Consumer's decision to shop online: The moderating role of positive informational social influence

While much of the current literature tends to focus on the direct effect of social influence on consumer online shopping behavior, our study drew heavily on social influence theory and argued for an alternative theory focusing on the moderating role of social influence. In particular, we explored how positive messages in online discussion forums may affect consumers’ decisions to shop online. We used a laboratory experiment in which the treatment group was required to read positive messages about online shopping experience in an online discussion forum. Positive social influence was found to reinforce the relationship between beliefs about and attitude toward online shopping, as well as the relationship between attitude and intention to shop. We believe our alternative theory provides new insight into the complex processes through which social influence is brought to bear on consumers’ online shopping decisions. Implications of our work are discussed.     

Evaluation of interface shear strength of composite liner system and stability analysis for a landfill lining system in Thailand

The paper presents the case history of laboratory evaluation of the interface shear strength properties of various interfaces encountered in a modern day landfill with emphasis on proper simulation of field conditions and subsequent use of these results in the stability analyses of liner system. Over 70 large direct shear tests were systematically conducted to evaluate the interface shear strength properties of composite liner system using project specific materials under site specific conditions, being used at non-hazardous and hazardous landfills project situated in Sa Kaeo Province, Thailand. The critical interfaces were located between the geotextiles and the smooth geomembrane (GM), the smooth GM and the geosynthetic clay liner (GCL), and the smooth GM liner and the compacted clay liner (CCL) with the interface friction angles ranging from 6.5° to 10.5° for dry conditions and 6.5° to 9.5° in wet conditions. The residual shear stress for these interfaces was attained at a displacement less than 4 mm. Three methods, namely, limit equilibrium method (LEM), limit method (LM), and the simple composite column (SCC) approach were used to evaluate the tensile loads induced in the geosynthetic components. The SCC approach proposed by Liu, C.N. [2001. Tension of geosynthetics material regarding soils on landfill liner slopes. Proceedings, National Science Council ROC(A), 25(4), 211–218] that takes into account the force equilibrium as well as displacement compatibility yielded satisfactory results. The factor of safety for geosynthetic components in the liner was found to be greater than 3.0 for both types of landfill.     

Client strategies in vendor transition: A threat balancing perspective

Many outsourcing contracts are expiring, and vendor transition is an increasing concern. This paper attempts to develop guidelines for vendor transition by applying balance of threat theory, which suggests a client organization should pursue either a “soft” or “hard” balancing strategy, depending on the outgoing vendor’s capability and aggressive intent to disrupt client operations. Balance of threat theory is explored across two contrasting case sites. In addition to demonstrating the relevance of balance of threat theory, the cases identify specific tactics associated with hard and soft balancing, as well as key areas of conflict in vendor transition.     

An empirical model for estimating fracture toughness using the DCDC geometry

The double cleavage drilled compression (DCDC) geometry is useful for creating large cracks in a material in a controlled manner. Several models for estimating fracture toughness from DCDC measurements have been proposed, but each is suitable for a subset of geometries and material properties. In this work, a series of finite element fracture simulations are performed over a range of sample widths, hole sizes, heights, Young’s moduli, Poisson’s ratios, critical stress intensity factors, and boundary conditions. Analyzing the simulation results, fracture toughness is found to be a simple function of sample width, hole size, and an extrapolated stress at zero crack length obtained from a linear fit of the data. Experimental results in the literature are found to agree with this simple relationship.     

半导体产业有助于绿色的太阳能制造

光伏产业不仅需要努力达到电网平价（实现成本与传统发电成本相当）,同时它也必须保持一套对环境无害的生产方式,从而不会抵消太阳能作为清洁能源的好处。     

Effect of Grain-Boundary Phase on Dynamic Compression Fatigue in Hot-Pressed Silicon Nitride

Two types of hot-pressed silicon nitride, one having an amorphous grain-boundary phase (6 wt% yttria, 3 wt% alumina) and the other having a predominantly crystalline grain-boundary phase (8 wt% yttria, 1 wt% alumina), were tested on a split Hopkinson pressure bar with a momentum trap, such that, in each test, the sample was subjected to a single predefined stress pulse and then recovered without being subjected to any other loads. The specimens were loaded repeatedly with a triangular pulse of 3.2 GPa amplitude at a strain rate of approximately 400/s. The dynamic fatigue life of amorphous grain-boundary-phase silicon nitride was observed to be higher than that of the corresponding fatigue life of crystalline grain-boundary-phase silicon nitride. The difference in fatigue lives is correlated to the microstructural damage occurring in both materials.     

Influences of osmotic agents in diffusion layer on drug release from multilayer coated pellets

Nonpareil beads were coated with three different functional layers, namely inner chlorpheniramine maleate-loaded hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, 4 mPa · s) deposition layer, middle HPMC (400 mPa · s) diffusion layer, and outer polyacrylic polymer (Eudragit RS30D) retention layer. The osmotic agents, including sodium chloride, glycine, citric acid, and disodium hydrogen phosphate, were incorporated in different amounts into the diffusion layer and the influences on drug release were studied. The osmotic agent competed with HPMC for imbibed water and subsequently caused more water influx owing to the osmotic pressure gradient. An appropriate amount of osmotic agent in the diffusion layer was necessary to exert its effect on retarding drug release. The osmotic effect on drug release was compromised with pellets at a higher coating level of the diffusion layer due to the extensive swelling and rupture of coat. The release parameters, including dissolution T_50% and mean dissolution time, showed linear relationship with osmolalities of osmotic agents studied. The effect of the osmotic agent in the diffusion layer played an important role in determining the unique multiphase drug release profiles, particularly in the initial phase of dissolution, and reduced with depletion of the osmotic agent in the later phase of dissolution.     

Morphology investigation of worn bearing surfaces using SiO2 nanolubrication system

The new technology that uses nanoparticles as additive of lubricant has become an attractive study recently. The performance of nano-SiO₂ which acts as the nanoparticle in the lubrication system is investigated. Tests were conducted at nanolubrication mixing ratio of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, and 0.8 wt.% of SiO₂ with plain bearings using a 2,750 rpm high-speed rotating motor. For each mixing ration, the frictional temperature and weight loss of plain bearings were recorded and compared. During the surface morphology, the worn bearing surfaces are investigated by scanning electron microscopy. The surface element analysis was also employed to get more morphology investigation by using energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer as well as element mapping. The results showed that tribology performance of nanolubricant is at optimum by using 0.5 wt.% mixing ratio.