This research examines data from 1989 to 2022 across 48 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using a novel panel data regression approach to uncover how conflict undermines economic stability. The study identifies the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of human capital development, and deterrence of investment as primary channels through which conflict negatively impacts economies. These findings support the hypothesis that armed conflict severely hampers economic performance in SSA, highlighting the urgency for effective conflict resolution strategies and robust institutional frameworks. The negative impacts extend beyond immediate losses, altering income growth trajectories and perpetuating poverty long after hostilities cease. Regional spillover effects emphasize the interconnectedness of SSA economies, where conflict in one country affects its neighbors. The research provides innovative insights by disaggregating impact pathways and employing a robust methodology, revealing the complexity of conflict's economic consequences. It underscores the need for comprehensive policy interventions to foster resilience and sustainable development in conflict-prone regions. While there is evidence of potential post-conflict growth, the overall net effect of armed conflict remains profoundly negative, diminishing economic prospects. Future research should focus on strengthening long-term resilience mechanisms and policy measures to enhance the peace dividend. Addressing the root causes of conflict and investing in peace-building efforts are essential for transforming SSA's economic landscape and ensuring sustainable growth and development.

Purpose: This research aims to investigate the impact of technological challenges, including techno-overload, techno-complexity, and techno-insecurity, on employee job satisfaction within the banking sector of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the study examines the mediating roles of supervisor support and job clarity in buffering the effects of technological challenges on job satisfaction. Method: The study employs a quantitative research design, utilizing an online questionnaire to collect data from banking employees in Saudi Arabia. The sample size of 135 participants was determined using the rule of thumb technique. Random sampling was utilized to ensure representativeness. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to explore the relationships between technological challenges, supervisor support, job clarity, and employee job satisfaction. Findings: The findings of the study reveal a significant negative impact of techno-overload, techno-complexity, and techno-insecurity on employee job satisfaction within the banking sector of Saudi Arabia. Moreover, supervisor support and job clarity were found to mediate these relationships, highlighting their importance in mitigating the adverse effects of technological challenges on job satisfaction. Originality/Significance: This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the relationships between technological challenges, supervisor support, job clarity, and employee job satisfaction within the specific context of Saudi Arabian banks. The findings have significant implications for organizational leaders and managers in developing evidence-based strategies to manage technological challenges and promote employee well-being in the banking sector of Saudi Arabia.

Global energy agencies and commissions report a sharp increase in energy demand based on commercial, industrial, and residential activities. At this point, we need energy-efficient and high-performance systems to maintain a sustainable environment. More than 30% of the generated electricity has been consumed by HVAC-R units, and heat exchangers are the main components affecting the overall performance. This study combines experimental measurements, numerical investigations, and ANN-aided optimization studies to determine the optimal operating conditions of an industrial shell and tube heat exchanger system. The cold/hot stream temperature level is varied between 10 ℃ and 50 ℃ during the experiments and numerical investigations. Furthermore, the flow rates are altered in a range of 50–500 L/h to investigate the thermal and hydraulic performance under laminar and turbulent regime conditions. The experimental and numerical results indicate that U-tube bundles dominantly affect the total pumping power; therefore, the energy consumption experienced at the cold side is about ten times greater the one at the hot side. Once the required data sets are gathered via the experiments and numerical investigations, ANN-aided stochastic optimization algorithms detected the C10H50 scenario as the optimal operating case when the cold and hot stream flow rates are at 100 L/h and 500 L/h, respectively.

Virtual environments like the Metaverse have been gaining popularity in recent years. Live streaming has gained popularity as a favorite way to entertain among social network users, thanks to its real-time authenticity. This study will utilize the Extended Unified Theory of Acceptability and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) to examine the factors influencing the adoption of live streaming in the Metaverse, a new platform with greater immersion, among citizens in Vietnam. The research used a quantitative approach, collected data from a sample of participants through a structured questionnaire including Performance Expectancy (PEE), Effort Expectancy (EEF), Social Influence (SCI), Hedonic Motivation (HEM), and Experience (EXP). Additionally, technological Self-Efficacy (TSE) as an extended alternative is thought to influence that relationship as well. Results from the PLS-SEM technique was used to examine perception, acceptance, and adoption differences among demographic groups. Remarkably, the results show experience has a remarkable impact on the relationship between behavioral intention and the adoption use Metaverse for livestreaming. This study contributes theoretical value for investors and researchers on the entertainment and technology sectors due to the abilities of the live-streaming industry and the advanced features of metaverse in this digital world.

Background: The term “corporate culture” is used to describe a company’s long-standing norms and practices, as well as the staff’s views and the anticipated value of their job. Executives may need to adjust their leadership styles to achieve the organization’s goal, which may have consequences for the satisfaction of the workforce. Therefore, it is essential to appreciate the relationship between business ethos, management style, work performance, mental health and employees’ job satisfaction. Methods: Researchers was conducting a cross-sectional survey of Saudi Arabian and Indian employees. Data was be collected using a structured questionnaire. To test the reliability of the data, they will be analysed by “Cronbach’s a and confirmatory factors”. SEM was be used to show the relationships of organizational cultures and leadership behaviour on work performance, mental health and job satisfaction through IBM-SPSS and SmartPLS software. Scope: A corporation with a strong culture and effective leadership shares principles and norms of behaviour with its workers, which should aid them in attaining their goals and objectives. Employees could gain work recognition, mental piece, work performance and job satisfaction when they can accomplish the obligations allotted to them by the company. Results: Corporate culture were significantly (positively) correlated with work performance, mental health and job satisfaction. In the same way, leadership behavior was significantly (positively) correlated with work performance, mental health and job satisfaction. Conclusions: The organisational culture holds significant importance, exerting a substantial influence on the overall well-being and productivity of the work environment. The acknowledgement and acceptance of the organisational ethos by workers can have a significant impact on their work behaviour and attitudes when it comes to communication and promotion. When there is a positive interaction between leadership and employees, the latter are more likely to actively contribute to team collaboration and interaction. Additionally, they are more likely to be motivated to achieve the organization’s assigned mission and objectives. As a result, work performance, mental health, and job satisfaction are enhanced.