Search results

This study assesses the Laguna District's spatial qualities in Gazimagusa. Gazimagusa is a coastal settlement that possesses long golden beaches. However, almost all sea fronts are closed to the public. There is both a physical and a visual barrier along the sea-shore. The Laguna District is the only area in the city, where the sea-shore is open to the public. Therefore, this district is an important area. In this study, three indicators and eleven determinants are used to assess the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The indicators are natural and physical aspects as well as existing functions and activities in the district. In this research, the determinants are used in question form for assessing the spatial qualities of the Laguna District. The first part of this paper discusses some theoretical issues related to the significance of sea fronts in respect of coastal settlements and the spatial qualities of the coastal districts. Observation and physical analysis methods are used for assessing the spatial qualities. According to findings, some recommendations are given for improving the spatial qualities of the Laguna District.

Garlic supplementation may be inversely contributed to body weight and composition; however, previous results have been inconsistent. This study aims to evaluate the effect of garlic supplementation on body weight and composition using a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Online databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2020. The random-effects model was used to calculate the effect sizes of the included studies. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Cochrane collaboration’s tool. Besides, the NutriGrade scoring system was applied to judge the credibility of the evidence.

In total, 18 studies (with 1,250 participants) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed that garlic supplementation has a significant increase in body weight [weighted mean difference (WMD) = 0.31 Kg, 95% CI: 0.09, 0.53 Kg, P = 0.005, n = 12 effect sizes]. Waist circumference (WC) does remarkably reduce [WMD = −1.28 cm, 95% CI: −2.08, −0.47 cm, P = 0.002, n = 4 effect size]. However, body mass index, body fat percent and fat-free mass do not dramatically change (P > 0.05). Notably, the pooled analyses on body weight and WC were sensitive to two included studies. NutriGrade’s score was rated low for this meta-analysis.

Although garlic supplementation could slightly increase weight and simultaneously might decrease WC, these associations were not strong enough to corroborate the findings. Also, other anthropometric indices do not significantly change. Further well-designed randomized clinical trial studies are needed to confirm the results.