Research in the field of online advertising has focused on the effect of in-stream ads on viewers’ attitudes and intentions to purchase. However, little is known regarding the crucial role of viewer’s control in terms of the ‘skip ad option’ towards the attitude to purchase. This research aims to investigate the effect of in-stream ads on viewers’ attitudes to purchasing with the moderating role of viewer control. Primary data was collected from respondents of Vehari district of Pakistan through a questionnaire based on 5 points Likert scale. 370 questionnaires were incorporated after excluding the questionnaires having missing values. Structural equation modelling was used through SmartPLS-3 software in testing the hypotheses. The findings reveal that, in-stream (emotional, informational, and entertaining) ads have positive impact on viewers’ attitudes, and viewers’ control moderates the relationship between in-stream ads and viewers’ attitudes towards the ads. Further, viewers’ attitude toward the ads has a significant positive impact on viewers’ intention to purchase. To the best of our knowledge this is one of the first studies that examines the effect of in-stream ads on viewers’ attitudes to purchasing with the moderating role of viewer control in the context of a developing country, like Pakistan.

This study investigates the link between debt and political alignment in international relations between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and African nations. Using recorded roll-call votes on United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolutions, we explore whether PRC investment in sovereign debt influences the voting behaviour of loan recipient countries. We compile voting data for African countries from 2000 to 2020 to calculate an annual voting affinity score as a proxy for political alignment. Concurrently, data on Chinese public and publicly guaranteed (PPG) loans to African governments are collected. A Two-Stage Least-Squares analysis is employed, using the ratio of Chinese PPG debt to GDP as an instrument to address endogeneity. Results reveal a negative impact of Chinese lending on African political support, while trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and Chinese GDP positively influence political alignment. In high debt-risk African countries, interest rates have a negative impact, whereas loan maturity shows a positive effect. These findings suggest that Chinese loans, particularly under commercial terms, may have strained bilateral relations due to debt sustainability concerns. Nevertheless, the positive impacts of trade and FDI may enhance international relations, highlighting the limitations of China’s loan diplomacy in fostering long-term strategic alignment in Africa.

This study explores the intricate relationship between family functioning, emotional bonding, parent-child contact, and academic success among students through a serial mediation analysis. The research, conducted on a sample of 200 participants, sheds light on the indirect pathways through which family dynamics influence academic achievements, emphasizing the significance of emotional connections and parent-child interactions. The findings affirm the positive association between family functioning and academic achievement, in alignment with prior research. Additionally, the study identifies parent-child bonds and contact as partial mediators in this relationship, reinforcing previous findings. A noteworthy discovery is the full complementary sequential mediation effect, revealing that family functioning’s influence on academic success becomes substantial when emotional bonds foster increased parent-child contact. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of emotional bonds and parent-child contact as sequential mediators, emphasizing their role in translating family dynamics into academic achievements among students. While providing valuable insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as sample size, potential sampling bias, self-reported measures, and a cross-sectional design. Addressing these limitations and expanding the scope of outcomes in future research will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics within family and educational institutions relationships and their profound impacts on students’ academic success.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) hopes to deliver trillions of dollars in infrastructure financing to Asia, Europe, and Africa. If the initiative follows Chinese practices to date for infrastructure financing, which often entail lending to sovereign borrowers, then BRI raises the risk of debt distress in some borrower countries. This paper assesses the likelihood of debt problems in the 68 countries identified as potential BRI borrowers. We conclude that eight countries are at particular risk of debt distress based on an identified pipeline of project lending associated with BRI.

Because this indebtedness also suggests a higher concentration in debt owed to official and quasi-official Chinese creditors, we examine Chinese policies and practices related to sustainable financing and the management of debt problems in borrower countries. Based on this evidence, we offer recommendations to improve Chinese policy in these areas. The recommendations are offered to Chinese policymakers directly, as well as to BRI’s bilateral and multilateral partners, including the IMF and World Bank. 

The rise of Internet technology has transformed consumer shopping behaviors, offering convenience and a wide range of options, making online shopping increasingly popular. In Saudi Arabia, this trend has grown significantly due to higher internet penetration, technological advancements, and shifting consumer preferences. However, building and maintaining consumer trust remains a crucial challenge. Despite the growing interest, there is limited research on the unique aspects of Saudi consumers’ online shopping behaviors. This study aims to address this gap by identifying key factors influencing these behaviors and examining their impact on purchase intentions, with a focus on the mediating role of consumer trust. This study explores factors influencing online shopping behavior and their impact on purchase intention, with a focus on consumer trust as a mediator. Using a survey of 573 respondents from Jeddah and Medina, Saudi Arabia, key factors identified through literature review include perceived usefulness, ease of use, risk perception, website quality, and social influence. The quantitative analysis revealed that customer service and return policies, information quality, perceived convenience, ease of use, usefulness, cost-saving, product variety, and social influence significantly affect consumer trust, which in turn enhances purchase intention. These findings provide valuable insights for businesses to optimize digital strategies, enhance consumer engagement, and foster long-term customer relationships, thereby boosting satisfaction and online business success.