed, no meaningful enhancements were noted in dyspnoea or quality of life metrics. Overall, WBPTR remains a complementary and accessible option for managing and monitoring COPD patients. However, further research and innovation are required to improve its efficacy and adapt it to various clinical environments.

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Addressing Web Accessibility Challenges with Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools for Inclusive Education

2024 , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Belén Salvador-Acosta , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

This article addresses the comprehensive evaluation of web accessibility in 20 generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications, such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, through a five-phase approach. Common issues were identified, including inadequate image descriptions, lack of semantic structures, and keyboard navigation challenges. Despite the inherent complexity of generative tools, the importance of evaluating their accessibility to ensure the inclusion of users with diverse abilities is emphasized. The WAVE automatic tool was used to identify issues, and future directions are proposed, such as improving image descriptions and optimizing keyboard navigation. The most significant accessibility challenges are linked to minimal contrast, representing 38%, followed by issues in easy-To-read font and text alternatives, both at 15%, associated with the perceptible principle. The discussion covers areas for improvement, ethical implications, and strategies to foster continuous enhancement in generative AI accessibility, highlighting the importance of balancing benefits and ethical challenges. Future research includes developing techniques for automatically generating consistent image descriptions, refining semantic structures, and optimizing keyboard navigation. Additionally, it is imperative to improve automatic accessibility evaluation tools to address the unique challenges of generative AI applications.

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Web Accessibility in Latin American Universities: A Path to Global Rankings and Digital Inclusion

2025 , Patricia Acosta-Vargas , Gloria Acosta-Vargas , Belen Salvador-Acosta , Marcos Chacon-Castro , Jadán Guerrero, Janio

Web accessibility is increasingly recognized as a key factor in assessing higher education institutions’ quality, inclusion, and social responsibility. This topic is particularly relevant in Latin America, where significant disparities in digital equity and access to resources persist. This study analyzes the web accessibility of the top 20 Latin American universities based on their rankings in QS World University Rankings, Webometrics, SCImago Institutions Rankings, and Times Higher Education (THE). Using automated and manual assessment tools, including WAVE, PageSpeed ​​​​Insights, and expert assessments, the study identifies 434 contrast errors, 210 missing text alternatives, and 262 navigation issues on university websites. The results show that universities such as USP, UNAM, and Unicamp rank high in international rankings but have critical accessibility deficiencies, highlighting the gap between digital visibility and inclusion. By aligning with WCAG 2.2 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), universities can improve global competitiveness while fostering digital inclusion. This research proposes a structured framework to promote accessibility through a seven-phase methodology, addressing barriers, implementing improvements, and validating effectiveness. The findings provide a systematic approach for universities to optimize accessibility, improve user experience, and strengthen their international positioning