Conventional Counterparts Research Articles

Experimental characterization of four ionization chamber types in magnetic fields including intra-type variation

Background and purposeFor dosimetry in magnetic resonance (MR) guided radiotherapy, assessing the magnetic field correction factors of air-vented ionization chambers is crucial. Novel MR-optimized chambers reduce MR-imaging artefacts, enhancing their quality assurance utility. This study aimed to characterize two new MR-optimized ionization chambers with sensitive volumes of 0.07 and 0.016cm3 regarding magnetic field correction factors and intra-type variation and compare them to their conventional counterparts. Material and methodsFive chambers of each type were evaluated in a water phantom, using a clinical linear accelerator and an electromagnet, as well as a 1.5 T MR-linac system. The magnetic field correction factor kB→,Q, addressing the change of response caused by a magnetic field, was assessed together with its intra-type variation. MR-optimized and conventional chambers were compared using a Mann-Whitney U-Test. ResultsConsidering 1.5 T and a perpendicular chamber orientation, we observed significant differences in the magnetic field-induced change in chamber reading between the two 0.016cm3 chamber versions (p = 0.03). For a 7MV beam, MR-optimized chambers (0.016/0.07 cm3) showed kB→,Q values of 1.0426(66) and 1.0463(44), compared to 1.0319(53) and 1.0480(41) of their conventional counterparts. In anti-parallel orientation, kB→,Q was 1.0012(69) and 0.9863(49) for the MR-optimized chambers. The average intra-type variation of kB→,Q over all chamber types was 0.3%. ConclusionMagnetic field correction factors were successfully determined for four ionization chamber types, including two new MR-optimized versions, allowing their use in MR-linac absolute dosimetry. Evaluation of the intra-type variation enabled the assessment of their contribution to the uncertainty of tabulated kB→,Q.

A comprehensive study on the design and computational analysis of an air swirl burner

This paper presents a comprehensive study on optimizing the design of a vane-type air swirl burner, along with a computational analysis comparing the combustion of diesel and hydrogen fuel within the same burner. For the combustion simulations, a coupled approach was employed involving a Lagrangian approach with the Discrete Phase Model to track the trajectories of fuel particles providing a comprehensive understanding of the particulate dynamics within the system. This research aimed to analyze hydrogen's potential as a sustainable energy carrier in comparison to its conventional counterparts such as diesel fuel. The results showed that the contours of hydrogen fuel revealed a well-defined and intense flame front whereas it was not the same in the case of diesel fuel which had a less intense flame front.

Comparative stability analysis of Indonesian banks: Markov Switching-Dynamic Regression for Islamic and conventional sectors.

The banking industry necessitates implementing an early warning system to effectively identify the factors that impact bank managers and enable them to make informed decisions, thereby mitigating systemic risk. Identifying factors that influence banks in times of stability and crisis is crucial, as it ultimately contributes to developing an improved early warning system. This study undertakes a comparative analysis of the stability of Indonesian Islamic and conventional banking across distinct economic regimes-crisis and stability. We analyze monthly banking data from December 2007 to November 2022 using the Markov Switching Dynamic Regression technique. The study focuses on conducting a comparative analysis between Islamic banks, represented by Islamic Commercial Bank (ICB) and Islamic Rural Bank (IRB), and conventional banks, represented by the Conventional Commercial Bank (CCB) and Conventional Rural Bank (CRB). The findings reveal that both Islamic and conventional banks exhibit a higher probability of being in a stable regime than a crisis regime. Notably, Islamic banks demonstrate a greater propensity to remain in a stable regime than their conventional counterparts. However, in a crisis regime, the likelihood of recovery for Sharia-compliant institutions is lower than for conventional banks. Furthermore, our analysis indicates that larger banks exhibit higher stability than their smaller counterparts regarding assets and size. This study pioneers a comprehensive comparison of the Z-score, employed as a proxy for stability, between two distinct classifications of Indonesian banks: Sharia (ICB and IRB) and conventional (CCB and CRB). The result is expected to improve our awareness of the elements that affect the stability of Islamic and conventional banking in Indonesia, leading to a deeper comprehension of their dynamics.

Exploring the bio-mechanical behavior of PEEK and CFR-PEEK materials for dental implant applications using finite element analysis.

This study explored the bio-mechanical properties of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and carbon fiber reinforced-PEEK (CFR-PEEK) as potential alternatives to traditional dental implant materials, such as titanium (Ti) and zirconia (ZrO2). Conventional implant materials often exhibit stress shielding leading to peri-implant bone loss and implant failure. Finite element analysis using a three-dimensional computer-aided-design (3D CAD) model of the jawbone with various implant materials (titanium, zirconia, PEEK, and CFR-PEEK) incorporated was implemented to assess the effectiveness of PEEK and CFR-PEEK. Two loading conditions (50 and 100 N) were applied in centric (case-1) and eccentric (case-2) to mimic the oral loading conditions. Titanium and zirconia implants were found to exhibit higher levels of stress shielding and therefore pose greater risks of bone loss and implant failure. Conversely, CFR-PEEK implants demonstrated more-uniform stress distributions that reduce the likelihood of stress shielding compared to their conventional counterparts; consequently, CFR-PEEK implants are particularly suitable for load-bearing applications. Furthermore, maximum strain values on PEEK-implanted cortical bone reached a state of adaptation, referred to as the "lazy zone" in which bone growth and bone loss rates are equal, indicating PEEK's potential for a long-term implant utilization. PEEK and CFR-PEEK implants are promising alternatives to conventional dental implants because they provide stress shielding and promote bone health. Improved stress distribution enhances long-term success and durability while mitigating complications, and highlights their applicability to dental implant procedures.

Herbal Theranostics: Controlled, Targeted Delivery and Imaging of Herbal Molecules.

Modern medicine relies on a small number of key biologics, which can be found in nature but require further characterization and purification before they can be used. Since the herbal remedy is given through a dated and ineffective method of drug administration, its effectiveness is diminished. The novel form of medicine delivery has the potential to increase the effectiveness of herbal substances while decreasing their side effects. This is the main idea behind utilising different ways of drug delivery in herbal treatments. Several benefits arise from novel formulations of herbal compounds as compared to their conventional counterparts. These include enhanced penetrating ability into tissues, constant delivery of effective doses, and resistance to physical and chemical degradation. Controlled and targeted delivery that include herbal components allow for more traditional dosing while simultaneously increasing their efficacy. Enhancing the biodistribution and target site accumulation of systemically administered herbal medicines is the goal of nanomedicine formulations. The field of nanotheranostics has made significant advancements in the development of herbal compounds by combining diagnostic and therapeutic functions on a single nanoscale platform. It is critically important to create a theranostic nanoplatform that is derived from plants and is intrinsically "all-in-one" for single molecules. In addition to examining the mechanistic approach to nanoparticle synthesis, this review highlights the therapeutic effects of nanoscale phytochemical delivery systems. Furthermore, we have evaluated the scope for future advancements in this field, discussed several nanoparticles that have been developed recently for herbal imaging, and provided experimental evidence that supports their usage.

Logarithmic Type Direct and Synthetic Estimators for Domain Mean Using Simple Random Sampling

In this article, we propose logarithmic type direct and synthetic estimators for the estimation of domain mean under simple random sampling. The properties such as bias and mean square error of the proposed direct and synthetic estimators are obtained up to first order approximation. The efficiency conditions are obtained under which the proposed direct and synthetic estimators outperform their conventional counterparts. The performance of the proposed direct and synthetic estimators is examined with the help of comprehensive computational study using real and artificially drawn populations. Some appropriate suggestions are also provided to the surveyors.

Advances in the self-organized total synthesis of natural products.

Natural product total synthesis has trailblazed in the era of multistep synthesis. The strategic application of existing synthetic methodologies and the stepwise construction that revolves around newly developed, tailored key steps, are two basic tactics in the principle of classic retrosynthetic analysis. However, a new synthetic model, termed self-organized total synthesis, has emerged in recent years, enabling the rapid creation of specific natural products by a one-pot reaction. Distinct from conventional analysis associated with certain bond disconnections, the design of self-organized total synthesis focuses on seeking a series of self-organized reaction sequences which can be integrated compatibly under a uniform condition, therefore allowing the entire sequence to proceed in one pot, and most importantly, starting from commercially available feedstocks or biomass materials. Whilst dauntingly challenging, this synthetic strategy is more consistent with the biogenetic pathway of natural products compared with conventional counterparts, and will hopefully provide the shortest synthesis for such natural products. Through this rational analysis, one-pot total synthesis is no longer in the way of serendipity but can be precisely designed and manipulated. In this review, we account for the definition, delimitation, and categorization of self-organized total synthesis and then elucidate a comprehensive understanding of this synthetic strategy based on our intensive explorations. We also highlight the contributions of other research groups in this growing field and anticipate that it will give rise to advancing new methodologies, as well as new concepts within organic synthesis.

Финансовая эффективность зеленых проектов

The paradigm of sustainable development requires a large amount of equity and debt financing of relevant projects to achieve climate goals. However, the required financing is not provided in full due to increased uncertainty in the economy, as well as uncertainty among investors and creditors about the financial success of green projects. It is assumed that this situation is largely determined by the difficulty for project initiators to correctly assess all aspects of their implementation, because many of them are influenced by behavioral economics factors that usually fall out of the field of view of scientists and practitioners when performing traditional financial analysis. The subject of the study is to ensure the financial efficiency of projects aimed at reducing/eliminating the negative impact on the environment. The purpose of the work is to identify the factors influencing the financial viability of green projects. The relationship between sustainable development and the financial results of the company's activities has been revealed. The importance of the environmental factor affecting not only the cost of production, but also the preferences of customers in choosing a product is determined. The obstacles of a systemic nature preventing the involvement of banks in lending to green projects are substantiated. The financial aspects of solving the problem of ensuring the financial efficiency of green projects are investigated. It has been established that green goods open up new promising market segments for manufacturers and expand the circle of buyers, thereby reducing the cost of production of green goods and, in turn, increasing the effective demand for them. As a result of the work, it was concluded that in order to obtain an objective picture of a green project, it is necessary to take into account the cost of carbon emissions or exceeding the established quotas for them in the cost of production, as well as the fact that an increasing number of consumers are willing to buy environmentally friendly goods and pay more for them than their conventional counterparts.

Patient Perception of Robotic Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries, at a prevalence of around 0.8% in the United States. Robotic-assisted technology has the goal of optimizing outcomes by improving acetabular cup positioning, center of hip rotation, and more. Patient perceptions regarding this procedure are not clearly delineated in the literature; therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess why patients choose to undergo robotic-assisted THA and whether they would recommend a similar procedure. Methods: All patients who underwent robotic-assisted THA between May 31, 2017 and December 13, 2018 were given a 12-question survey to complete. The final cohort consisted of 51 patients composed of 32 men and 19 women with a mean age of 67 years (range, 40 to 84 years). All de-identified surveys were evaluated for assessment. Results: Ninety-two percent would recommend robotic-assisted THA as opposed to conventional THA, with 70% stating the main influencer in their decision was physician input. 68 percent believed they would achieve better outcomes with robotic THA as opposed to their conventional counterparts. Seventy-two percent thought their components would be placed in a more optimal position using robotics. 49% believed they would have less pain with robotic-assisted THA. However, most patients stated they believe they would have no difference in length-of-stay or infection risk compared to manual THA. 53 percent of patients stated there would be similar operating room time between robotic and manual THA. Discussion: The majority of our cohort believed there were benefits to undergoing robotic-assisted THA. Physician input was the major contributing factor. Larger prospective studies in the future with less limitations should evaluate how attitudes and beliefs may influence patient-reported satisfaction and outcomes post-operatively.

Recent advances in nano-fertilizers: synthesis, crop yield impact, and economic analysis.

The escalating global demand for food production has predominantly relied on the extensive application of conventional fertilizers (CFs). However, the increased use of CFs has raised concerns regarding environmental risks, including soil and water contamination, especially within cereal-based cropping systems. In response, the agricultural sector has witnessed the emergence of healthier alternatives by utilizing nanotechnology and nano-fertilizers (NFs). These innovative NFs harness the remarkable properties of nanoparticles, ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm, such as nanoclays and zeolites, to enhance nutrient utilization efficiency. Unlike their conventional counterparts, NFs offer many advantages, including variable solubility, consistent and effective performance, controlled release mechanisms, enhanced targeted activity, reduced eco-toxicity, and straightforward and safe delivery and disposal methods. By facilitating rapid and complete plant absorption, NFs effectively conserve nutrients that would otherwise go to waste, mitigating potential environmental harm. Moreover, their superior formulations enable more efficient promotion of sustainable crop growth and production than conventional fertilizers. This review comprehensively examines the global utilization of NFs, emphasizing their immense potential in maintaining environmentally friendly crop output while ensuring agricultural sustainability.

Deep Learning in Ultrasound Localization Microscopy: Applications and Perspectives.

Ultrasound Localization Microscopy (ULM) is a novel super-resolution imaging technique that can image the vasculature in vivo at depth with resolution far beyond the conventional limit of diffraction. By relying on the localization and tracking of clinically approved microbubbles injected in the blood stream, ULM can provide not only anatomical visualization but also hemodynamic quantification of the microvasculature of different tissues. Various deep-learning approaches have been proposed to address challenges in ULM including denoising, improving microbubble localization, estimating blood flow velocity or performing aberration correction. Proposed deep learning methods often outperform their conventional counterparts by improving image quality and reducing processing time. In addition, their robustness to high concentrations of microbubbles can lead to reduced acquisition times in ULM, addressing a major hindrance to ULM clinical application. Herein, we propose a comprehensive review of the diversity of deep learning applications in ULM focusing on approaches assuming a sparse microbubbles distribution. We first provide an overview of how existing studies vary in the constitution of their datasets or in the tasks targeted by deep learning model. We also take a deeper look into the numerous approaches that have been proposed to improve the localization of microbubbles since they differ highly in their formulation of the optimization problem, their evaluation, or their network architectures. We finally discuss the current limitations and challenges of these methods, as well as the promises and potential of deep learning for ULM in the future.

Patient outcomes of conventional versus robot assisted total hip arthroplasty

Background: Robotic assisted (RA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) may provide improved precision and accuracy; however, contention remains on whether RA THA provides better patient outcomes than conventional THA. This study compares short-term clinical outcomes, complication rates, and operative times between these two groups. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts for demographic data, comorbidities, operating time, revisions, and complications of patients who underwent RA and conventional THA. Patient-reported outcomes were collected via OBERD database at the following timepoints: preoperatively, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year postoperatively. Descriptive statistics and mixed multivariate regression analyses were used to analyze data. Results: Two hundred ten patients were included (n=149 conventional, n=61 RA). Patients with RA THAs were younger than those with conventional THAs (59 years, IQR: 53-66 and 64 years, IQR: 58-71; P=.002). The operative time was longer for the RA compared to the conventional group (106 minutes, IQR: 92-120 and 92 minutes, IQR: 82-109, respectively, P=< .001). There was no statistically significant difference in SF-12 mental scores, SF-12 physical scores, or OHS between RA and conventional THA at different timepoints. Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference in complication and revision rates between the two groups. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that there were no statistically significant differences in patient-reported outcomes between the RA versus conventional THA groups. Furthermore, our findings suggest a lack of significant differences in complication or revision rates. Surgeons performing robot-assisted surgeries for hip replacements can reasonably expect patient outcomes that are, at a minimum, as successful as the conventional counterparts.

Improved electronic uniformity and nanoscale homogeneity in template-grown CsPbBr3 nanorods.

One-dimensional metal halide perovskites are among the most promising candidate materials for optoelectronic devices. However, the heterogeneity and fast degradation of perovskite nanowires (NWs) and nanorods (NRs) synthesized using conventional approaches impose a bottleneck for their optoelectronic applications. Recently, all-inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 NRs with tailored dimensions, crafted using an amphiphilic bottlebrush-like block copolymer (BBCP) as nanoreactors, have demonstrated enhanced stabilities. Herein, we report the electronic investigation into these template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs using dielectric force microscopy (DFM), a contactless, nondestructive imaging technique. All freshly prepared CsPbBr3 NRs exhibited ambipolar behaviors for up to two months after sample synthesis. A transition from ambipolar to p-type behaviors occurred after two months, and nearly all NRs completed the transition within two weeks. Moreover, template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs displayed better nanoscale electronic homogeneity compared to their conventional counterparts. The improved electronic uniformity and nanoscale homogeneity place the template-grown CsPbBr3 NRs in a unique advantageous position for optoelectronic applications.

STUDYING CONSUMER BEHAVIOR RELATED TO DAIRY PRODUCTS, INCLUDING PREFERENCES FOR ORGANIC AND PLANT-BASED ALTERNATIVES, AND THE IMPACT ON DAIRY FARMING

This study looks at consumer behavior related to dairy products, specifically focusing on preferences for plant-based and organic alternatives and how that affects dairy production. Health, environmental, and ethical considerations are influencing consumer preferences in the dairy industry more and more. Dairy products that are organic are thought to be healthier and more environmentally friendly than their conventional counterparts, while plant-based substitutes are becoming more and more well-liked for moral and perceived health reasons. Changes in consumer preferences have a big impact on market strategies and sustainability initiatives related to dairy farming techniques. Comprehending these dynamics is vital for dairy sector players to proficiently modify production techniques and marketing strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study investigates consumer behavior and motivations, offering insights into the trajectory of dairy product consumption going forward and its effects on the agricultural sector.

High-entropy materials for thermoelectric applications: towards performance and reliability.

High-entropy materials (HEMs), including alloys, ceramics and other entropy-stabilized compounds, have attracted considerable attention in different application fields. This is due to their intrinsically unique concept and properties, such as innovative chemical composition, structural characteristics, and correspondingly improved functional properties. By establishing an environment with different chemical compositions, HEMs as novel materials possessing superior attributes present unparalleled prospects when compared with their conventional counterparts. Notably, great attention has been paid to investigating HEMs such as thermoelectrics (TE), especially for application in energy-related fields. In this review, we started with the basic definitions of TE fundamentals, the existing thermoelectric materials (TEMs), and the strategies adopted for their improvement. Moreover, we introduced HEMs, summarized the core effects of high-entropy (HE), and emphasized how HE will open up new avenues for designing high-entropy thermoelectric materials (HETEMs) with promising performance and high reliability. Through selecting and analyzing recent scientific publications, this review outlines recent scientific breakthroughs and the associated challenges in the field of HEMs for TE applications. Finally, we classified the different types of HETEMs based on their structure and properties and discussed recent advances in the literature.

STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF M- LIBRARIES THAN THE TRADITIONAL LIBRARIES

The 21st century has witnessed transformative advancements in technology across various sectors, including information dissemination. Libraries, as essential repositories of knowledge, have had to adapt their services to meet the evolving needs of modern users, who increasingly prefer digital and mobile resources over traditional print materials. The limited availability of physical books in many libraries has further necessitated a shift toward more dynamic, digital services. Mobile technology, in particular, offers faster access to information, presenting libraries with both opportunities and challenges to remodel their service delivery. With the ubiquity of smartphones, libraries can extend their reach to remote users and provide more personalized, user-friendly experiences. This study explores the impact of mobile technology on traditional libraries, emphasizing the effectiveness of mobile libraries (M-libraries) compared to their conventional counterparts in terms of accessibility, user engagement, and service delivery.

Spray Drift, Operator Exposure, Crop Residue and Efficacy: Early Indications for Equivalency of Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems with Conventional Application Techniques

Highlights Initial data shows UASS spray drift is greater than ground, less than aerial, and similar to an airblast application. Operator exposure with UASS is less than that of a backpack sprayer. No current data shows that residues on crops from UASS applications would be different than conventional applications. UASS applications generally have similar efficacy as their conventional counterparts. Abstract. Uncrewed Aerial Spray Systems (UASS) are being adopted at a rapid pace in agricultural applications of crop protection products. The data required to effectively regulate their use must be gathered to position UASS in terms of equivalency with other conventional practices. In Fall 2021, the CropLife America Drones Working Group initiated an effort to collect published information on establishing the equivalency of UASS applications with conventional application types as it relates to spray drift, operator exposure, crop residue, and efficacy. Based on the published literature, our comparison demonstrated that UASS spray drift is lower than aerial, higher than ground boom, and similar to orchard airblast applications. However, this comparison is based on limited data and needs further confirmation. Individual use cases and other application variables will need to be considered to determine if this generalization applies (e.g., adjuvant use, rotor and nozzle configuration, etc.). For operator exposure, this work supported the current consensus that applications with UASS have less potential for exposure in some respects (e.g., compared to backpack applications), but for other job steps that are unique to UASS (such as mixing and loading) more information is needed. With respect to crop residue, UASS applicators follow the label for conventional application techniques with the same directions for use (i.e., application rate, pre-harvest interval, and number of applications), but there is no evidence that pesticide residues resulting from a UASS application are any different to conventional application techniques. In terms of efficacy, applications with UASS tend to be equivalent to conventional methods; however, more information is needed, especially where good coverage is a requirement. The assessment of published literature on UASS demonstrates potential equivalency in certain key areas and supports the responsible use of this emerging technology, while more information on spray distribution within the target zone, off-target droplet movement, operator and bystander exposure, and pesticidal efficacy continues to be generated. Keywords: Drone, Efficacy, Emerging technology, Operator exposure, Pesticide, Residue, Spray drift, UASS.

Exploring the Intersection of Industry 4.0 and Social Entrepreneurship: A Literature Review and Future Directions

Industry 4.0 has affected several industries through AI, big data and IoT integration into various industries for efficiency in production. Nonetheless, the practice of social entrepreneurship has embraced these innovations less than their conventional counterparts because of such challenges as limited access to capital, qualified personnel, and resources. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the specific opportunities Industry 4.0 technologies can unlock for social entrepreneurship to create more value to address social issues with better solutions. In regard to limitations, the current study limits itself to an analysis of past literature, which confines the study findings to the avenues where tools in Industry 4.0 can be most effective in creating a positive impact alongside the manner in which social entrepreneurs could harness the toolbox provided to them by Industry 4.0 to amplify their positive impact on economies, health care, education and conservation of the environment. The review notes a rising trend in scholarly concerns with Industry 4.0 and its implications on social ventures, this discussion also reveals paucity of scientific information especially where there are deficits of concrete empirical data on experience and where there is lack of actual practice of implementing these advanced technologies in short resource environments. In this paper, authors point out that financial, technological, and policy-type challenges keep being the barriers that social entrepreneurs need to overcome to fully capitalise on these innovations. The study concludes that even though Industry 4.0 holds promises for the operationalisation of social enterprise in developing country settings, lack of structures and technical knowledge in the regions acts a limiting factor. To make Industry 4.0 feasible for organizations across the globe with a focus on those in LMICs, the revolution requires integration between technology creators, policy makers, and social entrepreneurs. Another factor significantly tied to these technologies is the emergence of permissive jurisprudential environments and relevant training curricula to safely apply these technologies in the resolution of the world’s problems. Thus, this study adds to the literature on possible impact of Industry 4.0 on social entrepreneurship and calls for more research on the subject to fill the gap that exists in the literature.

DEVELOPMENT AND QUALIFICATION OF CNT-CFRP COMPOSITE COMPONENTS FOR SPACE APPLICATIONS

Space payloads are required to be compact, to withstand harsh climatic conditions, and perform well over the duration of a mission. Advanced lightweight materials with low density, high strength, and high specific stiffness, such as carbon fiber reinforce polymers (CFRP), controlled expansion alloy (CE7), and kevlar composites are better suited for space hardware. Despite of having superior mechanical qualities, CFRP composites have limited range of applications due to their worse electrical and thermal conductivities. By adding nano-fillers to improve conductivity, CFRP can be used extensively. The most often employed conductive nano-fillers in CFRP composites are graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). By creating CFRP composites with superior conductivities, the use of CFRP composites can be extended over large applications for space missions. Materials such as aluminum, kovar, invar, and other composites (non-conductive in nature) may be replaced by CFRP-CNT composites. It can be used for fabricating broad variety of satellite hard wares, including satellite panels, reflectors, feed horns, wave guides, carrier plates, electronic package boxes, and covers. Based on tests with different configurations, it was discovered that 0.5% SWCNT offered better mechanical and electrical properties. CNT-CFRP composites are used in the development of carrier plates and reflectors. This article primarily focuses on development of qualification test strategy and how it differs from traditional systems test plan. Results from test coupons and the product level tests were compared and analyzed. The results are acceptable and found better in comparison to their conventional counterparts.

Solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers: rising-star platforms for flexible intelligent devices.

Soft ionic conductors have emerged as a powerful toolkit to engineer transparent flexible intelligent devices that go beyond their conventional counterparts. Particularly, due to their superior capacities of eliminating the evaporation, freezing and leakage issues of the liquid phase encountered with hydrogels, organohydrogels and ionogels, the emerging solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers have been largely recognized as ideal candidates for intelligent flexible devices. However, despite their extensive development, a comprehensive and timely review in this emerging field is lacking, particularly from the perspective of design principles, advanced manufacturing, and distinctive applications. Herein, we present (1) the design principles and intriguing merits of solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers; (2) the methods to manufacture solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers with preferential architectures and functions using advanced technologies such as 3D printing; (3) how to leverage solid-state, liquid-free ion-conducting elastomers in exploiting advanced applications, especially in the fields of flexible wearable sensors, bioelectronics and energy harvesting; (4) what are the unsolved scientific and technical challenges and future opportunities in this multidisciplinary field. We envision that this review will provide a paradigm shift to trigger insightful thinking and innovation in the development of intelligent flexible devices and beyond.