Fabrication Cost Research Articles

Micropatterned Liquid Crystalline Networks for Multipurpose Color Pixels.

Materials that can visually report changes in the surrounding environments are essential for future portable sensors that monitor temperature and detect hazardous chemicals. Ideal responsive materials for optical sensors are defined by a rapid response and readout, high selectivity, the ability to operate at room temperature, and simple microfabrication. However, because of the lack of viable materials and approaches, compact, passive, and multipurpose practical devices are still beyond reach. To address this challenge, we develop a methodology to fabricate colored and responsive micropixels printed by digital light projection lithography on gold substrates. These structures are made by polymeric Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) whose birefringence and external stimuli responsiveness allow for micrometric devices with visual and fast response that we here apply to a few applications. First, we show how varying the projected geometrical shape can become an effective tool to engineer symmetric disclination lines in the liquid crystal order. Depending on the thickness of the micropixels, LCNs give rise to a birefringence color under polarized light or a structural color under white light due to thin-film interference. By exposing the micropatterns to temperature variation and solvents, we demonstrate a real-time optical temperature detection and differentiation between selected organic chemicals. The proposed materials and fabrication method could be scaled up and extended to roll-to-roll printing, enabling future real-life applications of liquid crystalline polymers in affordable microdevices and optical sensors with a net advantage with respect to traditional lithographic techniques in terms of fabrication speeds and costs.

High performance BAW resonators with improved AlN thin films quality based on BaF2 buffer layer

The quality of AlN thin films has an important effect on the performance of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) resonators. In this work, the low lattice mismatch of BaF2 buffer layer with AlN thin films was employed to improve the crystalline quality of AlN thin films. Furthermore, an ethanol assisted epitaxial liftoff (ethanol-ELO) technique based on the BaF2 buffer layer was proposed to lift off AlN thin films from Si substrate, which reduced surface roughness scattering. The ELO technology reduced the damage of AlN thin films and Si wafer during the ELO process due to the selective etching of AlN and BaF2. Utilizing the BaF2 buffer layer, the as-prepared BAW resonators, based on single-crystalline AlN, displayed Q-factor up to 2857, which was 47% higher than that without the BaF2 buffer layer. This study highlights the significant role of the BaF2 buffer layer in enhancing BAW resonators' performance and reducing fabrication costs.

Advances in Graphene-Based Materials for Metal Ion Sensing and Wastewater Treatment: A Review

Graphene-based materials, including graphene oxide (GO) and functionalized derivatives, have demonstrated exceptional potential in addressing environmental challenges related to heavy metal detection and wastewater treatment. This review presents the latest advancements in graphene-based electrochemical and fluorescence sensors, emphasizing their superior sensitivity and selectivity in detecting metal ions, such as Pb2⁺, Cd2⁺, and Hg2⁺, even in complex matrices. The key focus of this review is on the use of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand and predict ion transport through graphene membranes, offering insights into their mechanisms and efficiency in removing contaminants. Particularly, this article reviews the effects of external conditions, pore radius, functionalization, and multilayers on water purification to provide comprehensive insights into filtration membrane design. Functionalized graphene membranes exhibit enhanced ion rejection through tailored electrostatic interactions and size exclusion effects, achieving up to 100% rejection rates for selected heavy metals. Multilayered and hybrid graphene composites further improve filtration performance and structural stability, enabling sustainable, large-scale water purification. However, challenges related to fabrication scalability, environmental impact, and cost remain. This review also highlights the importance of computational approaches and innovative material designs in overcoming these barriers, paving the way for future breakthroughs in graphene-based filtration technologies.

Computational Investigation of Pristine, Al-, and Ga-Doped Zn12O12 nanoclusters as Detection Platforms for Methadone in gas and solvent phases

Electrochemical sensors are emerging as promising tools for point-of-care diagnostic medical devices, benefiting from advancements in nanomaterials. These nanomaterials enable the development of smaller, more sensitive, and selective sensors while reducing fabrication and maintenance costs. This work presents a comprehensive theoretical investigation of the potential application of pristine, Ga- and Al-doped Zn12O12 nanoclusters for detecting methadone, a critical analyte in various medical and law enforcement applications. Employing density functional theory (DFT) calculations at the B3LYP-D level with the 6-311G (d, p) basis set, we have elucidated the interactions between these nanoclusters and methadone. The results reveal that methadone exhibits intense adsorption energies of -41.02, -39.79, and -59.77 kcal/mol on the pristine Zn12O12, GaZn11O12, and AlZn11O12 nanoclusters, respectively, in their most stable configurations. The doped nanoclusters, GaZn11O12 and AlZn11O12, displayed significant gap energies (Eg) changes upon methadone adsorption, indicating enhanced sensitivity towards this analyte. The UV-Vis spectroscopic analysis showed that methadone adsorption on the GaZn11O12 and AlZn11O12 nanoclusters led to distinct spectral shifts and oscillator strength variations compared to the Zn12O12 nanocluster. The transition theory calculations highlighted the GaZn11O12 nanocluster's short recovery time of 0.44 seconds, a crucial attribute for practical applications. Solvent effect studies demonstrated the stability of the methadone/GaZn11O12 complex in water and revealed its heightened polarization, as evidenced by the increased dipole moment. These findings suggest that the GaZn11O12 nanocluster is a promising candidate for detecting methadone in gas and liquid phases, with favorable attributes such as high sensitivity, rapid reversibility, and stability in gas and aqueous environments. Thus, this nanocluster can be used in sensor devices.

Enhancing Efficiency of Lead‐Free Cs2TiIxBr6‐x Perovskite Solar Cells Through Linear and Parabolic Grading Strategies: Toward 31.18% Efficiency

ABSTRACTThe most amazing environmentally friendly energy source is solar energy, which can be captured with the aid of photovoltaic (PV) cells. Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) that are hybrid (organic–inorganic) have demonstrated remarkable PV ability. The advantages of halide‐based perovskite are numerous and include cheap cost, high efficiency, and simplicity in fabrication. Due to their poisonous nature, lead (Pb)‐based PSCs often pose a concern to the environment. They also have other drawbacks, such as stability problems, problems with scalability, and health risks associated with Pb exposure. Thus, the primary intent of this study is to examine the Pb‐free, inorganic titanium‐based perovskite complex Cs2TiIxBr6‐x, which serves as the active layer. When compared with other elements, titanium is nontoxic, strong, affordable, and easily accessible. To improve the efficiency of lead‐free (Au/CuSbS2/Cs2TiIxBr6‐x/CdS/FTO) device structure, both linear and parabolic grading methods are used in the simulation. The perovskite composition Cs2TiIxBr6‐x is a mixed halide system, with different amounts of iodine (I) and bromine (Br) ions integrated into the crystal lattice. Within the halide system, “x” indicates the percentage of iodide ions that replace bromide ions. Light absorption and energy conversion efficiency in solar cells may be maximized by fine tuning the material's band gap by varying “x,” which can range from 0 to 6. When the active layer is graded linearly, the band gap is adjusted by adjusting the composition x, which ranges from 0 to 6, throughout the active layer's thickness. The bending factor changes from 0 to 1 in the case of parabolic grading of the Cs2TiIxBr6‐x layer, indicating an enhancement in the device's PCE as a result of high wavelength photon absorption. Our simulations show a significant improvement in PCE, with an astounding result of 31.18% for parabolic grading, a 7.93% increase above PCE from linear grading, which is 28.89%. Other noteworthy metrics that exhibit exceptional outcomes include JSC 34.36 mA.cm−2, FF 86.81%, and VOC 1.0452 V. The stability in the output of the device in the realistic temperature range confirms the highly stable nature of the proposed PSC device. These results show how effectively our approach improves the efficiency and effectiveness of Pb‐free PSC's. As we are interested in this realistic environmental temperature range of the whole world, we proposed that Cs2TiIxBr6‐x‐based PSCs are highly suitable and stable for the real‐time experiment, which is the need of PSCs nowadays.

High-Sensitivity NO2 Gas Sensor: Exploiting UV-Enhanced Recovery in a Hexadecafluorinated Iron Phthalocyanine-Reduced Graphene Oxide.

Monitoring ultralow nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentrations is crucial for air quality management and public health. However, the existing NO2 gas sensors have several defects, like high cost and power consumption, and exhibit poor selectivity. This study addresses these challenges by presenting a novel hexadecafluorinated iron phthalocyanine-reduced graphene oxide (FePcF16-rGO) covalent hybrid sensor for NO2 detection. This innovative approach, which overcomes the limitations of fabrication cost, energy efficiency, and gas selectivity, is a significant step forward in gas sensor technology. The sensor demonstrates exceptional sensitivity toward ultralow NO2 concentrations (15.14% response for 100 ppb) with a rapid 60 s UV light-induced recovery. Additionally, the sensor exhibits high selectivity for NO2, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) of 8.59 ppb. This approach paves the way for developing cost-effective, energy-efficient, and miniature NO2 monitoring devices for improved environmental monitoring and enhanced safety in workplaces where NO2 exposure is a concern.

Trigger-Free and Low-Cross-Sensitivity Displacement Sensing System Using a Wavelength-Swept Laser and a Cascaded Balloon-like Interferometer

A wavelength-swept laser (WSL) demodulation system offers a unique time-domain analysis solution for high-sensitivity optical fiber sensors, providing a high-resolution and high-speed method compared to optical spectrum analysis. However, most traditional WSL-demodulated sensing systems require a synchronous trigger signal or an additional optical dispersion link for sensing analysis and typically use a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) as the sensing unit, which limits displacement sensitivity and increases fabrication costs. We present a novel displacement sensing system that combines a trigger-free WSL demodulation method with a cascaded balloon-like interferometer, featuring a simple structure, high sensitivity, and low temperature cross-sensitivity. The sensor is implemented by bending a short length of single-mode fiber with an optimal radius of around 4 mm to excite cladding modes, which form an interference spectral response with the core mode. Experimental findings reveal that the system achieves a high sensitivity of 397.6 pm/μm for displacement variation, corresponding to 19.88 ms/μm when demodulated using a WSL with a sweeping speed of 20 nm/s. At the same time, the temperature cross-sensitivity is as low as 5 pm/°C or 0.25 ms/°C, making it a strong candidate for displacement sensing in harsh environments with significant temperature interference.

The Effect of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Additives on the Electrochemical Performance of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are considered one of the most promising energy storage devices due to their high safety, low cost, and ease of fabrication. However, the growth of anode dendrites and continuous side reactions during cycling limit the practical application of zinc ion batteries. In this paper, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was used as an aqueous electrolyte additive to improve the surface deposition of Zn2+. The experimental results show that the SDS electrolyte additive forms a protective layer on the anode surface through electrostatic action and inhibits the growth of dendritic protruding dendrites by increasing the zinc deposition overpotential, as well as by limiting the two-dimensional diffusion of Zn2+ on the negative electrode surface of the aqueous zinc ion battery. As a result, adding SDS improves the discharge specific capacity of NVP/Zn batteries at high voltages and results in improved capacity retention. The cycling stability of NVP/Zn batteries was greatly enhanced by using a battery containing 1% SDS that still had a discharge specific capacity of 71 mAh/g after 100 cycles at a charging current density of 1 C, with a capacity retention rate of 89%. This work provides a simple and feasible solution to the anode problem of aqueous zinc ion batteries.

Design and Fabrication of Low-Cost Portable Electric Scooters for Last Mile Connectivity

In metropolitan cities every day, thousands of people commute from one place to another using uncomfortable and polluting means of transport. Literature survey shows there are many varieties of E-scooters available in the market that are either bulky, nonmodular or expensive. Hence the objective is to fabricate a low-cost portable E-scooter that overcomes problems like pollution, range, portability and maneuverability. To fulfil these objectives, project work is initially undertaken with Fine Element Analysis (FEA) of Frame design to withstand all loading conditions. To reduce the cost of fabrication, the design for strength concept is incorporated with the assistance of machine design, vehicle dynamics and electric power train calculations. The present model is 1.27m in height and 0.657m in width considering the anthropometric profile for comfort requirements. The final model consists of many parts mainly, the Direct Current (DC) motor, controller unit, Li-ion battery pack and others. After the fabrication and electric work, the model is tested for manoeuvrability, stability and other ergonomic requirements. It is observed that models can sustain a 120Kg load for a 9km range on fully charged battery condition. Finally, the project satisfies 90% of the design calculations which include, braking distance, acceleration, top speed and gross weight. It is concluded that using design for strength concept, FEA and ergonomic consideration, it is quite possible to fabricate an E-scooter at 50% total cost of the market price.

Advancing foodborne pathogen detection: a review of traditional and innovative optical and electrochemical biosensing approaches.

Foodborne diseases are a significant cause of morbidity (600 million cases) and mortality (420,000 deaths) worldwide every year and are mainly associated with pathogens. Besides the direct effects on human health, they have relevant concerns related to financial, logistics, and infrastructure for the food and medical industries. The standard pathogen identification techniques usually require a sample enrichment step, plating, isolation, and biochemical tests. This process involves specific facilities, a long-time analysisprocedures, and skilled personnel. Conversely, biosensors are an emerging innovative approach to detecting pathogens in real time due to their portability, specificity, sensitivity, and low fabrication costs. These advantages can be achieved from the synergistic work between nanotechnology, materials science, and biotechnology for coupling biomolecules in nano-matrices to enhance biosensing performance. This review highlights recent advancements in electrochemical and optical biosensing techniques for detecting bacteria and viruses. Key properties, such as detection limits, are examined, as they depend on factors like the design of the biorecognition molecule, the type of transducer, the target's characteristics, and matrix interferences. Sensitivity levels reported range from 1 to 1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL, with detection times spanning 10min to 8h. Additionally, the review explores innovative approaches, including biosensors capable of distinguishing between live and dead bacteria, multimodal sensing, and the simultaneous detection of multiple foodborne pathogens-emerging trends in biosensor development.

Combustion Behaviour of ADN-Based Green Solid Propellant with Metal Additives: A Comprehensive Review and Discussion

Solid propellants play a crucial role in various civil, scientific, and defence-related aerospace propulsion applications due to their efficient energy release, high energy density, low fabrication cost, and ease of operation. Ammonium dinitramide (ADN) has gained considerable attention as a potential oxidizer for green solid propellants due to its high oxygen content, significant energy density, non-toxicity, and non-polluting combustion products, leading to lower environmental impact. As ADN is a new desirable oxidizer in the field of solid propellants, understanding the practicality and viability of the use of ADN in composite solid propellants necessitates a thorough understanding of its chemical and thermal decomposition pathways in addition to its combustion characteristics in the presence of other ingredients. ADN is being explored as an alternative to the traditionally used ammonium perchlorate (AP), a toxic oxidizer containing chlorine (Cl). Additionally, AP monopropellants often suffer from moderate burning rates and poor mechanical strength. To address these limitations, researchers have explored the incorporation of metal additives, such as aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), and metalloid boron (B), to enhance the combustion performance and burn rate of AP. These metals not only act as energy-rich additives but also influence the combustion process through various mechanisms. The incorporation of metal additives into ADN has shown promising enhancements in the overall energetic performance of green solid propellants. This review aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the thermal decomposition of ADN and its combustion behaviour, along with the combustion of ADN-based solid propellants with metal additives. Finally, based on an extensive review of the existing literature, various research pathways for focused future collaborative efforts are identified to further advance ADN-based “green” solid propellants.

Expanded quasi-static models to predict the performance of robotic skins on soft cylinders

Robotic skins with embedded sensors and actuators are designed to wrap around soft, passive objects to control those objects from their surface. Prior state estimation and control models relied on specific actuator and sensor placement in robotic skins wrapped around soft cylinders, as well as used simplistic assumptions based on geometry and an ideal connection between the robotic skin and underlying structure. Such assumptions limit model fidelity and affect its utility in the design and control of surface-actuated systems. In this work, we relax prior assumptions and present a new quasi-static model with mechanics, controls, state estimation, and kinematic sub-models, or modules, for robotic skins placed around cylindrical structures. The kinematics module is used post-process to analyze the performance of the other three modules. We test the utility of the model on two robotic skin designs and compare the performance against a previous model and physical experiments. We demonstrate that the mechanics, controls, and state estimation modules presented herein outperform the previous model and the mechanics module can be used to predict the behavior of new robotic skin designs. The accuracy of the model increases as the stiffness of the host body material increases. This expanded theory could be utilized to reduce fabrication costs and speed up the design process and could be further extended to include system dynamics and model systems with multiple robotic skins.

Nanophotonic structures energized short-wave infrared quantum dot photodetectors and their advancements in imaging and large-scale fabrication techniques.

Short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodetectors (PDs) have a wide range of applications in the field of information and communication. Especially in recent years, with the increasing demand for consumer electronics, conventional semiconductor-based PDs alone are unable to cope with the ever-increasing market. Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have attracted great interest due to their low fabrication cost, solution processability, and promising optoelectronic properties. In addition to advancements in synthesis methods and surface ligand engineering, the photoelectronic performance of QD-based SWIR PDs has been greatly improved due to developments in nanophotonic structural engineering, such as microcavities, localized and propagating surface plasmon resonant structures, and gratings for specific and high-performance detection application. The improvement in the performance of photoconductors, photodiodes, and phototransistors also enhances the performance of SWIR imaging sensors where they have been realized and demonstrated promising potential due to the direct integration of QD PDs with CMOS substrates. In addition, flexible manipulation of the QDs has been realized, thanks to their solution-processable capability. Therefore, a variety of large-scale production process methods have been examined including blade coating, flexible microcomb printing, ink-jet printing, spray deposition, etc. which can effectively reduce the cost and promote commercial application in consumer electronics. Finally, the current challenges and future development prospects of QD-based PDs are reviewed and could provide guidance for future design of the QDs PDs.

Guided ad infinitum assembly of mixed-metal oxide arrays from a liquid metal.

Bottom-up nano- to micro-fabrication is crucial in modern electronics and optics. Conventional multi-scale array fabrication techniques, however, are facing challenges in reconciling the contradiction between the pursuit of better device performance and lowering the fabrication cost and/or energy consumption. Here, we introduce a facile mixed-metal array fabrication method based on guided self-assembly of polymerizing organometallic adducts derived from the passivating oxides of a ternary liquid metal to create mixed metal wires. Driven by capillary action and evaporation-driven Marangoni convection, large-area, high-quality organometallic nano- to micro-wire arrays were fabricated. Calcination converts the organometallics into oxides (semiconductors) without compromising wire continuity or array periodicity. Exploiting capillary bridges on a preceding layer, hierarchical arrays were made. Similarly, exploiting the conformity of the liquid to the mold, arrays with complex geometries were made. Given the periodicity and high refractive index of these arrays, we observe guided mode resonance while their complex band structures enable fabrication of diodes or gates. This work demonstrates a simple, affordable approach to opto-electronics based on self-assembling arrays.

Hydride-reduction-induced oxygen vacancies in CoV2O6 for machine learning-assisted enhanced electrochemical detection of homovanillic acid

Enhancing the intrinsic properties of metal oxides without relying on external modifiers remains challenging for achieving improved electrochemical response and reducing sensor fabrication costs. Herein, a simple hydride-reduction route is adopted to integrate oxygen vacancies in cobalt vanadium oxide (CoV2O6) microspheres to improve its electrochemical oxidation towards homovanillic acid (HVA), a cancer biomarker. CoV2O6 prepared via hydrothermal route, when systematically exposed to varying concentrations of NaBH4, generates abundant oxygen vacancies. A systematic comparison of CVO and CVOv confirms that vacancies are critical in improving catalytic sites and charge transferability during HAV oxidation in PBS (0.1 M) (pH 6.5). Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV)-based sensing confirms the sensor’s excellent workability in the low concentration range of 0.15 to 4.0 uM with a low LOD of 0.03 uM HAV in PBS (0.1 M). Moreover, the sensor exhibits high selectivity towards HAV, even in common interferents. Machine learning (ML)-based algorithms validated the sensor’s performance, and the comparative evaluation showed that artificial neural network (ANN) outperformed others in interpreting DPV data, achieving a minimal mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.2927, in contrast to 0.8475 for LightGBM and 0.8785 for support vector machine (SVM), thereby confirming its enhanced accuracy in predicting HVA concentration.Please check the edits made to the article title and amend if necessary.thank youPlease confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author Given name: [Razium Ali] Last name [Soomro]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.thank you

Design and fabrication of an affordable, high-performance life-size humanoid robotic hand with integrated nanocomposite strain sensors

This paper presents the design and fabrication of Fil3D-Hand, a humanoid robotic hand with five fingers integrating nanocomposite filament strain sensors to monitor finger movements. The objective is to replicate the functionality of the human hand through an affordable design, with potential applications in humanoid robotics and prosthetic rehabilitation. Based on the investigation of the human hand’s anatomical structure and existing robotic hands, the mechanical design of Fil3D-Hand is elaborated. The kinematics analysis and finger workspace are formulated and illustrated using the Denavit-Hartenberg (D-H) convention and numerical simulations. The proposed design features 17 degrees of freedom, weighs 2.4 kg (including the forearm and 12 servo motors), and achieves a fabrication cost of less than $350. The Fil3D hand’s size is approximately 1.2 the size of the real human hand, allowing for enhanced versatility while maintaining a naturalistic appearance. This design strategy ensures a cost-effective, tendon-driven underactuated mechanism, utilizing servo motors for precise control of finger joints. It also integrates 14 filament strain sensors for accurate monitoring of finger positions. Experimental results demonstrate the performance of these sensors, revealing a highly linear correlation (R2=0.9964) between the finger’s proximal angles and the strain sensor resistance, guaranteeing precise real-time monitoring of finger movements. Evaluation of the Fil3D-Hand’s performance highlights its excellent grasping capabilities, showcasing its potential in practical applications.

AI-Assisted 3D Modeling Strategy for Microstructure-Based Functional Surfaces Using ChatGPT and Random Forest

With the development of computer programming, product design is being carried out through computer programming such as 3D CAD/CAM when developing products, and the cost of developing new products can be greatly reduced by using 3D modeling tools in which various engineering theories are programmed. With the recent rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), various AI applications have been actively proposed in various fields. In this study, we report a ChatGPT-based 3D modeling program (CMP) which can easily design microstructures, and the theory of wettability that was programmed into the CMP. Since the theory related to wettability is programmed into the CMP, once the user enters basic information about the desired functional surface, such as superhydrophobic surfaces, at the CMP prompt, 3D structures with the performance of superhydrophobicity are immediately provided. Through microstructure fabrication techniques, the microstructure designed by the CMP was actually fabricated, wettability experiments were conducted, and it was confirmed that a superhydrophobic surface was successfully designed. As such, the AI-based CMP can easily design microstructure-based functional surfaces, and we expect this method not only to decrease the fabrication costs of designing micro/nano structures but also to be useful in various fields.

Tailoring Infrared Light-Molecule Coupling for Highly Sensitive Cortisol Detection Employing Aptamer-Conjugated Gold Nanonails.

Chemically synthesized gold nanoantennas possess easy processability, low cost, and suitability for large-area fabrication, making them advantageous for surface-enhanced infrared (SEIRA) biosensing. Nevertheless, current gold nanoantennas face challenges with limited enhancement of biomolecular signals that hinder their practical applications. Here, we demonstrate that the coupling rate between antennas and molecules critically impacts the enhancement of molecular signals based on temporal coupled mode theory. To improve this coupling rate, we synthesized gold nanonails with sharp tips, significantly amplifying the localized electric fields of antenna resonance modes. Modulating the nanonail aspect ratio allows us to tailor antenna resonance frequencies to match molecular vibrational frequencies. Additionally, we introduced specific aptamers on antenna surfaces through solution exchange methods to control the antenna-molecule distances. These combined strategies enabled noninvasive, label-free detection with high sensitivity for the biomarker cortisol. Experiments revealed 3 orders of magnitude enhancement in cortisol detection levels upon increasing coupling efficiency, achieving a detection limit of 0.1 ng/mL, notably lower than the normal cortisol concentration in human saliva (0.398 ng/mL). In addition to demonstrating a novel strategy for cortisol detection, this study provides a viable approach to biomarker detection for future applications in disease diagnosis and human health monitoring.

Earned value management used to monitor the project costs of ballast system fabrication and installation on a cargo ship

Earned value management used to monitor the project costs of ballast system fabrication and installation on a cargo ship

Systematic Review of 3D-Printed Ultrasound-able Models in Graduate Medical Education.

This systematic review aimed to identify studies that have created ultrasound-able models for resident procedural training by means of 3D-printing techniques and examine their tissue specific properties. There were 456 articles identified from 3 databases, of which, 35 studies were assessed for eligibility, and 11 total studies were included. All qualitative studies showed improvements in procedural skills and 89% of the quantitative studies showed significant results. Studies that documented modeling price showed a 90% reduction in fabrication cost compared to commercial models. Three-dimensional-printed, ultrasound-able models have the potential to provide trainees with low-cost, high-fidelity training opportunities.