Current Perspectives on Linux Accessibility Tools for Visually Impaired Users

The development of user-oriented technologies is related not only to compliance with standards, rules and good practices for their usability but also to their accessibility. For people with special needs, assistive technologies have been developed to ensure the use of modern information and communication technologies. The choice of a particular tool depends mostly on the user's operating system. The aim of this research paper is to study the current state of the accessibility software tools designed for an operating system Linux and especially used by visually impaired people. The specific context of the considering of the study’s objective is the possibility of using such technologies by Bulgarian users. The applied approach of the research is content analysis of scientific publications, official documentation of Linux accessibility tools, and legal provisions and classifiers of international organizations. The results of the study are useful to other researchers who work in the area of accessibility of software technologies, including software companies that develop solutions for visually impaired people. For the purpose of the article several tests are performed with the studied tools, on the basis of which the conclusions of the study are made. On the base of the comparative study of assistive software tools the main conclusion of the paper is made: Bulgarian visually impaired users are limited to work with Linux operating system because of the lack of the Bulgarian language support

Evaluation and Promotion of M-Learning Accessibility for Smart Education Development

Young people’s involvement with their mobile devices is often considered a problem nowadays. However, with the new “learning on the go approach” it can be used for good: for learning purposes, in particular in higher education. The m-learning tools have the potential to turn learning into a more attractive, interesting and motivating process of acquiring new knowledge and developing competencies. At the same time, m-learning can be inclusive of people with special needs, who used to be detached from traditional educational services. In our paper we purpose an evaluation approach to mobile learning software accessibility based on accessibility guidelines and standards. We suggest a formalization of the approach and reducing it to a controlled process. The dedicated usage of mobile devices and m-learning software can assist in improving mental operations speed, executive control of information selection and decision-making, as well as optimize the memorization system. Such enhancements are particularly important for facilitating effective learning in the elderly and the people with disabilities

Standardization Issues of Mobile Usability

The benefits of maintaining standards can be summarized from different perspectives: consumers, businesses, governments, economically. They inform and shape the products we buy, ensuring quality and safety. Standardizing in dynamic activities such as the development of mobile applications and devices can be not easy task. In this regard, the aim of the current paper is to revise some international standard towards usability problems of mobile user interfaces and to analyze the possibility of standardization of mobile usability

Standardization Issues of Mobile Usability

The benefits of maintaining standards can be summarized from different perspectives: consumers, businesses, governments, economically. They inform and shape the products we buy, ensuring quality and safety. Standardizing in dynamic activities such as the development of mobile applications and devices can be not easy task. In this regard, the aim of the current paper is to revise some international standard towards usability problems of mobile user interfaces and to analyze the possibility of standardization of mobile usability.</span

Correlation Between Storage Device and Backup and Restore Efficiency in MS SQL Server

The importance of the process of restoring a database requires precise examination of all factors that affect it. Considering the decline of the price of SSD and its better read and write speeds it seems that the logical choice when reducing downtime is primary concern for the organisation. This paper categorizes storage devices in use as well as the main backup types in the MS SQL Server. Tests are conducted to evaluate the impact of the storage device on backup and restore efficiency. In this regard, the purpose of the research is to examine problems associated with the selection of a storage device for efficient backup and restore in MS SQL Server. Conducted tests showed some surprising results regarding SSD’s efficiency. The reason these findings are important is that they could be used as a guideline for choosing proper storage device for an organisation’s needs. ACM Computing Classification System (1998): H.2.7, I.3.1, D.4.2. Mathematics Subject Classification – MSC2020: 68P15

Usability Evaluation of Business Process Modelling Tools through Software Quality Metrics

Due to the widening range of functionality, the software is becoming more complex, and there are a number of problems related to its ease of use, and specifically, its usability. The concept of "usability" is associated with the ease, efficiency and satisfaction of using any item, including computer technology. Specialists in the development of user interfaces face the challenge of creating products based on user experience and combining aesthetics, functionality, ergonomics, the ability to quickly accomplish the tasks, while also having to comply with the constraints imposed by the specificity of the activity for which the software applications are intended. It can be said that business process modelling software is characterized by medium and even high complexity due to the many functionalities they offer. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to propose and implement a method for evaluation the usability of this type of product based on software quality metrics. As a supporting method for conducting the evaluation procedure we used Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. We evaluated some business process modelling tools for approbating the suggested method

An assessment of the information society development in Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland in relation to the EU average on the base of connectivity and infrastructure development

PURPOSE: The purpose of the article is to provide an exposition on the progress made in the information society of Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland, with reference to the EU average on the base of connectivity and infrastructure development.DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study employs a combination of deductive, inductive, and comparative analysis methods, drawing upon diverse reports pertaining to the digital society development in Slovenia, Croatia, and Poland. Moreover, the authors incorporate a critical review of pertinent literature to present the current understanding regarding the nature and drivers of digital society development. Synthesis techniques are employed to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of the state of the Slovenian, Croatian, Polish, and EU digital societies, thereby highlighting primary dilemmas faced in the present context.FINDINGS: Examined countries have demonstrated efforts to enhance digital connectivity, and to build up the needed infrastructure for the proper development of information society aligning themselves with the broader European Union digital agenda.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of the research as well as recommendations can indicate further improvements within the information society development.ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The analysis undertaken encompasses carefully selected indicators that characterize pivotal aspects of the digital society in the examined three countries from the perspective of connectivity and infrastructure. These indicators include Fast Broadband coverage, Fixed Very High Capacity Network, Mobile broadband take-up and 5G coverage.The project is financed within the framework of the program of the Minister of Science and Higher Education under the name "Regional Excellence Initiative" in the years 2019 - 2022; project number 001/RID/2018/19; the amount of financing PLN 10,684,000.00.peer-reviewe

A Model for Mobile Learning Integration in Higher Education Based on Students’ Expectations

Mobile learning can be identified as the next stage in the development of e-learning. In this regard, the purpose of this paper is to propose a model for mobile learning integration in higher education which is based on analysis of students’ expectations. То achieve this goal, a survey has been conducted among students enrolled in programs in the field of information and communication technologies. The analysis of the collected data shows that students have mobile devices, which they use not only for communication on social networks, but also for education. In addition, their expectations regarding mobile learning have been identified taking into account their study program and their previous experience with an e-learning platform