Developing the multi-dimensional mobility divide index (MDI) as a methodology to assess the accessibility level of public transport systems.

Background: This paper presents the development of a multi-dimensional mobility divide index (MDI) for assessing the accessibility of public transport developed using a co-design approach, directly involving end-users in the index design process. The index measures the gap that persons with disabilities feel they need to over-come to use public transport in the same way non-disabled citizens do. The MDI covers six accessibility-related dimensions: 1) safety, 2) convenience, 3) comfort, 4) affordability, 5) travel time, and 6) autonomy. Methods: The method paper describes the step-by-step approach to create the MDI as a set of indicators to be rated by people with different access needs to 1) provide evidence of the main criticalities to be addressed through the design and implementation of new inclusive mobility solutions, 2) guide the design of new inclusive mobility solutions and measure their impacts, and 3) inform the transport sector encouraging positive changes in transport by providing recommendations for policy-making, new directions for service innovation, improvements and practical advice or highlighting investment priorities to pave the way for a more inclusive mobility. Results: We present our findings in ways that can inform universal design and provide actionable information to researchers, policymakers, transport and urban planners, operators, and stakeholders' representatives to promote inclusive and equitable mobility solutions for all. Conclusions: Finally, we suggest follow up research and innovation, as well as recommendations for its uptake and utilisation in the pursuit of European accessibility standards and requirements for products and services in the mobility sector.

Automated on-chip analysis of tuberculosis drug-resistance mutation with integrated DNA ligation and amplification.

Detection of a single base mutation in Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA can provide fast and highly specific diagnosis of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Mutation-specific ligation of padlock probes (PLPs) on the target followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA) is highly specific, but challenging to integrate in a simple microfluidic device due to the low temperature stability of the phi29 polymerase and the interference of phi29 with the PLP annealing and ligation. Here, we utilized the higher operation temperature and temperature stability of Equiphi29 polymerase to simplify the integration of the PLP ligation and RCA steps of an RCA assay in two different strategies performed at uniform temperature. In strategy I, PLP annealing took place off-chip and the PLP ligation and RCA were performed in one pot and the two reactions were clocked by a change of the temperature. For a total assay time of about 1.5 h, we obtained a limit of detection of 2 pM. In strategy II, the DNA ligation mixture and the RCA mixture were separated into two chambers on a microfluidic disc. After on-disc PLP annealing and ligation, the disc was spun to mix reagents and initiate RCA. For a total assay time of about 2 h, we obtained a limit of detection of 5 pM. Graphical abstract.