Key Micro Research Articles

Intelligent fibers and textiles for wearable biosensors

AbstractIn conjunction with the advancement of digital healthcare, the field of wearable biosensors has experienced rapid growth in recent years and is projected to expand further in the coming years. As wearable biosensors enter their next phase, emphasis is increasingly placed on developing comfortable, breathable, washable, and lightweight intelligent fibers and textiles as key components. This review examines the contributions of both natural and synthetic fibers and textiles to wearable biosensors. The structure and preparation process of intelligent fibers and textiles are systematically elucidated, including the development of the conductive layer. Additionally, key micro–nano technologies that have emerged in this domain are highlighted such as built‐in power supplies, wireless data transmission, precise data analysis driven by artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Furthermore, advanced functionalities integrated into recent biosensing systems, such as heat management, real‐time displays, and human–machine interaction are summarized. Moreover, the applications of fiber‐based wearable biosensors for monitoring biophysical and biochemical signals are presented. Finally, the challenges faced by the community working on wearable sensors based on intelligent fibers and textiles are discussed alongside promising future directions.

Reimagining entrepreneurship by utilizing venture dynamics in sharing economy: Evaluating the symbiosis of macro and micro factors for sustainable capital flows in developing markets

AbstractVenture capital (VC) plays a vital role in fostering revolution and entrepreneurship in emerging economies. However, attracting VC investments remains a significant challenge for startups in these markets. This study investigates the macro and micro factors influencing VC attraction in the Bangladeshi startup ecosystem, employing a mixed‐methods approach. A systematic literature review was performed to recognize the key factors influencing VC attraction in emerging markets. Qualitative interviews with 20 stakeholders, including startup founders, investors, and policymakers, were undertaken to gain insights into the challenges and opportunities for VC attraction in Bangladesh. Quantitative analysis of secondary data on VC investments and startup characteristics was executed to examine the associations connecting the identified factors and VC investment amount. The findings reveal that government policies, human capital availability, and informal institutions are critical macro factors influencing VC attraction, while founder and team characteristics, business model and scalability, and traction and validation are key micro factors. The study contributes to the literature on VC in developing economies by providing a comprehensive examination of the interplay of institutional, human capital, cultural, and startup‐specific factors shaping VC investment decisions. The findings have important implications for policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs seeking to foster a more vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem in Bangladesh and beyond. The research underlines the need for a holistic approach to addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities for VC attraction in emerging markets.

Participation in non-formal adult education within the European context: examining multilayer approach

Participation in non-formal adult education (NFE) is considered an essential part of lifelong learning, aiming to foster the development of individuals and societies. This significance is particularly evident today, given the era of extensive digitalization and disruptive technological advances. Nevertheless, not all adults participate in organized learning and have equal chances. Therefore, this study addresses the absence of up-to-date comparative findings on participation in NFE in the post-COVID-19 world. To this end, we examine current trends in NFE participation in four European countries: Sweden, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic (RQ1), where we explore the impact of key micro (social and behavioral), meso (job-related), and macro-level (country-specific) factors on this participation (RQ2). Our findings indicate that NFE participation remained relatively stable in 2022 compared to 2016, except for Sweden and Germany, which achieved higher participation rates. However, differences in participation between countries are diminishing. Simultaneously, NFE participation is becoming increasingly job-oriented and receives more support from employers. However, it is important to note that inequality in access to NFE persists, as the main predictors of NFE participation, such as learning intentions, educational attainment, economic and occupational status, remain consistent, regardless of the participants’ economic activity and country of birth. This underscores the enduring significance of a key concept behind this study: the willingness to engage in organized NFE exhibits a complex structure with multiple layers.

Enhanced weathering in the US Corn Belt delivers carbon removal with agronomic benefits

Terrestrial enhanced weathering (EW) of silicate rocks, such as crushed basalt, on farmlands is a promising scalable atmospheric carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategy that urgently requires performance assessment with commercial farming practices. We report findings from a large-scale replicated EW field trial across a typical maize-soybean rotation on an experimental farm in the heart of the United Sates Corn Belt over 4 y (2016 to 2020). We show an average combined loss of major cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+) from crushed basalt applied each fall over 4 y (50 t ha-1 y-1) gave a conservative time-integrated cumulative CDR potential of 10.5 ± 3.8 t CO2 ha-1. Maize and soybean yields increased significantly (P < 0.05) by 12 to 16% with EW following improved soil fertility, decreased soil acidification, and upregulation of root nutrient transport genes. Yield enhancements with EW were achieved with significantly (P < 0.05) increased key micro- and macronutrient concentrations (including potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc), thus improving or maintaining crop nutritional status. We observed no significant increase in the content of trace metals in grains of maize or soybean or soil exchangeable pools relative to controls. Our findings suggest that widespread adoption of EW across farming sectors has the potential to contribute significantly to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goals while simultaneously improving food and soil security.

THE POTENTIAL OF LOCAL BUSINESS INVOLVEMENT AS A DETERMINANT OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROCESS OF VETERANS' REINTEGRATION

The purpose of the article is to propose an approach to analysing the potential of involving local business as a determinant of social entrepreneurship development in the process of reintegration of veterans. Methodology. The survey is based on the results of an online questionnaire on the current state and needs of business in Chernihiv Oblast in the post-occupation period. The questionnaire contained questions in which respondents could describe business needs, expected support from local governments, and identify favourable and unfavourable factors for the development of the business environment at the regional level. The second part of the empirical research included personal in-depth expert interviews with key informants from business, local government, NGOs and donor initiatives to study the recovery needs of key micro-, small- and medium-sized business sectors in the de-occupied cities of Chernihiv Oblast. The survey results revealed the needs of businesses in the post-occupation period. Despite the fact that the surveyed entrepreneurs note a decrease in income, they are still optimistic about doing business in Chernihiv in the near future. According to the survey, the main factors hindering business development in Chernihiv Oblast are: low solvency of buyers; insufficient financial resources; bureaucratic obstacles; and changes in market conditions. The factors that hinder the development of Chernihiv Oblast are identified: unfavourable conditions for the development of entrepreneurship in the region; lack of external investment in the region; political situation at the local level; unemployment in the region; insufficient level of public initiative and activity of residents. Based on the results of in-depth interviews, it is possible to assess the potential of local businesses in the context of their involvement in the development of social entrepreneurship with a focus on veteran businesses. Despite all the difficulties and problems, the trend towards business recovery in the de-occupation period is positive, based on the desire of entrepreneurs to work in the Chernihiv Oblast. The city has active and influential NGOs that are ready to act in the interests of the community. Currently, donor initiatives in the region are just beginning. Practical implications. Based on a study of the reintegration needs and problems of servicemen, veterans and their family members in starting their own business and an analysis of the local business environment, recommendations are made on the role of business in the development of social entrepreneurship of veterans as a tool for their reintegration. Value/originality. The research demonstrates an approach to determining the potential of business in its involvement in the development of social entrepreneurship as a tool for reintegrating veterans at the local level.

The prepared firm: serendipity, strategy and the unexpected

PurposeThis paper aims to outline the role that serendipity can play in providing a complementary and previously unrepresented vector in deliberate and emergent strategies within organizations.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is conceptual in nature and draws upon the serendipity pattern in sociological theory and serendipitous relations in developmental sciences to provide a framework for executives to consider when examining the process of strategy formation. Two case vignettes are used to illustrate the difference between luck and serendipity and the paper also traces key micro foundations of serendipity by returning to the original serendipity fable and a famed science experiment producing “floppy-eared” rabbits.FindingsThe notion of chance favoring the “prepared firm” is espoused where the prepared organizational mind is positioned as an antecedent of serendipitous strategy formation. This is based on Louis Pasteur’s famous aphorism, “chance favors the prepared mind.” Components of the prepared firm include deep domain knowledge, anticipatory mindset, noticing, abductive reasoning, elaboration and relations development.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a conceptual articulation of a novel concept that now requires deeper empirical case development and ultimately statistical validation. The paper suggests linkages between serendipity and theories of absorptive capacity and the attention-based view of the firm.Practical implicationsSeveral mindsets, capabilities and relations for architecting organizational serendipity are suggested for executives using a stylized framework.Originality/valueFrom a strategy process perspective, the Mintzberg and Waters seminal article “Of strategies deliberate and emergent” is complemented by considering “floppy-eared” strategy characterized by unexpected, anomalous and strategic datum.

An Investigation into the Water Retention Behaviour of an Unsaturated Natural Fissured Clay

The presence of intensely fissured soils is often found to relate to high geotechnical risks, such as landslide risk. This is especially the case of the Southern Apennines, Italy, where slopes formed of intensely fissured clays are frequently affected by landslides. The latter are generally triggered by rainfall infiltration, which takes place through the outcropping, unsaturated clayey soil cover. With the final aim of reducing landslide risk in areas covered by fissured clays, a detailed hydro-mechanical characterisation of these materials is required. While the behaviour of fully saturated fissured clays has been investigated in the last decade, only a few studies dealing with unsaturated, natural fissured clays are reported in the literature. The present paper aims to give a contribution toward filling this gap by extending an investigation campaign started a few years ago on the Paola Doce fissured clay outcropping on the Pisciolo slope (Southern Apennines, Italy). The physical properties of the material and some of its key micro- to meso-structural features are first analysed, the latter also based on Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs of an undisturbed sample taken at 1.4 m depth on the Pisciolo slope, which is mainly formed of Paola Doce clay. Subsequently, water retention data of the soil are presented, which were obtained using both high-capacity tensiometers and the filter paper technique. These data were collected not only on undisturbed samples but also while subjecting the same material to drying paths. The results herein reported aim to make a link between the water retention behaviour of the Paola Doce clay sampled at Pisciolo and its fissured structure.

PEST-analysis of Nivensky Mining and Concentration Complex development in Kaliningrad region

Today, in the times of economic uncertainty and unpredictability, it is important to respond to new challenges in a timely manner, using relevant tools to make effective management decisions. In the world practice, one of such tools for effective management of an industrial enterprise project is PEST-analysis, the functionality of which is considered in this paper. The study purpose is to conduct PEST-analysis, review and analyze the factors affecting the development of the Nivensky GOK (Mining and Concentration Complex), located in the Kaliningrad region – an export-oriented investment project to build a new industrial enterprise with core production of a premium mineral fertilizer, potassium sulfate. Based on the analysis, the paper proposes a number of feasible preventive measures for mitigating effects of negative factors, as well as for the development of strengths of the Nivensky GOK’s company-operator, “K-Potash Service” LLC. Thus, PEST-analysis of key micro- and macroeconomic factors allowed to comprehensively assess the position of Nivensky GOK in the emerging mining-and-chemical industry of Kaliningrad region. The study established the degree of influence of other internal and external factors on the company as well, including the possibilities of introducing new innovative techniques in the industrial enterprise operation, trends in the development of the mineral fertilizer market, taking into account the geopolitical context. Conclusions, recommendations and proposals allow evaluating the company and the possibilities of its development for making strategic and long-term decisions on the project development. The main results of the study can be used as effective tools for optimizing development of the new industrial enterprise project, Nivensky GOK.

Examining the Drivers of Stock Prices of Private Sector Banks in India

Indian private sector banking stocks have been rebounding from a massive selloff. Private sector banks which have traditionally maintained their asset quality and profitability when compared to their public-sector counterparts, have recently seen their asset quality erode. Given that private sector banks play an influential role in the Indian economy it would be helpful to understand the key drivers of private bank stock prices. This paper studied the influence of some key micro and macro determinants on the stock prices of all listed private sector banks in India over the 12 years from 2008-2019. Panel regression models were fit to study the relationship between the variables. Liquidity, profitability, growth, inflation and exchange rate indicators proved to be important influencers of the stock prices of private sector banks in India. The study provides evidence for the Fisher effect suggesting that private bank stocks can provide good inflation-adjusted returns over time. Stakeholders of these banks can focus on these determinants which contribute to shareholder value over time.

The Economics of Volcanoes

Volcanic hazards pose a potential threat to 8% of the world’s population, yet the economic literature on their short- and long-term consequences on household behavior and economic development is still in its infancy. In this article, we present the state of the literature and highlight knowledge gaps and methodological challenges inherent to the economic analysis of volcanic hazards and disasters. We first present the physical aspects of volcanic activity and describe available physical data. We then examine the concepts related to cost assessment of volcanic disasters. Finally, we discuss key micro and macroeconomic research questions economists should investigate and identify relevant methodological and data challenges. By highlighting research gaps in the “economics of volcanoes”, we provide future avenues of research that will address policy-relevant debates in the context of greater focus on risk mitigation, adaptation, and resilience policies aimed at mitigating natural hazards and disasters.

Application of LiDAR UAV for High-Resolution Flood Modelling

To overcome the difficulty of collecting fine-grained terrain data that is important for flood modelling, this work presents a method for the application of UAV-based LiDAR techniques to drive high-resolution flood propagation and inundation modelling. This paper comprehensively introduces the UAV platform, LiDAR sensor and data processing techniques required and proposes the approach for obtaining refined DEM for flood management using which the DEM accuracy can reach ±3 cm. Accordingly, two kinds of terrains, a small mountain area and a large urban area, have been measured and the time requirements for the method are 5 h and 2 days respectively. Based on the collected data, a full hydrodynamic numerical flood model is applied to simulate a flash flood in the mountain catchment and an urban flood at high-resolution. The results show that the water depth and velocity affected by key micro terrain features, such as tiny channels and roads, can be captured and considered, indicating that LiDAR UAV techniques are an efficient and reliable method for surveying terrain making them highly important for creating high accurate flood simulation.

MiR-18a expression in basal cell carcinoma and regulatory mechanism on autophagy through mTOR pathway.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin carcinoma. To investigate the function of key micro(mi)RNAs and to explore the potential molecular mechanisms involved in BCC. The microarray dataset GSE34535, which comprises seven BCC samples and seven control samples, was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) were identified. We collected tissue samples from 20 patients with BCC and 20 healthy controls (HCs), to compare the miR-18a expression in their tissue samples. Expression of miR-18a in A431 and HaCaT cells was also assayed. Following this, we upregulated and downregulated miR-18a expression in A431 cells to examine the effects on cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. To further investigate the relative mechanism, the proteins LC3, Beclin 1, Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting. For further verification, we examined the expression of LC3 in the 20 BCC and 20 HC tissue samples. In total, 19 DE-miRNAs (13 upregulated and 6 downregulated) that were common to the BCC and HC groups were identified. Levels of miR-18a were about three-fold higher in BCC tissues and A431 cells compared with their respective control groups. In vitro, downregulation of miR-18a was shown to inhibit cell proliferation and activate autophagy via the Akt/mTOR signalling pathway, while upregulation of miR-18a promoted proliferation of these cells. LC3 was decreased in BCC compared with HC tissue samples. Our data support an oncogenic role of miR-18a through a novel Akt/mTOR/Beclin 1/LC3 axis, and suggest that the antitumour effects of miR-18a inhibitor may make it suitable for BCC therapy.

Case study of temporal changes in maternal dietary intake and the association with breast milk mineral contents

Minerals play important roles in infant growth and development, even though they only make up to 0.2 g% of the mature breast milk contents. Limited studies examined the association between maternal dietary intake and breast milk mineral contents in a temporal manner. Twenty Malaysian Malay postpartum mothers were recruited by either convenience or snow balling sampling from the urban lower middle income residential areas. Dietary intake of the subjects was obtained by 24-hour recall during each breast milk collection. Adequacy of maternal mineral intake was compared with the latest Recommended Nutrient Intake for Malaysia. Each of the subject provided breast milk samples for three times (T1, T2, and T3) at consecutive 2-week intervals. Breast milk concentrations of selected macro- and micro-minerals, including Ca, P, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, I, Cr and Mo were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Subjects were aged 31.4 ± 6.1 years with a majority (60 %) having post-secondary school/ college education. While maternal intake of macro-minerals, Ca, P, K and Mg, did not display a significant temporal changes from T1 to T3, the intake of micro- minerals, Cu, Mn and I decreased significantly over time from T1 to T3. Breast milk K, Fe, Zn and Cu concentrations showed a significant decreased with the progression of lactation from transitional (2–3 weeks) to established stage (>8-12 weeks). Significant correlations were established between maternal intake of K, Na, Fe and Se and their respective concentrations in breast milk in the present study. This case study revealed an inadequate maternal intake of several key micro- minerals (Cu, Mn, I) among the postpartum Malay mothers and a decreasing concentrations of certain essential minerals (K, Fe, Zn and Cu) in breast milk with lactation stage.

Assessing the economic and social impacts of fiscal policies

PurposeThis study is the first attempt to analyze the effectiveness of recent two major tax policies, the reductions in personal and corporate income taxes and a rise in indirect tax and their combine, under both balanced and unbalanced budget conditions, on the economy and social aspects of Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a computable general equilibrium model to investigate the impacts of all simulation scenarios on the key macro and micro indicators. Further, based on the 2012 Malaysia Household Income and Expenditure Survey, it uses a micro-data with a significant number of households (over 56,000 individuals) to analyze the impacts of tax policies on poverty and income inequality of Malaysian.FindingsSimulation results show that, under the balanced budget condition, personal and corporate income tax reductions increase economic growth, household consumption, and investment, while the rise in indirect tax has adverse impacts on these variables. However, in the unbalanced budget condition, all tax policies, except indirect tax policy, reduce real GDP and investment in the economy and the indirect tax policy has insignificant impacts on all indicators. All policy reforms reallocate resources, especially labor, in the economy. In both budget conditions, the reductions in corporate and personal income taxes, particularly the corporate income tax, decrease poverty level of Malaysian households. Results also indicate that both tax policies are unable to influence income inequality in Malaysia.Social implicationsThis study recommends that the government can increase its revenue by increasing indirect taxes as it does not have any impact on household welfare. In order to increase government revenues, initial increases in personal and corporate income taxes are suggested as they may have small negative impacts on the economy and welfare of households.Originality/valueOne of the significant features of this paper is that it examines both expansionary and contractionary fiscal policies in a country that government budget depends on oil exports. Since the literature on this subject is limited, particularly in the Malaysian context, the authors used Malaysia as a case to show how tax reform policies affect the economy and poverty level of such countries. Distinguishing the Malaysian households into 10 deciles and analyzing the distributional impacts of tax policies on these categories are the most significant contributions of this study.

School Gardening of Indigenous Vegetable as a Way of Improving Key Micro Nutrient Outcomes of Adolescents in Western Kenya

Globally, consumption of processed diets is rising with inadequate consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. In East Africa nutritious diets are not affordable especially for adolescents. In Kenya there exists a barrier to intake of healthy diets including: limited knowledge of healthy food choices, poverty, and rapid growth of urban centers. The study sought to investigate school gardening of indigenous vegetables and its effect on knowledge, attitude and practice towards micronutrient rich diets among school students in Western, Kenya. The results of the study was improvement on knowledge of micronutrient rich foods, increased willingness to try new varieties of indigenous vegetable that are high in micronutrients, acquired cooking skills and increased involvement in school gardening of indigenous and exotic vegetables. In conclusion, school gardening of indigenous vegetables combined with nutrition education and vegetable preparation skills has the potential of improving intake of various micronutrients. Data on consumption of indigenous vegetables by the respondents’ households should be further analyzed to show the home-based component.

Lifecycle Patterns of Saving and Wealth Accumulation

Empirical analysis of U.S. income, saving and wealth dynamics is constrained by a lack of high-quality and comprehensive household-level panel data. This paper uses a pseudo-panel approach, tracking types of agents by birth cohort and across time through a series of cross-section snapshots synthesized with macro aggregates. The key micro source data is the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which captures the top of the wealth distribution by sampling from administrative records. The SCF has the detailed balance sheet components, incomes, and interfamily transfers needed to use both sides of the intertemporal budget constraint and thus solve for saving and consumption. The wealth change decomposition by age and agent type provides a new set of benchmarks for heterogeneous agent macro models, reconciling observed anomalies about lifecycle saving behavior and emphasizing the importance of generally unmeasured incomes (interfamily transfers and capital gains) in wealth accumulation dynamics.

Cytological effects of honokiol treatment and its potential mechanism of action in non-small cell lung cancer

PurposeIn this study, we aimed to explore key micro(mi)RNAs and their potential regulatory mechanisms induced by honokiol treatment in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells were treated with 0 (control) or 45 μM honokiol. Cell proliferation and migration were determined using CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively, and apoptosis was determined using flow cytometry. RNA-sequencing was performed to detect the transcript expression levels. The differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) between the honokiol group and the control group were screened and analyzed for their functions and pathways. Then, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks were constructed. In addition, survival analysis based on the key miRNAs was performed. Finally, the expression of the key miRNAs and their target genes were determined, and their effects on drug sensitivity were validated using their inhibitors. ResultsCell proliferation and migration were inhibited (P < 0.01), and the apoptosis rate was increased (P < 0.01) after honokiol treatment compared to that in the control group. A total of 26 upregulated and 20 downregulated DE-miRNAs were screened. DE-miRNAs were enriched in 10 pathways and 48 biological processes, such as the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway (involving miR-148a-3p). The miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks involved eight upregulated (including miR-148a-3p and let-7c-5p) and seven downregulated miRNAs (including miR-7-5p) and 190 target mRNAs. Survival analysis revealed that let-7c-5p, miR-148a-3p, and miR-148a-5p levels correlated with NSCLC prognosis. The expression of let-7c-5p, miR-148a-3p, and miR-148a-5p was significantly increased and negatively correlated with the expression of their target genes. The cytological effects of honokiol on A549 cells was partly reversed by treatment with the inhibitors of Let-7c-5p and miR-148a-3p. ConclusionLet-7c-5p, miR-148a-3p, miR-148a-5p, and miR-7-5p are favorable indicators of NSCLC patients treated with honokiol.

Integrative microRNA-mRNA Analysis of Muscle Tissues in Qianhua Mutton Merino and Small Tail Han Sheep Reveals Key Roles for oar-miR-655-3p and oar-miR-381-5p.

The Qianhua Mutton Merino (QHMM) is a new variety of sheep (Ovis aries) with improved meat performance compared with the traditional Small Tail Han (STH) sheep variety. We recently reported the transcriptome profiling of longissimus muscle tissues between QHMM and STH sheep. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate key micro (mi)RNA-mRNA networks associated with sheep muscle growth and development. We used miRNA sequencing to obtain longissimus muscle miRNA profiles from QHMM and STH sheep. We identified a total of 153 known sheep miRNAs, of which 4 were differentially expressed (DE) between the 2 sheep varieties. We combined these results with mRNA library data to build an miRNA-mRNA network, including 26 target genes of the 4 DE miRNAs. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that 26 target genes were significantly enriched in 86 biological processes, including muscle organogenesis, myoblast migration, cell proliferation, and adipose tissue development, and in 9 metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate, nucleotide, and amino acid metabolic pathways. oar-miR-655-3p and its target gene ACSM3 and oar-miR-381-5p and its target gene ABAT were selected for subsequent analysis based on GO and KEGG analyses. The binding sites of oar-miR-655-3p with ACSM3 and oar-miR-381-5p with ABAT were validated by a dual-luciferase reporter gene detection system. This represents the first integrative analysis of miRNA-mRNA networks in QHMM and STH muscles and suggests that DE miRNAs, especially oar-miR-655-3p and oar-miR-381-5p, play crucial roles in muscle growth and development.

Lifecycle Patterns of Saving and Wealth Accumulation

Empirical analysis of U.S. income, saving and wealth dynamics is constrained by a lack of high-quality and comprehensive household-level panel data. This paper uses a pseudo-panel approach, tracking types of agents by birth cohort and across time through a series of cross-section snapshots synthesized with macro aggregates. The key micro source data is the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which captures the top of the wealth distribution by sampling from administrative records. The SCF has the detailed balance sheet components, incomes, and interfamily transfers needed to use both sides of the intertemporal budget constraint and thus solve for saving and consumption. The results here are consistent with recent papers based on individual panel data from countries with administrative registries, and highlights the different roles of saving, capital gains, and interfamily transfers in wealth change over the lifecycle and across permanent income groups.

Research of factors of non performing agricultural loans by primary data panels

The paper examines factors that influence the occurrence and movement of nonperforming agricultural loans in Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the paper is to determine the direction and significance of the relationship between the key micro and macroeconomic factors and the impractical agricultural loans in these countries, but also to point out the importance of applying dynamic data panel evaluators when it comes to the study of this problem.