Identical Shape Research Articles

Transcending Transit Deserts: Participatory Design of Interactive Bicycling Advocacy Tools in an American City

Recent HCI research has focused on developing interactive technologies for cyclists and using technology to promote this activity. However, the community-building and advocacy aspects of cycling remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we explored the integration of urban cycling and participatory technology design to address transportation inequities and promote cycling advocacy in a US city characterized by infrastructural and social disparities. We engaged with nine bicycling advocates from five organizations in Baltimore, USA in participatory design activities to understand their motivations for promoting cycling in urban areas and how interactive technology can aid in creating a cyclist-friendly city. Along with the various practical motivations, we found the participants also promote cycling with a desire to challenge historical discriminatory practices and infrastructural inequalities and as a means of community building and identity expression. We identify three interconnected directions for future change: supporting ancillary bicycle infrastructure and DIY repair practices, changing perceptions through community engagement, and using technology to support community awareness and inclusion. We argue cycling can be a tool for resistance and identity shaping in this context, and participatory design can offer innovative directions for urban designers, policymakers, and system designers to strengthen efforts toward creating inclusive and equitable urban environments.

Social Capital in Online Gaming Communities: A Systematic Review Examining the Role of Virtual Identities.

The growth of online video-game players has seen a parallel growth in online gaming communities. Membership in these communities has been well known to play a vital role in shaping social connections and fostering social capital. This systematic review explored the role of interacting virtual identities in shaping the relationship between membership in gaming communities and social capital as an outcome. Online databases of Scopus, APA PsycNet, Web of Science, the Digital Game Research Association Digital Library, and the Association for Computing Machinery Digital Library were screened (January 1, 2000-October 23, 2023). From an initial pool of 5,720 studies, 33 were finalized for inclusion after quality assessment. Results highlight that interacting identities affect players' experiences of social support and social capital. The extent to which positive social interactions were experienced and social capital was accumulated depended on (a) the number of interacting salient identities and (b) the degree to which salient identities were marginalized in the respective gaming community. Prevalent identities in different social contexts (the non-virtual world, online gaming communities, and specific virtual worlds) and how their interactions affect social capital have been discussed. This study contributes to theory by demonstrating how intersecting identities influence social capital dynamics in virtual spaces. It also offers insights for community managers on creating inclusive environments that enhance positive social experiences and social capital accumulation.

Identity Formation in Educational Communities of Practice : The Role of Communication, Trust, and Conflict Mediation

This qualitative study explores the processes of identity construction and negotiation among three university students in an English Presentation class. Drawing primarily on fieldnotes and interviews, the research demonstrates how communication styles, trust dynamics, and conflict mediation influence identity formation within educational settings. Anchored in Identity Theory and the concept of Communities of Practice (CoP), the study examines three distinct CoPs where identity shaping occurs. The findings reveal that reluctance to engage in team interactions, breaches of trust, and the role of conflict mediation significantly impact group dynamics and identity formation. The study underscores the fluid nature of identity as it responds to social interactions. These findings emphasize the need for fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments that accommodate diverse identities and enhance teamwork. Future research should further investigate these dynamics to deepen our understanding of identity formation in multicultural educational contexts.

Associations: Mirrors for people living with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease, with its profound impact on individuals and communities worldwide, calls for a comprehensive understanding of the social dimensions of the illness. This study explores the pivotal role of associations in influencing coping strategies and shaping identity among individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Through a grounded theory approach, the research examines how participation in associative networks provides a platform for self-expression, mutual support, and engagement, fostering resilience and adaptation. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s and facilitators actively involved in Italian Parkinson’s associations from northern, central, and southern regions of the country. The findings underscore the critical role associations play in addressing the collective needs and aspirations of their members while highlighting significant regional differences in activities, strategies, and support systems. Associations promote solidarity and shared understanding through homophily, offering a sense of belonging and mutual aid. They not only provide access to essential social and healthcare resources but also create spaces where individuals can reflect on their past, navigate the present, and envision a future beyond the limitations of their condition. This dynamic interplay of social engagement and identity transformation underscores the indispensable contribution of associations to the broader care ecosystem and their transformative impact on the lives of people with Parkinson’s.

Exploring the role of leisure behaviour in finding identity for Chinese diasporic people: looking through the lens of music

ABSTRACT Identity has both personal and social facets, shaped by authentically answering ‘who I am’. Individual authenticity involves living according to one’s principles, values, and beliefs, influenced by self-awareness, independence, social connections, and reason. Philosophers such as Descartes and Aristotle have contributed to this concept, focusing on human awareness and eudaimonia, respectively. Existentialists like Sartre emphasise personal choice and self-definition, underscoring the role of authentic actions and decisions in shaping identity. Beyond individual authenticity, identity is also socially constructed. Social identity complements individual authenticity as individuals integrate their social roles with their personal self. Leisure activities, including music, offer opportunities for self-exploration, empowerment, and expression, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves while engaging with society. This paper explores how leisure shapes the identity of the Chinese diaspora through the first author’s music performance experiences in New Zealand. It explains how leisure activities facilitate cultural communication and identity expression through Chinese traditional music. Using an autoethnographic approach, it highlights how music helps Chinese diasporic individuals express their identity and navigate the complexities of dual or multiple identities within communities. These identities go beyond Chinese and diaspora communities, prompting individuals to balance their true self with multiple identities.

Identity of the Malay and Nusantara Islam Society: An Analysis Through Yusuf al-Qaradawi's Islamic Transformation Thought

This article explores the identity of the Malay and Nusantara Muslim societies by analyzing the transformative Islamic thought of Yusuf Al-Qaradawi. Al-Qaradawi’s approach to Islamic reform emphasizes the need to contextualize Islamic teachings, offering a flexible and dynamic interpretation of the faith that aligns with the realities of modern societies. In the context of Malay and Nusantara Islam, this article delved into the interaction between traditional Islamic values, indigenous cultures, and the challenges posed by globalization and modernity. The analysis employs a qualitative research methodology, using a comprehensive literature review of primary sources, such as Al-Qaradawi’s key works on Islamic reform and his commentaries on contemporary Islamic issues. Secondary sources, including scholarly articles and books on Malay and Nusantara Islam, are also analyzed to provide a broader context for his influence in the region. A thematic analysis of key concepts, such as ijtihad (independent reasoning), reform, and the intersection of Islamic teachings with modern social and political realities, forms the backbone of the study. This methodology allows for a critical evaluation of how Al-Qaradawi’s thought contributes to the shaping of Islamic identity in the Malay Archipelago, offering both theoretical and practical insights into the relevance of his ideas for contemporary Muslim societies.

The Burden Mothers Bear: Using the Health Belief Model to Understand How U.S. Mothers’ Intersectional Identities Shape Health Decision-Making During COVID-19

ABSTRACT The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color and the burden placed on mothers created a need to better understand how mothers of color made health decisions for their families and communicated these decisions with others during the pandemic. This study investigated how this populations’ intersectional identities played a role in their health decision-making processes and overall experiences during COVID-19. Using the health belief model as a sensitizing concept, we conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with mothers of color across the United States about their lived experiences during the pandemic. Our findings suggest a need for health communicators to address the overburdening of mothers of color during crises, with special attention to self-efficacy messages that aim to reduce this burden and recognizing the role that intersectional identities play in the health decision-making process.

The interplay between identity and personality pathology in emerging adults: A 7-year cross-lagged study.

Personality pathology is hypothesized to be an important factor in shaping identity, yet longitudinal evidence linking dimensional measures of identity and personality pathology remains scarce. To address this knowledge gap and shed light on the reciprocal dynamics proposed by the alternative model of personality disorder, we conducted a comprehensive seven-year study involving 372 emerging adults from a community sample (Mage T1 = 21.98 years, SD T1 = 1.13; 57% females). Pathological personality traits were assessed using the short form of the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5 SF) while identity was assessed with the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale (DIDS). Cross-lagged analyses in Mplus revealed that personality pathology consistently predicts subsequent different levels of identity seven years later, whereas only one significant pathway from identity to personality pathology was found. Notably, negative affectivity and detachment emerge as the most influential pathological personality trait, whereas no significant effects were found for disinhibition and psychoticism. In summary, our study uncovered compelling longitudinal associations that underscore the pivotal role of pathological personality traits in the development of identity. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

Non-invasive in-situ monitoring of deep etching processes using terahertz metasurfaces

This study presents an in-situ and non-invasive process control and monitoring (PCM) method for deep silicon etching, leveraging terahertz metasurfaces. The technique addresses the challenges for monitoring deep and high aspect ratio etching processes, which are prevalent in semiconductor microfabrication. By incorporating metasurfaces with identical geometric shapes and sizes as crucial components of targeted devices, the method enables accurate monitoring of the etching depth in the process. Continuous shifts of terahertz reflection spectra provide information on etching depth, while abrupt change in the curves highlights the etching endpoint, preventing over-etching. For the commonly used comb-finger structure, numerical simulations demonstrate a strong linear relationship between etching depth and terahertz resonant wavelengths (nonlinearity < 1%) and an abrupt resonant frequency change (> 0.6 THz) at the endpoint. Experimental validations confirm the accuracy of the PCM method, with an etching depth estimation error below 2 µm. This approach enhances the precision of PCM in microfabrication, offering the potential for widespread applications in the production of micromechanical sensors, actuators, and other microelectronic devices.

On the Mutually Elaborating Relationship Between Teacher Identity and Classroom Management Practices

The self-perception of pre-service teachers regarding classroom management, and their aspirations for their future selves, can impact their behavior. This qualitative case study examined how pre-service teachers envision themselves in relation to classroom management. The findings indicate that pre-service teachers aspire to be authoritative teachers while maintaining good relationships with their students. Moreover, situational and contextual factors, as well as perceived teacher identity shape their classroom management behavior.

Integrating professional and religious identities: implications for career success and workplace dynamics in China

ABSTRACT This study explores how Chinese Buddhist business owners navigate the intersection of their professional and religious identities and how this shapes their perceptions of career success. Through qualitative interviews with 31 Buddhist Chinese business owners, we introduce the concept of ‘identity synchronisation’ to explain how individuals manage multiple, potentially conflicting identities. Our findings reveal that participants maintain distinct yet mutually reinforcing professional and religious identities, leading to a holistic conceptualisation of career success encompassing both material achievements and spiritual fulfilment. This process of identity synchronisation influences ethical decision-making, leadership approaches, and definitions of success. Our analysis extends social identity theory by demonstrating how individuals actively synchronise seemingly disparate identities, challenging the notion that work and religious identities are inherently conflicting. The study contributes to understanding how religious identity shapes work experiences in diverse business contexts and offers insights for organisations supporting multiple identity expressions. It provides a foundation for exploring how diverse identities influence workplace dynamics in an increasingly globalised environment.

Urban orientalism and informal urbanization in Jinan, Shandong, China

This study examines urban orientalism in Jinan, Shandong, China, focusing on its intersection with informal urban spaces. Urban orientalism, a concept rooted in Edward Said’s seminal work, describes the tendency of Western observers to romanticize and portray non-Western cities as exotic. Jinan, undergoing rapid expansion, reflects a complex relationship between urban orientalism and informal settlements, influencing both the city’s physical landscape and social dynamics. The research explores how perceptions of Jinan’s “Oriental” identity shape policies, urban development strategies, and the lived experiences of its residents. Through a multidisciplinary approach integrating urban studies, cultural geography, and anthropology, this study analyzes the spatial distribution of informal settlements, their evolution over time, and the socioeconomic factors contributing to their persistence. In addition, it considers how local and global urban imaginaries shape views on informality and inform policy decisions impacting urban development. Drawing on empirical data from fieldwork, interviews, and archival research, this study aims to deepen understanding of urban orientalism as a multifaceted phenomenon with tangible implications for urban governance and spatial equity. Addressing these biases through more inclusive urban planning strategies is crucial for fostering equity and acknowledging diverse urban experiences.

Identity‐Based Motivation and the Motivational Consequences of Difficulty

ABSTRACTDifficulty is an under‐appreciated but powerful motivational force. As outlined by identity‐based motivation (IBM) theory, a social cognition theory of self, self‐regulation, and goal pursuit, people prefer to act (action‐readiness) and understand their experiences (procedural‐readiness) in ways that fit who they are (identity‐congruence). IBM also predicts that experienced identity congruence is context‐sensitive—though experienced as stable anchors, people's identities are dynamically constructed in context. Contexts shape which identities come to mind, what these on‐the‐mind identities imply for action, and what people infer when thinking about a task, goal, or life feels hard. People can draw two inferences (termed difficulty‐as‐importance and difficulty‐as‐impossibility) when a task or goal feels hard to think about and a third (termed difficulty‐as‐improvement) when their life feels hard to think about. IBM predicts, and studies support, a bidirectional relationship among these three components (action‐readiness, procedural‐readiness, and dynamic construction). Situations shape the identities that are on the mind and feel relevant (dynamic construction) and the inferences people draw from difficulty (procedural readiness). On‐the‐mind and context‐relevant identities shape inferences from difficulty. Inferences from difficulty affect identity and action—when applying a difficulty‐as‐importance lens, people feel more certain of attaining their self‐relevant goals. They perform better and find engaging a “me” thing to do—“no pain, no gain”. When applying a difficulty‐as‐impossibility lens, people find engaging a waste of their time and unlikely to yield self‐benefits unless an easy means to goal attainment exists—“cut your losses”. They focus on their virtuous character traits and prefer effortful means to attain self‐relevant goals when applying a difficulty‐as‐improvement lens—“the high road”. Difficulty can be a green light of importance signaling you to get going, a detour sign of impossibility signaling you to shift to something else, or angel wings pointing you to the effortful route.

Exploring Operant Conditioning in Nella Larsen’s passing: Beyond Clash of Civilizations

Through the clash of civilizations, this study represents the ongoing negotiation and redefinition of personalities of their identities. This conflict between traditional values and personal ambitions highlights cultural tensions between ethnic and cultural identity. The study illustrates Skinner's behavioral theory, pointing out how external reinforcements and punishments affect characters' actions and decisions. In addition, the novel provides a commentary on social norms and the relentless pursuit of identity and belonging in a divided world, reflecting the ongoing struggles that individuals face with societal expectations and personal ambitions. The clash of civilizations shows the importance of cultural diversity and complexities in shaping identities in a multicultural society. Identity’s responses to reinforcement and punishment reveal the complex relationship between behavior, societal expectations, and individual choices in shaping a person's sense of self. After the study, it was discovered that Skinner's theory of reinforcement and punishment can be seen in the behavior of the two main characters in Larsen's novel. The novel reflects cultural and social tensions in early twentieth-century America and illustrates how the clash of ethnic and cultural identities can shape an individual's behavior and life decisions.

Grain size and shape analysis of recent and paleo sediments along Poyang Lake with insight into its environmental significance

Grain shape is a crucial sedimentological attribute commonly employed for reconstructing depositional environments and transport history. The new dynamic image analysis (DIA) techniques enable testing a large number of individual mineral grains simultaneously and overcomes many shortcomings of traditional visual evaluation. However, there is a relative dearth of comprehensive analysis on large quantities of sediments in recent and geological period to accurately document their grain shape properties and further evaluate their applicability in distinguishing sedimentary setting and its environmental significance. In this study, we measured the grain shape and size of 77 samples collected from modern surface sand (28 beach sand and 17 dune sand samples) and stratigraphic sediment (16 paleo-dunes sand and 16 paleo-lacustrine sand samples) along the Poyang Lake in southeastern China using the DIA method, and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating was used to constrain the age of stratigraphic sediments from two sand hill sections. Also 217 published grain shape data from various sedimentary environments (coastal beach, desert dune and fluvial sand) were compiled as comprehensively assess the applicability of grain shape discrimination for sedimentary setting. Our results show the significant difference on grain shape feature among fluvial, coastal beach and dune sand. Dune sand exhibit the highest values for circularity (Ci), symmetry (Sy), aspect ratio (AR), and convexity (Cx), while fluvial sand displays high Ci, Sy, Cx value, and lowest AR value. This indicate that the grain shape can be a powerful tool for discriminating sedimentary setting. Principal component analysis shows that circularity and aspect ratio effectively describe the shape of the analyzed sediment and are decisive indicators for identification depositional environments, whereas the convexity has limited sensitivity in distinguishing grain edge roundness. The paleo-lacustrine sand (PLS) intercalated within the sand hill profiles returns OSL age of age of ∼ 26.5 ± 1.4 ka, which indicate the emergence of interdune lake rather than high lake level of Poyang Lake. PLS and modern beach sand (BS) exhibiting identical grain shape characteristics to those of modern aeolian dune sand (DS) suggested the occurrence of aeolian-fluvial interaction processes in our study area during the Last Glacial Maximum and present day. The paleo-dune sand (PDS) samples, yielding OSL age of 1.2 ± 0.1 ka, are characterized by higher Ci, Sy, and AR, indicating strong aeolian activity and dune reworking during the past two millennia along the Poyang Lake.

Current insights into lower limb prostheses: Brazilian users’ perceptions on the (Re)construction of body image and identity

Purpose This study aims to investigate the (re)construction of body image and identity among Brazilian individuals using orthopedic prostheses from a phenomenological perspective. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study involved 16 lower-limb orthopedic prosthesis users, and data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Findings Thematic analysis, grounded in phenomenology, identified two superordinate themes: 1) Representativeness of the orthopedic prosthesis, and 2) Considerations regarding prosthesis use. These themes were further divided into subordinate themes: the first into “The prosthesis as part of me,” “What the prosthesis provides me,” and “It means everything to me”; the second into “Feelings about prosthesis use,” “Difficulties in daily life,” and “The gaze of others.” Originality/value According to orthopedic prosthesis users, their experiences and narratives reveal that prostheses play a key role in reconstructing body image and shaping identity. Initially, many participants viewed the prosthesis as merely a replacement for the lost limb, but over time, especially with prolonged use, it became more deeply integrated into their sense of self, fostering a stronger emotional connection. Prostheses were found to offer both functional and emotional benefits, enhancing users’ independence, self-esteem and sense of normalcy. However, despite these positive aspects, participants reported ongoing challenges, including difficulties in adapting to the device and limitations in functional mobility. Additionally, the study revealed that, despite societal progress, individuals with amputations continue to experience judgment and stigma, often reflected in the gaze of others.

Studying how a mathematics teacher’s professional identity shapes and is shaped by the use of digital resources in the classroom

Studying how a mathematics teacher’s professional identity shapes and is shaped by the use of digital resources in the classroom

Peripheral straightness leads to shape diversification during formations of entire leaves

The ways to read out positional information are essential to determine final shapes in developmental processes. Relative shaping to different sizes of positional information enables robust morphogenesis; however, the same difference sometimes causes diversity. Different responses to a positional information will enable such switching of identical/diverse shapes, though detail mechanisms remain unknown.In this paper, we describe growing forms by constructing the contour of a two-dimensional object using propagating points and segments connecting them. In plant morphogenesis that lacks almost cell movements, tissue growth accompanied by cell divisions is central. We focused on peripheral cell composition in leaf formation as a frame. The growth with or without cell division on the periphery was analyzed with simple algorithms. We calculated the shapes of entire leaves with different ovality using combined growth algorithms as a model. Responces of the respective algorithms to simple positional information were explored to seek the origin of the shape diversification.The algorithm for “growth with cell divisions” maintained identical shapes; however, diverse shapes were generated by the algorithm “growth without cell division” with gradients. The simplified model allowed us to interpret the oval shape diversity due to slants on edges. We concluded that peripheral straightness can generate shape diversity, at least in leaf morphogenesis.

Education – Language – Identity

AbstractIn our paper we explore the intricate relationship between language and identity within the Hungarian language minority residing in Slovakia, examining the patterns of identification among high school students in Western Slovakia. Focusing on upper-secondary Hungarian-medium high school students, we investigate the role of the Hungarian language in shaping identity patterns and cultural unity. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining a quantitative questionnaire survey with qualitative focus group discussions, we address research questions regarding the construction of community belonging and adolescents' attachments to their region and homeland. Our study, encompassing 414 students from five Hungarian-medium gymnasiums, sheds light on the identity formation of the Hungarian national minority and highlights divergent tendencies between different age groups. The findings are part of an ongoing state-level research project.

A Comparative Analysis of American and Vietnamese Presidents' Speeches: A Systemic Functional Grammar Perspective

This study presents a comparative analysis of the inaugural speeches of U.S. President Joe Biden and Vietnamese President To Lam, utilizing Michael Halliday's Systemic Functional Grammar (SFG) framework. By examining the Ideational (Transitivity), Interpersonal (Modality), and Textual (Texture and Cohesion) metafunctions, the study reveals how each leader's linguistic choices mirror the distinct political and cultural contexts of their respective nations. Joe Biden’s speech underscores the urgency of immediate action and crisis management, employing Material Processes to stress the importance of unity and national recovery. Conversely, To Lam's speech is rooted in long-term nation-building and the leadership of the Communist Party, with a focus on Relational Processes to reinforce collective responsibility and national unity. The Modality analysis demonstrates Joe Biden’s use of High Modality to convey decisiveness and transparency, aligning with American expectations for solid and clear commitments. In contrast, To Lam emphasizes collective duty and the Party's enduring leadership, reflecting Vietnam's socio-political ethos. Additionally, both speeches use Theme-Rheme structures and lexical repetition to ensure textual cohesion, though their cultural and ideological differences lead to distinct rhetorical approaches. By deepening our understanding of how political leaders use language to shape identities, communicate visions, and influence public perception, this study contributes to the broader field of political communication, offering insights into the strategic use of language across different cultural contexts.