Good Physical Appearance Research Articles

Development of nanoemulgel containing nanobentonite-purified catfish oil for candidate of a wound healing dosage form

Catfish oil contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is a bioactive substance as a burn wound healer. This study aims to improve the organoleptic property of catfish oil using nanobentonite as an adsorbent, then formulated in topical nanoemulgel. Purified catfish oil was prepared into nanoemulsion by self-nanoemulsification method. The nanoemulsion formula consisted of catfish oil, cremophor RH40, and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 with various ratios. The optimized nanoemulsion formula was incorporated into hydrogels which were developed using various polymers. Nanobentonite particle size of 508.47 ± 10.47 nm at 10% had the potential to improve catfish oil organoleptic without significantly reducing DHA level. The good physical appearance of nanoemulsion was produced by a 1:8:1 ratio and showed droplet size of 21.03 ± 0.23 nm, Polydispersity index (PDI) 0.269 ± 0.04, pH 6.83 ± 0.02, and zeta potential of −15 ± 2.57 mV. The most stable nanoemulgel was formed by 2% CMC-Na. This nanoemulgel containing catfish oil nanoemulsion has a particle size of 114.4 ± 2.40 nm, PDI 0.399 ± 0.02, pH 6.89 ± 0.01, viscosity of 5,700 ± 50 cps, spreadability of 5.69 ± 0.08 cm, and shows physicochemically stable at 25°C storage conditions. Thus, nanoemulgel containing catfish oil nanoemulsion is a promising wound healer. Nanobentonite is also a potential adsorbent to improve the acceptability of catfish oil for topical use.

Anal Fistula in Children: A Case Report from The Donka Chu National Hospital in Conakry

Introduction: anal fistula (AF) is a common anorectal disorder, with an estimated incidence of 0.5% to 4.3% in daily practice in infants. Most cases occur in children under one year of age, with a strong male predominance. Anal fistula during these periods is probably congenital in origin. The aim of our study was to discuss a case of crypto-glandular anal fistula in children. Case Report: 4-year-old patient admitted with a purulent perianal discharge of congenital origin. He had no previous history of the condition and was the second oldest of three siblings. General examination showed a lucid patient with a good physical appearance and good colouration of the integuments and conjunctivae. Pulse = 90/min; FR=26/ min; the abdomen was symmetrical and supple with no hepatosplenomegaly. Examination of the perineum showed a cutaneous orifice in the form of a granuloma of left lateral topography. The cryptic orifice was visible with the finger prick (Good Sall). Biological tests were unremarkable. We performed a fistulectomy (Figures 2 and 3); the specimen sent to the pathology department showed a fleshy bud on the fistulous pathway. Conclusion: Crypto-glandular anal fistula in children is a common condition. It is diagnosed clinically, and surgical treatment remains appropriate in our context despite the lack of consensus.

KUALITAS PELAYANAN DINAS KEPENDUDUKAN DAN CATATAN SIPIL DALAM PEMBUATAN DOKUMEN KEPENDUDUKAN

The focus of this research is the quality services of Population and Civil Registry regarding the preparation of residence documents in Bogor City. The purpose of this research is to measure the Quality of the Service at the Population and Civil Registry in Bogor City on 2022. The theory used in this study is the Five Dimensional SERVQUAL theory according to Zeithaml, Parasuraman, and Berry in Ratminto and Winarsih which adjusted the standard operating procedures for services and policies written by the Bogor City Population and Civil Registry Service. The method used is descriptive quantitative. The population of this research is the people who make population and civil registration documents at Disdukcapil Bogor City with a sample size of 100 people. Data collection was carried out by distributing questionnaires, observation and documentation. The sampling technique uses accidental sampling. The suggestion for this research is that the Bogor City Disdukcapil is expected to be able to improve the quality of its services to the community as service users, especially in terms of speed and accuracy, the Bogor City Disdukcapil needs to provide good physical appearance and provide more adequate supporting facilities, the Bogor City Disdukcapil is expected to increase its socialization regarding the application "Si Kancil Berlari" so that people can find out and use the application so that it can facilitate and assist the community in making population documents and civil registration

Recovery of Pulp from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch and Used Paper for Sustainable Paper Production

Agricultural waste residue such as empty fruit bunch (EFB) has great potential as an alternative feedstock in pulp and paper industry. This study provides insights into the use of EFB as an alternative non-wood fibre resource for pulping and papermaking. EFB was mixed with used paper (UP) according to the ratio of 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 on dry basis. The hemi-cellulose and lignin contents in EFB was removed by soda-pulping using 15% w/v sodium hydroxide for 30 minutes at 100°C. Chemical analyses were performed to determine the ash content, lignin content, and the cellulose content (Rowel method). Physical and mechanical properties of the EFB/UP paper were characterised according to the TAPPI Standards including grammage, porosity, moisture content and tensile strength. The average fibre length of all EFB/UP papers showed different fibre length ranging from 1.0 to 1.2 mm. EFB25 (25% EFB) was found to have the least moisture content of 7.28% meanwhile EFB100 had the least ash content of 2.28% and the highest cellulose and lignin content of 45.22% and 26.5%, respectively. EFB25 demonstrated the highest tensile index of 2.01 Nm/g. There are no major colour changes and no trace of fungal growth on the surface of all paper samples after 4 weeks of storage without temperature and humidity control. It was found that paper with EFB25 displayed good physical appearance with grammage of 59.8 g/m2 that is almost comparable to commercialised paper of 70 g/m2 and suitable for writing.

Body perception and frequency of exposure to advertising on social networks among adolescents

The marketing actions of influencers promoting unhealthy targeted products can aggravate the problem of childhood obesity and thus generate self-esteem problems. The influence of exposure to this type of sponsored content can also have an effect on the emotional well-being of adolescents. This is the context of this study, which seeks to analyze the relationship between exposure to food or body care advertising on social networks (YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok) of adolescents and their perception of their physical appearance. Online surveys were distributed between April and June 2022 to 1,055 adolescents aged 11-17 years and residing in Spain. The main results show that 16- and 17-year-olds have a heavier figure as an ideal reference, but they are also the group that presents the thinnest evaluation of their current figure. Their level of satisfaction is the lowest compared with the rest of the age groups, and they attach greater importance to the social role of a good physical appearance. Thus, exposure to advertising by influencers on social networks is directly related to lower satisfaction with their bodies. This assessment is based not so much on individual reasons related to health or personal well-being, but rather on fundamentally social reasons, and considers that physical appearance is a determining factor for social success. Therefore, it is advisable to study in more detail the beliefs that directly affect adolescents’ self-esteem to improve their critical competence in the face of this idealized content.

Dynamic Customer Value Cocreation in Healthcare

In managing a chronic illness, customers have the opportunity to play an active role in their healthcare—by cocreating value. For example, customers can adhere to medical advice, seek out information about their condition(s), manage their diet, and interact with family and friends. Moreover, across an extended treatment period, customers may dynamically adjust their level of value cocreation. In this study, we examine 307 healthcare customers receiving treatment for cancer, with 12 value cocreation activities tracked longitudinally over 4 survey waves. Using a hidden Markov model, we reveal three latent states of customer value cocreation: low, moderate, and high. We then determine which of the 12 value cocreation activities are most strongly associated with transitions among cocreation states. Finally, we show that transitioning to a cocreation state with a higher level of cocreation activity positively correlates with customer and marketing outcomes, including customer quality of life and satisfaction. Our findings show that an increase in six cocreation activities—actively sharing information, compliance with medical requirements, interacting with staff, maintaining a healthy diet, interacting with others who receive treatment, and maintaining a good physical appearance—yields positive gains for both customer and marketing outcomes. In contrast, an increase in emotion regulation negatively affects customer outcomes.

Evaluation of the Crossbreeding Scheme and Farmers’ Perception of Awassi and Dorper Crossbred Sheep

The objectives of this study were to characterize the performance of crossbred sheep and crossbreeding scheme and to solicit farmers’ opinions about crossbred sheep. A total of 238 respondents were selected from five districts and data were collected through a personal interview, focus group discussion, measurement of animals, and field observation. Continuous type of data were analyzed using different procedures of SAS, while the estimated breeding value (EBV) for distributed rams was estimated by the WOMBAT software fitting animal model. The findings showed that sheep were the most significant species and that they were primarily raised for meat consumption and income generation. The proportions of crossbred sheep were 79.6% in Angot, 61.3% in Dessie zuria, 64.2% in Gazo, 80.6% in Legambo, and 27.5% in the Kobo area. The sheep crossbreeding program was constrained by feed shortage, lack of improved genotype, and diseases. The ongoing sheep crossbreeding program lacks a proper recording scheme, rams were not selected based on genetic merit, not exchanged in time, lack periodic importation of genetically unrelated rams, and lacks fixing the maximum exotic gene level suitable for the production system. The EBVs of Dorper crossbred rams for birth weight and weaning weight were 0.007 kg and 0.273 kg, respectively. Tikur sheep had an earlier age at first lambing (AFL) than Awassi x Tikur sheep. Likewise, the indigenous Wollo sheep had earlier AFL, short lambing interval, and produced a large number of lambs per lifetime than their Awassi crossbreds. Dorper crossbreds were preferred (9.30 - 72.2 times greater and P < 0.001 ) for their growth rate, physical appearance, preference in the market or price, and milk production of ewes compared with indigenous Tumele sheep. The Awassi crossbred sheep were preferred (odds ratio = 12.7– 90.0 and P < 0.001 ) due to their good physical appearance, fast growth rate, wool yield, milk yield, and better preference in the market compared with Tikur and Wollo sheep breeds. The implementation of the crossbreeding program needs some sort of revision, monitoring, and periodic evaluation. Besides, it must be accompanied by improved management to exploit the expected benefits from the crossbreeding program in the low-input production system.

NOVEL TOPICAL ANTI-AGING HERBAL COMPOSITION

Objective: Anti-aging formulations are among the premier skin care products in the global market that are in huge demand. Different treatments are available to slow down skin aging, but are very expensive and are often found to produce adverse reactions to the skin in prolong use. Hence, present study has been designed to formulate poly herbal anti-aging skin care products and their evaluation thereon.
 Methods: Anti-aging herbal skin care cream, gel and serum were prepared using two medicinal plants Hippophae salicifolia and Celosia argentea along with three bioactives caffeine, rutin and bakuchiol. The formulations were evaluated for physicochemical parameters like pH, texture analysis, acid value, short-term stability study, etc. Phenolics and flavanoid content were determined. Anti-aging potential was gauged by in silico studies using the glide tool of ‘Schrodinger’.
 Results: Cream, gel and serum showed good physical appearance and were free from gritty particles and with smooth texture. Accelerated stability studies indicated insignificant changes in physicochemical parameters of the formulations. Based on the docking score and interaction with amino acid, compounds present in the plant extracts and bioactive showed good anti-aging activity.
 Conclusion: The prepared herbal anti-aging formulations were found to be stable and exhibited good potential as an anti-aging combination. So, they can be used as an effective combination to protect skin from aging.

Adaptation of blueberry crop (Vaccinium corymbosum) under macro-tunnel in Valle de Santiago, Gto.

In order to evaluate the adaptation of Ventura variety blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) cultivation under macro tunnel, an experiment was established at the Southwest Technological University of Guanajuato from January to April 2022. The study was established based on a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and four repetitions. The treatments to be evaluated were four foliar fertilizers: Citan® (rooting hormones); formula 20-30-10 (N, P, K + Microelements); Bayfolan Forte® (N, P, K + Microelements); Demeter Poto® (K, B, Zn, P), applied weekly and an absolute control. The number of green sprouts developed three months after the first application was evaluated. The statistical analysis showed that there were no significant differences (p = 0.01) between the foliar fertilization treatments; however, an average of 13 to 16 green sprouts was counted, all with good development, vigor and physical appearance; largely due to foliar fertilization as a complement to nutrition via irrigation. The adaptation of the blueberry crop was achieved, as a recently introduced species in Valle de Santiago, under macro tunnel conditions, the microclimate and implemented agronomic management; however, it is necessary to improve some management aspects such as nutrition and above all, provide optimal protected conditions for cultivation.

Modeling the relationship between air temperature and grapefruit quality traits.

Consumers of grapefruit require consistent fruit quality with a good physical appearance and taste. The air temperature during the growing season affects both the external (external color index (ECI)) and internal (titratable acidity (TA) and total soluble solids ratio (TSS/TA)) fruit quality of grapefruit. The objective of this study was to develop computer models that encompass the relationship between preharvest air temperature and fruit quality to predict fruit quality of grapefruit at harvest. There was a logarithmic relationship between the number of days with a daily minimum air temperature ≤13 °C and ECI, with a greater number of days resulting in higher ECI. In addition, there was a second-order polynomial relationship between the number of hours ≥21 °C and both TA and TSS/TA, with a greater number of hours resulting in lower TA and higher TSS/TA. Model performance for predicting the ECI, TA, and TSS/TA during 2004-05 and 2005-06 growing seasons was good, with Nash and Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (NSE) values for each season of 0.835 and 0.917 respectively for ECI, 0.896 and 0.965 respectively for TA and 0.898 and 0.966 respectively for TSS/TA. Applying the model to statistical survey data covering 13 growing seasons demonstrated that the TSS/TA model was robust. Statistical models were developed that predicted the development of grapefruit ECI, TA, and TSS/TA. The TSS/TA model was confirmed after application to long-term statistical survey data covering 13 growing seasons. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of roasting and γ-irradiated Peanuts on Toxicological Parameters of Wistar Rats

Effects of roasting and γ-irradiated (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy) peanuts on toxicological parameters were evaluated through feeding of Wistar rats fed for a period of eight weeks. Physical appearance, body weight, hematological, serum biochemistry and tissue pathological parameters were determined using standard methods. During the eight weeks, Wistar rats showed good physical appearance and steady weight gain, and no mortality was recorded. Haematological analysis of the Wistar rats gave no indication of anemia; packed cell volume (41.09-46.14%), haemoglobin concentration (14.01-14.80 g/L), red blood cell (11.58-12.87 µ/L), mean corpuscular volume (30.58-37.85 fl), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (11.22-12.23 pg.). Serum blood parameters including albumin, globulin, creatine and blood urea nitrogen of Wistar rats fed with rat pellet, non- and γ-irradiated peanut were not significantly different. However, total protein (4.99-5.38 g/dL), cholesterol (55.67-60.50 mg/dL), alanine amino transferase (62.56-66.56 IU/L) and aspartate amino transferase (80.50-85.50 IU/L) increased significantly (p<0.05) during the period of evaluation. Histopathological examination of heart, liver, lungs, intestine, and spleen revealed diffuse mild degeneration of seminiferous tubular epithelium, mild congestion of hepatic sinusoids, mild hyperplasia of goblet cells and infiltration of the lamina propria by eosinophil and lymphocytes, and sub-capsular edema. Roasted γ-irradiated peanut did not cause changes of any toxicological significance in Wistar rats.

Anti-inflammatory activity of Indonesian nutmeg seeds (Myristica fragrans Houtt): A topical gel formulation

Herbal medicines have been shown as anti-inflammatory with potentially lesser side effects. The active compound of nutmeg seed is proven to accelerate the healing process of inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the gel formulation of Indonesian nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) seed extract for anti-inflammatory activity. A true experimental post test only with control group design was used in this study. The gel was formulated with various concentrations of nutmeg seed extract, namely formulations F1 (0%), F2 (2%), F3 (4%), F4 (8 %), and F5 (12%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the least significant difference (LSD) methods were performed with SPSS version 22. The results showed that all formulas had an opaque physical appearance, brownish-yellow color, soft texture, and aromatic odor. The increase of extract concentration in gel formula will affect the adhesion and spreadability. F5 showed the highest anti-inflammatory activity compared to other groups. This formula was generally identified as having a good physical appearance, homogeneity, and stability with a pH value of 6.16±0.24, adhesiveness of 51.12±0.15 sec, and a spreadability of 19.54±0.12 cm2. Therefore, Indonesian nutmeg has the potential to be well-acceptable as a candidate for topical anti-inflammatory agents in global health benefits.

Formulation and Evaluation of Turmeric Emulgel

The aim of the present research work was to investigate the potential of emulgel in enhancing the topical delivery of Turmeric. Emulgel formulations of Turmeric were prepared using Carbopol 934 as a gelling agent. The influence of the type of the gelling agent and the concentration of both the oil phase and emulsifying agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgel was investigated using. The main purpose of this research was to design to formulate and evaluate a topical gellified emulsions (Emulgel) of Turmeric by using high molecular weight water soluble polymer Carbapol 934. This Carbapol possesses very high viscosity, transparency, film forming properties at low concentration and reported to be useful in formation of gel with an objective to increase transparency and spreadability. All the prepared emulgel showed acceptable physical properties concerning color, homogeneity, consistency, spreadability, and pH value. The influence of the type of gelling agent on the drug release from the prepared emulgels was investigated and carbopol 934 showed good results not only in the drug release but also in physical evaluation parameters. From the drug release studies, F3 formulation showed 90.05% drug release in 6 h with good clarity and physical appearance and viscosity 2250cps.Stability studies showed that the physical appearance, rheological study, in vitro drug release, and anti-inflammatory activity in all the prepared emulgel remained unchanged upon storage for 3 months. It was finally concluded that the formulation F3 with 1%w/w Carbopol 934 was found to be more promising formulations as it shows better physicochemical characteristics and antiinflammatory activity compared to other formulations.

A qualitative study of motivators and barriers to weight reduction practices among overweight and obese suburban Malay adults

Introduction: Designing an effective and comprehensive weight reduction intervention requires an understanding of the motivating factors and barriers to losing weight. This study explored the motivating factors and barriers to weight reduction through the experiences, emotions and ideas shared among suburban overweight and obese Malay adults. Methods: In this qualitative study, 23 overweight or obese Malay adults aged 30-59 years old were divided into three focus group discussion (FGD). The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM), consisting of four levels (intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and policy) was utilised in this study. Results: The motivating factors were: (1) Intrapersonal level: self-awareness, health concern, self-confidence, and desire to have good physical appearance, (2) Interpersonal level: social support from family and friends, (3) Community level: availability and accessibility of physical activity facilities and health information, and (4) Policy level: healthy lifestyle programme. The barriers were: (1) Intrapersonal level: lack of knowledge about diet, physical limitations, lack of self-control, and emotion/mood, (2) Interpersonal level: spouse and children, career or housework commitment, (3) Community level: lack of neighbourhood safety, and availability and accessibility of outside foods, and (4) Policy level: availability and accessibility of outside foods. Conclusion: Eight factors were identified as motivating factors and barriers for weight reduction practices. Support from family and friends should be considered when developing an effective and comprehensive weight loss programme as it was both a motivating factor as well as a barrier.

O amor como missão: os sentidos do casamento no correio feminino de Myrna/Nelson Rodrigues

Este trabalho objetiva discutir como se constrói a representação feminina nas cartas escritas por Nelson Rodrigues com o heterônimo Myrna, publicadas no jornal carioca Diário da Noite, no ano de 1949, dentro do correio feminino Myrna escreve. Trata-se de um estudo embasado na Análise do Discurso de linha francesa, que estuda os sentidos e as condições em que eles são produzidos. Nessa perspectiva, investiga-se a relação entre a mulher e o casamento nos textos do referido correio feminino. O corpus é constituído de oito sequências discursivas selecionadas de cinco textos publicados no jornal. As reflexões desenvolvidas apontam que os sentidos produzidos a partir dos escritos de Myrna indicam a identificação com uma formação discursiva tradicional, que associa o sucesso de um casamento à boa aparência física da mulher, às características historicamente relacionadas à sua feminilidade e, por fim, à sua busca incessante pelo amor.

Effect of added psyllium and food enzymes on quality attributes and shelf life of chickpea-based gluten-free bread

A 24 full factorial design with four center points was used to investigate the effects of chickpea flour (CF), psyllium (PSY), cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (CGTase), and transglutaminase (TGase) on dough Mixolab® parameters and fresh and stored gluten-free bread (GFB) physical properties. Results show that CF and PSY have the greatest effects on the investigated variables. CF increases the loaf-specific volume and crumb firmness values of fresh GFB, effects of increased starch stability (C4) and tendency to starch retrogradation (C5). Both PSY and PSY- CF interactions reduce the loaf-specific volume and increase the crumb firmness of GFB during storage, effects of an increased initial consistency (C1). CF - CGTase interaction reduced crumb firmness during storage, and TGase had no effect. High CF-levels (75 and 100 g/100 g flour weight basis, fwb) combined with low PSY-levels (4.5 and 5.5 g/100 g fwb) resulted in favorable dough consistency for increasing loaf volume and crumb softness. Results also show that the combination of 75 CF and 5.5 PSY (g/100 g fwb) produces a GFB with good physical properties and appearance, reaching values comparable to commercially available fresh and stored GFB.

Development of Clove Oil <i>In Situ</i> Gels for Buccal Mucoadhesive

Clove oil is the volatile essential oil obtained from Syzygium aromaticum. Eugenol, which is the main component, has antimicrobial, antifungal activity and antioxidant. From antiseptic activity, clove oil can be used in treatment of oral cavity infection. The aims of this research are to formulate and evaluate clove oil mucoadhesive gel for oral applications. Gel bases were prepared from Poloxamer 407 (P407). The effect of clove oil, P407 and xanthan gum on formulations were studied. Clove oil preparations were evaluated for their physicochemical properties (physical appearance, pH, viscosity, gelling capacity and gel dissolving time at 37 °C in artificial saliva). Mucoadhesive property was studied using porcine buccal mucosa. The amount of eugenol in clove oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). Stability study of clove oil gel was performed under stress and room temperature conditions (1 month). The results showed that preparations containing 0% and 1% clove oil were in situ gel while those containing 3% and 5% clove oil were gel. All formulations showed good and clear physical appearance with the pH value of 5.2. The gelling capacity and gel dissolving time of more than 15 minutes in artificial saliva at 37°C was found in all preparations. They also showed mucoadhesive property. The GC results showed that the amount of eugenol in clove oil were 99.52 ± 0.51 %V/V. The preparations containing 1% clove oil showed good physical and chemical stability after storage at room temperature for 1 month. There was no significant difference in the amount of eugenol after storage (p>0.05). In conclusion, the preparations containing 20% P407 and 1% clove oil are the most appropriate formulation.

Formulation Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of a Novel Dexibuprofen-Capsaicin Skin Emulgel with Improved In Vivo Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects.

Transdermal application of analgesics allows efficient and painless delivery of medication with minimum side effect. This study was designed with the aim to formulate and characterize dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel for transdermal drug delivery with improved anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The emulgel was prepared and evaluated for physical examination, stability, spreadability, rheological behavior, viscosity, drug content determination, FTIR analysis, and ex vivo studies. Anti-inflammatory (carrageenan-induced paw edema) and analgesic (hot plate latency test) effects were determined in Sprague-Dawley rats. The dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel showed good physical appearance and stability having average pH 5.5 to 6.0, conductivity 73-76s/m, spreadability (12-)17gcm/s, drug content 102.84% ± 0.53 (for capsaicin) and 94.09% ± 0.41 (for dexibuprofen), and FTIR compatibility. It was noted that 86.956% ± 1.46 (with 100mg menthol), 76.687% ± 1.21 (75mg menthol), and 65.543% ± 1.71 (without menthol) of capsaicin were released. Similarly 81.342% ± 1.21 (with 100mg menthol), 72.321% ± 1.31 (75mg menthol), and 52.462% ± 1.23 (without menthol) of dexibuprofen were released. The cumulative amount of capsaicin permeated through rabbit skin was 9.83 ± 0.037μg/cm2 with 100mg menthol (as permeation enhancer), 7.23 ± 0.037μg/cm2 with 75mg menthol, and 2.23 ± 0.061μg/cm2 without menthol after 6.5h. The permeation of dexibuprofen was 19.53 ± 0.054μg/cm2, 13.87 ± 0.032μg/cm2, and 3.83 ± 0.074μg/cm2. Carrageenan-induced paw edema of rat was effectively inhibited by the optimized emulgel. Similarly it was observed that DCE5 shows higher analgesic activity compared with marketed diclofenac sodium emulgel (Dicloran®). The conclusion of this research study evidently indicated a promising synergistic potential of dexibuprofen-capsaicin emulgel as an alternative to the conventional topical dosage form.

Comparación entre el efecto de la dieta cetogénica y la dieta alta en hidratos de carbono en el aumento de la masa y la fuerza muscular


 La evidencia científica muestra la importancia de la nutrición en la hipertrofia muscular, especialmente con el objetivo de lograr un balance energético positivo entre la ingesta alimentaria y el consumo de energía, siempre y cuando haya una buena ingesta de proteínas. Diversos estudios demuestran que la combinación de ejercicio contra resistencia con un sobreaporte energético produce ganancias en la masa corporal magra. Sin embargo, no está clara la cantidad exacta de todos los macronutrientes. 10 varones con más de 2 años de experiencia en entrenamiento sistemático de la fuerza, fueron divididos en 2 grupos de 5 sujetos, un grupo sometido a dieta cetogénica y el otro a una dieta con alto porcentaje de carbohidratos, y los dos durante 8 semanas. Ambas dietas produjeron un aumento significativo en el porcentaje de masa muscular y en el 1RM de press banca y sentadilla, siendo este aumento más destacado en la dieta rica en carbohidratos. Además, la dieta cetogénica destacó por la disminución significativa del porcentaje de grasa y de peso graso. Por tanto, ambas dietas estarían indicadas para personas que quieren mejorar su masa muscular y fuerza llevando a cabo entrenamiento de hipertrofia. Sin embargo, si se busca más fines estéticos, la dieta cetogénica podría aportar algo más de resultados, y si hay un objetivo más de mejora de la fuerza, sería más recomendable una dieta rica en hidratos de carbono.

FACTORS INFLUENCING THE NON-ADOPTION OF GREEN BUILDING SPECIFICATIONS IN KLANG VALLEY MALAYSIA

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth and bringing more job opportunities. However, construction activities also bring adverse pollutions to the environment. Therefore, the adoption of green building specifications is crucial to mitigate these pollutions by promoting efficient resources utilisation and environmental-friendly practices. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the non-adoption of green building specifications in Klang Valley, Malaysia and to examine the underlying structure caused by the latent factors. In addition, this study is conducted to investigate the effects caused by the non-adoption of green building specifications. This study adopted a quantitative research approach that utilises an online questionnaire to collect quantitative data from the respondents. According to the results, the most influential factor is “Unwillingness to change the conventional way”, while the least influential factor is “Conflicts with aesthetic issues”. Among the three effects studied, “Worsen soil pollution” has the most significant effect. Next, the factors are categorised into five-factor groupings through factor analysis, namely, Green technology related-factor, Governmental related-factor, Economic related-factor, Public awareness and behaviour related-factor, and Corporate related-factor. Based on the interpretation of the results, “Unwillingness to change the conventional way” is the highest-ranked influential factor, which may be due to the habitual thinking of construction stakeholders in remaining their existing business practices. “Conflicts with aesthetic issues” is the least ranked factor because green features actually do not downgrade but enhance the appearance of the buildings. For instance, the Energy Commission Diamond Building in Putrajaya has a good physical appearance indeed. In conclusion, this study ranked the factors to show their degrees of significance towards the non-adoption of green building specifications. Besides that, the factors are categorised into five-factor groupings and the differences among the factor groupings are also studied.