http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/108 2026-04-21T08:28:22Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20565 Exploring the Nonlinear Relationship Between Leverage and Corporate Profitability Vol. 13, Issue 01 Qazi Bilal Amin; Asad Khan; Zia ur Rehman This study uses a nonlinear Hansen threshold regression model to analyze the link between leverage and corporate profitability, with firm size as a threshold variable. Data for the study is collected from the State Bank of Pakistan and firms’ annual reports for the period 2010– 2020. Our findings reveal important insights and patterns pertaining to the interrelationship between leverage, firm size, and corporate profitability. More specifically, results reveal that there are no threshold effects of firm size on the leverage-corporate profitability relationship. This study contributes significantly to the literature, as most empirical studies in this area use linear models but fail to provide meaningful explanations. This study is useful for managers and policymakers as it provides valuable insights about the intricate interrelationship between firm size, leverage, and corporate profitability. PP. 24 ill; 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20564 Financial, Economic, and Governance Drivers of Energy Intensity in Belt and Road Initiative Nations Vol. 13, Issue 01 Syeda Tayyaba Ijaz; Saqlain Kazmi This paper explores the relationship between the financial, economic, and governance factors of energy intensity in Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries. Focusing on how to achieve energy efficiency and development, it relies on previous research and econometric data to explore the financial and economic factors, environmental trends, and governance indicators that predetermine energy intensity in BRI countries. The study focuses on three crucial dependent variables using an integrated fixed effects regression analysis: 1) energy use per gross domestic product (EU/GDP), 2) industrial value added per industrial manufacturing output (IVA/IMO), and 3) energy use per purchasing power parity (EU/PPP). Our findings suggest that the financial factor index (FFI) and economic factor index (EFI) explain energy intensity measures significantly through EU/GDP and EU/PPP, respectively. Partially moderating energy outcomes such as institutional quality (IQ) and governance effectiveness (GE) correspond to the quality of governance. Other interaction terms reveal a pattern between IQ and FFI, particularly the moderating effect of governance on economic factors in EU/GDP (FFI*IQ). This paper highlights the consequences of the sustainable development of energy in BRI countries, implying that energy intensity must be improved efficiently. This is with reference to the interrelationships among the financial and economic systems and governance. Adding another layer to the concept of efficiency, this paper provides a better understanding of sustainable development in the BRI region. PP. 34 ill; 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20563 From Social Acceptance to Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychological Pathways of Compulsive Buying Vol. 13, Issue 1 Saba Muneer; Nadia Nasir; Bilal Ahmad; Nida Qamar This study examines the need for online social acceptance and belongingness as catalysts for e-compulsive buying behavior (ECBB) and resulting cognitive dissonance. It further assesses selfesteem as a moderator and examines its impact on the relationship between ECBB and the need for online social acceptance and belongingness. Data was collected through purposive sampling from 276 women who actively use social networking sites. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings show that the need for online social acceptance and belongingness has a positive relationship with ECBB. Moreover, the study demonstrates a positive association between ECBB and cognitive dissonance. However, relationships remain unaffected by self-esteem, primarily because of cultural and demographic factors. The results are helpful for policymakers and mental health professionals seeking to actively promote awareness and reduce the psychological impacts that social networking sites have on women. PP. 30 ill; 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/20562 The Legality of AI-Generated Art: Copyright Ownership and Current Developments Vol. 13, Issue 1 Dinesh Deckker; Subhashini Sumanasekara The emergence of AI-generated artwork is challenging traditional notions of authorship, originality, and ownership. As a result, copyright norms worldwide are being reassessed. This study covers four major jurisdictions: the US, the European Union, the UK and China, through current theories and recent court cases. The data shows that the US and European Union adhere to strict rules that require human authorship, while the UK and China are exploring more flexible models. We also examine industry responses and issues of privacy and ethics in relation to the unlicensed use of copyrighted material for AI training. Based on the research on responsible AI and frameworks that prioritize transparency, fairness, and privacy, we suggest that a new legal category for machineassisted creativity should be established. This would recognize both human creators’ dignity and economic interests while emphasizing joint authorship. The analysis concludes with recommendations for the visual arts sector, including enforceable rules that require transparency around terms and conditions, a licensing system, ethical audits, and global governance of the sector through organizations such as WIPO PP. 24 ill; 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z