Predicting Attitudes Toward Knowledge Sharing by E-Mail: An Empirical Study

Social influence factors in sharing knowledge by e-mail are important issues in developing and understanding successful knowledge management systems and human–computer interaction. This article investigates important factors in shaping attitudes toward knowledge sharing by e-mail, based on social influence theory and self-determination theory. An empirical test of the proposed model using an online survey was conducted with a sample of undergraduate college students who use group e-mails for class assignments (n?=?566). All social influence factors significantly influenced attitudes toward knowledge sharing by e-mail (R ² = .57). Information systems researchers and practitioners will be able to more fully understand the roles of social influence factors in developing and designing knowledge management.     

Key-dependent 3D model hashing for authentication using heat kernel signature

Multimedia-based hashing is considered an important technique for achieving authentication and copy detection in digital contents. However, 3D model hashing has not been as widely used as image or video hashing. In this study, we develop a robust 3D mesh-model hashing scheme based on a heat kernel signature (HKS) that can describe a multi-scale shape curve and is robust against isometric modifications. We further discuss the robustness, uniqueness, security, and spaciousness of the method for 3D model hashing. In the proposed hashing scheme, we calculate the local and global HKS coefficients of vertices through time scales and 2D cell coefficients by clustering HKS coefficients with variable bin sizes based on an estimated L² risk function, and generate the binary hash through binarization of the intermediate hash values by combining the cell values and the random values. In addition, we use two parameters, bin center points and cell amplitudes, which are obtained through an iterative refinement process, to improve the robustness, uniqueness, security, and spaciousness further, and combine them in a hash with a key. By evaluating the robustness, uniqueness, and spaciousness experimentally, and through a security analysis based on the differential entropy, we verify that our hashing scheme outperforms conventional hashing schemes.     

Fault tolerant authenticated quantum direct communication immune to collective noises

This study proposes two new coding functions for GHZ states and GHZ-like states, respectively. Based on these coding functions, two fault tolerant authenticated quantum direct communication (AQDC) protocols are proposed. Each of which is robust under one kind of collective noises: collective-dephasing noise and collective-rotation noise, respectively. Moreover, the proposed AQDC protocols enable a sender to send a secure as well as authenticated message to a receiver within only one step quantum transmission without using the classical channels.     

Robust fuzzy stabilization of dithered chaotic systems using island-based random optimization algorithm

Applying dither to highly nonlinear systems may suppress chaotic phenomena, but dynamic performance, such as convergence rate and disturbance attenuation, is usually not guaranteed. This paper presents a dithered H_∞ robust fuzzy control scheme to stabilize chaotic systems that ensures disturbance attenuation bounds. In the proposed scheme, Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy linear models are used to describe the relaxed models of the dithered chaotic system, and fuzzy controllers are designed based on an extension to the concept of parallel distributed compensation (PDC). Sufficient condition for the existence of the H_∞ robust fuzzy controllers is presented in terms of a novel linear matrix inequalities (LMI) form which takes full consideration of modeling error and disturbances, but cannot be solved by the standard procedures. In order to solve the LMI problem and to identify the chaotic systems as T-S fuzzy modes, we propose a compound optimization strategy called the island-based random-walk algorithm (IRA). The algorithm is composed of a set of communicating random-walk optimization procedures concatenated with the down-hill simplex method. The design procedure and validity of the proposed scheme is demonstrated via numerical simulation of the dithered fuzzy control of a chaotic system.     

Rainbow Product Ranking for Upgrading E-Commerce

Online product ranking is complicated by conflicting attributes. The authors propose a rainbow ranking system to solve this problem in e-commerce. This approach extends eBay's one-to-one shopping paradigm to a flexible one with many-to-many transactions. The system demonstrates a 50 to 70 percent transaction increase over skyline and eBay ranking methods. Buyers are allowed personalized selections of commodity products, whereas sellers benefit from both wholesale and retailing online. The rainbow scheme thus creates a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers in widened e-commerce marketplaces.     

Synergistic effects of micro-/nano-fillers on conductive and electromagnetic shielding properties of polypropylene nanocomposites

This study presents the synergistic effects of graphene nanosheets (GNSs) and carbon fibers (CFs) additions on the electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties of GNS/CF/polypropylene (PP) composites. These composites were fabricated by the melt blending of different ratios of GNSs and CFs (20:0, 15:5, 10:10, 5:15 and 0:20 wt/wt%) into a PP polymer matrix using a Brabender mixer. Besides, the chemical and crystalline structures and the thermal stability of the resultant GNS/CF/PP composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FT-IR and XRD showed that with the addition of GNSs content, transmittances at 1373.4?cm^?1 and 1454.4?cm^?1 became smaller and the characteristic peak at 26.82° became stronger. TGA showed that the GNS/CF/PP composite can be used at high temperature below 456°C. Blending 10?wt% CFs and 10?wt% GNSs into the PP polymer resulted in excellent conductivity (0.397 S/cm), which indicated the occurrence of the critical percolation threshold phenomenon, and also reached the maximum electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMSE) of 20?dB at 1.28–2.00?GHz. Laminated with five layers of composites, its EMSE achieved 25–38?dB at 0.3–3.0?GHz, corresponding to blocking of 94.38–98.74% electromagnetic waves.     

Performance Evaluation of Composite Electrolyte with GQD for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

The use a stabilized lithium structure as cathode material for batteries could be a fundamental alternative in the development of next-generation energy storage devices. However, the lithium structure severely limits battery life causes safety concerns due to the growth of lithium (Li) dendrites during rapid charge/discharge cycles. Solid electrolytes, which are used in high-density energy storage devices and avoid the instability of liquid electrolytes, can be a promising alternative for next-generation batteries. Nevertheless, poor lithium ion conductivity and structural defects at room temperature have been pointed out as limitations. In this study, through the application of a low-dimensional graphene quantum dot (GQD) layer structure, stable operation characteristics were demonstrated based on Li⁺ ion conductivity and excellent electrochemical performance. Moreover, the device based on the modified graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in solid state exhibited retention properties of 95.3% for 100 cycles at 0.5 C and room temperature (RT). Transmission electron microscopy analysis was performed to elucidate the Li⁺ ion action mechanism in the modified GQD/electrolyte heterostructure. The low-dimensional structure of the GQD-based solid electrolyte has provided an important strategy for stably-scalable solid-state lithium battery applications at room temperature. It was demonstrated that lithiated graphene quantum dots (Li-GQDs) inhibit the growth of Li dendrites by regulating the modified Li⁺ ion flux during charge/discharge cycling at current densities of 2.2–5.5 mA cm, acting as a modified Li diffusion heterointerface. A full Li GQD-based device was fabricated to demonstrate the practicality of the modified Li structure using the Li–GQD hetero-interface. This study indicates that the low-dimensional carbon structure in Li–GQDs can be an effective approach for stabilization of solid-state Li matrix architecture.     

Applying Job Shop Scheduling to SMEs Manufacturing Platform to Revitalize B2B Relationship

A small and medium enterprises (SMEs) manufacturing platform aims to perform as a significant revenue to SMEs and vendors by providing scheduling and monitoring capabilities. The optimal job shop scheduling is generated by utilizing the scheduling system of the platform, and a minimum production time, i.e., makespan decides whether the scheduling is optimal or not. This scheduling result allows manufacturers to achieve high productivity, energy savings, and customer satisfaction. Manufacturing in Industry 4.0 requires dynamic, uncertain, complex production environments, and customer-centered services. This paper proposes a novel method for solving the difficulties of the SMEs manufacturing by applying and implementing the job shop scheduling system on a SMEs manufacturing platform. The primary purpose of the SMEs manufacturing platform is to improve the B2B relationship between manufacturing companies and vendors. The platform also serves qualified and satisfactory production opportunities for buyers and producers by meeting two key factors: early delivery date and fulfillment of processing as many orders as possible. The genetic algorithm (GA)-based scheduling method results indicated that the proposed platform enables SME manufacturers to obtain optimized schedules by solving the job shop scheduling problem (JSSP) by comparing with the real-world data from a textile weaving factory in South Korea. The proposed platform will provide producers with an optimal production schedule, introduce new producers to buyers, and eventually foster relationships and mutual economic interests.