TULTECH Journals
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Harnessing Probiotics: A Promising Avenue for Inhibiting Breast Cancer Cell Growth
No full textThe prospective search for innovative treatments for breast cancer is underway, with vast research initiatives aimed at understanding factors that promote the development of breast cancer cells. Underlying factors that breast cancer cells have been determined to rely on are genetic factors, environmental variables, and the strength of the body’s immune response. The resilience of the body’s immune system is profoundly influenced by the diversity of a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics, when utilized as supplements, confer microbial benefits by establishing microflora diversity. An abundance of probiotic bacteria within the body can enhance the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulate hormones such as estrogen, which are relevant to combating breast cancer. The aim of the following research was to investigate the impacts of probiotics on breast cancer cell growth. The following research tested the hypothesis that an aggressive MDA-MB-231 and non-aggressive MCF-7 breast cancer cell line will experience inhibited growth in the presence of probiotics. It was determined that both breast cancer cell lines experienced a decrease in proliferation at the higher probiotic concentrations, with MCF-7 cells being the most negatively impacted by the highest probiotic concentration examined
Developing Investigative Skills in Health Rehabilitation Students in Cuba: A Methodological Approach
No full textUniversity education has the challenge of undertaking a profound transformation to respond to the imperatives of society. The objective of this study is to propose a methodology to contribute to the development of investigative skills in students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health rehabilitation. The methodology used in this research is a predominantly quantitative research strategy followed, at an explanatory level, by applying different methods at the theoretical and empirical levels. As a result, the actions established in each of the stages of the methodology stand out as an element of change within the scientific result. The study concluded that the validity of the methodology was corroborated by the criteria of experts, who stated that it was very appropriate, and the development of a pre-experiment with the students of Sancti Spiritus Medical Sciences University, where it was demonstrated that the development of investigative skills towards health rehabilitation careers was achieved
Performance Analysis of Recycled Concrete Aggregates Derived from Construction Waste
No full textThis paper highlights the potential advantages of incorporating aggregates derived from construction debris, particularly in the context of Libya, where the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is not yet widespread. This research aims to integrate recycling into state laws and procedures while demonstrating the practical applications of RCA. Three types of aggregates were examined such as natural aggregate (NA) as the reference, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) from crushed old concrete blocks, and recycled terrazzo tiles (RTT). The characteristics of these aggregates were determined using various tests, including weight, volumetric, relative density (specific gravity), granular gradation, and Los Angeles abrasion (LA) tests. Results indicated a 15% reduction in specific gravity and a 20% decrease in volumetric weight for RCA compared to NA. The LA test revealed a higher abrasion percentage for the recycled aggregates, consistent with previous studies. To ensure a fair comparison, the same aggregate gradation and component proportions, based on the reference design mix, were used across all three mixes. The compressive strength of concrete made with these different aggregates was assessed through compression tests on cubes measuring 15 x 15 x 15 cm. A total of 12 specimens, with a combined volume of 0.0405 m3, were cast and cured by submerging them in water at 25°C for 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. The findings showed that the compressive strength of the NA mixture was higher than that of the mixes containing recycled materials. However, the compressive strength of the recycled aggregates is promising, with only a 21% decrease compared to the NA mixture, indicating potential for their use in construction
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties Enhancement of Ti/SiC Metal Matrix Composites
No full textTitanium\u27s exceptional strength, low density, and outstanding corrosion resistance make it an ideal material for critical applications in power generation, the gas industry, sports equipment, and various industrial sectors. Under high-temperature conditions, titanium alloys must exhibit superior heat resistance and corrosion durability. However, enhancing titanium alloys with silicon carbide (SiC) through conventional powder metallurgy often results in issues such as porosity and the formation of silicides. To mitigate silicide formation, the hot-pressing technique has demonstrated excellent outcomes, achieving near-theoretical density without reaction zones. Nevertheless, increased sintering temperatures typically lead to a reduction in hardness. The highest hardness recorded was 92 HRB for a composite consisting of 70% titanium and 30% SiC at a sintering temperature of 900°C. By optimizing the sintering time, temperature, and applied pressure, denser Ti/SiC composites were produced
The Effect of Temperature on the Pyrolysis PP and LDPE Plastic Waste: Implications for Pyrolysis Fuel Oil Characteristics
No full textThe accumulation of plastic waste continues to rise, necessitating effective solutions for its management. Pyrolysis is a promising method for converting plastic waste into liquid fuel by breaking down long hydrocarbon chains into shorter ones. This thermochemical process occurs at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen, producing fuel that can be utilized. This study focuses on the experimental extraction of fuel oil from two types of plastic waste: polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Through pyrolysis, the study also investigates the effect of temperature variations on the properties and characteristics of the resulting fuel oil. A total of 750 grams of PP and LDPE plastic waste were used, with pyrolysis temperatures ranging from 250°C to 350°C for a duration of 2 hours. The fuel oil was analysed using density tests, combustion rate analysis, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the highest yield of fuel oil, 280 ml, was obtained from LDPE waste at a pyrolysis temperature of 350°C. The density of the produced fuel varied between 0.730–0.750 g/ml. GC-MS analysis revealed that the fuel oil consisted of hydrocarbon chains ranging from C7 to C12
The Development of Epiphytic Diatoms in the Vjosa River and Their Impact on Water Quality Based on the IPS Index
No full textThe focus of the biological investigation is a microscopic examination of diatom communities, which are frequently employed bioindicators of the health of freshwater systems. Epiphytic diatoms were gathered from five sampling locations along the Vjosa River, including Mifoli Bridge, Pocem, Memaliaj, Sajmola, and Tre Urat, which lies near the Albanian-Greek border. Between May 2022 and September 2022, a total of three field trips were undertaken on a quarterly basis. Chemical markers are frequently less informative than diatoms for detecting water quality. However, they are the organisms of choice for in situ biomonitoring because their communities can vary in response to rising concentrations of organic and inorganic chemicals. This study demonstrates that the shift in dominance of specific species, as shown by their relative abundances, is an indicator of alterations in the aquatic ecology of the Vjosa River. The detected dominating species comprise 131 diatom species, including, among others, Achnanthes neoexilis, Diatoma moniliformis, Brachisyra neoexilis, Achnanthes minutissima KŸtz. var. affinis, and Gomphonema clavatum Ehr. There were 129 penate species and 2 centric species. A penate diatom was the most abundant species at five survey sites across all sampling times. Therefore, we have computed the IPS (sensitive pollution index) Index in order to demonstrate the relationships between organic pollution (BOD, COD, total and P determination), ionic strength (chlorates, sulphates), and eutrophication (chlorophyll and nitrate). The Sensitive Pollution Index varied between good and excellent quality
Experimental Study on the Durability of Concrete with Partial Replacement of Sand with Fly Ash
No full textTo fulfil the massive demand for concrete in construction, the need for natural aggregates is growing day by day, negatively impacting the environment. The river ecosystem is harmed by sand collected from the river bed. Fly ash, on the other hand, is a substantial solid waste created during the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. Despite the multiple applications of fly ash in cement making, brick production, and land filling, some percentages stay unused, requiring vast amounts of land while creating environmental pollution. These two issues can be mitigated if fly ash can be used for partially replacing sand in concrete. In this paper, laboratory trials were conducted to replace 0, 20, and 40% of fine aggregate in concrete. Later carbonation test was conducted on the samples to understand their effects on real life conditions
Activity Correlation of Some Biologically Potent Schiff Bases
No full textImine-functionalized compounds can be modeled as prospective drugs for curing different disease types, particularly those that might be treated via photodynamic therapy. We assess the applicability of these Schiff base ligand systems as model drugs through first-hand in-vitro interaction by deciphering their mode of binding in different biomimicking environments like micelles, reverse micelles, proteins, lipids, DNA, etc. In the present article, we have designed a library of imine-functionalized molecules whose structure-activity correlation has been thoroughly investigated through computational studies employing Density Functional Theory (DFT) using the Gaussian 09 software. The fundamental pharmacological experimental design might be correlated with the theoretical interpretations. In conclusion, we may infer that the design of these biologically imperative compounds, along with their structure-activity correlation study, will serve as colossally important components for future pharmaceutical research
An Overview of Self-Healing Concrete in Sustainable Construction
No full textSelf-healing concrete represents an innovative solution in sustainable construction, tackling the issue of concrete cracks, which can compromise structural integrity, repairing cracks automatically, and enhancing durability and sustainability. This concrete incorporates methods like shape memory alloys, SAPs, and embedded healing agents to repair itself. An innovative method incorporates calcium lactate and bacterial spores within expanded clay pellets. When cracks appear, these pellets release their contents, triggering a healing process where bacteria produce limestone to fill the cracks. SAPs are also effective in healing smaller cracks and preventing water ingress, which is crucial for durability. Although there are challenges like reduced strength and higher costs, self-healing concrete offers a promising future in prolonging concrete structures\u27 lifespan, cutting maintenance expenses, and lessening environmental impacts. It needs more research to get past its current problems and fully use its potential in the building industry. This would help the world\u27s efforts to use sustainable and cost-effective building methods, making it an important sustainable material
Energy Efficiency Analysis in Korça Regional Hospital
No full textIn this research work, we have analysed some of the key challenges associated with energy efficiency (EE) in hospital buildings. As the building sector is one of the most important energy users in Albania, our focus will be on hospitals as a complex building typology. A general overview and analysis of the building envelope where energy consumption in hospitals will be given. Afterward the focus will be on energy audit as a process that will facilitate the improvement of energy efficiency in this building typology. In order to prioritise energy efficiency measures some economic indicators will be introduced. The aim is to present an alternative model for energy auditors and energy managers. All these analyses and procedures will be carried out at Korça Regional Hospital. This analysis will assist decision makers in selecting the most appropriate EE measures from among many influential parameters