The world’s purchasing behaviour shifted online in 2022.

This is true even for developing countries, like Ekshop in Bangladesh, Tokopedia in Indonesia. The pandemic has accelerated e-commerce adoption and also attracted significant funding interest in this sector.

Quick commerce (Q-commerce) companies promise ridiculously short delivery times, catering to the consumers’ demand for instant gratification. Blinkit and Zepto can deliver within 10 minutes in a big country like India and have raised millions of dollars of funding last year.

Social commerce companies allow you to buy the fancy shirt that someone is wearing on Instagram immediately and have it delivered to your house. While the commercial viability of these companies is still up for debate, online purchasing is here to stay.

Today, over 440 million people are online in Southeast Asia. According to a report by Google, Temasek Holdings and Bain & Company, 80 per cent of them made at least one online purchase.

More people are expected to come online over the next decade. I am sharing my thoughts from Digital for Development’s perspective.

People in rural/undeveloped areas are overpaying for their goods

I remembered from my first trip to West Papua, Indonesia — specifically to Baliem Valley and Wamena. It was a rural area, where electricity and clean water is not readily available. The net average monthly income is about US$200.

The tribal people need pigs for their ceremonies. And a tiny pig costs US$150 there, while I could get a well-roasted small pig in Singapore at US$130.

Also Read: Quick commerce startup Astro raises US$27M Series A led by Accel, Sequoia India

Electronic items are generally 20 per cent to 40 per cent more expensive in remote areas, how do people with lower income opportunities afford these goods?

Social commerce can lead to predatory behaviours

Social commerce has evolved from in-person Tupperware parties and multi-level marketing to the digital world.

In ASEAN and other developing countries, the sense of community is strong and the mistrust towards “outsiders” is high. People believe what their family or friends tell them, over any other information sources. Hence some MLM companies are more successful in developing countries than in markets like the US.

Today, social commerce lives on messaging apps and social media. Can we trust social media influencers? How transparent will people be, when recommending products to their friends?

I hope that this does not negatively impact the social fabric.

Investment in developing countries is needed for economic prosperity

While it is still unclear if Q or social commerce companies are going to be profitable for their investors, I am excited about how these investments will improve logistics to rural or remote areas. As a consequence, we are able to develop better infrastructure and bring prosperity to all parts of the world.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram groupFB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: ake1150

The post The future of social and quick commerce for developing countries appeared first on e27.



content first appear on e27

5 thoughts on “The future of social and quick commerce for developing countries”
  1. Carlon Colker, M.D., discovered myostatin inhibitors in egg yolk
    from fertilized rooster eggs. Dr. Colker developed a course
    of to optimize the myostatin-inhibiting exercise in yolk membranes, and the ensuing product is
    MYO-T12. It’s some of the talked-about myostatin inhibitors as a
    result of its potential to reduce back myostatin levels, thereby allowing for elevated muscle development
    and improved power. Epicatechin additionally promotes nitric oxide production, which improves blood flow and
    nutrient supply to muscles, enhancing total muscle perform and endurance.
    Another potential concern is that elevated muscle development will lead to an elevated danger of harm due to increased stress on the muscle fibers.

    Literature on human research using high-flavanol cocoa indicate that Epi-rich
    preparations may be administered safely over extended periods [15].
    Moreover, medical research utilizing pure Epi (oral doses of 1-2 mg/kg) haven’t reported antagonistic effects
    [16]. Huttermann et al additionally recently reported that after the withdrawal of Epi (1 mg/Kg BID) animals retain the stimulatory effect on exercise capacity
    14 days after remedy whereas exercise conditioned animals failed to take action [18].

    In this examine, we utilized classical forced treadmill coaching to create a mouse model
    of train fatigue, which concerned 6 days of compelled
    extreme exercise.
    Cordycepin, also recognized as 3′-deoxyadenosine, is a key energetic part present
    in Cordyceps militaris17. This compound exhibits varied pharmacological results, such
    as potent antioxidant10, anti-inflammatory11, and neuroprotective effects12.
    A previous study demonstrated that cordycepin reduces the restoration time from muscle fatigue in isolated skeletal muscles13.
    To investigate the anti-fatigue mechanism of cordycepin, we
    initially examined the effect of H2O2-induced oxidative stress on C2C12 cells, and then evaluated the antioxidant properties of cordycepin by
    assessing the viability of C2C12 cells. After four days of induced differentiation at 37 °C in a 5% CO2 incubator, cells
    were pretreated with numerous concentrations of cordycepin (0.1, 0.5, and 1 μM) for 24 h.
    MSTN binds to the ACVRIIB and ALK4/5 complex leading to successive
    phosphorylation of Smad2/3, leading to its binding with
    Smad4 and translocation of the advanced to the nucleus.
    Non-Smad signaling, then again, tends to suppress the AKT intracellular
    signaling pathways.
    However, but more analysis indicates that myostatin might simply be an anti-hypertrophy agent somewhat
    than the main muscle atrophy set off. The completely different
    methods show there are two particular durations of
    muscle development development that myostatin regulates closely.

    Clearly, anybody looking to build muscle can be excited about a
    secure approach to inhibit the myostatin protein, even just a little, to permit for
    higher muscle growth positive aspects. Some “supplements” contain follistatin, an experimental compound being studied for blocking the actions of myostatin. Potential
    unwanted effects embrace muscle imbalances,
    elevated injury threat, and unknown long-term results on physique
    composition and bone metabolism. Seek The Assistance Of a
    healthcare professional before use, particularly when you have underlying health situations.

    There ARE myostatin dietary supplements on the market proper now that work at decreasing your body’s capacity to supply this
    protein.
    ACE-031 is a soluble form of ACVRIIB, and numerous
    studies on an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis mouse model have shown a single
    dose of ACE-031 increases muscle mass and power. This fusion protein of ACVRIIB and IgG1-Fc acts by binding to MSTN, and thus, disrupts its inhibitory impact (Campbell et al., 2017).
    Experiments on ACE-031 have been subsequently suspended as a end result of potential safety issues of epistaxis
    and telangiectasia. Ghrelin is essentially produced in gastric oxyntic mucosa
    (DeBoer, 2011), and ghrelin therapy reduces proinflammatory cytokine release in cachexia sufferers (Kishimoto et al., 2012).
    Furthermore, will increase in anabolic activity by ghrelin improve GH release and scale back the consequences of irritation, which offers promise for the
    therapy of cachexia (Yanagi et al., 2018).

    Those who’re affected by this genetic condition (‘condition’ – oh the
    irony!) construct twice the quantity of muscle in comparability with a traditional individual (1).
    In reality, out of the nine men who had this myostatin deficiency, Flex had the rarest sort – the ‘exon 2’ gene.
    Muscle biopsies, power tests, and ultrasonography have been carried out on the immobilized leg
    only; DXA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. This is an open entry article distributed under the phrases
    of the Artistic Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the
    unique author and supply are credited. This research was
    funded by a Research Development Grant from the School of
    Training and Professional Research on the College of
    South Alabama. Vital Prescription Drugs Inc. kindly donated the complement
    and placebo for the study. The authors wish to thank the individuals of this study for their time and dedication.
    When it involves reaching remarkable muscle progress
    and strength, science has uncovered some thrilling avenues,
    and they lead straight to myostatin inhibitors.
    Myostatin, the protein answerable for limiting muscle growth,
    could be successfully regulated with the help of supplements like
    Leucine, HMB, and creatine. Researchers from Auburn University in the United States
    shed gentle on this groundbreaking discovery of their study printed within the Journal of the Worldwide Society of Sports Diet.

    Astragalus polysaccharide (APS; also referred to as Huang
    Qi) is a extensively known extract of Astragalus
    membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (AMB) (Fu et al., 2013). Like different members
    of the pro-TGF-β superfamily, pro-MSTN is
    a homodimer comprised of two equivalent disulfide-linked subunits.
    Every chain consists of 109 amino acid residues containing a pro-domain (N-terminal) and
    a smaller development factor (GF) domain (C-terminal).
    As found in different members of the TGF-β superfamily, the GF domain of MSTN incorporates a cystine-knot motif and four antiparallel β-strands known as “fingers”.
    The two identical GF domains of MSTN are related by their concave “palms”, that are covalently
    linked to one another by disulfide bonds between C339 residues in the wrist area.

    While the health benefits of epicatechin and other antioxidants present in tea leaves, coffee beans, and cocoa beans
    are innumerable, the ergogenic effects of isolated epicatechin stay somewhat equivocal [1].
    Recent proof additionally raises doubts about the usage of myostatin blockers
    for constructing muscle mass and preventing muscle atrophy
    in humans [2]. It seems to me that if the muscle weak spot is a operate of muscle mass wastage then there’s a correlation between myostatin inhibition and enhancements in muscle strength, largely because
    of the rehabilitation of muscle tissue. Studies investigating the results of myostatin inhibition have shown that there’s more
    than likely a resultant increase in muscle mass, and probably through multiple biological pathways.

    In old mice, daily injections of epicatechin led to increased overall muscle energy.
    The identical remedy in 6 human subjects elevated their hand grip
    strength after simply 7 days. Added to resistance training,
    creatine can improve the expansion potential of muscular tissues by
    reducing myostatin.
    Myostatin negatively regulates protein synthesis via the Akt pathway by
    inhibiting Akt/p70s6k activation30 and signaling31. Myostatin will increase protein degradation through activation of the ubiquitin–proteasome system10 and is mediated via elevated expression of the ubiquitin e3 ligases Atrogin-1 and MuRF-131,32,33.
    Therapies focusing on the myostatin pathway thus maintain promise to mitigate muscle
    atrophy that accompanies disease and disuse34,35.
    This is as a outcome of extremely low ranges of myostatin increases the body’s ability to metabolise fat.
    In the present research, daily ingestion of 19.eight g
    FOR (6wk) didn’t adversely have an effect on blood variables (Table
    3). Nonetheless, a big decline in ASP occurred in both groups; nonetheless, the values on each
    days 1 and 42 had been still nicely inside the normal range—5 to 30 U/L [43].

    It has been instructed that cachexia might trigger thrombocytosis and
    make patients susceptible to thromboembolic situations and even death, notably within the
    presence of preexisting cardiovascular diseases [10].
    C2C12 cells have been cultured in growth or myogenic differentiation medium
    supplemented with 0.5 or 1 ng of MSTN proteins (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA), respectively, for two days.
    The present competitive landscape for the target myostatin is dominated by corporations like Roche Holding AG,
    Scholar Rock, Inc., and Biohaven Ltd. These corporations are at advanced stages of
    improvement, with medication in Section 3 and different earlier phases.

    For occasion, the latest investigation involving rats with CKD demonstrated that the
    manufacturing of muscle proteins can be enhanced independently of increased consumption of
    vitamins or physical activity, but quite by way of the elimination of nucleolar protein 66 from the organism.
    It is crucial to emphasize that in C, substantial stimulation (early nephropathy) or suppression (advanced nephropathy) of native
    NRF2 can occur, influenced by the underlying etiology, comorbidities, part, length of
    CKD, and the buildup of uremic toxins. Consequently, remedies aimed at the NRF2 system should use a
    diversified strategy that permits the modulation of NRF2 ranges by homeostatic wants [208].

    The effect on skeletal muscle progress 
    is likely one of the main reasons for the large curiosity for epicatechin in latest years.
    One examine was able to decide that epicatechin from darkish chocolates inhibits myostatin. Low ranges of myostatin protein are desirable as
    a end result of it results in elevated capacity to construct skeletal
    muscle mass. Phenolic compound resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
    properties that encourage the manufacturing of more antioxidant-related enzymes and activate transcription components like NRF2 [189].
    As a result, it could hinder the degradation of proteins, which is primarily brought on by the angiotensin I
    and II routes, and phorbol ester through minimizing the expression of MAFbx, MuRF1, and NF-κB [190].
    Moreover, elevated NRF2 gene expression has been linked to the regulating of pro-inflammatory cytokines, primarily IL-6 and TNF.

    It is conceivable the combination of flavonols and phytochemicals present in pure
    cocoa could have a special effect on skeletal muscle adaptation to exercise.

    Another facet of (–)-epicatechin supplementation worthy of further study is the timing and period of supplementation. As
    An Alternative of continual supplementation, it could show helpful to examine the
    usage of (–)-epicatechin when supplemented instantly previous to exercise.

    Studies have proven (–)-epicatechin increases blood circulate by way of vasodilation by means of nitric
    oxide manufacturing (3). Lastly, the potential inhibition of
    cardio diversifications in skeletal muscle because of the antioxidant properties of (–)-epicatechin have to be instantly examined.

    The samples had been then centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 10 min at four 
    °C to collect the supernatant. The levels of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine (ACh), glutamate (Glu), gamma-aminobutyric acid
    (GABA), and serotonin (5-HT), which are related to fatigue, were
    measured using ELISA following the manufacturer’s directions.
    The absorbance at 550 nm and 340 nm
    was measured utilizing a spectrophotometer or microplate reader.

    The kits used on this research had been evaluated for consistency of efficiency across completely
    different batches of kits by restoration checks with recoveries starting from 90%-110%
    and calibrated by standards. The gear used had a measurement
    accuracy of 0.01% and was calibrated earlier
    than each experiment. Ltd. (Wuhan, China), and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 1%
    penicillin/streptomycin (Cell-specific DMEM; Procell, Wuhan, China) in an incubator
    at 37 °C with 5% CO2.
    Curcumin significantly hinders proteolytic routes, together with the calcium-dependent calpain, and cathepsin L path, suggesting that curcumin could impede several proteolytic processes through its immediate impact
    on muscle catabolism [207]. The sophisticated condition of the patients assessed
    within the subsequent trial seems to be a confounding variable, attributed to inadequate bioavailability and quick metabolism [202].
    It is essential to note that extrapolating the right curcumin dosage for folks
    from mouse research has proven difficult.
    Ever since its discovery, intensive analysis has been carried out to suppress
    the activity of MSTN utilizing soluble activin type IIB (sACVRIIB) receptors, peptides or
    propeptides, small molecules, neutralizing antibodies, or MIPs (Table 1).
    Based Mostly in Canada, Katrina is an experienced content material writer and editor specializing in well being and wellness.
    With a journalistic approach, she’s crafted over 900,000 words on dietary supplements,
    striving to debunk myths and foster a holistic
    method to healthi… Though epicatechin and quercetin are thought-about protected supplements, don’t go all in with out doing
    your individual research. If you’re on medications
    or have a well being situation, this implies speaking along
    with your healthcare skilled to make sure it is acceptable
    for your health objectives. By doing this, you can make more
    informed selections, maximizing your efforts while safeguarding your well
    being.
    Myostatin inhibition didn’t lead to any measurable increase
    in Akt activation, which is an upstream regulator of FoxO transcription factors65,
    sixty six, nor did it lead to a rise in p-p70s6K/p70s6K,
    which signifies increased protein synthesis31. It is noteworthy that the
    expression of these proteins was measured within the TA, which showed
    probably the most sturdy response to myostatin inhibition. Yet
    in HS, this muscle is subjected to chronic stretch which
    is hypertrophic in immobilized limbs67. Evaluating a shortened muscle
    (e.g., the gastrocnemius) would have been informative; nonetheless,
    we have previously shown related expression of atrogenes in both the TA and
    gastrocnemius after 14 days of HS.
    Myostatin, also known as progress differentiation issue eight (GDF8), is a transforming progress factor-β
    (TGF-β) member of the family that potently inhibits skeletal muscle improvement [1].
    The organic perform of myostatin turned evident when mice homozygous for
    a deletion of myostatin gene exhibited a dramatic enhance in skeletal muscle
    mass, with individual muscle groups enlarging to roughly twice their normal dimension [1].
    In addition to its effect on skeletal muscle,
    myostatin has been demonstrated to play a big
    function in the regulation of bone metabolism by suppressing
    bone formation [6] and stimulating bone resorption [7].
    Certainly, myostatin null mice characterize not only a doubling of muscle mass, but additionally enhanced bone mineral density (BMD)
    and bone regeneration [6,8]. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an incurable
    illness that causes the lack of muscle tissue. Myostatin inhibition has been shown to extend muscle mass in canine and mice with DMD, suggesting that the potential of myostatin inhibitors ought to be investigated in human patients with DMD
    [7, 16]. In the current examine, the effect of FOR supplementation were in contrast with a
    macronutrient- and energy-matched placebo on indices of muscle dimension and energy during two
    weeks of single-leg immobilization in young, healthy males.

    Following differentiation, myotubes have been both untreated (vehicle control), or treated with
    UA concentrations between 0.002 and one hundred µM for a interval of 24 h.
    No statistically vital lack of cell viability was observed with 24 h treatment with UA concentrations ≤ 50 µM, whereas at a concentration of one hundred
    µM, there was a ~ 40% vital decline in cell viability (Fig. 1A).

    This examine provides proof of UA’s metabolic advantages in major human myotubes, notably improving basal- and
    insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and supressing MSTN expression. These findings suggest UA might be an efficient nutraceutical for mitigating insulin resistance and warrants additional investigation.

    References:

    elliot hulse steroids

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *