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Recognizing traffic signs is a fundamental perception task for automated driving systems and requires high accuracy under strict latency and energy constraints. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) achieve strong performance but can be computationally demanding for embedded platforms. Spiking convolutional neural networks (SCNNs) offer an event-driven alternative that can reduce computation through sparse activity, yet their accuracy often degrades under very low-latency settings with few time steps. To improve spike-based inference under strict runtime constraints, we integrate a neural population decoding layer at the output stage and evaluate directly trained SCNNs with and without population decoding against a CNN baseline on the German Traffic Sign Recognition Benchmark (GTSRB). The best SCNN without population decoding achieved 98.85% test accuracy at 30 time steps, exceeding the CNN baseline of 98.38%. Population decoding improved performance in the low-latency regime, reaching 98.31% accuracy at a single time step, corresponding to an improvement of 0.56% over the SCNN without population decoding at the same temporal setting. Using an operation-based energy estimation, the SCNNs achieved over 14 times higher energy efficiency than the CNN at one time step. Overall, the results demonstrate that directly trained SCNNs can surpass a comparable CNN while enabling flexible trade-offs between accuracy, inference time, and energy efficiency. In particular, population decoding proves beneficial when operating under strict latency constraints.

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are an advanced fusion of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, requiring stable and long-term decoding of neural signals. Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs), with their neuronal dynamics and spike-based signal processing, are inherently well-suited for this task. This paper presents a novel approach utilizing a Multiscale Fusion enhanced Spiking Neural Network (MFSNN). The MFSNN emulates the parallel processing and multiscale feature fusion seen in human visual perception to enable real-time, efficient, and energy-conserving neural signal decoding. Initially, the MFSNN employs temporal convolutional networks and channel attention mechanisms to extract spatiotemporal features from raw data. It then enhances decoding performance by integrating these features through skip connections. Additionally, the MFSNN improves generalizability and robustness in cross-day signal decoding through mini-batch supervised generalization learning. In two benchmark invasive BCI paradigms, including the single-hand grasp-and-touch and center-and-out reach tasks, the MFSNN surpasses traditional artificial neural network methods, such as MLP and GRU, in both accuracy and computational efficiency. Moreover, the MFSNN's multiscale feature fusion framework is well-suited for the implementation on neuromorphic chips, offering an energy-efficient solution for online decoding of invasive BCI signals.

Energy-efficient equipment appliances (EEEAs) offer great potential for domestic energy saving. This study aims to explore the direct influence of TPB constructs (i.e., attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control), eco labels, and green trust on the intention to buy EEEAs with green environmental concern as moderator. We employed quantitative methodology to test the relationship in the proposed model with an Indian sample of 321 respondents. Both Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling were used for data analysis with AMOS 22.0. The findings reveal that eco-labels and green trust fully mediate the relationship between attitude and PBC to intention to buy EEEAs. The results also suggest that eco-labels and green trust play a positive and vital role in leading to purchase sustainable appliances. Through this study, we contribute to literature encompassing energy-efficient product consumption, achieved through heightened eco-labels perceptions and green trust. The EEEAs purchases can be stimulated among the consumers with higher green environmental concern.

Cochlear implants (CIs) are among the most established neuromodulation devices, providing auditory perception through electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. While conventional stimulation strategies rely on symmetric biphasic rectangular pulses, alternative pulse shapes may offer improvements in neural activation and energy efficiency-particularly for fully implantable CI systems where power consumption is a key limitation. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of anodic-first ramped biphasic pulse shapes compared to conventional anodic-first rectangular pulses, using a custom-designed fully implantable cochlear implant (FICI) system in an in vivo guinea pig model. Electrically evoked auditory brainstem responses (eABRs) were recorded in response to four charge-balanced waveform types: Rectangular, RampUp, RampDown, and RampLong. In this single-subject feasibility study, ramped waveforms elicited significantly larger eABR amplitudes, steeper input-output functions, and shorter latencies compared to rectangular pulses. Additionally, we characterized transmission efficiency across the electrode–tissue interface by analyzing waveform spectra and their attenuation through a frequency-dependent medium model. After correcting for these medium-specific losses, in the anodic-first biphasic configuration, RampUp and RampLong pulses demonstrated up to 19–22% improvement in power efficiency relative to rectangular pulses at subthreshold response levels. These findings highlight the potential of ramped stimulation to reduce energy consumption without compromising-and in some cases enhancing-neural activation. Such improvements are especially valuable for fully implantable devices, supporting longer battery life and more sustainable stimulation strategies in next-generation CIs.

PurposeThis paper aims to identify factors affecting consumers’ purchasing intentions of energy-efficient products (energy awareness, perceived benefits, perceived price and consumers’ attitudes). Also, it examines the effect of consumers’ attitudes on purchasing intentions of energy-efficient products (EEP) from households’ perspectives in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachA self-administered survey was hand-delivered to the targeted sample of households in Amman, Jordan. A total of 516 questionnaires were delivered to households from which 474 were valid for the analysis. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to assess the research constructs dimensions, unidimensionality, validity and composite reliability. Structural path analysis was also used to test the hypothesised relationships of the proposed research model.FindingsEnergy awareness positively and significantly affects purchasing intentions, perceived benefits and consumer attitudes. Energy awareness negatively but non-significantly affects perceived price. Perceived benefits positively and significantly affect consumer attitudes and purchasing intentions. Further, perceived price negatively and significantly affects perceived benefits and consumers attitudes. Also, consumers’ attitudes positively and significantly affect purchasing intentions. Consumers’ attitudes exerted the strongest effect on purchasing intentions of EEP; meanwhile, consumers’ attitudes are a function of perceived benefits and energy awareness. Finally, the results show that 50 per cent of variation in purchasing intentions of EEP was caused by perceived benefits–consumers’ attitudes–energy awareness path.Research limitationsFuture research needs to investigate other factors that may affect households’ intentions of purchasing EEP such as perceived brand and image of EEP, perceived risk, word-of-mouth, subjective norms and households’ cost-saving experience. Investigating and identifying types of perceived benefits of purchasing EEP from households’ perspectives is also important. Comparative studies between Jordanian and non-Jordanian consumers/households are potential areas of future research. Methodologically, future research can conduct comparative analysis between households and energy industry engineers and managers perceptions’ with regard to determinants of perceived benefits and purchasing intentions.Practical implicationsThis paper highlights the crucial role of perceived benefits and energy awareness in formulating households’ attitudes towards EEP and the vital role of such attitudes on purchasing intentions. Marketing directors and CEOs of the energy industry should recognised that perceived benefits, attitudes and energy awareness are vital building blocks in formulating and implementing marketing strategies to operate in this industry. Also, purchase intentions are a function of positive attitudes of household toward EEP and are at the heart of EEP marketing communications campaigns.Originality/valueThis is the first paper in the energy industry of Jordan devoted to develop and test a model of determinants of purchasing intentions of EEP that focuses on energy consumption behaviour. CEOs, international manufacturers and marketing managers of EEP can benefit from the study’s empirical findings concerning the drivers of EEP purchasing intentions and behaviour decisions of households in Jordan as an emerging market in the Middle East.

Ensuring thermal comfort in waiting areas is essential for visitor satisfaction and well-being. In the context of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEBs), these spaces—typically characterized by short-term occupancy, transient user behavior, and the need for rapid temperature adjustment—pose specific challenges for HVAC control in balancing comfort and energy demand. This study investigates the influence of a ceiling-mounted fan coil unit (FCU) operating in heating mode on thermal comfort conditions in an nZEB office waiting area. Measurements were conducted at multiple points within the space to assess microclimate parameters, followed by the calculation of the predicted mean vote (PMV) and predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) indices, supported by occupant feedback collected through short interviews. The results showed that although the FCU effectively increased the average temperature, its intermittent operation and localized air jets during the heating phase caused temporary discomfort near the unit. Occupant feedback confirmed sensations of discomfort due to strong air movement during FCU operation but indicated slightly higher overall dissatisfaction and smaller variability compared to model-based PPD values, reflecting the averaging effect of occupant perception over time. These findings highlight the need for optimized FCU control strategies in waiting areas, such as operating at reduced fan speeds and preheating the heat exchanger, to enhance occupant comfort. This study contributes to improving HVAC control concepts for semi-transient spaces in nZEBs.

Energy-efficient consumption has become a strategic priority to mitigate global climate change and enhance national energy security. While social media has reshaped online consumption behavior, the mechanisms through which these digital platforms influence energy-efficient purchasing remain underexplored. This study extends the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by integrating price perception variables and applies multi-group structural equation modeling to examine how social media shapes Chinese consumers’ intentions to purchase energy-efficient air conditioning. The results show that (1) social media exposure strengthens energy-efficient purchasing intentions indirectly via behavioral attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control; (2) price perception is negatively associated with purchase intention; and (3) these effects vary by age cohort, gender, and income—Generation Z and female consumers are more susceptible to social media influence, while low-income groups exhibit heightened price sensitivity. These findings advance TPB theory and offer guidance for digital platform policies aimed at promoting energy-efficient consumption.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to develop a theoretical framework of consumers’ purchase intention of energy efficient home appliances. Design/methodology/approach Non-probability quota based on age and education and purposive sampling technique have been used to assess data collected by a questionnaire survey. Findings The findings of the study reveal that consumers’ knowledge of eco-labels, environmental concern and perceived consumer effectiveness are the important predictors of purchase intention. However, the positive relationship between green trust and products’ functional value was found insignificant. It is believed that consumers’ are skeptical about products’ functional benefits. Research limitations/implications Although this study has presented a holistic approach to assess consumer purchase intention for energy-efficient home appliances, there are some limitations of the current study. First, this study has focused on consumer intention to purchase energy-efficient home appliances rather than actual purchase of appliances. Ajzen (1991) argued that intention is the accurate and immediate measure of actual, but gaps exist between intention and the actual behavior of the consumers (Ajzen and Fishbein, 1980). Consumers’ intentions may not always result in actual behavior. Thus, to expand research applicability, researchers should include actual behavior of consumers by conducting interviews or collecting data from the same consumers after an interval of three to six months. Second, the study has focused on consumers’ psychographic variables, there may be many other factors such as technological variables, government and pressure group influence and media impact on consumer intention to purchase energy-efficient home appliances. Future studies can integrate the impact of these potential variables on consumer purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances with the same model. The third limitation is related to the methodology of this study, the quantitative method has been used in this study. Future studies may use qualitative and mixed methods to better understand consumers’ inclination of purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances in Pakistan. Besides, a qualitative study will be helpful to explore new variables that are essential in the decision-making of consumers for the purchase of energy-efficient home appliances in Pakistan. Pakistan is a developing country where the majority of the people are belonging to the middle-class; there may be many other important factors that affect consumers’ purchase intention of energy-efficient home appliances. Therefore, an in-depth qualitative study would be helpful to explore those variables in the context of a developing country. Practical implications Energy consumption has posed serious threats to the sustainability of the environment and endangered the lives of many species across the globe. Environmental degradation due to unsustainable consumptions has provided ample opportunities to the marketers that led to the development of sustainable products such as energy-efficient home appliances. In this study, the antecedent of purchase intention of energy-efficient appliances includes attitude, functional values, perceived consumer effectiveness, consumers’ knowledge of eco-labels, environmental concern and green trust. Although researchers have extended TBP to predict consumers’ purchase intention of energy-efficient appliances, studies lack to provide a holistic view from consumers’ perspective. Consumers’ concern for the safety of the environment depicts consumers tendency to purchase environmentally friendly products and promote less hazardous products. Marketers should incorporate environmentally friendly benefits to the product that serve to attract maximum consumers and maintain harmony with the environment. Consumers’ knowledge of eco-labels, green trust and functional values are a vital construct that needs focus in term of the energy-efficient appliances purchase decision. Eco-labels are one of the emerging marketing tools that serve to guide consumers related to products environmentally friendly attributes and contribute to the acceptability of products. Marketers can use eco-labels to differentiate green products from conventional and establishes consumers’ trust in product performance. Originality/value This study is relevant to energy-efficient home appliances. Systematic literature of previous studies suggested the need to conduct and examine the antecedents of energy-efficient home appliances in developing markets. This research highlights that perceived consumer effectiveness is the most influencing factor affecting intention. The implications of this study would be helpful in understanding consumers’ behavior toward the purchase of green products in developing markets.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify the barriers to consumers’ intention to purchase energy efficient appliances. It uses multiple regression analysis to predict the factors that deter consumers’ purchase intention. Design/methodology/approach Five barriers to consumers’ intention to purchase energy efficient appliances were identified through an exhaustive literature survey. Data were gathered from 300 respondents from Pune city from the state of Maharashtra in India through a survey. The items were measured on a five-point Likert scale. Validity and reliability of the scale were established. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to predict consumers’ intention to purchase energy efficient appliances based on factors identified. Findings Findings revealed that some degree of uncertainty was associated with energy efficient appliance purchase. In addition to possessing lower degrees of awareness on energy efficient appliances, consumers tend to disbelieve claims made on labels of energy efficient appliances. Consumers also feel inconvenience in identifying these appliances, spending time to know about them and paying the price to purchase them. Hence, the factors – scepticism towards label claims and perceived personal inconvenience – were found to have negative impact on consumers’ purchase intention. Societal norm was found to have a positive impact on consumers’ purchase intention. Interestingly, price sensitivity and perceived product risk (which were expected to have a negative relationship with consumers’ purchase intention) displayed a positive relationship. Research limitations/implications The model proposed here is based on the researcher’s identification of the barriers. There might have been unidentified barriers that were not considered. The research does not account for manufacturing or policy-based issues that might also pose as barriers. The study encourages marketers to re-examine marketing and communication policies associated with the sale of energy efficient appliances. Originality/value The paper provides insights into the external barriers faced by consumers while purchasing an energy efficient appliance. This research enables managers to understand consumer’s preference for conventional products over energy efficient ones. It attempts to check the presence of barriers to energy efficient appliances, identified from literature in a tier 1 city of India. Tier 1 city is the city with population greater than 1,00,000 as per 2001 census of India.

Museums open to the public must reconcile heritage preservation requirements with energy-conscious microclimate management and visitors’ environmental experience. In historic buildings, indoor conditions are typically controlled primarily for preventive conservation, while opportunities for detailed assessment of human comfort are often limited by existing monitoring systems and operational constraints. This study investigates visitors’ perceptions of thermal conditions and indoor air quality (IAQ) in two branches of the National Museum in Krakow (NMK) characterized by different microclimate-control strategies: the mechanically ventilated and air-conditioned Cloth Hall and the predominantly passively controlled Bishop Erazm Ciołek Palace. A pilot survey was conducted in spring 2023 to capture subjective assessments of thermal sensation and perceived IAQ. These perceptions were contextualized using long-term air temperature and relative humidity data (2013–2023) routinely monitored for conservation purposes. Environmental data were analyzed to assess the stability of indoor conditions and to provide background for interpreting survey responses, rather than to perform a normative evaluation of thermal comfort. The results indicate that visitors frequently perceived the indoor environment as slightly warm and reported lower air quality in the Palace, where air was often described as stale or stuffy. These perceptions occurred despite relatively small differences in monitored air temperature and relative humidity between the two buildings. The findings suggest that ventilation strategy, air exchange effectiveness, odor accumulation, room configuration, and lighting conditions may influence perceived environmental quality more strongly than temperature or humidity alone. Although limited in scope, this pilot study highlights the value of incorporating visitor perception into discussions of energy-conscious microclimate management in museums and indicates directions for further multidisciplinary research.