ABSTRACT
Purpose>This study aims to identify and examine the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics ecosystem in which SMEs are operating in, with special focus on the situation in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approach>The study adopted a qualitative methodology consisting of a systematic literature review and interviews with selected consumers and policymakers. The instruments were developed based on cybernetics and a systems-based approach, which allows for the understanding of the dynamics of growth variables in the halal cosmetics ecosystem. Based on data gathered, their relationships were mapped and major growth constraints were identified.Findings>Cybernetics and systems approach coupled with growth diagnostics framework has enabled identification of comprehensive growth constraint variables for halal cosmetics ecosystem and mapping of growth constraints (variables) in a relationships network. The study found that the enforcement activities of the National Pharmaceutical Research Agency (Cosmetics Unit) directly affect five growth constraints and is associated with three other growth constraint variables;subsequently the most binding growth constraint. The relationship network derived from the mapping of the growth constraints indicated that changes in the behaviour of any element will affect the overall operations of the ecosystem.Research limitations/implications>While the cosmetics industry is large and varied, this study is centred on halal colour cosmetics only. The growth constraint variables studied are those chosen by researchers and other growth constraints could be studied to guide policymakers. Future research can revolve around other halal cosmetics business sectors;impact of IR4.0 technology, COVID-19 pandemic impact;crisis and risk management issues, in the halal cosmetics industry.Practical implications>The results derived from the cybernetics analysis affirms the "outside-in” marketing perspective, thus stakeholders should continuously monitor changes in the halal cosmetics ecosystem to ensure to ensure sustainability and profitability. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and policymakers can initiate pre-emptive actions by conducting simulations of various situations on the halal ecosystem.Social implications>Enabled to simulate the effect of changes to the halal cosmetics ecosystem, stakeholders are able to take intervention initiatives, safeguard accessibility to halal cosmetics and make the halal cosmetics industry sustainable.Originality/value>To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive research to identify the growth constraints of the halal cosmetics industry in Malaysia that focusses on three groups of stakeholders (consumers, SMEs and government institutions) concurrently. The growth constraints relationship network of the halal cosmetics ecosystem can be further used to simulate the impact of changes within the system.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) was isolated as a 'hypertensinconverting enzyme'. There have been considerable advances in understanding the metabolic role of ACE in the body. This review attempts to highlight the role of ACE enzyme in the physiological and pathological processes occurring in the organs in which it is localized. METHODS: The literature was searched from the websites of the National Library of Medicine (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Pub Med Central, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's digital archive of life sciences journal literature. RESULTS: The involvement of ACE in regulation of blood pressure forms its central action but it has a role to play in a variety of physiological processes occurring in the organs in which it is localized like the lungs, macrophages, brain, pancreas, liver etc. It has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases including COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: More studies need to be carried out in order to validate the use of ACE levels in the diagnosis and monitoring of the diseases associated, and facilitate the use of ACE inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in the management of the same, so this wonder molecule can be utilized to its full potential.