Analysis of Low Code-No Code Development Platforms in comparison with Traditional Development Methodologies

This paper examines the overview of low-code/no-code development platforms in comparison with traditional development methodologies and examines the benefits and limitations of the same. For several decades, businesses have had multiple options when they demanded new information systems. They could develop a new system using in-house developers, or they could order a system from an external merchant. This offers a close fit to business obligations. However, nowadays, there is a new alternative that is becoming increasingly prevalent. Low code/no code (LC/NC) applications can cater to business requirements efficiently, can be implemented instantly, and the cost is much less than systems developed in-house. Few, if any, programming skills are required. Keywords: Traditional development, No code development, low code development, Low code No code development, Software development life cycle (SDLC)

A flexible GAS belt responds to pore mutations changing the ion selectivity of proton-gated channels

Proton-gated ion channels conduct mainly Na+ to induce postsynaptic membrane depolarization. Finding the determinants of ion selectivity requires knowledge of the pore structure in the open conformation, but such information is not yet available. Here, the open conformation of the hASIC1a channel was computationally modeled, and functional effects of pore mutations were analyzed in light of the predicted structures. The open pore structure shows two constrictions of similar diameter formed by the backbone of the GAS belt and, right beneath it, by the side chains of H28 from the reentrant loop. Models of nonselective mutant channels, but not those that maintain ion selectivity, predict enlargement of the GAS belt, suggesting that this motif is quite flexible and that the loss of stabilizing interactions in the central pore leads to changes in size/shape of the belt. Our results are consistent with the “close-fit” mechanism governing selectivity of hASIC1a, wherein the backbone of the GAS substitutes at least part of the hydration shell of a permeant ion to enable crossing the pore constriction.

Social media influencers, product placement and network engagement: using AI image analysis to empirically test relationships

PurposeThis research tests empirically the level of consumer engagement with a product via a nonbrand-controlled platform. The authors explore how social media influencers and traditional celebrities are using products within their own social media Instagram posts and how well their perceived endorsement of that product engages their network of followers.Design/methodology/approachA total of 226,881 posts on Instagram were analyzed using the Inception V3 convolutional neural network (CNN) pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset to identify product placement within the Instagram images of 75 of the world's most important social media influencers. The data were used to empirically test the relationships between influencers, product placement and network engagement and efficiency.FindingsInfluencers achieved higher network engagement efficiencies than celebrities; however, celebrity reach was important for engagement overall. Specialty influencers, known for their “subject” expertise, achieved better network engagement efficiency for related product categories. The highest level of engagement efficiency was achieved by beauty influencers advocating and promoting cosmetic and beauty products.Practical implicationsTo maximize engagement and return on investment, manufacturers, retailers and brands must ensure a close fit between the product type and category of influencer promoting a product within their social media posts.Originality/valueMost research to date has focused on brand-controlled social media accounts. This study focused on traditional celebrities and social media influencers and product placement within their own Instagram posts to extend understanding of the perception of endorsement and subsequent engagement with followers. The authors extend the theory of network effects to reflect the complexity inherent in the context of social media influencers.

Surgical mask designed for endoscopic procedures to prevent the diffusion of droplets

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2) has become a global pandemic. The human-tohuman transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurs primarily through droplets, aerosols, and direct contact. Endoscopy is performed at a short physical distance between an endoscopist and patient, which increases the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission to the endoscopist through contact with body fluids and exposure to droplets due to vomiting, retching, and coughing during endoscopic procedures (1). Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures generate aerosols, which mandates the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) (1,2). To further reduce the risk of viral infection during endoscopy, additional infection protection is needed to assist PPE from not only the side of endoscopists but also the side of patients (3). Various infection prevention devices, such as a reusable plastic cube barrier, have been reported (3); however, we focused on a surgical mask as a simple and inexpensive method (4). Previous studies proposed modified surgical masks with an endoscopic insertion port, which were handmade with an incision for endoscope insertion into commercially available surgical masks (2,4). Although these “handmade” masks may be easily modified, their preparation is burdensome and not sterile. We developed a novel disposal surgical mask with a mask manufacturer that is specifically designed as a droplet prevention device for endoscopic procedures that may be massproduced with uniform quality and easily introduced into endoscopy units. This novel surgical mask has a 10-mm slit in the center for the insertion of an endoscope and two small 6-mm slits for suction on the left and right. The width of the pleats in the center have been widened to easily cut the slits, which allows for cost-effective mass production. Despite its close fit, the narrow slit allows for the easy passage of an endoscope and smooth endoscopic manipulation. Furthermore, the leakage of droplets and aerosols through the slit in the surgical mask is minimized (Fig. 1A-D).

MODELLING PROPORTIONS AND SEQUENCES OF OPERATIONS IN TEAM DESIGN ACTIVITIES

The presented research aims at modelling and formalising the process of team design activity as an interplay between the evolution of design problems and solutions. The motivation founds primarily on a presumption that there exist regularities in designing which can be captured and formalised using the appropriate models. The study thus investigates whether the identified design operation proportions and sequence probabilities are consistent throughout the different parts of team conceptual design activities. It does so by exploring the utility of mathematical models built based on the correlations and statistically significant sequences underlying the previously identified designing patterns. The developed mathematical model was tested by replicating moving-average analyses of design operation proportions and sequences, which were originally observed in the protocol analysis study. A close fit was found between the simulated and the observed data, particularly in providing insights regarding operation patterns and proportion trends. The presented models and modelling methodology are potentially an appropriate means for the next steps in describing, and consequently predicting and supporting team design activity dynamics.

The Variation in 3D Face Shapes of Dutch Children for Mask Design

The use of 3D anthropometric data of children’s heads and faces has great potential in the development of protective gear and medical products that need to provide a close fit in order to function well. Given the lack of detailed data of this kind, the aim of this study is to map the size and shape variation of Dutch children’s heads and faces and investigate possible implications for the design of a ventilation mask. In this study, a dataset of heads and faces of 303 Dutch children aged six months to seven years consisting of traditional measurements and 3D scans were analysed. A principal component analysis (PCA) of facial measurements was performed to map the variation of the children’s face shapes. The first principal component describes the overall size, whilst the second principal component captures the more width related variation of the face. After establishing a homology between the 3D scanned face shapes, a second principal component analysis was done on the point coordinates, revealing the most prominent variations in 3D shape within the sample.

The tripartite efficacy beliefs model in vocational rehabilitation: Implications for working alliance and client engagement

BACKGROUND: Given the importance of working alliance to client engagement and outcomes in vocational rehabilitation, there is a need to better understand predictors of the client counselor relationship. Research has shown the tripartite efficacy model as a way of understanding working alliance in various contexts but has never been examined in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the relationship among tripartite efficacy beliefs constructs (self-efficacy, other-efficacy, and relation-inferred self-efficacy [RISE]), working alliance, and engagement for 350 clients receiving state vocational rehabilitation services. METHODS: Researchers used a path analysis to assess the hypothesis that the tripartite efficacy model would predict client engagement through its impact on working alliance. RESULTS: The hypothesized model had a close fit. Other-efficacy and RISE beliefs had significant positive direct effects on working alliance and indirect effects on client engagement. Self-efficacy had a significant negative direct effect on working alliance and client engagement. CONCLUSIONS: The study supports the tripartite efficacy beliefs model as a way of better understanding client perceptions of working alliance in vocational rehabilitation.