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Using data on Chinese GEM-listed companies from the first quarter of 2018 to the second quarter of 2022, we examine the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs' financing constraints and the moderating effect of fiscal and tax incentives using the difference-in-differences method (DID). The results indicate that the COVID-19 shock severely affected SMEs' financing constraints, and this effect is more pronounced among firms in industries particularly sensitive to COVID-19, such as transportation, catering, accommodation, culture, and entertainment. A further analysis shows that tax incentives and fiscal subsidies have differing moderating effects, with the former alleviating SMEs' financing constraints and the latter having only a relatively limited effect. This finding provides direct micro-level evidence for understanding the impact of COVID-19 on financing constraints and provides insights for promoting the optimization of fiscal support policies for SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The topic of energy efficiency and environmental quality is quickly becoming one of the most pressing concerns facing the globe today. The linkage between energy efficiency and high environmental quality standards has significant repercussions for the long‐term viability of the ecosystem. The prime objective of this study is to explore the nexus between sustainable energy efficiency, green energy and energy‐related emissions. Energy efficiency has the potential to be a key tool in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. This study investigates the dynamic relationships between energy efficiency and energy‐related greenhouse gases (GHG) in developed countries from 1990 to 2020. Using advanced econometric approaches, the results argue that energy efficiency, globalization and greener energy adoption are helpful for the reduction of GHG emissions in developed countries. Moreover, economic growth increases GHG emissions in developed countries. Furthermore, we find a bidirectional causality of energy‐related greenhouse gas emissions with energy efficiency, income and globalization. The study results guide policymakers on the policies they can implement apropos greener energies and enforce to ensure sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cannabis is a dioecious plant belonging to the family Cannabaecae. Objective: The present work was conducted to study the antimicrobial activity, antioxidant potential and GC-MS-based metabolite profiling of Cannabis. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of Cannabis extract was assessed through disc-diffusion method. The anti-oxidant potential of CEO was checked through DPPH assay and FRAP assay. We also assessed the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) of the extract. The phytocompounds present in the Cannabis extract were characterized by using GC-MS. Results: The antimicrobial assay revealed significant activity against Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas moderate antioxidant activity was shown by Cannabis extract, having 76.54% inhibition in DPPH assay and 56.10% inhibition in FRAP assay. TPC and TFC were 26.77 mg GAE/g D.E. and 34.45 mg QE/g D.W, respectively. The chemical characterization of Cannabis extract by GC-MS shows the presence of cannabinoids, terpenes, aliphatic compounds, alkanes and sesquiterpenes. Conclusion: The current study revealed that Cannabis found in Pakistan, possesses medicinally potent metabolites responsible for its anti-microbial and antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transformational leadership is essential for employees' empowerment as it significantly enhances leadership qualities and increases employees' satisfaction. Accordingly, the lack of comprehensive exploration and understanding has motivated us to examine the relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, career satisfaction, and the moderating role of emotional exhaustion. The objectives of this study are (1) to study the relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, and career satisfaction of employees, (2) to evaluate the mediating role of psychological empowerment and organisational commitment in relationship between transformational leadership and career satisfaction, and (3) to evaluate moderating role of emotional exhaustion on relationship between transformational leadership, psychological empowerment, and organisational commitment. Data was collected via cross-sectional structured questionnaires by 513 bank employees. Results indicate that transformational leadership significantly relates to empowerment and organisational commitment of employees but is insignificantly associated with career satisfaction. Moreover, transformational leadership significantly influences employees' career satisfaction through the mediation of empowerment and commitment. Moderation analyses revealed that higher emotional exhaustion weakens employees' empowerment and transformational leadership, which further weakens the direct relationship between transformational leadership and psychological empowerment and association between transformational leadership and commitment. This research can assist managers in developing retention strategies for employees to enhance psychological empowerment, organisational commitment, and career satisfaction of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the past few years, numerous economic uncertainty challenges have occurred globally. These uncertainties grasp the attention of the researchers and they examine the role of economic policy uncertainties in several aspects. Therefore, this study contributes to the literature by exploring the house prices volatility and economic policy uncertainty nexus in G7 countries. Design/methodology/approach: The authors applied the newly introduced econometric technique, the GARCH-MIDAS model, to the sample size of January 1998–May 2021. Findings: The result shows a significant relationship between house prices volatility and economic policy uncertainty. Moreover, economic policy uncertainty acts as a significant determinant of house prices volatility. In addition, the out-of-sample also shows that the economic policy uncertainty is an effective predictor and the GARCH-MIDAS has a better predictive ability. Originality/value: This paper makes a unique contribution to the literature with reference to developed economies, being a pioneering attempt to investigate the GARCH-MIDAS model to analyze the relationship between housing prices volatility and economic policy uncertainty by applying more rigorous and advanced econometric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ride-sharing services are a sustainable form of the transportation system that needs to be popularized among students by examining the crucial factors that determine the students' behavior to use the innovative service. Therefore, this paper attempts to explore students' behavior regarding the use of ride-sharing services by extending the "Technology Acceptance Model." The expanded model includes the current TAM structures and integrates contextual stimuli that may or may not affect the ride-sharing service's behavior. Moreover, the study focuses on determining the moderating role of perceived risk between the proposed relationships. The paper uses PLS-SEM to analyze the research model and determine the results of the hypotheses. The findings of this research are useful for ride-sharing service providers and policymakers who can promote the services among students by reducing the perceived risks and promoting the environmental benefits of ride-sharing. Furthermore, the limitations of this paper pose future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]