Dynamic Shape Research Articles

Cultural Reflections in Virtual Reality: The Effects of User Ethnicity in Avatar Matching Experiences on Sense of Embodiment.

Matching avatar characteristics to a user can impact sense of embodiment (SoE) in YR. However, few studies have examined how participant demographics may interact with these matching effects. We recruited a diverse and racially balanced sample of 78 participants to investigate the differences among participant groups when embodying both demographically matched and unmatched avatars. We found that participant ethnicity emerged as a significant factor, with Asian and Black participants reporting lower total SoE compared to Hispanic participants. Furthermore, we found that user ethnicity significantly influences ownership (a subscale of SoE), with Asian and Black participants exhibiting stronger effects of matched avatar ethnicity compared to White participants. Additionally, Hispanic participants showed no significant differences, suggesting complex dynamics in ethnic-racial identity. Our results also reveal significant main effects of matched avatar ethnicity and gender on SoE, indicating the importance of considering these factors in VR experiences. These findings contribute valuable insights into understanding the complex dynamics shaping VR experiences across different demographic groups.

Tweeter‐in‐chief: Dynamics of Trump's populist campaign against the Fed

AbstractSocial media is transforming how politicians communicate with the public, empowering elected officials to immediately reach target audiences. Scholars of the U.S. presidency in particular credit former President Donald Trump with revolutionizing the White House bully pulpit through his use of Twitter. Trump's bullying of the Federal Reserve and Fed Chair Jerome Powell for ever lower interest rates stands out amidst his often norm‐defying social media campaigns. Such attacks broke from recent practice: Trump's immediate predecessors largely refrained from telling the central bank what to do. What drove Trump's pressure campaign against the Fed? In this note, we identify and tally Trump's attacks, explore dynamics shaping his appeals, and demonstrate that financial headwinds—more so than economic or political barometers—reliably incited Trump to pressure the Fed.

Popping-Up Poster: A Pin-Based Promotional Poster Device for Engaging Customers through Physical Shape Transformation

Promotional media, such as paper posters and digital signage, are installed in shopping malls to recommend products and services. However, it has been reported that many customers tend not to be interested in these promotional media and do not receive the information. When product information is not communicated effectively, advertisers are unable to convey the information they wish to share with customers, and customers miss the opportunity to receive valuable information. To address such issues, a lot of methods have been proposed to make people aware of the presence of media; however, there are not many methods that take into account the delivery of product information to customers. In this study, we propose Popping-Up Poster, a pin-based poster device designed to capture customer attention and convey information through dynamic shape changes. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, field experiments were conducted in a café, where its promotional effects were compared with those of traditional promotional media, including paper posters and digital signage. These results show that Popping-Up Poster has the potential to be more effective in recommending products and influencing customer product choices compared to conventional promotional media.

A Fuzzy Logic Approach to Performance Evaluation of Genomics-Driven Crop Improvement

Genomics-driven crop improvement has emerged as a revolutionary approach to enhance yield, resilience, and nutritional value in agriculture. However, traditional performance evaluation methods often must catch up with agricultural systems' complex, multifaceted nature. This study proposes a fuzzy logic-based framework to assess the performance of genomics-driven crop improvement initiatives. By integrating fuzzy logic, we can effectively manage uncertainty and ambiguity inherent in agricultural data, allowing for a more nuanced evaluation of crop traits, environmental factors, and management practices. The paper begins by elucidating the fundamental principles of genomics-based agriculture and its impact on crop development. It then delves into the theoretical underpinnings of fuzzy logic and its applicability in modeling the multifaceted aspects of crop growth, encompassing genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Through a synthesis of existing research and empirical data, the paper illustrates the effectiveness of fuzzy logic in capturing the nuances of crop development processes, including germination, flowering, and yield formation. This paper underscores the pivotal role of fuzzy logic analysis in advancing genomics-based agriculture, offering insights into the dynamic interactions shaping crop development and facilitating informed decision-making for sustainable and resilient food production systems in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Results indicate that the fuzzy logic approach enhances the accuracy of performance assessments and facilitates better decision-making in crop management.

A Decision Support Framework for Resilient and Sustainable Service Design

AbstractResilient and sustainable service design is essential for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of service systems. However, existing literature often neglects key aspects such as articulating resilience attributes and integrating sustainability dimensions. This study proposes a decision support model for a “resilient-sustainable service design” that merges service design principles with resilient system attributes and organizational sustainability goals. The framework incorporates a multi-objective mathematical programming model and a multi-phased Quality Function Deployment (QFD) approach to derive Pareto optimal solutions using the Brute Force algorithm. Applied in the m-health service sector in Bangladesh, the study reveals significant challenges, including limited awareness of services and logistical inefficiencies. To address these issues, flexible strategies such as demand planning and service innovation are implemented. The findings have direct implications for the improvement of service delivery processes and underscore the importance of considering both resilience and sustainability. While focusing on Bangladesh’s m-health sector, the insights gained have broader relevance globally. The integration of resilience and sustainability principles into service design is crucial for addressing complex challenges across sectors and regions. Future research could involve longitudinal studies to capture evolving resilience strategies and explore resilient-sustainable service systems from a broader perspective. This entails examining various factors such as technological advancements and socio-economic dynamics shaping resilient and sustainable service ecosystems.

How psychological perceptions and family dynamics shape necessity- and opportunity-based female entrepreneurship: the role of gender equality

Purpose This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). Findings The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE. Research limitations/implications The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results. Originality/value This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).

A preoperative planning procedure of septal myectomy for hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy using image-based computational fluid dynamics simulations and shape optimization.

Although septal myectomy is the preferred treatment for medication-refractory hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), the procedure remains subjective. A preoperative planning procedure is proposed using computational fluid dynamics simulations and shape optimization to assist in the objective assessment of the adequacy of the resection. 3 patients with HOCM were chosen for the application of the proposed procedure. The geometries of the preoperative left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of patients in the systolic phase were reconstructed from medical images. Computaional fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were performed to assess hemodynamics within LVOT. Sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the resection extent on the septal wall, and the depth of the resection was optimized to relieve LVOT obstruction while minimizing damage to the septum. The optimized resection was then transferred from systole to diastole to provide surgeons with instructive guidance for septal myectomy. Comparison between preoperative and postoperative hemodynamics showed an evident improvement with respect to the pressure gradient throughout the LVOT. The resected myocardium in the diastolic phase is more extended and thinner than its state in the systolic phase. The proposed preoperative planning procedure may be a viable addition to the current preoperative assessment of patients with HOCM.

Information Disclosure and Competitive Dynamics: Evidence from the Pharmaceutical Industry

This paper studies how competitive dynamics shape innovative firms’ voluntary disclosure of product quality information. Our empirical context is the pharmaceutical industry, where firms must decide whether to disclose private drug quality information acquired in clinical trials. Using a difference-in-difference strategy, we show that the approval of a competitor’s drug lowers the likelihood of a firm reporting its clinical trial results by 13%. We explore how these effects vary based on the project quality, competitor type, and firm experience. These findings suggest that strategic considerations play a role in firms’ disclosure decisions; in response to a competitor’s drug approval, firms may selectively withhold information to maintain and improve their competitive position. This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy. Funding: This work was funded by the National Institute on Aging [Grant T32-AG000186] and the UCLA Society of Hellman Fellows Program. Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01161 .

Intrinsic dynamic shapes responses to external stimulation in the human brain.

Sensory stimulation of the brain reverberates in its recurrent neuronal networks. However, current computational models of brain activity do not separate immediate sensory responses from intrinsic recurrent dynamics. We apply a vector-autoregressive model with external input (VARX), combining the concepts of "functional connectivity" and "encoding models", to intracranial recordings in humans. We find that the recurrent connectivity during rest is largely unaltered during movie watching. The intrinsic recurrent dynamic enhances and prolongs the neural responses to scene cuts, eye movements, and sounds. Failing to account for these exogenous inputs, leads to spurious connections in the intrinsic "connectivity". The model shows that an external stimulus can reduce intrinsic noise. It also shows that sensory areas have mostly outward, whereas higher-order brain areas mostly incoming connections. We conclude that the response to an external audiovisual stimulus can largely be attributed to the intrinsic dynamic of the brain, already observed during rest.

From neighbour to member: Assessing Moldova’s EU membership perspectives

This article examines Moldova’s prospective membership in the European Union (EU) in the wake of the EU’s renewed enlargement drive which was prompted by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. It explores the dynamics shaping Moldova’s accession path, spotlighting obstacles to integration that official reports appear to overlook or underplay. The article compares EU and Moldovan documents, civil society reports, and insights from interviews with Moldovan officials and civil society representatives to gain a nuanced picture of the evolving situation. Attention is also given to the distinct characteristics of the currently unfolding enlargement process, including its sense of urgency and geopolitical significance which have led to calls for an expedited or ‘fast-track’ accession. Findings note that despite Moldova’s impressive progress in aligning with EU standards in many areas, substantial hurdles in justice reform, combating corruption and de-oligarchisation persist. Incomplete public administration reforms, uneven civil society involvement in decision-making, and issues associated with the Transnistria conflict also have consequences for Moldova’s EU prospects, especially if an expedited version of enlargement occurs.

Different Perception and Use of ChatGPT in Writing Between American and International Students

The emergence of AI writers has significantly affected and reshaped the environment of academic research and paper writing in the world. Many university students relying on these AI tools for searching information and assisting their writing. However, there will be a difference existed in the utilization and perceptions of AI writers between American and international students. To find out potential difference, this study seeks to delve into the underlying factors that may contribute to this contrast. Employing the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework, which investigates users' acceptance and adoption of technology, the research employs a mixed-method approach comprising surveys and interviews conducted among students from both American and international contexts. By integrating TAM into the methodology, the study aims to investigate the motivations to use of ChatGPT, an AI writing tool, and examine how linguistic and cultural differences influence the user experience of AI writers. Through this approach, the research sheds light on the nuanced ways in which AI writers are integrated into the academic workflows of students from diverse backgrounds. By comparing and contrasting the perspectives and practices of American and international students, the study will provide valuable insights into the interplay between technology, language, and culture in the educational domain. Ultimately, this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping the adoption and usage of AI writers among higher education students worldwide.

Integrated AGC Approach for Balancing the Thickness Dynamic Response and Shape Condition of a Hot Strip Rolling Control System

Thickness and shape are two significant indices in the tandem hot strip rolling process. Excessive thickness correction can cause rolling force imbalance, leading to deteriorated shape conditions. Aiming at this problem, we propose a new monitor automatic gauge control (M-AGC) with consideration of the rolling force distribution to not only keep the shape condition but also improve the robustness of the rolling process. First, the M-AGC with the Smith predictor control structure was studied. Second, based on the rolling force and thickness correction redistribution algorithm, shape balance automatic gauge control (SB-AGC), the phenomenon of rolling force imbalance was improved. Third, the transient response was improved by adding a command prefilter to the upstream stands, which is asynchronous shape balance automatic gauge control (ASB-AGC). The proposed algorithms can be applied to all steel grades and are easy to implement. Finally, cross-validation was conducted through numerical simulations and application results, confirming the alignment between the theoretical derivation and practical implementation. The simulation results show improvements in both the rolling force balance and the thickness response. The practical application results also confirm that better flatness conditions and thickness response can be achieved, significantly reducing the amount of head-end cutoff losses.

Analysis of the Spatiotemporal Distribution Characteristics and Influencing Factors of High-Grade Cultural Heritage in the Region Surrounding Mount Song

Situated in central China, the region surrounding Mount Song is a pivotal area within the Central Plains, renowned for its extensive and high-grade cultural heritage. This study aims to analyze the spatiotemporal distribution of this heritage using advanced spatial pattern analysis methods, including the Average Nearest Neighbor Ratio and Kernel Density Estimation within ArcGIS. Our findings reveal a distinct continuity in temporal distribution and a pronounced clustering in spatial terms. By investigating the underlying factors such as the geographical setting, historical political capitals, cultural and religious influences, water transportation systems, and traditional Fengshan ceremonies, this research elucidates the dynamics shaping this distribution. This study’s outcomes provide essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the protection and revitalization of cultural heritage, ensuring informed decision making for sustainable cultural conservation.

‘Grand designs?’ Investigating the cultural and spatial logics of Channel 4’s media hub workspaces in Leeds, Bristol and Glasgow

This article explores the evolving spatiality of media production through an analysis of recent developments in UK broadcaster Channel 4’s move to a multi-site operating model. Historically, media buildings have served as landmarks of power and influence, embodying the aspirations and identities of media organisations and, as such, offer a fruitful lens for the specific exploration of the spaces of contemporary media production. Through a detailed analysis of Channel 4’s decision-making process, site selections and the significance of the chosen buildings within areas with an urban regeneration focus, the study investigates the complex interplay between media industry dynamics, regional development policies, and wider political and economic forces. Drawing on a range of academic literature and evidence from media, industry and policy reporting, the article highlights the strategic motivations behind Channel 4’s decentralisation efforts, positioned by the organisation as an effort to address diversity in terms of nations and regions representation but significantly shaped by political factors. However, it also raises critical questions about the long-term sustainability, economic viability and cultural impact of these relocation decisions. The article discusses how Channel 4’s regional media spaces and decentralisation reflect the impermanence and crisis facing Public Service Media, emphasising the shifting power dynamics within the media landscape and the need for adaptive strategies in an increasingly volatile industry environment. By examining the evolving investment in media buildings, this research contributes to a growing body of research seeking to understand the complex dynamics shaping contemporary media landscapes and urban environments.

4D Printing of Multifunctional and Biodegradable PLA-PBAT-Fe3O4 Nanocomposites with Supreme Mechanical and Shape Memory Properties.

4D printing magneto-responsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) using biodegradable nanocomposites can overcome their low toughness and thermal resistance, and produce smart materials that can be controlled remotely without contact. This study presented the development of 3D/4D printable nanocomposites based on poly (lactic acid) (PLA)-poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends and magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles. The nanocomposites are prepared by melt mixing PLA-PBAT blends with different Fe3O4 contents (10, 15, and 20 wt%) and extruded into granules for material extrusion 3D printing. The morphology, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), mechanical properties, and shape memory behavior of the nanocomposites are investigated. The results indicated that the Fe3O4 nanoparticles are preferentially distributed in the PBAT phases, enhancing the storage modulus, thermal stability, strength, elongation, toughness, shape fixity, and recovery of the nanocomposites. The optimal Fe3O4 loading is found to be 10 wt%, as higher loadings led to nanoparticle agglomeration and reduced performance. The nanocomposites also exhibited fast shape memory response under thermal and magnetic activation due to the presence of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The 3D/4D printable nanocomposites demonstrated multifunctional multi-trigger shape-memory capabilities and potential applications in contactless and safe actuation.

Static or dynamic pear shapes in radioactive nucleus 224Rn?

We report a comprehensive study on low-lying parity doublet states of 224Rn by mixing both quadrupole- and octupole-shaped configurations in multireference covariant density functional theory, in which broken symmetries in configurations are restored using projection techniques. The low-lying energy spectrum is reasonably reproduced when the shape fluctuations in both the quadrupole and octupole shapes are considered. Electric octupole transition strength in 224Rn is found to be B(E3;31-→01+)=43\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B(E3; 3^-_1 \\rightarrow 0^+_1)=43$$\\end{document} W.u., comparable to that in 224Ra, whose data are 42(3) W.u.. Our results indicate that 224Rn shares similar low-energy structure with 224Ra despite the excitation energy of first 3-\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$3^-$$\\end{document} state of the former nucleus is higher than that of the latter. This study suggests 224Rn is a candidate for the search for permanent electric dipole moment.

Dynamic microbiome diversity shaping the adaptation of sponge holobionts in coastal waters.

During long-term evolution, sponge holobionts, among the oldest symbiotic relationships between microbes and metazoans, developed two distinct phenotypes with high- and low-microbial abundance (HMA and LMA). Despite sporadic studies indicating that the characteristic microbial assemblages present in HMA and LMA sponges, the adaptation strategies of symbionts responding to environments are still unclear. This deficiency limits our understanding of the selection of symbionts and the ecological functions during the evolutionary history and the adaptative assessment of HMA and LMA sponges in variable environments. Here, we explored symbiotic communities with two distinct phenotypes in a 1-year dynamic environment and combined with the meta-analysis of 13 sponges. The different strategies of symbionts in adapting to the environment were basically drawn: microbes with LMA were more acclimated to environmental changes, forming relatively loose-connected communities, while HMA developed relatively tight-connected and more similar communities beyond the divergence of species and geographical location.

Optimizing Education: How Dual Teacher Technology, Communication, and Decision-Making Drive Performance?

In the complex environment of academic institutions, optimizing organizational effectiveness is a paramount concern. Driven by a growing awareness of the need for tailored organizational strategies in academic settings, this study seeks to uncover the dynamics shaping the relationships among these key variables. The primary purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how efficiency orientation, information exchange, decision-making structures, and talent management collectively influence continuous performance improvement within academic institutions. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to capture the multifaceted nature of the studied variables. The research targets educators from Sichuan Film and Television University and Sichuan University of Media and Communications. A sample size of 435 respondents participated in the survey, and eight interviewees were selected for in-depth qualitative insights. Statistical analyses reveal intricate correlations among efficiency orientation, information exchange, localization of decision-making, talent management, and continuous performance improvement within academic institutions. Streamlined processes positively influence talent management, emphasizing the importance of organizational efficiency. Transparent communication channels play a pivotal role in effective talent management, underscoring the significance of information exchange. Decision-making structures impact talent management strategies, necessitating a balanced approach. Talent management emerges as a proactive strategy, influencing and being influenced by continuous performance improvement efforts. This research contributes to organizational theory by offering context-specific insights into the relationships among key variables within academic institutions. The study's originality lies in addressing research gaps, providing a nuanced understanding of decision-making dynamics, and uncovering the reciprocal relationship between talent management and continuous performance improvement.

Shape-Morphing in Oxide Ceramic Kirigami Nanomembranes.

Interfacial strain engineering in ferroic nanomembranes can broaden the scope of ferroic nanomembrane assembly as well as facilitate the engineering of multiferroic-based devices with enhanced functionalities. Geometrical engineering in these material systems enables the realization of 3-D architectures with unconventional physical properties. Here, 3-D multiferroic architectures are introduced by incorporating barium titanate (BaTiO3, BTO) and cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4, CFO) bilayer nanomembranes. Using photolithography and substrate etching techniques, complex 3-D microarchitectures including helices, arcs, and kirigami-inspired frames are developed. These 3-D architectures exhibit remarkable mechanical deformation capabilities, which can be attributed to the superelastic behavior of the membranes and geometric configurations. It is also demonstrated that dynamic shape reconfiguration of these nanomembrane architectures under electron beam exposure showcases their potential as electrically actuated microgrippers and for other micromechanical applications. This research highlights the versatility and promise of multi-dimensional ferroic nanomembrane architectures in the fields of micro actuation, soft robotics, and adaptive structures, paving the way for incorporating these architectures into stimulus-responsive materials and devices.

Accurately uncovering the regional ecological restoration priorities: A multidimensional approach to eco-dynamic sustainable management

Accurate identification, projection and dynamic evaluation of ecological degradation priorities are important prerequisites for realizing ecological restoration and territorial protection. However, the complexity of ecological systems and environmental diversity often limit the effectiveness of single-model evaluation approaches. Utilizing Badong County as a case study, this paper integrated the InVEST-Circuit-PLUS model to comprehensively analyze the eco-dynamic sustainability and restoration needs. Through performing projection of land cover, construction of ecological source areas, calculation of ecological resistance characteristics and extraction of ecological elements, we were able to identify priority ecological restoration areas over a twenty-year period (2007–2027). The results revealed cyclical land cover transformations from forest to cropland and back to forest, with an overall trend of forest cover expansion. While the county's ecological quality showed a slight decline, the location and extent of high-value ecological source areas were mapped in detail. By integrating ecosystem service value assessments, driver factor analyses, and the development of a "One Belt, Two Axes, Three Sources and Four Zones" ecological management framework, we were able to uncover the nuanced spatial and temporal dynamics shaping the regional ecology. These findings provide an evidence-based foundation to guide targeted ecological restoration and sustainable land use planning, which has verified the feasibility of the framework.