The purpose of this work is to present the model of a Parabolic Trough Solar Collector (PTC) using the Finite Element Method to predict the thermal behavior of the working fluid along the collector receiver tube. The thermal efficiency is estimated based on the governing equations involved in the heat transfer processes. To validate the model results, a thermal simulation of the fluid was performed using Solidworks software. The maximum error obtained from the comparison of the modeling with the simulation was 7.6% at a flow rate of 1 L/min. According to the results obtained from the statistical errors, the method can effectively predict the fluid temperature at high flow rates. The developed model can be useful as a design tool, in the optimization of the time spent in the simulations generated by the software and in the minimization of the manufacturing costs related to Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors.

Several studies have discussed the benefits of blockchain in human resources management (HRM) policies to support the efficiency of HRM routine practices in organizations. The discussion ranges from selection and recruitment to employee separation. With the growing interest in digital application usage, research focused on utilization and effective measurement is needed. However, the existing literature review on blockchain-based HRM practices linked to cost efficiency still needs to be improved. Hence, this study aims to review current studies on blockchain human resources management systematically. This study investigates the trends in blockchain application usage in terms of practices, methodologies, and settings. This study used a literature survey and Publish or Perish software with Google Scholar and Scopus as the databases. 123 articles published in 19 journals from 2010 to 2022 were selected. This study used systematic data to reveal trends in HRM practices and qualitative inductive analysis to define relevant themes within the topic. The results show that blockchain applications for efficiency are used mainly in the recruitment and selection process, ranging from personal data verification to the quality of decision-making in skill development and maintenance. Five HRM practices have been discussed, indicating potential explorative and exploitative future research to improve the effectiveness of using blockchain in HRM practices.

The paper examines the underlying science determining the performance of hybrid engines. It scrutinizes a full range of orthodox gasoline engine performance data, drawn from two sources, and how it would be modified by hybrid gasoline vehicle engine operation. The most significant change would be the elimination of the negative consequences of urban congestion, stop-start, and engine driving, in favour of a hybrid electric motor drive. At intermediate speeds there can be other instances where electric motors might give a more efficient drive than an engine. Hybrid operation is scrutinised and the electrical losses estimated. There also remains scope for improvements in engine combustion. 

In the process of English learning, primary school English is an important period of enlightenment. However, teachers’ old-fashioned teaching methods and obscure teaching contents make primary school students less interested in learning English, which will affect students’ entire English learning career. Under this educational background, the education department should analyze the existing problems in English teaching methods, teaching contents and teaching concepts based on the current situation of English teaching in primary schools, aiming to improve the interest of English teaching in primary schools through effective strategies.

In light of the metaverse’s vast expansion, it’s a crucial intellectual platform that’s transforming the video game industry and spurring creative innovation and technological advancement. Considering the distinctive niche that Taiwan occupies within the realm of the video game industry, this study uses a total of 11 video game companies in Taiwan as samples. The study spans a period of 16 years, from 2007 to 2022, and utilizes the random effect regression model for analysis. The study results illustrate that intellectual capital efficiency exerts varying contributions to the creation of value across different corporate value indicators within the video game industry. Among the factors, HCE, SCE, and CEE demonstrate the highest explanatory power for ROE, reaching up to 82.23%. Following this, they account for 73.57% of the variance in market share, but only a meager 13.67% for Tobin’s Q. This study is the empirical evidence that different methods of measuring intellectual capital and various definitions of value creation in an industry may lead to divergent results and managerial implications in intellectual capital research. Hence, it is worthwhile for subsequent studies to continue clarifying and delving deeper into these aspects.

This paper examines the effect of governance in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. Specifically, this study investigates (i) the interacting impact of government efficiency, regulatory quality, and the rule of law alongside other socioeconomic variables to determine foreign capital inflow (FCI) based on each economic SSA bloc; and (ii) the characteristic drivers of FCI, impacting economic growth in the SSA countries. Descriptive statistics, static models, least square dummy variables (LSDVs) and the dynamic system general method of moment (GMM) were employed as the study’s estimating techniques. Based on the result of the LSDV, food security and the rule of law significantly impact FCI in the sub-economic blocs in the region. Only six countries across the four economic blocs responded to food security and the rule of law in the model. The dynamic system-GMM provided evidence of five socioeconomic variables and three governance variables contributing to FCI. The findings revealed (i) regulatory quality and the rule of law are governance variables that significantly impacted FCI; and (ii) food security failed to significantly impact FCI in the SSA region. However, inflation, life expectancy, the human capital index, exchange rate and gross domestic product (GDP) growth impacted FCI significantly. In the aggregate, inflation, regulatory quality, exchange rate and the human capital index exhibited positive relationships, while other variables such as life expectancy, government effectiveness and the rule of law appeared significant but inversely impacted FCI in the SSA region. The key policy implication recommendation from this study is that a good legal framework could moderate the flow of foreign capital in favour of growth as it creates a strong foundation for sustainable economic development in the region.