Unveiling the Real Digital Savings: An Exploratory Study on Emerging Enablers of Financial Inclusion

Digital savings has become an enabler of financial inclusion and economic empowerment in the developing countries. However, questions still arise over the category of consumers these existing digital savings products intend to serve. Existing literature points to the benefits that a savings account provides – financial health, buffer for emergencies, foothold for investments, etc. While the new players have stepped in to bridge the exclusion gap left by the traditional banks, a select customer segment is being excluded by default. The product and service offerings from current providers boast of exceptional digital experiences, aesthetic user interfaces, fancy dashboards, trackable transaction tools and convenience, individuals without access to the internet and across the digital divide are not being targeted. Consequently, this degrades the financial inclusion drive. Similarly, the context of digital savings remains undefined leading to key misconceptions in the subject. This paper examines whether digital savings includes or excludes the unbanked and low-income population who need such services. For digital savings to achieve its full potential in financial inclusion, this paper argues that providers need to consider users without internet access in their delivery of digital savings products. Thus, it becomes imperative to examine whether the expected users are the apparent consumers of such products and services

Kikuchi\u27s Disease presenting as Lupus Erythematosus

A 34-year-old Bengali man with past medical history of hyperthyroidism presented to Dermatology with a red asymptomatic rash affecting the ears, face, and upper body for 1 year. He endorsed fever prior to onset of his rash as well as chronic muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue over the past 2 months. Previous treatments, including prednisone taper, triamcinolone ointment, and oral clindamycin, led to no improvement in the appearance of his lesions or associated symptoms. Physical exam was remarkable for cervical and right axillary lymphadenopathy, erythematous indurated plaques and papules and hyperpigmented patches on the face and back, and tender and thin desquamative plaques with petechiae on the distal right plantar toes. Prior labs were significant for elevated presence of IgG viral capsid antibodies to EBV and EBV Nuclear antigen. Previous punch biopsy of the left arm by an outside dermatologist demonstrated superficial and deep perivascular chronic inflammatory infiltrate with interface dermatitis concerning for lupus erythematosus. However, repeat biopsy of the left medial cheek and left mid-back revealed dense lymphohistiocytic infiltrate in the superficial and deep dermis and lymphocyte karyorrhexis. CD4 and CD8 staining revealed a predominance of CD8 lymphocytes and Granzyme B positivity. T cell clonality studies were also executed and failed to detect a dominant clonal population. Given these histopathological findings and clinical presentation, a diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto\u27s Disease was made. The patient was referred for lymph node biopsy for confirmation of this diagnosis. However, he had spontaneous resolution of lymphadenopathy and associated symptoms as well as improvement of his skin findings without therapy. We present this case to review the rare presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto\u27s Disease, potential for misdiagnosis given variability in clinical presentation, and the potential role of dermatologists in aiding in this diagnosis.https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/merf2020caserpt/1023/thumbnail.jp

28666 Global initiatives in dermatology and education

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a global pandemic that has adversely affected the economy, healthcare, and education around the world. The resulting travel restrictions, physical distancing policies, and limited social interactions have led to an inevitable change in the medical education system. The use of technology platforms to teach, connect, and collaborate is crucial to maintain education standards and research projects. We present an international exchange program with a videoconferencing series that allows residency programs to sustain international educational partnerships during COVID-19 and thereafter. Description: A series of 60-minute videoconferencing lectures were held for residents at both Henry Ford Hospital (HFH) in Detroit, Michigan and Universidad El Bosque in Bogotá, Colombia to participate in simultaneously. Sessions were hosted by faculty members from HFH on subjects including but not limited to: oncodermatology, comparative dermoscopy, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Learning objectives were developed for each videoconference and participants answered a series of questions to assess (a) their knowledge and (b) lecture content. Results of the surveys serve as the core of our evaluation. Goals: Teach residents about new approaches to diagnosis and treatment, improve social and intercultural competencies, and increase interest in global health and caring for the underserved. Conclusion: The videoconferencing series component of this mutually beneficial international exchange partnership is of utmost importance given the circumstances of COVID-19. In addition to continuing education and collaboration, videoconferencing allows the interactive format of in-person lectures to be maintained while adhering to distancing guidelines

Potential of Brachystegia nigerica Sawdust as Fermentation Medium for Biobutanol Production: A Preliminary Study

The potential of Brachystegia nigerica sawdust as both fermentation medium and substrate for biobutanol production was investigated. Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process using Clostridium acetobutylicum and Aspergillus niger as fermenting bacterium and hydrolyzing fungus respectively. Standard microbiological and biochemical methods were adopted. Fermentation of the sawdust was carried out for 120 hours. The substrate was prepared for fermentation was divided into three parts each. A part was subjected to acid pretreatment using 5% (v/v) sulphuric acid and the mixture was autoclaved at 121oC for 15 minutes and then filtered using a sterile muslin cloth. The second part was done by alkaline pretreatment by adding 0.1 M of NaOH to the substrates and left to react for 48 hours while the third part was pretreated with 5% (v/v) H2SO4 for 48 hours and neutralize with 1M NaOH. The hydrolysates were inoculated with Aspergillus niger for saccharification, and left for 48 hours after which it was inoculated with Clostridium acetobutylicum for fermentation simultaneously. The hydrolysates were fermented for 120 hours and triplicate readings were taken every 24 hours to quantify the amount of biobutanol produced per day. Temperature and pH of the substrates were monitored daily for 120 hrs. Result showed that total bacterial and fungal count before fermentation was 3.6×103 cfu/g and 2.83×103 sfu/g respectively. Bacterial isolated were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus badius, Bacillus lentus and Staphylococcus aureus and  fungal isolated were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergills niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium notatum and Penicillium digitata. Biobutanol produced from biomass pretreated with NaOH, H2SO4 and Neutralized (H2SO4 neutralized with NaOH) as measured by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrophotometer gives 1.75046 e-1, 1.8367 e-1, 1.31740 e-1 respectively, while gravimetric analysis of biobutanol production shows no production at 24 hours, 0.52 ml, 0.75 ml, 0.44 ml at 48 hours, 1.76 ml, 1.86 ml, 0.86 ml at 72 hours, 1.32 ml, 0.62 ml, 0.51 ml at 96 hours and 0.22 ml, 0.61 ml, 0.20 ml at 120 hours respectively. This implies that biobutanol can be produced from the fermentation of Brachystegia nigerica sawdust with its highest yield at 72 hrs of fermentation thereby renewing wastes into useful products and reducing environmental pollution. Keywords: Biobutanol; Fermentation; Sawdust; Production DOI: 10.7176/JETP/10-7-02 Publication date: November 30th 202

Web-based material requisition system in the supply chain of construction businesses

In the construction project delivery process, the supply chain of construction businesses can only be efficient and effective based on the prompt availability of building materials. Whereas, the process of requisition for the materials on the construction site, if not handled appropriately, can adversely affect construction performance. Therefore, the study was aimed at developing a web-based material requisition system (W-BMRS) that will make the supply chain on construction sites seamless and more effective. A use case and an activity block diagram provided an understanding of the users and functionalities of the material requisition platform. In addition, using a different user interface and a database system including a programming language to connect them, the study developed a web-based material requisition system for construction firms using the model view controller (MVC) model. The MVC model comprised of using MySQL, HTML, and PHP. The W-BMRS was tested by sending materials requisition through the supply chain of a construction firm. The results were presented via screenshots of the web-based platform. In conclusion, any construction firm can register on the platform and make use of the web-based materials requisition system to maximize productivity and optimize the use of ICT in their materials’ supply chain process

Chasing the Digital Savings Dream for Sub-Saharan Africa:Navigating Policy, Behaviour and Financial Inclusion Literature in Emerging Economies

Financial inclusion is a crucial mechanism for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and economic development, particularly among the unbankable in developing countries that face financial infrastructural challenges. However, existing efforts to address these challenges have not yet translated into significant improvements due to the prevalence of financial inclusion barriers. This study begins by identifying the previous works, current themes, and gaps in financial inclusion literature in developing countries through a comprehensive literature review in Chapter 2. The review reveals that themes such as the determinants and the impacts of financial inclusion are the most commonly discussed research areas on developing countries. The article also suggests areas for further research. One key financial inclusion tool with immense potential to reduce financial disparities, but has been largely overlooked in the literature as identified in the comprehensive literature review, is digital savings. Operating at the intersection of technology and financial access, digital savings for the unbankable can improve their economic well-being, among other potential benefits. Given the nascent nature of this research area, there is a need to understand how digital savings can be positioned to drive financial inclusion among the unbankable in developing countries. This becomes the underpinning research objective of this thesis. Building on this and based on the findings of the comprehensive literature review, the second article in Chapter 3 reviews the policy documents across all 54 African countries and demonstrates the lack of prioritisation of digital savings. Given the centrality of policies to the diffusion of financial innovation, this article shows that digital financial services policies mainly focus on electronic money, which can further create a debt burden on the unbankable. Additionally, the study develops a typology of digital savings from policies in Africa and suggests appropriate policy types that can stimulate digital savings uptake through the financial inclusion agenda. Considering the lack of prioritisation of digital savings, Chapter 4 examines the usage behaviour of the unbankable with existing digital savings solutions. By using elements of the grounded theory approach, with semi-structured interviews conducted, this article identifies four usage behaviours and motivations driving digital savings usage. Furthermore, the study extends the affordance theory by revealing tiered affordances in the context of digital savings usage, which has not been previously examined in the literature on affordances

Review of Applications of Microneedling in Dermatology.

Microneedling (MN) is a novel therapeutic modality in dermatology. Through physical trauma from needle penetration, MN induces a wound healing cascade with minimal damage to the epidermis. This allows for enhancement in the absorption of mainstay topical therapies across the thick stratum corneum. MN has become increasingly utilized over the last several years as it is a relatively simple procedure that is cost-effective, well tolerated, and offers both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. The ability to treat localized areas of disease has led to numerous studies gauging its potential in focal diseases of inflammation, dyschromia, and photodamage. This review discusses the principles and evidence behind the expanding applications of MN. It has shown promising results as an adjuvant therapy for enhanced drug delivery in the treatment of atrophic scars, alopecia, actinic keratoses, and disorders of pigmentation such as melasma. The efficacy in treatment of vitiligo remains limited. Overall, the procedure has few adverse sequelae compared to other therapies, is highly efficacious, and is a viable resurfacing option for skin of color. Future research is needed to determine the frequency, interval, and specific device settings that foster optimal results. Additionally, large controlled trials are needed to shed light on the utility of MN as an evidence-based regimen for the treatment of various dermatologic conditions

A comparative assessment of artificial and natural energy drinks in the epididymal and testicular milieu

Artificial and natural energy drinks are both taken for increased energy, physical stamina, and alertness, although they differ in composition. This study investigated the effects of artificial and natural energy drinks on the testicular milieu in male pubertal rats. Eighteen Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 6 rats each and all animals had access to food ad libitum. Group 1: (control) received water only; Group 2: (artificial energy drink- AED) received AED; Group 3: (natural energy drink- NED) received NED. A dose of 1.41ml/day/150g animal was administered and this lasted for 28 days. Sperm and testicular variables, biochemical parameters, and hormonal assays were carried out.  There were significant decreases in the levels of testosterone, Lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and 17β- Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activities in AED and NED groups when compared to the control group. There was a marked increment in sperm abnormalities in the NED group when compared to AED and control groups. Also, the intake of AED led to an elevated level of Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase compared to the control while a significant reduction was observed in the NED group when compared to the AED group. Artificial and natural energy drinks although consumed for strength and vigor distorted epididymis and testicular integrity via alteration of the testicular metabolism, lowering sperm quality and androgenic hormones in pubertal male Wistar rats

STUDIES ON XYLANASE PRODUCTION BY Aspergillus niger ON TOMATO POMACE MEDIUM

There is a need for locally produced xylanase because of its vast importance and high cost of importation. Xylanase is used for many industrial processes such as for baking, bleaching paper pulp, bioethanol production and juice clarification. This study was therefore carried out to examine the potentials of tomato pomace as part of the growth medium for xylanase production. The objectives are to identify the specific activities of xylanase from the basal salt medium and the tomato pomace medium and to determine the Partial Purification of xylanase obtained from tomato pomace medium inoculated with A.niger This study isolated xylanase from A. niger on tomato pomace medium. The xylanase was partially purified and characterized. A. niger was obtained from deteriorated banana (Musa acuminata) fruit. A 72-h-old culture of A. niger was employed as the inoculum. It was inoculated onto Tomato pomace medium and a basal salt. Xylanase production was carried out after four days at room temperature (27 oC). Xylanase activity was determined by measuring the released reducing sugar (xylose). The specific activities of xylanase from the basal salt medium and the tomato pomace medium were 3.6 U/mg and 2.0 U/mg respectively. Partial purification of xylanase was by Ammonium sulphate precipitation. Optimum substrate concentration of 0.5mg/ml and a purification fold of 4.3 were obtained. The Michael is Menten constant (Km) from the Line-weaver burk plot was approximately 0.50mg/ml. This study established appreciable activity of xylanase from the A. niger used. It is therefore a potential organism for the utilization of tomato waste for xylanase production

Profile of dupilumab and its potential in the treatment of inadequately controlled moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disorder that manifests as eczematous lesions, often associated with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Historically, moderate-to-severe disease has been managed with systemic immunosuppression, such as oral corticosteroids, which result in relapse and limiting side effects. Due to recent advancements in the identification of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 as key mediators in AD, new biological agents have been developed for treatment. Dupilumab is a recently approved monoclonal antibody that targets the alpha subunit of the IL-4 receptor and, thus, downregulates activity of IL-4 and IL-13. This review discusses the profile of dupilumab and its potential for efficacy and safety in treating moderate-to-severe AD by reviewing data from Phase I-III clinical trials. Results suggest that dupilumab shows great therapeutic promise for AD. Further studies investigating extended use of dupilumab and dupilumab in comparison to other agents are needed to establish long-term efficacy and safety