Design and Fabrication of Scalable Multifunctional Multimaterial Fibers and Textiles

Multimaterial fibers eschew the traditional mono-material structures typical of traditional optical fibers for novel internal architectures that combine disparate materials with distinct optical, mechanical, and electronic properties, thereby enabling novel optoelectronic functionalities delivered in the form factor of an extended fiber. This new class of fibers developed over the past two decades is attracting interest from researchers in such different fields as optics, textiles, and biomedicine. The juxtaposition of multiple materials integrated at micro- and nanoscales in complex geometries while ensuring intimate smooth interfaces extending continuously for kilometers facilitates unique applications such as non-invasive laser surgery, self-monitoring fibers, e-textiles, and extreme-environment tethers. In this work, I focus on the scalable manufacturing of novel multimaterial fibers that make possible the fabrication of hundreds of kilometers of optical micro-cables and producing fibers at volumes commensurate with the needs of the textile and apparel industry. Although a multiplicity of fabrication schemes exists, I have investigated thermal drawing and melt-extrusion for thermo-forming of multimaterial fibers. Such fibers can be readily integrated with a broad range of downstream processes and techniques, such as textile weaving, precision-winding of fiber micro-cables, and inline functional coating. Specifically, I have developed a hybrid fabrication approach to produce robust optical fibers for single-mode and multi-mode mid-infrared transmission with the added possibility of high-power-handling capability. Second, I describe an optoelectronic fiber in which an electrically conductive composite glass is thermally co-drawn in a transparent glass matrix with a crystalline semiconductor and metallic conductors, which is the first fully integrated thermally drawn optoelectronic fiber making use of a traditional semiconductor. Third, I appropriate the industry-proven system of multicomponent melt-extrusion traditionally utilized for the scalable production of textile yarns and non-woven fabrics to produce our multimaterial fiber structures previously fabricated via thermal drawing. This has enabled melt-spinning of user-controlled color-changing fibers that are subsequently woven into active color-changing fabrics. I additionally report the design and prototyping of structured capacitive fibers for potential integration into advanced functional e-textiles. Finally, I have produced a new class of optical scattering materials based on designer composite microspheres by exploiting a recently discovered capillary instability in multimaterial fibers produced by thermal drawing, multifilament yarn spinning, and melt-extruded non-woven fabrics

Nurturing and Leveraging Virtual Communities: A Two-Dimensional Process Model

Despite the optimism surrounding the business potential of virtual communities (VCs), our knowledge of how VCs can be nurtured and leveraged to create value for the organizations that sponsor them is limited. To address this knowledge gap, a two-dimensional process model of the development and leverage of a VC is inductively derived from a case study of one of the most commercially successful VCs in Singapore. The model suggests that different IT competencies drive the development of various VC-enabled capabilities in different stages of VC maturity. Moreover, as the VC becomes increasingly mature, the number of ways in which it can be leveraged for organizational value creation increases. With its findings, this study sheds light on the key mechanisms of VC-enabled organizational value creation, and provides a comprehensive and empirically grounded framework for practitioners to analyze and optimize their investments in VCs

A Perception-Based Model for Technological Innovation in Small and Medium Enterprises

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form an integral part of every economy as they are the leadingproviders of revenue and employment. However, as the global economy becomes more reliant onInformation Communication and Technology (ICT), some SMEs are yet to reap the benefits that ICThas to offer. The low rate of adoption and innovative use of ICT amongst SMEs has become significantresearch topics in recent times. One of the many contributing factors towards the above is the failureof SMEs to recognise ICT as a technological innovation, thus affecting their decision to adopt ICT.This and the lack of dynamism between ICT firms and SMEs further impede the development andinnovation of ICT for SMEs. Using a technology-organization-environment framework, this studyattempts to address the above issue by introducing a perception-based model for technologicalinnovation in SMEs. The model is to be further tested against data collected from an Australiancontext. The model has both research and practical contributions. For research, the model attempts tostudy the key determinants and processes of technological innovation and ICT adoption in SMEs.Further, the model attempts to help SMEs recognize that adopting ICT as a technological innovationis important but more of an adaptive than a technical challenge

Validating the Extended Technology Acceptance Model: Perceived Playfulness in the Context of Information-searching Websites

Prior research that has used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to predict Internet usage has focused on perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of websites. More recently, in an extension of TAM to include an intrinsic motivator, perceived playfulness was found to be another important factor in user acceptance of websites (Moon and Kim, 2001). Since then, no other research found has validated the significance of perceived playfulness. The purpose of this study is therefore to validate Moon and Kim’s extended TAM by exploring the importance of the intrinsic factor “perceived playfulness”, in the context of information-searching sites on the Internet

Managing health information in New Zealand: An analysis of the health information privacy principles

The New Zealand Health Information Service has recently established a national health register. At the heart of this development are three national databases. These applications and their functions are presented. Other initiatives currently being explored are also discussed. The paper contends that these initiatives under the guise of advancing the nation\u27s health may instead be infringing the privacy of the nation\u27s citizens. An analysis of New Zealand\u27s privacy legislation to the development of such a centralized health system is detailed. The paper concludes by considering the possibility of hidden agendas despite the provisions of the nation\u27s privacy rules

Social Shaping Leadership in Enterprise System Acquisition and Development: The Influence of Reference Users in Xizi Holdings

Acquisition and development remains an important aspect of enterprise systems research. In practice, it means reference users interact in and across organizations to fill gaps in knowledge and offer their experience as models or standards for others. Despite their importance, how reference users influence the acquisition process and the role of IT in its development have received scant attention. This paper presents a study of how reference users shape and lead the acquisition and development of enterprise systems (ES). We derive our findings from investigating and conducting a case study on Xizi Holdings, one of the largest private enterprises in China. Our model deploys a theoretical lens of the social shaping of technology in the context of inter-organizational ES adoption. We build the model on stage-wise observations of the roles that reference users play across the ES acquisition and development process in Xizi, and how Xizi brings together hundreds of autonomous IT systems across 128 subsidiaries under one enterprise-wide vision. Our study model identifies three intermediary mechanisms (i.e., attaching, staging, and shaping of technology) that reference users in the process of negotiating ES acquisition and development enable

Social Shaping of Enterprise System Acquisition and Development: The Influence of Reference Users in XiZi Holdings

In this research-in-progress paper, we present a preliminary model of how reference users shape enterprise systems (ES) acquisition and development based on the case study of Xizi Holdings, one of the largest private enterprises in China. Our model draws on the theoretical lens of the social shaping of technology in the context of streamlining complex packaged ES adoption. The model is built on stage-wise observations of the roles that reference users play across the ES acquisition and development process. Our preliminary model identifies three intermediary mechanisms (i.e. attaching, staging and shaping of technology) that are enabled by reference users in the process of negotiating ES acquisition and development. It contributes to the existing discourse in recent IS research on the expanding role of users in influencing the development of packaged enterprise systems and their acquisition

Determining University Students’ Motivations for Using Computer- Mediated Communication Technologies

Motivated by the increasing popularity of computer-mediated communication (CMC) technologies in university students learning, this study will explore students’ motivations for using CMC technologies in their learning. By employing uses and gratifications (U&G) perspective, this paper aims to identify dimensions of motivation in students’ CMC technology use. It also proposes that students’ technology self-efficacy and communication apprehension influence their motivations for using technologies. A three-stage research design procedure is proposed. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for both IS researchers and higher education

Employees\u27 Intention to Continue Using Organizational Microblogs: A Uses & Gratification Perspective

There is a growing stream of research into organizational microblogging in recent years. Whilst the extant literature has mainly focused on technology-related factors to examine initial microblogging use, few studies have investigated user needs and gratifications and even less on the post initial adoption stage. Hence, the purpose of this research is to explore the factors that affect employees\u27 intention to continue using organizational microblogs, specifically Yammer, by employing the uses and gratifications model. The results of the survey of 111 participants using PLS-SEM methodology suggest that cognitive gratification, affective gratification, personal integrative gratification, social integrative gratification and entertainment gratification positively affect employees\u27 intention to continue using organizational microblogs. This research therefore extends our understanding of what drives employees to continue using organizational microblogs and offers suggestions for designers/managers of organizational microblogs, especially with various ways to increase employees\u27 ongoing use of their organizations\u27 microblogging platform