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Current multi-source image fusion methods frequently overlook the issue of detailed features when employing deep learning technology, resulting in inadequate target feature information. In real-world mission scenarios, such as military information acquisition or medical image enhancement, the prominence of target feature information is of paramount importance. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel infrared-visible light fusion model.

Leveraging the foundational architecture of the traditional DenseFuse model, this paper optimizes the backbone network structure and incorporates a Unique Feature Encoder (UFE) to meticulously extract the distinctive features inherent in the two images. Furthermore, it integrates the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) and the Squeeze and Excitation Network (SE) to enhance and replace the original spatial and channel attention mechanisms.

Compared to other methods such as IFCNN, NestFuse, DenseFuse, etc., the values of entropy, standard deviation, and mutual information index of the method presented in this paper can reach 6.9985, 82.6652, and 13.6022, respectively, which are significantly improved compared with other methods.

This paper presents a UFEFusion framework that synergizes with the CBAM attention mechanism to markedly augment the extraction of detailed features relative to other methods. Moreover, the framework adeptly extracts and amplifies unique features from disparate images, thereby elevating the overall feature representation capability.

The purpose of this study is to reveal the significant contribution of MXene on enhancing tribological properties and to obtain the influence mechanism of various factors on friction characteristics of rolling bearing under extreme conditions.

Under extreme working conditions, the friction characteristics of rolling bearings directly determine the safety and reliability of the transmission system. In this study, MXene is added to the origin lubricating grease (OLG) of rolling bearing to enhance their friction characteristics. Then, the effects of inner ring speed, radial load, grease filling volume and other factors on the friction coefficient of rolling bearing are analyzed using the Taguchi method.

The results indicate that the ranking of various factors affecting the friction coefficient is: radial load, inner ring speed, MXene additive content in grease and grease filling volume. Especially, the radial load and inner ring speed exhibit extremely significant effects, while the MXene additive content in grease (P < 0.05) has a significant influence on the friction coefficient of rolling bearing. The optimal condition for rolling bearing lubricated with MXene additives lubricating grease (MALG) achieves the lowest friction coefficient of 0.0049 under 1,000 rpm, 9 kN and 35% grease filling volume.

This study could offer reference solution for utilizing MXene nano-lubrication to fufill the demands of precision, heavy-load, or long-lifespan bearings. Furthermore, the lubrication approach has the potential to be expanded into aerospace, defense, and various industrial fields, thereby significantly promoting its practial engineering applications.

Digital device recycling platforms (DDRPs) are customer-to-business online marketplaces that allow consumers to trade in or sell their used electronics, like smartphones and laptops, directly to a business for cash or credit. Guaranteed data destruction is a service provided by most DDRPs to securely erase all data on devices being recycled or traded in. Perceived credibility of the service refers to the extent to which customers are confident in the effectiveness and reliability of the service offered by a given DDRP. Grounded in privacy calculus theory, the current study aims to explore the influence of perceived credibility of guaranteed data destruction service (GDDS) on one’s intention to use a DDRP.

An empirical study was conducted through an online survey of Chinese DDRP users. The proposed model was tested by analyzing the collected data using the structural equation modeling approach.

Our results indicate that perceived credibility of GDDS affects users’ intention to use DDRPs by decreasing privacy concerns and increasing perceived convenience and environmental benefits of these platforms.

This study’s findings are based on data collected from Chinese DDRP users, which may limit the generalizability of the results to other cultural or market contexts.

This study provides practical guidance for DDRPs, emphasizing the importance of enhancing perceived credibility through transparent data destruction practices and certifications.

The findings of the current study offer implications for theory development in sustainable information technology and e-commerce as well as practical suggestions for increasing usage of DDRPs.

This study proposed an extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB), that is, considering that behavioural beliefs, normative beliefs and control beliefs (beliefs) will influence perceived service quality (PSQ) on food delivery services. PSQ (behavioural intention) will influence electronic word-of-mouth (EWOM) (behaviour). In addition, exogenous variables including information from online ratings and consumer groups will affect the strength of the relationship between received service quality and EWOM on food delivery service.

This study aimed to investigate the mediation (PSQ) and moderation (Online ratings and consumer groups) effects on the extended TPB for Taiwanese consumers (n = 823).

This study first found a positive relationship between different beliefs and PSQ (behavioural intention). In addition, there is a positive relationship between PSQ and EWOM. Online rating has a moderating effect between PSQ and EWOM. Consumer group has a moderating relationship between PSQ and EWOM.

This study first found that the three stages of beliefs-intention-behaviour for consumers on food delivery service are reciprocal with two paths, starting with offline-to-online in terms of generating the positive relationship between individual belies and PSQ. Next, it can generate positive power to return online with a behaviour of EWOM. In addition, online ratings can enhance and strengthen the positive effect between PSQ and EWOM.

This study aims to propose a comprehensive framework for assessing circular economy (CE) performance in the agri-food sector. It identifies those indicators that should be used to measure circularity regarding CE strategies, applies them at a microeconomic level and examines the impact of key business determinants (financial, internalization, knowledge, awareness and digitalization).

A literature review was conducted with a focus on CE strategies and related indicators. The framework obtained is applied on a Spanish agri-food sector survey to provide an empirical CE analysis at firm level. A partial least squares based-structural equation modelling method is applied.

The research suggests a set of circularity indicators to assess CE strategies at micro level. The findings reveal the heterogeneity of CE sub-indicators related to narrowing, slowing, closing and regenerating strategies. It also highlights the strong effects that the drivers tested have on CE, especially awareness and knowledge.

This study provides a framework that can guide public policies and business decisions in sectors with significant environmental impacts. It provides a conceptual framework that explains which CE indicators should be considered by governments and regulators when developing policies that seek to promote circular strategies.

In the case of companies, the results show that acquiring more environmental awareness and knowledge is essential for promoting more sustainable work habits that enhance CE.

The paper offers a novel contribution to the CE literature by introducing a multidimensional indicator framework comprehensively applied to the agri-food sector, integrating miscellaneous pillars of circular strategies and business determinants.

Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to investigate the effect of nano g-C₃N₄ as a lubricant additive on the wear performance of bearing steel disk.

Various mass fractions of g-C₃N₄ were introduced into the base oil. Combining tribological testing, rheological testing and surface analysis methods, the anti-wear properties and lubrication mechanisms were analyzed.

Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the size of the nanoparticles of g-C₃N₄ ranges from 10 to 100 nm. Phase analysis of the g-C₃N₄ sample was conducted using X-ray diffraction. Further, 1.0% mass fraction of g-C₃N₄ in the base oil provides excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing performance. Compared to the base oil alone, it reduces the average friction coefficient by 63.8% and decreases the wear rate by 43.1%, significantly reducing the depth and width of the wear scar. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the oil sample containing nano g-C₃N₄ can form a lubricating film on the sliding surface of bearing steel after wear, which enhances the lubricating properties of the base oil.

The synergistic effect of the base oil and nanoparticles reduces friction and wear and is expected to extend the service life of bearing steel. These findings suggest that incorporating nano g-C₃N₄ as a lubricant additive offers significant potential for improving the performance of mechanical components.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0456/

This study aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviours of home buyers – primarily owner-occupants – using digital real estate platforms, a key element in the industry’s shift towards digital services. It focuses on first-time buyers and repurchasers to examine how these platforms assist in the home-buying process and influence buyer behaviour in Taiwan.

A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on user experiences and preferences.

The research identifies brand perception, search functionality and search results as critical factors influencing platform usage. Furthermore, it reveals an increasing demand for innovative artificial intelligence-driven search features to enhance user experience and platform convenience, reflecting evolving user expectations.

By addressing the specific context of Taiwan’s real estate market, this study provides novel insights into the interplay between digital platform features and user behaviour. The findings offer practical recommendations for improving platform design to better align with user needs.

This study investigates the moderating effects of consumers’ occupations on their purchase intentions (PIs) for food takeout services using a modified unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model. It evaluates how different occupations influence the relationships between social influence (SI), expectation confirmation (EC), facilitating conditions (FC) and PI.

The study collected data from individuals in various occupations, including technical/associate professionals, executives/professionals, administrative/service workers and manual/operative workers. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, while hierarchical analysis assessed how occupation moderated the relationships between latent variables (SI, EC and FC) and PI.

Different occupations have a certain moderating effect on the relationships between SI/EC/FC and PI. For the technical and associate professionals and manual and operative occupations, the moderating effect of FC on PI is stronger than that of EC and SI. For executives and professionals and administrative and service occupations, the moderating effect of EC on PI is stronger than that of SI and FC.

This study provides new insights into how occupational differences influence consumer behavior in the context of online food ordering services. The results expand the application of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology model and the understanding of the influence of occupation on consumer’ behavior.

Continuous development of digital technology makes it necessary for digital entrepreneurs to pivot to cope with the environmental changes. However, limited research has focused on the important strategic orientation of digital new ventures in digital contexts, digital orientation, which depicts the tendency of new ventures to utilize digital technologies to create value. This research aims to explore the relationship between digital orientation and pivoting, along with the mediating role of dynamic capabilities as essential organizational competencies. Additionally, the study investigates the influence of boundary conditions related to the environmental dynamism and the prior experience of entrepreneurs.

The data of this study were gathered by a two-phase survey of 328 Chinese digital new ventures in China with the assistance of entrepreneurial service organizations, entrepreneurship parks and entrepreneurial training institutions. The current study used regression analysis to verify the hypotheses and factor analysis to evaluate the validity and reliability of the measurement by using MPLUS, SPSS and PROCESS macro.

The findings of this research indicate that digital orientation enhances pivoting of digital new ventures, with dynamic capabilities acting as a crucial mediator in this process. Additionally, the dynamic environment and prior entrepreneurial experience influence both the relationship between digital orientation and dynamic capabilities, as well as the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities.

This study significantly contributes to the existing literature by exploring the relationship between digital orientation and pivoting in digital new ventures. This broadens the scope of research on pivoting and enriches the literature on digital orientation in the digital context. By emphasizing how these factors shape pivoting, our research provides valuable guidance for entrepreneurs responding to the dynamic environment and technological advances.

This research illuminates the relationship between digital orientation and pivoting based on the resource-based view (RBV) and dynamic capabilities theory (DCT). It explores the antecedent of digital orientation on digital new ventures’ pivoting activities, reveals the internal mechanisms and boundary conditions and enriches the literature related to RBV and DCT in the digital entrepreneurship context.

Due to their limited capacity for adaptation and dependence on natural resources for economic growth, developing countries (DCs) tend to be more prone to climate change. It is argued that climate finance (CF) is a significant financial innovation to mitigate the negative effects of climate variation. However, the heterogeneous impacts of CF on environmental sustainability (ES) and social welfare (SW) have been masked. Thus, this study aims to investigate the heterogeneous effects of CF on ES and SW in 80 CF receipt DCs from 2002 to 2018. This study also aims to investigate the effects of CF on ES and SW based on population size, income heterogeneity and the type of CF.

The method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) with fixed effects is utilized. Alternatively, the fully modified least square (FMOLS) and dynamic least square (DOLS) estimators are used for the robustness test.

The findings revealed that DCs with the lowest and middle quantiles of EF, carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and human development exhibit large beneficial impacts of CF on ES and SW. In contrast, the positive effects of CF on ES breakdown for countries with the largest distributions of EF and CO₂ emissions. Besides, the impacts of CF on ES and SW depend on income heterogeneity, population size and the type of CF.

This study calls for a framework to integrate CF into all economic development decisions to strengthen climate-resilient SW and ES in DCs.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of CF on ES and SW in a wide range of DCs. Thus, it complements existing related literature focusing on the effects of CF on ES and SW.