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1
Nwandu, P. I. "COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRIBUSINESS FINANCING BY MICROFINANCE BANKS AND MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS IN RURAL AREA OF DELTA STATE, NIGERIA." Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development 4, no. 2 (June 1, 2021): 44–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.59331/jasd.v4i2.207.
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The study compared Microfinance banks and Microfinance institutions in financing agribusiness enterprises in rural areas of Delta State, Nigeria. Multi-stage random techniques was used to select 150 agribusiness enterprise respondents used for the study. Five (5) Microfinance banks (MFBs) and 15 Microfinance institutions (MFIs) operating in the study area were used for the study. Primary data was collected with the use of structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that MFBs and MFIs undertook group lending; although MFBs were also engaged in individual lending. Similarly, MFBs and MFIs loans were not secured by tangible collaterals instead they are secured by group collaterals although MFBs still insist on tangible collaterals on individual loans. MFIs disbursed 73.70% of the total amount and MFBs disbursed the remaining 23.30%. In sectorial disbursement, the product sector was the most financed followed by the input sector while the production sector was the least financed. Findings also showed that beneficiaries of MFBs and MFIs had different perceptions on granting of loans. MFBs and MFIs agreed that there was high repayment rate of loans by rural agribusiness enterprises but difficulty in savings mobilization. However, both disagreed on cost of processing loan and that there was high premium on insurance. Recommendations made were that the regulatory bodies should monitor the activities of the MFBs and MFIs; there should be improvement in their timeliness of granting loans; and there should also be improvement on infrastructure in the rural areas.
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Taj, Fozia. "Role of Managerial Competencies and Risk-Taking Behavior in Financial Service Outreach of Microfinance Banks in Pakistan." IBT Journal of Business Studies 15, no. 2 (2019): 25–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.46745/ilma.jbs.2019.15.03.03.
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This study aims to investigate the relationship between the managerial risk-taking, managerial competencies and financial service outreach of microfinance banks in Pakistan. Primary data was collected from 36 branches of microfinance banks (MFBs) in nine cities. The unit of investigation is the branch manager and senior credit officer of each MFB branch. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, are used for data analysis. This study found a positive relationship between financial service outreach of MFBs and managerial competencies; financial service outreach also has a positive relationship with the risk-taking behavior of managers. There is a positive relationship between risk-taking behavior and financial service outreach of banks. The risk-taking behavior partially mediates the relationship between the managerial competencies and financial service outreach. The magnitude of the relationship between managerial competencies and outreach is significant, and its magnitude reduces when there is the mediation of managerial risk-taking behavior between them. Thus, managerial competencies, along with risk-taking behavior are the keys drivers of financial service outreach of MFBs. This study informs MFB’s top management and policymakers that competencies of managers and their calculated risk-taking propensities determined outreach performance of the MFBs.
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Ademola, Abimbola Oluwaseyi. "WHAT FACTORS DRIVE THE MICROFINANCE BANKS’ PROFITABILITY IN NIGERIA?" MARCH 39, no. 01 (April 1, 2023): 31–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.51380/gujr-39-01-04.
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Banks’ profitability is vital component of economic growth, its significance extends from’ sustainability of banks to macroeconomic stabilization. Thus, this study assessed the effect of banks’ specific factors and macroeconomic variables on the profitability of microfinance banks (MFBs) in Nigeria from 2012-2021. The purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 licensed MFBs from the South West region of Nigeria. This study employed return on assets (ROA) as an indicator of profitability. Secondary data was elicited from annual published reports of the selected MFBs. Descriptive, regression and correlation techniques were used to analyse data. Findings revealed that MFBs age and size play major roles in the determination of the banks’ profitability; non-performing loans substantially influenced MFBs profitability though adversely. Liquidity rate exerted negligible but positive influence on MFBs profitability. Furthermore, gross domestic product and exchange rate influenced MFBs profitability considerably. In contrast, the Inflation and Interest rate had an adverse but noticeable effect on banks’ profitability. The results provide signifncant directions to banks as well as related policy-makers. Bank management should take cognizance of these salient factors and endeavor to the lower non-performing loans in order to enhance MFBs profitability.
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Olasupo, Musa A., Caroline A. Afolami, and Adebayo M. Shittu. "PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTIVITY CHANGES OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN SOUTH-WEST, NIGERIA." International Journal for Innovation Education and Research 2, no. 1 (January 31, 2014): 43–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol2.iss1.136.
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The Nigerian Microfinance sub-sector is yet to attain the desired level of global best practice. This paper thus investigates the performance and productivity changes of MFBs in South-West Nigeria, from 2006 to 2010, having had the Microfinance Policy launched in 2005. The study revealed that only 16.28% of the sampled MFBs met the recommended maximum PAR value of 5% in 2006 and that was the highest throughout the sample period. It was also revealed that 31.14% of the sampled MFBs reported a debt/equity ratio of above the recommended value of 2 in 2006, while 32.56% had gearing of over 2 in 2010. The MFBs experienced fluctuating performances in their productivity changes, with pure technical efficiency improvements in 2007 and 2009. However, the MFBs suffered technological decline throughout the study period. Overall, the MFBs experienced Total Factor Productivity improvement in 2007, while there were productivity deteriorations in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
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Li, Shichao, Yuanfeng Gao, Ye Liu, Jing Li, Xiyan Yang, Roumu Hu, Jia Liu, et al. "Myofibroblast-Derived Exosomes Contribute to Development of a Susceptible Substrate for Atrial Fibrillation." Cardiology 145, no. 5 (2020): 324–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000505641.
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Objective: Atrial fibrosis plays a critical role in atrial fibrillation (AF). A key event in the pathogenesis of fibrosis is the activation of fibroblasts (FBs) into myofibroblasts (MFBs). Paracrine factors released from MFBs lead to ion channel expression changes in cardiomyocytes (CMs). Downregulation of L-type calcium channel Cav1.2 expression is a hallmark of AF-associated ionic remodeling. However, whether exosome (Exo)-mediated crosstalk between MFBs and CMs regulates Cav1.2 expression remains unknown. Methods: Atrial FBs and CMs were isolated and cultured from neonatal rats by enzymatic digestion. The activation of FBs into MFBs was induced by angiotensin II. Co-culture assay and in vitro Exo treatment were used to determine the effect of MFB-derived Exos on Cav1.2 expression. Confocal Ca2+ imaging was performed to examine the adrenergic stimulation-elicited Ca2+ influx signals. The levels of potential Cav1.2-inhibitory microRNAs (miRNAs) were measured by qRT-PCR. Results: Untreated FBs expressed limited amounts of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), while angiotensin II induced a significant upregulation of α-SMA-expressing MFBs. Co-cultures of MFBs and CMs resulted in downregulation of Cav1.2 expression in CMs, which was largely abolished by pretreatment of MFBs with exosomal inhibitor GW4869. More importantly, treatment with MFB-derived Exos caused repression of Cav1.2 expression in CMs. Additionally, the adrenergic receptor agonist-elicited Ca2+ influx signals in CMs were remarkably attenuated by pretreatment with MFB-derived Exos, corresponding to the paralleled change in Cav1.2 expression. Finally, miR-21-3p, a potential Cav1.2-inhibitory miRNA, was enriched in MFB-derived Exos and upregulated in CMs in response to MFB-derived Exos. Conclusion: We uncover an Exo-mediated crosstalk between MFBs and CMs, contributing to increased vulnerability to AF by reducing the expression of Cav1.2 in CMs.
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Adeyokunnu, Joseph Adelanke. "Dynamic relationship between micro finance banks' credit and growth of micro enterprises in Ojo Local Government of Lagos State." Journal of Global Economics and Business 3, no. 10 (July 1, 2022): 33–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.31039/jgeb.v3i10.48.
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The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) challenges appear to be enormous and Micro Finance Banks (MFBs) thereby declining their capacities of contributing to the stability of MSMEs and decrease the rate of their performance. The failure to present required collateral or demonstrate good dignity by most MSMEs seem to be the major challenges which MSMEs are facing in today’s dynamic business environment. This study, therefore, examines the dynamics relationship between MFBs and the growth of MSMEs in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos state, Nigeria. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, while a multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. 120 copies of the questionnaire were distributed, 97 were returned and found fit. Frequency distribution (percentage analysis) was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that MFBs have dynamic relationship with MSMEs in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State. The study concludes that the MFBs and MSMEs in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State are vital to the survival of one another. Thus, it was recommended that owners/managers of MSMEs should make use of MFBs opportunity to grow and develop their businesses from time to time.
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Riaz, Madiha. "In competency Aspects of Microfinance Industry: Via SFA approach." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 7, no. 1(J) (February 28, 2015): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v7i1(j).558.
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Microfinance is a well known terminology used for microcredit and financial services for financially deprived community. Through informal, semi-formal and formal ways different institutions has been providing these services. Expenditure of the industry is considered to be high because of its inherent structure, dealing with small loans and having high risk of recovery. Therefore, expected inefficiency is greater than its profit. There are several factors and reason. Through this study, we analyzed few factors which have a positive or negative relation with the inefficiency of Microfinance in Pakistan. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) is used for weighing up a relationship between inefficiency and its determinants. It is seen that the average efficiency of this sector is low, on average the highest technical efficiency score is 87 only. Age and number of clients have a negative relationship with inefficiency whereas for other variable's relationship is conditional on Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) working status. The number of women borrowers and average loan balance has been incorporated in the study to analyze the focus of MFIs, either on mission drift or achievement. We found that microfinance banks (MFBs) are drifting away, however, Non Government Organizations (NGOs) and Rural Support Programs (RSPs) are fulfilling their social mission efficiently. We did not find a strong evidence of mission drift in the industry because microfinance banks considered their social mission on second priority. Hence, if MFBs are drifting away from their social services, it is not unexpected.
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Cheng, Ching-Chang, Yen-Feng Lee, Nai-Nu Lin, Chieh-Liang Wu, Kwong-Chung Tung, and Yung-Tsung Chiu. "Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia in Swine Associated with Porcine Circovirus Type 2 Infection." Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 2011 (2011): 1–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/245728.
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Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is a chronic respiratory disease. Although the pathogenesis of BOOP is still incompletely understood, BOOP is responsive to steroids and has a good prognosis. In our five pigs with chronic postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), typical BOOP lesions were revealed. All five porcine lungs showed typical intraluminal plugs, and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was identified. They also exhibited similar pathologic findings such as proliferation of type II pneumocytes and myofibroblasts (MFBs), extracellular collagen matrix (ECM) deposition, and fragmentation of elastic fibers. MFBs migration correlative molecules, for instance, gelatinase A, B and osteopontin, appeared strongly in the progressing marginal area of polypoid intraluminal plugs of fibrotic lesion. These molecules colocalized with the active MFBs. Both gelatinase activity and intercellular level of active MFBs were significantly increased (). Porcine chronic bronchopneumonia leads to BOOP and it is associated with PCV2 persistent infection. Swine BOOP demonstrates similar cellular constituents with human BOOP. Perhaps their molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis operate in a similar way. Thus we infer that the swine BOOP can be considered as a potential animal model for human BOOP associated with natural viral infection. Moreover, it is more convenient to obtain samples.
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Zhan, Heqing, Jingtao Zhang, Jialun Lin, and Guilai Han. "Effects of Na+Current and Mechanogated Channels in Myofibroblasts on Myocyte Excitability and Repolarization." Computational and Mathematical Methods in Medicine 2016 (2016): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2016/6189374.
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Fibrotic remodeling, characterized by fibroblast phenotype switching, is often associated with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the effects on electrotonic myofibroblast-myocyte (Mfb-M) coupling on cardiac myocytes excitability and repolarization of the voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) and single mechanogated channels (MGCs) in human atrial Mfbs. Mathematical modeling was developed from a combination of (1) models of the human atrial myocyte (including the stretch activated ion channel current,ISAC) and Mfb and (2) our formulation of currents through VGSCs (INa_Mfb) and MGCs (IMGC_Mfb) based upon experimental findings. The effects of changes in the intercellular coupling conductance, the number of coupled Mfbs, and the basic cycle length on the myocyte action potential were simulated. The results demonstrated that the integration ofISAC,INa_Mfb, andIMGC_Mfbreduced the amplitude of the myocyte membrane potential(Vmax)and the action potential duration (APD), increased the depolarization of the resting myocyte membrane potential(Vrest), and made it easy to trigger spontaneous excitement in myocytes. For Mfbs, significant electrotonic depolarizations were exhibited with the addition ofINa_MfbandIMGC_Mfb. Our results indicated thatISAC,INa_Mfb, andIMGC_Mfbsignificantly influenced myocytes and Mfbs properties and should be considered in future cardiac pathological mathematical modeling.
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Ndirangu, Eunice Wangari, David Kiragu, Antony Ngunyi, and Mohamed Shano. "EFFECT OF AGENCY BANKING ON PERFORMANCE OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN KENYA." International Journal of Finance and Accounting 5, no. 2 (November 10, 2020): 50. http://dx.doi.org/10.47604/ijfa.1167.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of agency banking on performance of microfinance banks in Kenya
Materials and Methods: The study adopted positivism philosophy approach and descriptive research design was used. The study also used census survey. The target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. The questionnaires were self-administered and primary data was collected from the thirteen regulated microfinance banks. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for preliminary analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Mayer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested and total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn.
Findings: The descriptive statistics findings disclosed that agency banking has a positive effect on performance of MFBs. This was shown by 71.7% of the respondents were in agreement that agency banking influence the performance of MFBs. The findings showed that the relationship between agency and performance was p value was 0.018 and F test of 5.908 showing that the model was statistically significant for the data set. The coefficient table showed that the equation was Y = 2.680 + 0.355AGB. The findings denoted that agency banking has a moderate relationship with performance of MFBs. The MFBs are using agency banking to grow their businesses thus generating profits and capital gain.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that MFBs should open more agents especially in the rural areas to facilitate population access near services. In addition, the management team and the policy makers should ensure that policies are elaborated to protect the customers from fraud and also exploitation by the business owners due to higher transaction cost and the business operating the agents should be trained on fraud policies because it is affecting many customers. The government and the MFBs should ensure all those operating the agents are well trained on record keeping, managing of funds, and customer care.
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Ndirangu, Eunice, and John Kimani. "Effect of Agency Banking on Performance of Microfinance Banks in Kenya." International Journal of Finance and Accounting 7, no. 5 (December 16, 2022): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.47604/ijfa.1720.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of agency banking on performance of microfinance banks in Kenya
Methodology: The study adopted positivism philosophy approach and descriptive research design was used. The study also used census survey. The target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. The questionnaires were self-administered and primary data was collected from the thirteen regulated microfinance banks. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for preliminary analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Mayer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested and total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn.
Findings: The descriptive statistics findings disclosed that agency banking has a positive effect on performance of MFBs. This was shown by 71.7% of the respondents were in agreement that agency banking influence the performance of MFBs. The findings showed that the relationship between agency and performance was p value was 0.018 and F test of 5.908 showing that the model was statistically significant for the data set. The coefficient table showed that the equation was Y = 2.680 + 0.355AGB. The findings denoted that agency banking has a moderate relationship with performance of MFBs. The MFBs are using agency banking to grow their businesses thus generating profits and capital gain.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that MFBs should open more agents especially in the rural areas to facilitate population access near services. In addition, the management team and the policy makers should ensure that policies are elaborated to protect the customers from fraud and also exploitation by the business owners due to higher transaction cost and the business operating the agents should be trained on fraud policies because it is affecting many customers. The government and the MFBs should ensure all those operating the agents are well trained on record keeping, managing of funds, and customer care.
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Hashim, Siti Fatimah, Rosita Mohd. Tajuddin, and Amer Shakir Zainol. "CONSUMER-ORIENTED APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE ADVANTAGE OF HOME-GROWN BRANDS IN MALAYSIA FAST FASHION INDUSTRY." Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences 6, no. 3 (April 26, 2020): 192–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.31580/apss.v6i3.1275.
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Malaysian Fashion Brands (MFBs) have faced fierce competitions in fast fashion industry coming from short production-cycle and international fashion brands which have mushroomed every major shopping malls across Malaysia. MFBs cannot position themselves as a leader in mass-production category and being perceived low in equity. This study explores on Consumer-based Model (CBM) adapted from Keller’s Consumer-based brand equity (CBBE) Model (1993) to build Strong Brand Equity through brand knowledge which cognitively built in marketing-mix over time with Independent Variables of Brand Awareness, Brand Image and Purchase Intention to predict Dependent Variable of Strong Brand Equity. Brand Loyalty are tested as a mediator and Community Engagement as moderator in the relationships of IVs and DV. Quantitative research method is employed in a non-probability convenient sampling technique. As many as 2850 questionnaires were distributed with the success rate of 29.7%. After data screening, only 798 datasets were utilized for statistical analysis using SPSS version 25 and SmartPLS version 3.2.8 on 6 constructs and 17 latent variables. The findings show that Brand Loyalty has full mediator effects meanwhile, Community Engagement has low to none moderating effects thus, weakening the relationships between IVs and DV. Overall, MFBs are perceived low in brand equity. Therefore, further efforts are needed to build Strong Brand Equity for MFBs’ sustainable advantage.
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Afolabi, Adeoye Amuda. "Microfinance bank and entrepreneurship development in an emerging market." Risk Governance and Control: Financial Markets and Institutions 6, no. 4 (2016): 56–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.22495/rcgv6i4art8.
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We determine how Microfinance Banks (MFBs) impacts on entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Data were collected through structured interview from entrepreneurs, Microfinance Bank managers and Regulators. The finding revealed that non-financial services of Microfinance Banks contribute to the survival of entrepreneurs and there is indication that Microfinance Banks enhance the productivity of entrepreneurship. This finding supports the evidence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that there is an increase in total assets, Investment and Deposit Liabilities of MFBs in recent times. Beside this, respondents claimed that influence and control over entrepreneurships financing by Microfinance Banks should be view as partially effective. This result suggest that although Microfinance Banks in Nigeria are trying their best, there is need to put more effort in order to meet total demand of financing the entrepreneurships in Nigeria. We recommend that MFBs should assist their clients by providing training on credit utilization and the government should urgently tackle the problem of infrastructure development and maintenance.
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Lu, Tianbo, Meng Luo, Ru Yan, and Zhimin Lin. "MFBS: Multiple Factor Bandwidth Strategy Scheme for Anonymity Assessment." Symmetry 11, no. 2 (February 11, 2019): 203. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/sym11020203.
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This paper proposes a multiple factor bandwidth strategy (MFBS), an anonymity assessment scheme based on bandwidth strategy. We first analyzed the path selection algorithm mechanism based on bandwidth strategy and anonymity constraint conditions and then elaborated the overall architecture and the key module design of the MFBS scheme. A detailed design was carried out so that it can be applied for the evaluation of Tor's anonymous communication system. Finally, according to the running data in the node resource file in the anonymous network, we analyzed anonymity from different dimensions. By evaluating the bandwidth consumed by Tor in the actual network, the anonymity of the Tor could be calculated, and a more comprehensive anonymity assessment could be performed.
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Osim Etim, ETIM, AKPORIEN Olum Fidelis, and ARCHIBONG Etim Archibong. "Spiritual Accounting and Corporate Financial Reporting: A Study of Micro Finance Banks in Delta State, Nigeria." JOURNAL OF ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 8, no. 4 (July 2, 2022): 173–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.56201/jafm.v8.no4.2022.pg173.179.
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This study was carried out to investigate spiritual accounting and how it has affected corporate financial reporting in Microfinance banks in Delta State, Nigeria. The population of the study consists of accounting staff of 25 Microfinance Banks in Delta State. The study adopted a survey research design hence data were collected by means of a self-designed questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed to bring out the descriptive statistics while the hypotheses formulated were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings of the study indicated that the awareness of Spiritual Accounting has enhanced accountability and transparency, in financial reports of MFBs. The study recommends the promotion of spiritual accounting since it will significantly improve the level of accountability and transparency in financial reporting of MFBs.
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Belova, Anna N., Anna P. Bavrina, Natalia Yu Litvinova, Anna V. Bespalova, Yuliya A. Israelyan, Viliyam O. Sushin, Anastasiya V. Rezenova, and Maria A. Shabanova. "PHOTOBIOMODULATION METHOD IN THE TREATMENT OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME: NARRATIVE OVERVIEW." Acta medica Eurasica, no. 2 (June 25, 2021): 50–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.47026/2413-4864-2021-2-50-63.
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Myofascial pain is one of the most common variants of chronic musculoskeletal pain, which significantly reduces the patients' life quality, prevents active kinesitherapy and is difficult to treat. A promising method of therapy for myofascial pain syndrome (MFBS) is the photobiomodulation method (FBM), which uses non-ionizing light sources (lasers, LEDs) and radiation in the visible, infrared and near-infrared spectral ranges for therapeutic purposes. The review briefly discusses the general understanding of FBM and the results of studies on the effectiveness of FBM in MFBS, it discusses possible mechanisms of the therapeutic effect of low-intensity optical radiation and the need to choose the optimal exposure parameters. Efficacy, non-invasiveness and safety enable to use FBM in elderly patients.
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Ndirangu, Eunice, David Kiragu, Antony Ngunyi, Mohamed Shano, and John Kimani. "Effect of Online Banking on Performance of Microfinance Banking in Kenya." International Journal of Finance 7, no. 6 (December 16, 2022): 59–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.47941/ijf.1152.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of online banking on performance of microfinance banks in Kenya.
Methodology: The study adopted positivism philosophy approach and descriptive research design was used. The study used census survey and the target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for preliminary analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Meyer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested, total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn.
Findings: The descriptive statistics findings disclosed that online banking has a positive effect on performance of MFBs. The overall standard deviation was 1.47, an indication of reasonably high deviation from the mean. This shows that the respondents had fairly varied view on online banking. The relationship between online banking and performance was positive with a p value of 0.018 showing that the model was statistically significant for the data set. Online banking explains 22.6% of the variation in performance of MFBs.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The MFBs needs to invest more on online banking to improve performance. Partnership with government institutions and telecommunication companies would provide the network connections and training to the population on the use of online banking services.
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Onuka, Ifeanyi Onwuka, and Ozegbe Roseline Oroboghae. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Microfinance Banks Customers in Nigeria." Journal of Asian Business Strategy 12, no. 1 (August 26, 2022): 35–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.55493/5006.v12i1.4598.
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This study investigated the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on small businesses, poor individuals and vulnerable households who constitute the majority of customers of microfinance banks (MFBs) in Nigeria. A client survey was conducted by telephone and face to face with a representative sample of clients of MFBs in South West Nigeria for the period from 2019 to 2021. A structured questionnaire, interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation were used to generate the data, while the descriptive statistical analytical method was used to analyze and present the findings. The study reveals that the Covid-19 pandemic and the government-mandated lockdown to curtail the spread have dealt a heavy blow to the incomes of businesses and households of MFB clients in Nigeria. The findings provide practical insights for the Nigerian government and suggests a review of the microfinance scheme to improve its effectiveness.
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Singer, I. I., D. W. Kawka, S. Scott, R. A. Mumford, and M. W. Lark. "The fibronectin cell attachment sequence Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser promotes focal contact formation during early fibroblast attachment and spreading." Journal of Cell Biology 104, no. 3 (March 1, 1987): 573–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.104.3.573.
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Cultured fibroblasts form focal contacts (FCs) associated with actin microfilament bundles (MFBs) during attachment and spreading on serum- or fibronectin (FN)-coated substrates. To determine if the minimum cellular adhesion receptor recognition signal Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) is sufficient to promote FC and MFB formation, rat (NRK), hamster (Nil 8), and mouse (Balb/c 3T3) fibroblasts in serum-free media were plated on substrates derivatized with small synthetic peptides containing RGDS. These cultures were studied with interference reflection microscopy to detect FCs, Normarski optics to identify MFBs, and immunofluorescence microscopy to observe endogenous FN fiber formation. By 1 h, 72-78% of the NRK and Nil 8 cells plated on RGDS-containing peptide had focal contacts without accompanying FN fibers, while these fibroblasts lacked FCs on control peptide. This early FC formation was followed by the appearance of coincident MFBs and colinear FN fibers forming fibronexuses at 4 h. NRK and Nil 8 cultures on substrates coated with native FN or 75,000-D FN-cell binding fragment showed similar kinetics of FC and MFB formation. In contrast, the Balb/c 3T3 mouse fibroblasts plated on Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser peptide-derivatized substrates, or on coverslips coated with 75,000-D FN cell-binding fragment, were defective in FC formation. These results demonstrate that the apparent binding of substrate-linked RGDS sequences to cell surface adhesion receptors is sufficient to promote early focal contact formation followed by the appearance of fibronexuses in some, but not all, fibroblast lines.
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Shi, Zhong-Dong, Xin-Ying Ji, Henry Qazi, and John M. Tarbell. "Interstitial flow promotes vascular fibroblast, myofibroblast, and smooth muscle cell motility in 3-D collagen I via upregulation of MMP-1." American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology 297, no. 4 (October 2009): H1225—H1234. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00369.2009.
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Neointima formation often occurs in regions where the endothelium has been damaged and the transmural interstitial flow is elevated. Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts (FBs/MFBs) contribute to intimal thickening by migrating from the media and adventitia into the site of injury. In this study, for the first time, the direct effects of interstitial flow on SMC and FB/MFB migration were investigated in an in vitro three-dimensional system. Collagen I gels were used to mimic three-dimensional extracellular matrix (ECM) for rat aortic SMCs and FBs/MFBs. Exposure to interstitial flow induced by 1 cmH2O pressure differential (shear stress, ∼0.05 dyn/cm2; flow velocity, ∼0.5 μm/s; and Darcy permeability, ∼10−11 cm2) substantially enhanced cell motility. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor (GM-6001) abolished flow-induced migration augmentation, which suggested that the enhanced motility was MMP dependent. The upregulation of MMP-1 played a critical role for the flow-enhanced motility, which was further confirmed by silencing MMP-1 gene expression. Longer exposures to higher flows suppressed the number of migrated cells, although MMP-1 gene expression remained high. This suppression was a result of both flow-induced tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 upregulation and increased apoptotic and necrotic cell death. Interstitial flow did not affect MMP-2 gene expression or activity in the collagen I gel for any cell type. Our findings shed light on the mechanism by which vascular SMCs and FBs/MFBs contribute to intimal thickening in regions of vascular injury where interstitial flow is elevated.
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Ralph-Nearman, Christina, and Ruth Filik. "New Body Scales Reveal Body Dissatisfaction, Thin-Ideal, and Muscularity-Ideal in Males." American Journal of Men's Health 12, no. 4 (March 20, 2018): 740–50. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1557988318763516.
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The aim of the current study was to develop, test, and retest two new male body dissatisfaction scales: The Male Body Scale (MBS; consisting of emaciated to obese figures) and the Male Fit Body Scale (MFBS; consisting of emaciated to muscular figures). These scales were compared to the two most commonly used visually based indices of body dissatisfaction (Stunkard Figure Rating Scale, SFRS; and Somatomorphic Matrix, SM). Male participants rated which body figure on each scale most represented their current figure, then their ideal figure, and then rated which one of the three scales (MBS, MFBS, and SFRS) best represented their current and ideal body overall. Finally, they completed the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS), the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q 6.0), and their actual body composition was calculated. This was followed by a retest and manipulation check 2 to 6 weeks later. Participants’ actual body mass index, fat- and muscularity-percentage were all highly related to their current body figure choice, and both new scales were consistently valid and more reliable between test and retest than the SFRS and SM body dissatisfaction scores. Importantly, each scale was sensitive to different types of body dissatisfaction within males. Specifically, the MBS revealed that males’ desire for the thin-ideal significantly corresponded to higher eating disorder tendencies as identified by EDE-Q 6.0 scores, while the MFBS revealed much higher body dissatisfaction toward the larger, muscularity-ideal, predicting higher drive for muscularity as identified by DMS scores. Results validated the new scales, and inform male-focused eating disorder research.
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Ndirangu, Eunice Wangari, David Kiragu, and Antony Ngunyi. "EFFECT OF MOBILE BANKING ON PERFORMANCE OF MICROFINANCE BANKS IN KENYA." European Journal of Business and Strategic Management 5, no. 2 (November 13, 2020): 64. http://dx.doi.org/10.47604/ejbsm.1171.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of mobile banking on performance of microfinance banks in Kenya
Methodology: The study adopted positivism philosophy approach and descriptive research design was used. The study also used census survey. The target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. The questionnaires were self-administered and primary data was collected from the thirteen regulated microfinance banks. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for preliminary analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Mayer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested and total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn.
Findings: The findings showed that majority of the respondents were in agreement that it is easy to deposit and withdraw cash, transfer funds, apply loan and check the balance using mobile banking. The hypothesis (H02) findings showed that mobile banking had a significant effect on performance of MFBs. The summary model showed that the R was 0.280 and a R square of 0.078. This implied that mobile banking predicted 7.8% of the performance of MFBs. The ANOVA results showed that F value was 4.940 and a p value of 0.030 which indicates that it was statistically significant. After the T test mobile banking beta coefficient was the regression model was generated Y = 2.841+ 0.271MBA.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that MFBs should partner with telecommunication services providers to develop products and services which are customer oriented and easy to use. They should develop strategies on market penetration by creating awareness on the product and services available in the market.
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Ndirangu, Eunice, and John Kimani. "Effect of Mobile Banking on Performance of Microfinance Banks in Kenya." European Journal of Business and Strategic Management 7, no. 3 (December 16, 2022): 24–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.47604/ejbsm.1718.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to establish the effect of mobile banking on performance of microfinance banks in Kenya
Methodology: The study adopted positivism philosophy approach and descriptive research design was used. The study also used census survey. The target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. The questionnaires were self-administered and primary data was collected from the thirteen regulated microfinance banks. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for preliminary analysis. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Mayer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested and total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn.
Findings: The findings showed that majority of the respondents were in agreement that it is easy to deposit and withdraw cash, transfer funds, apply loan and check the balance using mobile banking. The hypothesis (H02) findings showed that mobile banking had a significant effect on performance of MFBs. The summary model showed that the R was 0.280 and R square of 0.078. This implied that mobile banking predicted 7.8% of the performance of MFBs. The ANOVA results showed that F value was 4.940 and a p value of 0.030 which indicates that it was statistically significant. After the T test mobile banking beta coefficient was the regression model was generated Y = 2.841+ 0.271MBA.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that MFBs should partner with telecommunication services providers to develop products and services which are customer oriented and easy to use. They should develop strategies on market penetration by creating awareness on the product and services available in the market.
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Fatemian, Marzieh, Alfredo Gamboa, Fabiola León-Velarde, Maria Rivera-Ch, Jose-Antonio Palacios, and Peter A. Robbins. "Selected Contribution: Ventilatory response to CO2 in high-altitude natives and patients with chronic mountain sickness." Journal of Applied Physiology 94, no. 3 (March 1, 2003): 1279–87. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00859.2002.
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The ventilatory responses to CO2 of high-altitude (HA) natives and patients with chronic mountain sickness (CMS) were studied and compared with sea-level (SL) natives living at SL. A multifrequency binary sequence (MFBS) in end-tidal Pco 2 was employed to separate the fast (peripheral) and slow (central) components of the chemoreflex response. MFBS was imposed against a background of both euoxia (end-tidal Po 2 of 100 Torr) and hypoxia (52.5 Torr). Both total and central chemoreflex sensitivity to CO2 in euoxia were higher in HA and CMS subjects compared with SL subjects. Peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity to CO2in euoxia was higher in HA subjects than in SL subjects. Hypoxia induced a greater increase in total chemoreflex sensitivity to CO2 in SL subjects than in HA and CMS subjects, but peripheral chemoreflex sensitivity to CO2 in hypoxia was no greater in SL subjects than in HA and CMS subjects. Values for the slow (central) time constant were significantly greater for HA and CMS subjects than for SL subjects.
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Bollong, Michael J., Baiyuan Yang, Naja Vergani, Brittney A. Beyer, Emily N. Chin, Claudio Zambaldo, Danling Wang, Arnab K. Chatterjee, Luke L. Lairson, and Peter G. Schultz. "Small molecule-mediated inhibition of myofibroblast transdifferentiation for the treatment of fibrosis." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 114, no. 18 (April 17, 2017): 4679–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1702750114.
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Fibrosis, a disease in which excessive amounts of connective tissue accumulate in response to physical damage and/or inflammatory insult, affects nearly every tissue in the body and can progress to a state of organ malfunction and death. A hallmark of fibrotic disease is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix-secreting activated myofibroblasts (MFBs) in place of functional parenchymal cells. As such, the identification of agents that selectively inhibit the transdifferentiation process leading to the formation of MFBs represents an attractive approach for the treatment of diverse fibrosis-related diseases. Herein we report the development of a high throughput image-based screen using primary hepatic stellate cells that identified the antifungal drug itraconazole (ITA) as an inhibitor of MFB cell fate in resident fibroblasts derived from multiple murine and human tissues (i.e., lung, liver, heart, and skin). Chemical optimization of ITA led to a molecule (CBR-096-4) devoid of antifungal and human cytochrome P450 inhibitory activity with excellent pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy in rodent models of lung, liver, and skin fibrosis. These findings may serve to provide a strategy for the safe and effective treatment of a broad range of fibrosis-related diseases.
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Bridges, James P., Parvathi Sudha, Dakota Lipps, Andrew Wagner, Minzhe Guo, Yina Du, Kari Brown, et al. "Glucocorticoid regulates mesenchymal cell differentiation required for perinatal lung morphogenesis and function." American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology 319, no. 2 (August 1, 2020): L239—L255. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00459.2019.
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While antenatal glucocorticoids are widely used to enhance lung function in preterm infants, cellular and molecular mechanisms by which glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling influences lung maturation remain poorly understood. Deletion of the glucocorticoid receptor gene ( Nr3c1) from fetal pulmonary mesenchymal cells phenocopied defects caused by global Nr3c1 deletion, while lung epithelial- or endothelial-specific Nr3c1 deletion did not impair lung function at birth. We integrated genome-wide gene expression profiling, ATAC-seq, and single cell RNA-seq data in mice in which GR was deleted or activated to identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which glucocorticoids control prenatal lung maturation. GR enhanced differentiation of a newly defined proliferative mesenchymal progenitor cell (PMP) into matrix fibroblasts (MFBs), in part by directly activating extracellular matrix-associated target genes, including Fn1, Col16a4, and Eln and by modulating VEGF, JAK-STAT, and WNT signaling. Loss of mesenchymal GR signaling blocked fibroblast progenitor differentiation into mature MFBs, which in turn increased proliferation of SOX9+ alveolar epithelial progenitor cells and inhibited differentiation of mature alveolar type II (AT2) and AT1 cells. GR signaling controls genes required for differentiation of a subset of proliferative mesenchymal progenitors into matrix fibroblasts, in turn, regulating signals controlling AT2/AT1 progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation and identifying cells and processes by which glucocorticoid signaling regulates fetal lung maturation.
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Odetayo, T. A., and A. R. Onaolapo. "Influence of Microfinance Bank Products Accessibility on Small Scale Enterprises Performance." American Journal of Business and Management 5, no. 1 (February 15, 2016): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.11634/216796061706771.
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This study examined the influence of the Microfinance bank products accessibility on Small scale enterprises (SSEs) in Osun State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for this study. The population for the study comprised all microfinance banks and small scale enterprises in Osun State. Thirty (30) MFBs were purposively sampled and For Hundred and Fifty (450) SSEs were randomly sampled. Two sets of questionnaires designed to collect data were tested for reliability using Cronbach’s alpha: QMFB (r = 0.89) and QSSEs(r = 0.70). Data were analysed using tables, frequencies as well as simple percentages while multiple regressions were used to test hypotheses one and two at 0.05 level of significance. Degree of accessibility to MFB products was measured using savings account (92%), current account (54.2%) and business loan (52.3%). A regression analysis designed to examine the influence of MFB products accessibility on SSEs’ performance revealed that MFB products accessibility perception jointly predicted changes in SSEs total capital given F(8,318) = 17.936; number of employees F(8,318) = 4.136; sales F (8,318) =15.316; and profit F(8,318) = 15,699; all values being significant at 0.05 level. In conclusion, activities of MFBs impacted on the SSEs in the study area given the predicted values of financial product accessibility on sales and profit but with a limited effect on total capital and number of employees engaged.
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Khan, Muhammad Mohsin. "Credit Constraints for Microfinance Sector in Pakistan, an Analysis of Internal and External Factors." International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 47 (February 2015): 164–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilshs.47.164.
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Microfinance is considered to be an effective tool for poverty alleviation, employment generation, income generation and income equality. It is a financial service provided to poor people who do not have any other source of funds or have access to financial services. The purpose of this research paper is to determine the credit constraints that are facing by microfinance sector in Pakistan. The data is collected through structured questionnaires from 250 respondents who are employees of MFBs/ MFIs keeping in view three broad categories of theoretical framework including internal factors having sub variables like operational cost, HR capacity, innovation and external factors having sub variables like competition, language, awareness as independent variables and a dependent variable having sub variable that is credit constraints for microfinance sector. Regression analysis has been used to determine the impact of independent variables i.e. internal and external factors on dependent variable that is credit constraints. The study found that there is a significant impact of internal and external factors on the credit constraints facing the microfinance sector. Based on the results it is recommended that concerned authorities should give due importance to all sub variables of internal and external factors in order to minimize the issue of credit constraints facing the microfinance sector.
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Et al., Shoukat Ali Mahar. "Leadership Behavior and Employees Job Satisfaction: Working for Organizational Success." Psychology and Education Journal 58, no. 2 (February 13, 2021): 1092–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.17762/pae.v58i2.2192.
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Purpose: This study was designed to understand the relationship between leadership behaviors and employees job satisfaction at microfinance banks. It also shows how and to what extent these leadership styles affect job satisfaction.
Design: The questionnaire was used to collect data from 290 employees of the Microfinance Bank. The convenient sampling was used to gather data. The literature indicates that there is a correlation among all proposed variables. Researcher applied regression and Pearson correlation to get the results.
Findings: The results show that participative behavior and supportive leadership behaviors have significant and positive effect on employees’ job satisfaction in Micro Finance Institutions of Khairpur.
Value: no doubt this study found that participative behavior has significant relationship with employees’ job satisfaction and in increase the work productivity, it develops the sense of equivalence in work, it also encourages the essence of employees’ role in decision making, in this regard employees like to help organisation in organizational success
Practical implications: Results of this Research mean that participatory leaders can participate in role modeling by providing employees with interesting workplace activities to increase job satisfaction.
Recommendation: The population used for the survey was limited to 14 branches of MFBs in the Khairpur area.. Therefore, this study can be extended to a variety of other commercial and noncommercial organizations. This helps researchers to fully understand leadership style and its impact on job satisfaction.
Limitation: This study is limited to certain MFBs of Khairpur district.
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Rodriguez Perez, Citlali Ekaterina, Wenxian Nie, James Sinnett-Smith, Enrique Rozengurt, and James Yoo. "TNF-α potentiates lysophosphatidic acid-induced COX-2 expression via PKD in human colonic myofibroblasts." American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 300, no. 4 (April 2011): G637—G646. http://dx.doi.org/10.1152/ajpgi.00381.2010.
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The myofibroblast (MFB) has recently been identified as an important mediator of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-associated colitis and cancer, but the mechanism(s) involved remains incompletely understood. Here, we show that treatment of 18Co cells, a model of human colonic MFBs, with TNF-α and lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) induced striking synergistic cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression and production of PGE2. This effect was prevented by the LPA1 receptor antagonist Ki16425, the Giα-specific inhibitor pertussis toxin, and by the preferential protein kinase (PK) C inhibitors GF109203X and Go6983. As a known downstream target of LPA and PKC, we tested whether PKD, recently implicated in the regulation of COX-2 expression in MFB, was involved in this response. TNF-α, while having no detectable effect on the activation of PKD when added alone, augmented PKD activation stimulated by LPA, as measured by PKD autophosphorylation at Ser910. LPA-induced PKD activation was also inhibited by Ki16425, pertussis toxin, GF109203X, and Go6983. Transfection of 18Co cells with short interfering RNA targeting PKD completely inhibited the synergistic increase in COX-2 protein, demonstrating a critical role of PKD in this response. Our results imply that cross talk between TNF-α and LPA results in the amplification of COX-2 protein expression via a conserved PKD-dependent signaling pathway that appears to involve the LPA1 receptor and the G protein Giα. PKD plays a critical role in the expression of COX-2 in human colonic MFBs and may contribute to an inflammatory microenvironment that promotes tumor growth.
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Overeem, Aart, Iwan Holleman, and Adri Buishand. "Derivation of a 10-Year Radar-Based Climatology of Rainfall." Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology 48, no. 7 (July 1, 2009): 1448–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1175/2009jamc1954.1.
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Abstract Weather radars give quantitative precipitation estimates over large areas with high spatial and temporal resolutions not achieved by conventional rain gauge networks. Therefore, the derivation and analysis of a radar-based precipitation “climatology” are highly relevant. For that purpose, radar reflectivity data were obtained from two C-band Doppler weather radars covering the land surface of the Netherlands (≈3.55 × 104 km2). From these reflectivities, 10 yr of radar rainfall depths were constructed for durations D of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h with a spatial resolution of 2.4 km and a data availability of approximately 80%. Different methods are compared for adjusting the bias in the radar precipitation depths. Using a dense manual gauge network, a vertical profile of reflectivity (VPR) and a spatial adjustment are applied separately to 24-h (0800–0800 UTC) unadjusted radar-based precipitation depths. Further, an automatic rain gauge network is employed to perform a mean-field bias adjustment to unadjusted 1-h rainfall depths. A new adjustment method is developed (referred to as MFBS) that combines the hourly mean-field bias adjustment and the daily spatial adjustment methods. The record of VPR gradients, obtained from the VPR adjustment, reveals a seasonal cycle that can be related to the type of precipitation. A verification with automatic (D ≤ 24 h) and manual (D = 24 h) rain gauge networks demonstrates that the adjustments remove the systematic underestimation of precipitation by radar. The MFBS adjustment gives the best verification results and reduces the residual (radar minus rain gauge depth) standard deviation considerably. The adjusted radar dataset is used to obtain exceedance probabilities, maximum rainfall depths, mean annual rainfall frequencies, and spatial correlations. Such a radar rainfall climatology is potentially valuable for the improvement of rainfall parameterization in weather and climate models and the design of hydraulic structures.
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Babangida, Bashir Kurfi, and Barjoyai Bardai. "Determining Factors That Improve Youths’ Economic Empowerment in Katsina State, Nigeria." International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science 06, no. 06 (2022): 798–808. http://dx.doi.org/10.47772/ijriss.2022.6626.
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Suffice it to say, that the government poverty alleviation and empowerment programmes are unsustainable, and formal financial institutions such as commercial banks are incapable of combating and reducing poverty, particularly among the Youths, as evidenced by the failure of several programmes and schemes to produce the expected results, despite government efforts to improve the standard of living of its citizens. Notwithstanding, Katsina state remains among the states with higher poverty rate, with the highest underemployment/unemployment rate. Which stemmed the incidences of violent crimes in the area. This serves as the motivation of the study to identify other factors that may be effective in empowering the Youths economically. To achieve the goals, the study employs a quantitative approach through structured questionnaire. The study samples were selected using a multistage sampling technique from microfinance services Youths’ beneficiaries in Katsina state, Nigeria. The result revealed that the variables that represented the main determinant of economic empowerment in the study; microcredit, micro-savings, financial training, and advisory services interacted positively which implies positive linear relationship with economic empowerment. The study suggests that MFBs should make microcredit more attainable to their youth clients to effectively fulfil their mission of empowering youth economically. Microfinance banks should be recognised as poor people’s banks, with one-digit loan rates. The Nigerian Central Bank should provide MFIs with adequate policy guidance in order to deliver Youths-friendly financial services. The outcomes of this research would be relevant to policy issues specifically the regulators such as the Central Bank of Nigeria.
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Ogechukwu Obokoh, Lawrence, James Unam Monday, and Udechukwu Ojiako. "Microfinance banks and small and medium sized enterprises access to finance: the Nigerian experience." Banks and Bank Systems 11, no. 4 (December 22, 2016): 111–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.21511/bbs.11(4-1).2016.01.
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The paper explored the extent to which current microfinance lending impacts on indigenous SME access to finance and how the intermediation services of the microfinance banks (MFBs) contributed to or otherwise to the development of SMEs. A total of 800 such indigenous SMEs were identified, however, data were obtained from 300 of the identified indigenous SMEs from a questionnaire survey in four states (provinces) within the country that make up the Niger Delta region. The result shows positive contribution of microfinance lending to the development of such enterprises. However, it appears that a number of factors including cumbersome process, poorly packaged business plans and perceived high cost of credit still limit the access of indigenous SMEs to credit. Keywords: microfinance banks, SMEs, entrepreneurship, financial services. JEL Classification: G21, L26, M13
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Tran, Thu Thi Hoai, and Louis De Koker. "Aligning financial inclusion and financial integrity." Journal of Money Laundering Control 22, no. 4 (October 7, 2019): 595–613. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jmlc-01-2019-0004.
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Purpose This study aims to consider the anti-money laundering/combating of financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) regime that applies to microfinance institutions (MFIs) and microfinance programmes and projects (MFPs) in Vietnam to identify ways in which to improve the alignment between financial inclusion and financial integrity objectives in relation to this sector. Design/methodology/approach This doctrinal study is informed by the Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation methodology. Findings The AML/CFT regulatory framework for MFIs/MFPs is inadequate but improving. The money laundering and terrorist financing risks posed by microfinance are low and so is the capacity of many providers to comply with AML/CFT obligations. Given the low risk, there is space to simplify AML/CFT requirements for this sector in a manner that will better align financial inclusion and financial integrity policy objectives. Research limitations/implications This paper considers the implementation of AML/CFT obligations of MFIs/MFPs based on existing studies as well as own research relating to compliance and supervisory practices. Further empirical studies to determine for the whole microfinance sector could provide a more granular understanding of crime risks and compliance capacities in the sector. Practical implications AML/CFT regulators in Vietnam can take concrete steps to simplify the AML/CFT due diligence obligations of MFIs/MFPs and support these institutions to formalise and implement appropriate AML/CFT measures. Social implications MFIs/MFPs play a vital socio-economic role by providing financial services to the poor. Appropriate AML/CFT control measures can enable these providers to continue providing these services while strengthening economic formalisation and integrity goals of the government. Originality/value The paper provides novel supervisory perspectives on the AML/CFT regime in relation to MFIs/MFPs.
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Ihugba, Okezie A., Bankoli Bankong, and N. C. Ebomuche. "The Impact of Nigeria Microfinance Banks on Poverty Reduction: Imo State Experience." International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences 16 (November 2013): 92–113. http://dx.doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ilshs.16.92.
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This paper attempts to provide a critical appraisal of the debate on the effectiveness of microfinance as an effective tool for eradicating poverty and also the history of microfinance banks in Nigeria. It argues that while microfinance has developed some innovative management and business strategies, its impact on poverty reduction remains in doubt. Micro finance impact on poverty reduction in Imo state was studied by a stratified sampling method in the selection of the customers. The study area was divided into 16 sample units based on the various local government areas in Imo state. Four (4) MFBs were purposefully selected from each of the 3 Senatorial Zones, making a total of 12 MFBs. In order to have unbiased selection of samples, Three Hundred and eighty two questionnaires (382) were randomly distributed to customers of these selected microfinance Banks in the three senatorial Zones as follows, namely: Owerri (82), Okigwe (100) and Orlu (200). The result revealed that majority of respondents were male constituting about 78 % while women 22 % and majority of the respondents were married (65 %), single (33 %) divorced (2 % ). 137 of the respondents do not have any formal education, 67 possess primary school leaving certificate. 81 indicated having secondary school certificate. 71 with diploma / NCE and its equivalent. 28 of them have first degree certificate and above representing 36 %, 17 %, 21 %, 19 % and 7 % respectively. The monthly income brackets of the respondents show that One hundred and eleven (111) respondents (29 %) indicated earning N10,000 N15,000, 95 respondents or 25 % indicated N15,001 – N20,000 as their income bracket, 94 or 24 % were earning above N20,000, while 84 (22 %) indicated earning below N10,000. From the result, high income class has more capacity to save than poor dwelling in rural areas. The finding appears to support the predication of Economics theory of savings which argues that saving is a function of the level of income. The implication of this study is that the federal government of Nigeria and financial institutions in the country should take up the challenge of establishing bank branches in the rural areas or make formidable arrangement for supplying more credit to the rural dwellers.
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Ulrich, Steffen, and Brock Hoback. "Taking stock of the Nigerian microfinance banking sector: lessons from an assessment of 25 MFBs in five states." Enterprise Development and Microfinance 25, no. 2 (June 2014): 116–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.3362/1755-1986.2014.012.
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Gupta, Devendra Kumar, Neetu Singh, and Dinesh Kumar Sahu. "Article Commentary: TGF-β Mediated Crosstalk between Malignant Hepatocyte and Tumor Microenvironment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma." Cancer Growth and Metastasis 7 (January 2014): CGM.S14205. http://dx.doi.org/10.4137/cgm.s14205.
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In this article, we have reviewed current literature regarding the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the interaction of malignant hepatocytes and their tissue environment through cytokine signaling, here represented by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling. We have discussed responses of TGF-β signaling in transition of hepatic stellate cells to myofibroblasts (MFBs), recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and enrichment of tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs). The malignant hepatocytes also secrete various factors such as platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and TGF-β. TGF-β, a super-family of cytokines, creates tumor microenvironment by interacting through other growth factors (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), PDGF, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), VEGF), cytokines and chemokines, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Hence, the HCC tumor microenvironment may now be recognized as an important participant of tumor progression to act as potential target to systemic therapies compared to targeted therapies.
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Zolotaryuk, A. V., and I. A. Chechneva. "Possible Solutions to the Problems of Microfinance Organizations with the Application of Intelligent Methods of Machine Learning." World of new economy 12, no. 2 (August 24, 2018): 66–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.26794/2220-6469-2018-12-2-66-71.
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The authors consider the problems associated with the activities of microfinance organizations, and directions to eliminate them. The subject of the study is the need to introduce machine learning to solve urgent problems. Machine learning methods are increasingly being implemented to analyze financial and economic information, which reduces and eliminates some of the difficulties. Although currently these methods are not widely used in the field of microfinance institutions (MFIs), there are opportunities for their application. The aim of the work is to determine the prospects for the use of these methods in MFOs. The article describes the subject area of research, associated with MFIs. The authors identify the main groups of problems related to MFOs, consider the possibility of introducing machine learning for data analysis in this area and determine the main directions of the possible use of machine learning for MFIs. The authors concluded that such methods are applicable for assessing the performance of MFIs.
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Ayantoso, Adesokan Joseph. "Management Information System Adoption in Microfinance Banks’ in Oyo State, Nigeria." Cross Current International Journal of Economics, Management and Media Studies 1, no. 1 (February 25, 2019): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.36344/ccijemms.2019.v01i01.001.
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This study focuses on Management Information System (MIS) Adoption in Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyzed factors influencing the adoption of MIS in microfinance banks. Primary data was collected with the aid of administered questionnaire on some selected microfinance banks staff. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools to determine factors influencing adoption of MIS in Microfinance banks’ in Oyo State, Nigeria. While inferential statistical tools of Multiple Regression and ANOVA were used to determine factors with significant contributions to MIS adoption and at what degrees. Results revealed that Relative advantage- the extent to which a technology provides improvement over currently available tools, Complexity- simplicity of the technology’s use or learning, and Compatibility- consistency of the innovation with social practices and norms among its users were the significant factors that influenced adoption of MIS in Microfinance Banks and were significantly different from one another. It is thus recommended that Common management information system platform should be recommended to all Nigerian microfinance banks by the regulatory authorities for suitable MIS adoption.
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Ayantoso, Adesokan Joseph. "Management Information System Adoption in Microfinance Banks’ in Oyo State, Nigeria." Cross Current International Journal of Economics, Management and Media Studies 1, no. 1 (February 25, 2019): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.36344/ccijemms.2019.v01i01.001.
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This study focuses on Management Information System (MIS) Adoption in Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Oyo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study analyzed factors influencing the adoption of MIS in microfinance banks. Primary data was collected with the aid of administered questionnaire on some selected microfinance banks staff. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistical tools to determine factors influencing adoption of MIS in Microfinance banks’ in Oyo State, Nigeria. While inferential statistical tools of Multiple Regression and ANOVA were used to determine factors with significant contributions to MIS adoption and at what degrees. Results revealed that Relative advantage- the extent to which a technology provides improvement over currently available tools, Complexity- simplicity of the technology’s use or learning, and Compatibility- consistency of the innovation with social practices and norms among its users were the significant factors that influenced adoption of MIS in Microfinance Banks and were significantly different from one another. It is thus recommended that Common management information system platform should be recommended to all Nigerian microfinance banks by the regulatory authorities for suitable MIS adoption.
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Ayeni, Yetunde Tonia, and Oludayo Elijah Adekunle. "COVID-19 and Microfinance Banks in Nigeria." Economic Insights – Trends and Challenges 2021, no. 4 (2021): 39–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.51865/eitc.2021.04.04.
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This study investigated the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the activities and performance of microfinance banks with special focus on South West Region of Nigeria. Data were collected from 100 heads of department selected from 20 randomly picked microfinance banks. Data were analyzed with simple percentage and regression technique. It was discovered that, COVID-19 impedes the activities of microfinance banks through loans repayment, deposit mobilization, customers, patronage, operational efficiency, and nonperforming loans. The study concluded that, COVID-19 imposed constraints on the activities of microfinance banks which negatively affect financial performance. It was suggested that, there is need for quick response of regulatory authorities to microfinance banks. Financial and regulatory supports should to stop the declining activities of microfinance banks because microfinance banks play supporting role to small business and less privilege in the economy. There is need for the digitization of microfinance banks' activities to cushion the negative effects of future pandemic. Periodic review should be undertaken to monitor and uncover threats in the loan portfolios, liquidity position, and financial statements of MFBs for quick policy initiatives and innovations.
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Aladejebi, Olufemi. "The Impact of Microfinance Banks on the Growth of Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos Metropolis." European Journal of Sustainable Development 8, no. 3 (October 1, 2019): 261. http://dx.doi.org/10.14207/ejsd.2019.v8n3p261.
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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in the Nigerian economy, especially in terms of Employment, growth, productivity, and poverty alleviation. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Microfinance Banks (MFB) on the growth of SMEs in Lagos metropolis The data for this study was collected via questionnaires given to the owners of SMEs that had accounts with microfinance banks in Lagos metropolis. Out of 209 questionnaires distributed, 205 were viable and analyzed using the SPSS package. The questionnaire contained 2 sections. Section 1 for general information while section 2 contains questions on effects of micro-savings on financial performance, effects of microcredit on the financial performance of the SMEs, effects of training on the financial performance of the SMEs and financial performance. The outcome revealed that the savings among SMEs are encouraging because of higher interest rates compared to deposit banks, faster loan disbursement, failure of MFBs to conduct training for SMEs, while the majority of SMEs experienced financial growth using MFB products. Keywords: Small business, Microfinance banks, SME growth, Lagos metropolis
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Morris, L., Onu, J. I., and Giroh, D. Y. "ANALYSIS OF POVERTY STATUS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG HOUSEHOLDS IN MICHIKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA." Journal of Agripreneurship and Sustainable Development 4, no. 3 (September 1, 2021): 49–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.59331/jasd.v4i3.230.
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The study examined poverty status and coping strategies among Small Scale Farmers in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State of Nigeria. Purposive and simple random sampling methods were used to select 342 respondents. Primary data were collected with the aid of questionnaire and analyzed using Foster-Greer-Thorbecke (FGT), Logistic regression and Likert type Scale. The poverty status of the respondents revealed that 64% were poor with poverty gap of 33%. Poverty severity also revealed that the 17% of the respondents were mostly hit by core poverty. Credit size and household size were significant at P≤0.01 while age of household head, farm size, and ownership of farm land, educational level and gender were found to be significant at 5% and positively influence poverty status in the study areas. Plaiting of hair/barbing and credit from Micro-Finance banks (MFBs) were the major non-agricultural poverty coping strategies with mean of x = 3.0 and x = 2.89, respectively, and major agricultural poverty coping strategies were rain fed crop farming and gardening with mean value of x = 3.69 and x = 3.21, respectively. The study recommended that credit accessible to farmers and promote off farm activities as an alternative to livelihood strategies will go a long way in addressing their poverty situation.
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Akinadewo, Israel S., Ebenezer Y. Akinkoye, and O. O. Olasanmi. "Appraisal of the problems affecting microfinance banks in emerging economies and the mitigating factors: Nigeria’s experience." Business and Management Review 11, no. 02 (December 15, 2020): 89–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.24052/bmr/v11nu02/art-11.
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This study appraised the problems of microfinance banks in Nigeria and evaluated the mitigating factors. Survey research design through the administration of structured questionnaire was adopted for data collection. The targeted population was 250 microfinance banks operators and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs. The respondents validly returned 223 copies of the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics like table, mean, standard deviation and percentages were used for data analyses. The findings revealed that high operating and financial expenses (99.6%); low revenue base (99.6%); lack of effective corporate governance (99.6%); lack of standard and uniformity in financial transactions (99.6%); insiders’ abuse (99.6%); and ineffective monitoring of the allocated funds to ensure the utilisation as intended (99.6%) are highly critical among the twenty identified problem confronting microfinance banks in Nigeria. The results also showed that majority of the respondents believed that among the twenty identified mitigating factors to the problems of MFBs in Nigeria, timely preparation of financial statements (99.6%); adoption of cost efficiency mechanism (99.6%); investing more on information technology for enhancement of operations (99.6%); standardisation of the quality, experience and qualifications of management of microfinance (99.6%); and effective background check of staff and customers are the most important. The study, therefore, recommends the need for government to evaluate these findings and timely deploy the mitigating factors for the enhancement of the growth of microfinance banks in Nigeria.
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Tsai, Chang-Youh, Song-Chou Hsieh, Tsai-Hung Wu, Ko-Jen Li, Chieh-Yu Shen, Hsien-Tzung Liao, Cheng-Han Wu, Yu-Min Kuo, Cheng-Shiun Lu, and Chia-Li Yu. "Pathogenic Roles of Autoantibodies and Aberrant Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Connective Tissue Cells in the Tissue Fibrosis of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 9 (April 27, 2020): 3069. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijms21093069.
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Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multi-system autoimmune disease with tissue fibrosis prominent in the skin and lung. In this review, we briefly describe the autoimmune features (mainly autoantibody production and cytokine profiles) and the potential pathogenic contributors including genetic/epigenetic predisposition, and environmental factors. We look in detail at the cellular and molecular bases underlying tissue-fibrosis which include trans-differentiation of fibroblasts (FBs) to myofibroblasts (MFBs). We also state comprehensively the pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic cytokines relevant to MFB trans-differentiation, vasculopathy-associated autoantibodies, and fibrosis-regulating microRNAs in SSc. It is conceivable that tissue fibrosis is mainly mediated by an excessive production of TGF-β, the master regulator, from the skewed Th2 cells, macrophages, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and keratinocytes. After binding with TGF-β receptors on MFB, the downstream Wnt/β-catenin triggers canonical Smad 2/3 and non-canonical Smad 4 signaling pathways to transcribe collagen genes. Subsequently, excessive collagen fiber synthesis and accumulation as well as tissue fibrosis ensue. In the later part of this review, we discuss limited data relevant to the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tissue-fibrosis in SSc. It is expected that these lncRNAs may become the useful biomarkers and therapeutic targets for SSc in the future. The prospective investigations in the development of novel epigenetic modifiers are also suggested.
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Adebisi, Adesola, Wasiu, Ewa, Uket Eko, and Arikpo, Oka Felix. "Microfinance Banks Dynamics Effect on Small-Scale Enterprise Development in Nigeria." International Journal of Applied Economics, Finance and Accounting 6, no. 2 (June 24, 2020): 64. http://dx.doi.org/10.33094/8.2017.2020.62.64.75.
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This study examined the effect of Microfinance Banks on the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Nigeria. This study was specifically meant to assess the extent to which microfinance banks loans and advances, investments and deposit mobilization affect the productivity of SMEs in Nigeria. The study employed the ex-pose facto research design. Time series data were collected from the CBN statistical Bulletin and SMEDAN annual publications using the desk survey method. The data were analysed using the Vector Error Correction Mechanism. Result from the analyses revealed that Microfinance banks loans and advances and investments do not have any significant effect on SMEs’ productivity in Nigeria both in the long run and short run period. The study further reveals that microfinance banks’ deposit mobilization does not have any significant effect on SMEs’ productivity in Nigeria in the long run, however, within the short run period microfinance banks deposits mobilization has a significant effect on SMEs’ productivity. Based on these findings, it was recommended that MFBs should lighten the condition for lending and increase the duration of lending to their customers, spreading the repayment over a long period of time to assist SMEs meet their funding needs. Also, the Government and its institutions, including the Central Bank, should work in concert to promote the sector, as a means of mobilizing domestic savings, widening the financial system, promoting enterprises, creating employment and income and reducing poverty.
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Oni, Kehinde, Mukaila Ayanda Aremu, and Taiwo Ogunniran. "Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Microfinance Banks’ Performance in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria." Technium Social Sciences Journal 31 (May 9, 2022): 553–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v31i1.6380.
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Over the years, few organisations are gradually coming to terms with the pertinence and essentiality of the strategic and pregnable tool of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the attainment of organisational goals. While some are facing various issues while adopting CSR practices, others are yet to know which CSR activities is best to adopt based on their physical needs. Therefore, this study empirically investigates the role of CSR in the attainment of organisational performance in Ogbomoso Microfinance Bank (MFB). Four research objectives on the relationship between CSR and key important aspect of MFB in Ogbomoso were deployed to 80 employees across Ogbomoso MFB using survey research design. Different analysis such as descriptive statistics, Pearson’s Correlation and regression analysis and T-square with the aid of SPSS were used for the analysis of this survey. The findings revealed that there is a significant correlation between CSR and effectiveness of organisational performance as well as employees and environments. The analysis of the CSR and organisation performance recorded a F-statistics value of 3.648 and p-value of 0.005<0.05. The study also found out that the participation of MFBs in CSR activities is somewhat low based on the statistical analysis which recorded a T-value of 0.263 < 1.96 with significance ratio of 0.793 > 0.05 which indicates that each of the microfinance bank in Ogbomosho spend less than 10% of their profit on CSR activities. Therefore, the study recommends that Ogbomoso MFB should proactively involve in CSR for a significant contribution to productivity and stability.
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Ndirangu, Eunice, David Kiragu, Antony Ngunyi, Mohamed Shano, and John Kimani. "Effect ATM Banking on Performance of Microfinance Banking in Kenya." American Journal of Finance 7, no. 4 (December 16, 2022): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.47672/ajf.1305.
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Purpose: Microfinance banks are investing in ATM banking to satisfy the requirements of the households of accessing financial services and to achieve inclusive economic growth. The study sought to evaluate the effect of ATM banking on performance of the microfinance banks in Kenya. The study was postulated by technology acceptance model.
Methodology: The study adopted positivism philosophy, descriptive research design and census survey. The target population was the thirteen Microfinance Banks regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya. Primary data was collected using questionnaires which were self-administered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to calculate the simple means; standard deviations and to make conclusions from the information. Data was presented using frequency tables, and correlations table. Factor analysis was conducted to reduce the number of factors and Kaiser Meyer Olkin and Barlett’s test of Sphericity were tested and total variance explained, scree plot and rotated component matrix were drawn. Model R - Square, ANOVA Statistics and regression coefficients R were used to test the hypothesis of bivariate model.
Findings: The results show that ATM banking had an R square of 0.931 and a p value of 0.000 to explain the performance of microfinance banks. The study concluded that there is a statistically significant relationship between ATM banking and performance.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that microfinance banks should reinforce the security of the ATM machine and partner with other banking institutions to invest in ATMs to reduce operation cost and this will enhance performance of the MFBs.
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Alfa, Henson, Mukhtar Shehu Aliyu, Ahmed Audu Maiyaki, and Talatu Muhammad Barwa. "Moderating effects of gender on financial literacy and loan repayment behaviour of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Kano State, Nigeria." Journal of Global Economics and Business 4, no. 13 (March 30, 2023): 37–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.58934/jgeb.v4i13.140.
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The purpose of this research is to examine the moderating effect of financial literacy and loan repayment behavior of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kano State Nigeria. Previous studies suggested that many SME owners lack the financial literacy skills needed to run their business effectively and make accurate financial decisions and yet financial literacy skills help individuals to navigate the financial world and make informed decisions about their money and minimized the chances of being misled on the matters. Borrowers and business characteristics were used as indicators of loan repayment behavior. Financial literacy which is the independent variable for the study was analyzed in terms of book-keeping literacy, budgeting literacy and debt management literacy. Beneficiaries of financial literacy programme of three microfinance banks namely; Bichi MFB, Dawakin-Tofa MFB and Ungogo MFB were used. The population of the study is 900 beneficiaries that participated in financial literacy programmes but the sample size is chosen to be 90using Kothra technique of determining sample size. Convenient sampling technique was used to access the subjects in administering questionnaire. Data was analyzed using Structural Equation Model (SEM). In line with the expectation, the study established that gender has a positive moderating effect with book-keeping literacy while gender has negative moderating effect on budgeting literacy and debt management literacy in Kano State. On the basis of the findings, it can be concluded that financial literacy awareness need to be intensified to enable SME owners key into it to achieve their business objectives. Thus, it recommended that SME owners should consider enrolling in financial literacy programmes and other related programmes in and outside MFBs so as to enjoy the benefits of financial literacy.
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Balcerek, Michał, and Krzysztof Burnecki. "Testing of Multifractional Brownian Motion." Entropy 22, no. 12 (December 12, 2020): 1403. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/e22121403.
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Fractional Brownian motion (FBM) is a generalization of the classical Brownian motion. Most of its statistical properties are characterized by the self-similarity (Hurst) index 0<H<1. In nature one often observes changes in the dynamics of a system over time. For example, this is true in single-particle tracking experiments where a transient behavior is revealed. The stationarity of increments of FBM restricts substantially its applicability to model such phenomena. Several generalizations of FBM have been proposed in the literature. One of these is called multifractional Brownian motion (MFBM) where the Hurst index becomes a function of time. In this paper, we introduce a rigorous statistical test on MFBM based on its covariance function. We consider three examples of the functions of the Hurst parameter: linear, logistic, and periodic. We study the power of the test for alternatives being MFBMs with different linear, logistic, and periodic Hurst exponent functions by utilizing Monte Carlo simulations. We also analyze mean-squared displacement (MSD) for the three cases of MFBM by comparing the ensemble average MSD and ensemble average time average MSD, which is related to the notion of ergodicity breaking. We believe that the presented results will be helpful in the analysis of various anomalous diffusion phenomena.