The present study investigates the CNC milling performance of the machining of AISI 316 stainless steel using a carbide cutting tool insert. Three critical machining parameters, namely cutting speed (v), feed rate (f) and depth of cut (d), each at three levels, are chosen as input machining parameters. The face-centred central composite design (FCCCD) of the experiment is based on response surface methodology (RSM), and machining performances are measured in terms of material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness (SR). Analysis of variance, response graphs, and three-dimensional surface plots are used to analyse experimental results. Multi-response optimization using the data envelopment analysis based ranking (DEAR) approach is used to find the ideal configuration of the machining parameters for milling AISI 316 SS. The variables v = 220 m/min, f = 0.20 mm/rev and d = 1.2 mm were obtained as the optimal machine parameter setting. Study reveals that MRR is affected dominantly by d followed by v. For SR, f is the dominating factor followed by d. SR is found to be almost unaffected by v. Finally, it is important to state that this work made an attempt to successfully machine AISI 316 SS with a carbide cutting tool insert, to investigate the effect of important machining parameters on MRR and SR and also to optimize the multiple output response using DEAR method.

: COVID-19 is a pandemic initially identified in Wuhan, China, which is caused by a novel coronavirus, also recognized as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-nCoV-2). Unlike other coronaviruses, this novel pathogen may cause unusual contagious pain, which results in viral pneumonia, serious heart problems, and even death. Researchers worldwide are continuously striving to develop a cure for this highly infectious disease, yet there are no well-defined absolute treatments available at present. Several vaccination drives using emergency use authorisation vaccines have been held across many countries; however, their long-term efficacy and side-effects studies are yet to be studied. Various analytical and statistical models have been developed, however, their outcome rate is prolonged. Thus, modern science stresses the application of state-of-the-art methods to combat COVID-19. This paper aims to provide a deep insight into the comprehensive literature about AI and AI-driven tools in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The high efficacy of these AI systems can be observed in terms of highly accurate results, i.e., > 95%, as reported in various studies. The extensive literature reviewed in this paper is divided into five sections, each describing the application of AI against COVID-19 viz. COVID-19 prevention, diagnostic, infection spread trend prediction, therapeutic and drug repurposing. The application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-driven tools are proving to be useful in managing and fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially by analysing the X-Ray and CT-Scan imaging data of infected subjects, infection trend predictions, etc.

Purpose This research aims to explore the effects of varying polycarbonate concentrations on the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resin–polycarbonate blends. It investigates solution blending, casting methodologies and surface morphology to understand microstructural changes. The study identifies optimal polycarbonate ratios (7.5–10%) for enhancing tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability. Design/methodology/approach The study used solution blending to create epoxy resin-polycarbonate blends (2.5–15%), followed by film casting. Thermo-mechanical properties were tested via tensile strength, impact resistance and TGA. Surface morphology was examined to assess microstructural changes across blend ratios. Findings The research revealed that epoxy resin-polycarbonate blends exhibit enhanced mechanical and thermal properties at specific polycarbonate concentrations. Optimal performance was observed at 7.5 and 10% polycarbonate, showing significant improvements in tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability as confirmed by TGA. Surface morphology analysis highlighted microstructural changes corresponding to different blend ratios, underscoring the critical role of polycarbonate proportions in achieving superior material characteristics. Originality/value The research found that incorporating polycarbonate into epoxy resin significantly enhances mechanical and thermal properties, with the best results observed at 7.5 and 10% polycarbonate concentrations. These blends demonstrated improved tensile strength, impact resistance and thermal stability. Surface morphology analysis revealed notable microstructural changes, highlighting the importance of precise polycarbonate ratios in optimizing the performance of the blends.

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is an additive manufacturing technology which uses a heat source (laser) to sinter or fuse atomized powder particles together. A new layer of powder is spread over the previous layer using a roller, and then the laser power fuses them. This mechanism is repeated until the part model is completed. To reduce the time, effort, and cost, the present study incorporated the design of an experimental approach conjoined with finite element analysis (FEA) to simulate the LPBF process. A three-dimensional (3D) bi-material model was subjected to FEA with variations in temporal and spatial material characteristics. A Gaussian moving heat source model for the multi-scanning of a single layer was developed to understand the effect of process parameters, namely laser power, scan speed, and scan pattern on melt pool dimensions. Although, similar simulation models have been reported in the literature, the majority of these did not consider parametric variations. A few studies adopted multiple parameters which varied simultaneously, but the major limitation of these studies was that most of them did not consider multiple characteristics under a constrained environment. In the present research, the multi-parameter multi-level simulation study was performed to understand the process mechanism with fewer simulations. Results showed that the studied dimensions were sensitive to parameter setting, and that temperature variation within the melt pool was dependant on the material phase in the vicinity of the melt pool. This research proposed that melt pool dimensions must be accurately controlled for optimum process performance to achieve proper overlap between the adjacent scan lines and sufficient depth to complete bonding with the bottom layer. Since the involved criteria were of a conflicting nature, the problem of determining a single factor setting to obtain the desired results was solved using grey relational analysis (GRA). It was found that, among all the considered process parameters, scan velocity was the most significant one. This research recommended a maximum scan velocity i.e., v = 1.5 m/s, with a minimum laser power i.e., P = 80 W. In addition, it was also suggested that low energy density be used to melt the powder layer properly.