Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Bushing Dimensions, Surface Roughness and Induced Temperature during Friction Drilling of Pre-heated A356 Aluminum Alloy

Abstract This study explores the application of machine learning algorithms, specifically Random Forest Regressor (RFR) and Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), to predict key outcomes of the friction drilling of A356 aluminum alloy. Optimizing process parameters such as rotational speed (RS), feed rate (FR), and preheat temperature (PH) is critical to achieve high-quality bushings during friction drilling. The study focused on predicting bush height (ha), thickness (t), surface roughness (Ra), and the induced temperature at workpiece/drilling-tool interface (T) through a dataset consisting of 27 experiments. The results showed that RS and PH had a significant influence on ha and T, with higher values of both parameters leading to increased bush height and induced temperature. Nevertheless, FR demonstrated a weaker effect on these responses but had a more pronounced impact on t and Ra. Feature importance analysis revealed that RS and PH were the most critical parameters for optimizing the friction drilling process, while FR had a lower effect. Additionally, the GBR model outperformed the RFR model in predicting ha, t, and Ra, providing more accurate results for these dimensions. Whereas the RFR exhibited a better behavior in predicting T, demonstrating the machine learning potential to enhance precision of the formed bushings.Abstract This study explores the application of machine learning algorithms, specifically Random Forest Regressor (RFR) and Gradient Boosting Regressor (GBR), to predict key outcomes of the friction drilling of A356 aluminum alloy. Optimizing process parameters such as rotational speed (RS), feed rate (FR), and preheat temperature (PH) is critical to achieve high-quality bushings during friction drilling. The study focused on predicting bush height (ha), thickness (t), surface roughness (Ra), and the induced temperature at workpiece/drilling-tool interface (T) through a dataset consisting of 27 experiments. The results showed that RS and PH had a significant influence on ha and T, with higher values of both parameters leading to increased bush height and induced temperature. Nevertheless, FR demonstrated a weaker effect on these responses but had a more pronounced impact on t and Ra. Feature importance analysis revealed that RS and PH were the most critical parameters for optimizing the friction drilling process, while FR had a lower effect. Additionally, the GBR model outperformed the RFR model in predicting ha, t, and Ra, providing more accurate results for these dimensions. Whereas the RFR exhibited a better behavior in predicting T, demonstrating the machine learning potential to enhance precision of the formed bushings

Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Tungsten Oxide Precipitated onto Natural Inorganic Clay for Humidity-Sensing Applications

A wet chemical method was used to obtain tungsten oxide nanoparticles from tungsten tetrachloride and natural microfibrous inorganic clay (sepiolite) as a starting material. Precipitation of tungsten oxide species onto sepiolite under basic conditions and subsequent thermal treatment was investigated, prompted by the abundance of sepiolite in nature and the useful environmental applications that could be attained. Laser granulometry, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques were used to study the particle-size distribution, the morphology, and the composition of the prepared sample. Our findings show the presence of tungsten oxide nanoparticles, which are less than 50 nm, on the needles of the modified sepiolite

The sensing characteristics of ZnO tetrapods synthesized by microwave evaporation

ZnO tetrapods have been grown by an environmental microwave evaporation approach in air atmosphere without any use of organic solvents or precursors. The synthesized powder was characterized using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and Field emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM). The grown ZnO tetrapods exhibited a noteworthy microstructure and phase formation of crystalline and pure structure. ZnO tetrapods were deposited on Pt electrode to be employed as ZnO tetrapods structure-based sensors, then, they were investigated at room temperature in the relative humidity ranging from 0.0 to 96.0%. The sensors have shown a significant response towards relative humidity starting from 30%. Cross-sensitivity was investigated with respect to N2O (150 ppm in helium) and methane (1000 ppm in helium). The ZnO tetrapods-based sensors were insensitive towards the interfering gases, indicating a potential applicability for humidity sensing purposes

Preparation and characterization of a zinc oxide nanopowder supported onto inorganic clay.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles are obtained by a wet chemical method using zinc sulphate as a raw material. Doping sepiolite, micro-fibrous inorganic clay, with ZnO after precipitation under basic conditions and subsequent thermal treatment is investigated as both materials are abundant. They are used for the development of humidity and gas sensors of great environmental importance. The particle size distribution, the morphology and the composition of the powder samples are characterized by X-Ray diffraction accompanied by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy and High Resolution-Transmission Electron Microscopy techniques. The data obtained confirm the formation of zinc oxide nanoparticles of a size of 10 nm on the modified sepiolite grains

Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy Versus Bioptron on Psoriasis

Purpose: The current study was carried-out to examine the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy versus bioptron on psoriasis. Subjects and Methods: 60 patients of both sexes with psoriasis contributed in this study and they were aged from 30 to 60 years. They were randomized into two groups of the same number (A and B). Group (A) were given low level laser therapy (LLLT) and medical care, while group (B) were given bioptron light therapy (BLT) and the same medical care that received in group (A). The variables included Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) and Dermoscopic finding were measured pre and post intervention program on psoriatic patients in both groups. Both groups were given treatment program 3 sessions a week for 8 weeks. Results: following 8 consecutive weeks, both groups showed statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures, however there was a significant difference between them post treatment, favoring group (A). Conclusion: Low level laser therapy and bioptron were beneficial treatment modalities in psoriatic patients and LLLT may be more effective in treating psoriasis

Time-integrated monitoring of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) in aquatic environments using the ceramic toximeter and the CALUX bioassay

a b s t r a c t Ceramic passive samplers or toximeters (packed with active carbon 1%, w/w, on celite), in combination with the CALUX bioassay have been used as a time-integrated monitoring technique for dissolved dioxinlike PCBs in urban and industrial wastewaters. The technique showed to be reliable during laboratory experiments: (1) PCB-126 amounts extracted from the passive samplers increased linearly with the time of exposure and (2) PCB-126 concentrations calculated from the amounts accumulated by the passive samplers were in agreement with their concentrations in the testing solution. Afterwards the toximeters were applied in the field. Two sampling sites located in Egypt were chosen: the Belbeis drainage canal, and the EMAK paper mill. A total of 18 ceramic toximeters were exposed to the wastewater in both sampling sites for a maximum period of 4 weeks. Two samplers were collected weekly from each site to monitor the increase in target analytes over time. Extracts were analyzed using the CALUX bioassay and the total dioxin-like PCB toxicity was reported for the aqueous phase (water column), as well as the solid phase (sediment and sludge) in both sampling sites. The time-weighted average concentration (TWA) of dl-PCBs in wastewater of the paper mill during the sampling period ranged between 7.1 and 9.1 pg-BEQ L À 1 , while that of the drainage canal ranged between 9.5 and 12.2 pg-BEQ L À 1 . The dl-PCBs in the fibrous sludge (paper mill) and bottom sediment (drainage canal) were 0.5 and 0.4 pg-BEQ g À 1 dryweight, respectively. The organic-carbon normalized partition coefficients between sediment and water (log K oc ) for the paper mill and the canal were 2.4 and 4.3, respectively

Relation between microRNAs and Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

AIM: To determine the relation between serum microRNAs and apoptotic markers as regards development of HCC to understand the underlying mechanism of HCV related hepatocarcinogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 65 serum samples (25 samples from controls, 20 samples from hepatitis and 20 samples from HCC patients) were collected for miRNAs (mir 21, mir 199-a, and mir 155) detection. Human Programmed cell death protein-4 (PDCD-4) and Human Cytochrome-C (CYT-C) were determined. RESULTS: miRNAs 21 and 155 were over expressed in sera of patients with HCC compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). While serum means values of miR 199a was significantly decreased among HCC group patients when compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of PCDC4 and CYTC were increased in patients with HCC when compared to chronic hepatitis patients. They were also increased in patients with chronic hepatitis when compared to controls (p < 0.05, significant). There was direct correlations between apoptotic markers and oncomirs miRNAs 21 and 155 while apoptotic markers were inversely correlated with miRNA 199-a. CONCLUSION: Both microRNAs and apoptotic markers have roles in HCC pathogenesis. It seems that oncogenic microRNAs induce liver carcinogenesis in HCV patients irrespective of suppression of apoptosis.AIM: To determine the relation between serum microRNAs and apoptotic markers as regards development of HCC to understand the underlying mechanism of HCV related hepatocarcinogenesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 65 serum samples (25 samples from controls, 20 samples from hepatitis and 20 samples from HCC patients) were collected for miRNAs (mir 21, mir 199-a, and mir 155) detection. Human Programmed cell death protein-4 (PDCD-4) and Human Cytochrome-C (CYT-C) were determined. RESULTS: miRNAs 21 and 155 were over expressed in sera of patients with HCC compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). While serum means values of miR 199a was significantly decreased among HCC group patients when compared to patients with chronic hepatitis (p < 0.0001). The serum levels of PCDC4 and CYTC were increased in patients with HCC when compared to chronic hepatitis patients. They were also increased in patients with chronic hepatitis when compared to controls (p < 0.05, significant). There was direct correlations between apoptotic markers and oncomirs miRNAs 21 and 155 while apoptotic markers were inversely correlated with miRNA 199-a. CONCLUSION: Both microRNAs and apoptotic markers have roles in HCC pathogenesis. It seems that oncogenic microRNAs induce liver carcinogenesis in HCV patients irrespective of suppression of apoptosis

Relation among zootechnical performance, biochemical indicators, water quality, and small invertebrates (zooplankton) abundance reared in biofloc-supplemented systems

The present study was conducted to investigate the interaction of biofloc water supplementations and potential zooplankton abundance and structure in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus-rearing systems on zootechnical performance and biochemical indicators. Nile tilapia juveniles (13.30 g and 9.50 cm) were randomly distributed into 18 fiberglass tanks (500 L/tank with a stocking density of 40 fish/tank) to start the feeding experiment for 60 days. Fish weights were recorded weekly to adjust the feeding rate at 3% of their biomass using a commercial diet. Compared to the control group (T0, zero biofloc water supplementation), the influence of five biofloc supplementation levels was applied as follows: 14.2, 28.4, 42.6, 56.8, and 71 g L−1 (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively). The biofloc was prepared in an external fermentor fiberglass tank (300 L) and added to the fish tanks to keep the biofloc levels constant during the experiment. After 30 and 60 days of the experiment, the number of zooplankton was 46,501 and 24,537 Ind. L−1, respectively, which included four families (Rotifera, Copepoda, Cladocera, and free-living nematodes) with the domination of family Rotifera at 81.65% and 93.89%, respectively. The water quality indicated was within the standard values recommended for fish culture. Compared to those of the control group, the values of growth performance, whole-body biochemical composition, and blood biochemical indicators were significantly higher in biofloc groups than in the control group. Group T3 achieved the highest significant growth performance values. In comparison with the control group, T3 achieved the lowest number of cultures and the abundance of small invertebrate prey after 60 days of culture. The fish reared in groups T0 and T1 showed the highest significant urea content and the highest concentrations of liver function enzyme activities. Interestingly, compared to all groups, T3 achieved the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) value (1.68). Principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlation coefficient confidence (PCCC) clarified a close positive relationship between T0 and T3 with the total individual, Rotifera abundance, and FCR. The highest PCCC value with T0 was in group T3 (0.947). In conclusion, biofloc supplementation (42.6 g L−1) showed a sustainable clean aquadiet strategy and significantly improved Nile tilapia growth and FCR with regard to the culture of small prey invertebrates for 60 days

Clinical utility of biochemical markers in ulcerative colitis among Egyptian patients

Abstract Biochemical markers are a non-invasive way of objectively measuring inflammation in ulcerative colitis and can play an adjunctive or primary role in the assessment of disease activity. Aim of this study was to A) evaluate serum levels of some biomarkers "leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and ghrelin" in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, besides the ordinary inflammatory markers, B) to correlate the results with the disease activity, with the clinical characteristics of the disease C) and to examine the possible interaction between the estimated parameters values. Study was conducted on 56 UC patients from the Clinic of Internal Medicine Department and Endoscopy Unit of Alzahraa Hospital, Alazhar University, besides 30 healthy subjects served as control group. Results: Mean levels of ESR, CRP, TNF-α, resistin and ghrelin were significantly higher in active UC patients than the control group, while after the courses of treatment 47 patients achieved complete remission (inactive UC) mean values of these biochemical parameter deceased significantly than the original values at the active disease and the values reached nearly the normal ranges. While in patients (9 patients) who did not achieved complete remission, there were moderate decreased serum levels of these biochemical markers but still higher values than the control group and they still have manifestations of active UC. The mean level of leptin was significantly decreased in active UC patients compared to the control group, while after the course of treatment in patients achieved complete remission (inactive UC) the mean value increased significantly (with mean value 10.1 ng/ml). Conclusion: Our data indicate that, the increased plasma resistin, TNF-α and ghrelin levels correlated with activity of ulcerative colitis and so they could predict the response to therapy and possibly reflect an acute-phase response due to inflammation more than the ordinary inflammatory markers. Resistin, TNF-α and ghrelin levels could be considered as an independent predictor of disease activity in patients with UC and may represent link between inflammation and UC