Element Software Research Articles

Hardware-assisted virtualization extensions for LEON processors in mixed-criticality systems

The increasing complexity of real-time embedded critical systems has driven the adoption of new methodologies to mitigate high development costs. One of the most common approaches is the implementation of mixed-criticality systems, characterized by integrating applications with different levels of criticality on the same processing unit. In these systems, applications run on a separation kernel hypervisor, a software element that controls the execution of the different operating systems, providing a virtualized environment and ensuring the necessary spatial and temporal isolation. This paper presents the design and implementation of hardware virtualization extensions for LEON processors, whose use is widespread in the field of space systems. These extensions enable the execution of virtualized applications with minimal transitions to the hypervisor, enhancing system performance. Our proposed solution defines a specific execution mode and duplicates control and status registers for the exclusive use of virtualized applications. In addition, the functionality of the hardware and software interrupt signals has been extended, allowing developers to select which ones are handled by the hypervisor and which ones by the guest operating systems directly. We have implemented the proposed extension using the LEON version 3 processor’s original VHDL code, and validated it using exhaustive tests to evaluate performance and resource consumption. The results show that the proposed modifications allow virtualized applications to execute without hypervisor intervention, matching the performance when non-virtualized while significantly outperforming existing para-virtualization solutions. Resource consumption increases by 6% to 14%, depending on the FPGA, which is low when compared to available resources. Power consumption increases by only a few milliwatts, which can be considered negligible.

Paying for culture : Cultural factors in local speciality product packaging’s effect on buying behaviour

This paper explores the influence path and effect of cultural factors in local speciality product packaging on buying behaviour from the perspective of consumers. The research in this paper can help with the development of speciality product packaging design strategies and drive sales of speciality products. The model uses the five cultural factors of local speciality packaging as independent variables, the consumption motivation of consumers as intermediary variables, and the buying behaviour as the dependent variable. This study collected a sample of 248 respondents. Data were analysed by SPSS and AMOS software. To ensure the reliability of the questionnaire scale, the path relationship among variables was measured through the model. The research results show that the cultural factors of speciality product packaging have an impact on buying behaviour through consumption motivation, but the impact paths and effects are not the same. Of the various factors, the cultural graphic elements of packaging have the most obvious impact on purchase behaviour. The findings indicate that designers should pay more attention to cultural graphic elements in the packaging design of local specialties, while marketers should focus on promoting the cultural and social attributes of speciality product packaging. This will better satisfy consumers’ consumption psychology and drive buying behaviour.

An integrated system theoretic accident model and process (STAMP)-Bayesian network (BN) for safety analysis of water mist system on tanker ships

A water mist on tanker ships is a specialized fire suppression system intended to mitigate fire hazards on board. This innovative safety measure disperses microscopic water droplets, creating a mist that rapidly absorbs heat and suppresses fires by reducing oxygen levels and cooling the surrounding area autonomously. This paper attempts to perform a comprehensive safety analysis of the water mist system on a tanker ship under the system theoretic accident model and process (STAMP) and Bayesian network (BN) robust modeling, which is capable of presenting a dynamic structure comprising complex elements. In the paper, whilst the STAMP is utilized to determine failure scenarios by establishing a hierarchical control and feedback model structure, the BN quantifies the probabilities of potential failures based on the outcomes of STAMP. A water mist system in tanker ships is analyzed under STAMP-BN modeling since it is an essential part of the ship, including an advanced system comprising elements of human, software, and hardware. The research results indicate that the failure probability of the water mist system has a failure probability of 3.93E-02. Besides its robust theoretical background, the research findings will provide a helpful reference for maritime safety managers, safety inspectors, technical inspectors, HSEQ managers, and ship crew on improving fire-fighting safety in tanker ships.

Visual attention and recall of flavored cigarillo package elements among young adults: A randomized control trial.

Flavoring in cigarillos contributes to greater product initiation and abuse liability particularly among young adults. Few studies have examined how packaging elements, including flavor, may draw visual attention from potential consumers as well as impact product recall. This study aimed to test the difference in visual attention to flavor names and other packaging elements on cigarillo products as well as recall of these packaging elements. Young adults aged 16-28 years were recruited to participate in a randomized control trial (Clinictrials.org ID: NCT04358705) in June through December 2022 (N = 89). Participants were randomized to two conditions viewing 12 flavored or unflavored cigarillo package images. Eye tracking software captured participants viewing (dwell) time on package features: flavor, brand, health warning, price, and other package imagery. Participants were asked about their recall of the images viewed. The proportion of dwell time on each package elements were used to examine differences between experimental conditions. Across conditions, participants spent the greatest proportion of dwell time looking at the health warning. Participants in the flavored condition spent a significantly greater proportion of dwell time looking at flavor name (mean: 10.66%; SD: 3.56) compared to those in the unflavored condition (mean:7.03%; SD 2.81). Following the experiment, 45.8% of those in the flavored condition recalled having seen flavors or flavor names, which was greater than recall of all other elements and was significantly greater than flavor recall in the unflavored condition (12.2%). Flavored cigarillos attract greater visual attention and were the most memorable element of cigarillo packaging among young adults sampled. Changes to cigarillo packaging, including limiting flavor descriptors, imagery, and/or color on packaging and advertisements may be an effective way to reduce young adults' attention to the products and thus their appeal.

Design of optical loss suppression for ultrathin and high-pressure resistant sensing fiber

Abstract High pressure resin transfer molding (HP-RTM) is a widely used method for molding fiber reinforced composites. It uses the fluidity of the resin to infiltrate the fiber material and cure it into a whole. The fiber optic sensors have the characteristics of small size and high sensing accuracy, and are often buried inside the fiber material for in-situ condition monitoring of the resin transfer molding (RTM) process. HP-RTM process requires higher leak tightness, and its molding molds are usually high-precision leak-tight molds with high clamping force on mold edges. In this paper, a fiber optic package process is proposed to prepare an ultra-thin and ultra-high-pressure resistant fiber optic encapsulation element using a composite of two materials, quartz sand and waterborne polyurethane (WPU). The relationship between the optical power and pressure of the fiber optic under this element package was also studied. The experimental results demonstrate that this package structure has excellent compressive strength and can protect the fiber optic from passing directly through the molded contact surface, which improves the application range of fiber optic sensors.

Effects of electrolyte flow direction on height difference in electroplated Cu microstructures for fine-pitch RDL

As demand for high-performance and efficient semiconductor chips surges, advanced packaging technologies, such as heterogeneous integration and vertical stacking, are becoming increasingly significant. Among these, the redistribution layer (RDL), essential for connecting chips or packaging elements, is being designed with finer line/space dimensions to meet the growing requirements for I/O access. However, as the width of copper lines decreases to several microns, various fabrication errors arise. Notably, variation in electroplated copper height becomes a significant issue, impacting the overall process. This study analyzes the height deposition differences in copper electroplating that occur at fine-pitch lines (width: 3–11 μm) and proposes a method to mitigate height deviations by adjusting the flow direction of the electrolyte. The results indicate that the deposition height difference between the 3 μm and 11 μm width patterns was reduced from 40% to less than 10%, demonstrating improved reliability in the RDL process by enhancing the uniformity of plating heights across both wide and narrow patterns.

Packaging optimization model using cost-based behavioral perspective approach in food and beverage industry

The high competition in the food and beverage industry in Indonesia, where packaging has a very important function, with the main function to protect the product, as well as being a factor in attracting consumers' interest in making purchases. Packaging production is dominated by several companies, which when categorized are divided into middle-up manufacturing and middle-low manufacturing. The research is necessary to create an optimal packaging design model by considering the culture and habits of consumer. Capturing customer behavior and costs has a control function. Ethnographic studies are used to explore packaging elements that are important to consumer and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used for data processing. The result provides a conceptual model as well as recommendations for food and beverage manufacturers in terms of the packaging used. Seven elements of packaging that deserve primary attention: design, image, typography, color, size, material and quality. Using habit and cost factors has the control variables, with maximum profit as the objective function. Recommendations for middle-up manufacturing are focused on four packaging elements: design, image, color and quality. It is recommended to maximize strategies for customer retention and improving customer loyalty. Middle-low manufacturing is focused on four packaging elements: color, size, material and quality. It is recommended to maximize strategies to encourage repeat business and boost productivity. The features identified in this research are very possible to be implemented by food and beverage manufacturer, along with recommended strategies. For example, at the middle and low manufacturing level, it is very important to pay attention to product availability in several sizes

Effects of Packaging on Consumer Buying Decision: A Study of African Black Soap (Alata Samina)

Product packaging plays a key role in consumer purchasing decision as packaging promote brand identity and customer loyalty. However, the African black soap prepared in Ghana has not seen the best of packaging, hence, its rejection in international marketplace. It is in this vein that the researcher sought to examine effect of packaging on consumer buying decision of African black soap (Alata Samina). Correlation and cross-sectional design were used. Cluster and simple random were used to select 245 respondents. Findings revealed that best packaging influence consumers’ perception to buy local Alata Samina soap recorded a cumulative mean of 4.69198 and standard deviation of 3.31842, suggesting respondents’ agreement that best packaging induce consumer buying decision. In terms of relationship, it was clear that strong positive link exist between packaging elements and consumer buying decision; Packaging colour had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05, Background image had r(245) = 0.881, p<0.05, Packaging materials had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05, Font style had r(245) = 0.876, p<0.05. Printed information had r(245) = 0.772, p<0.05, Labelling, wrapper design and creativity had r(245) = 0.882, p<0.05. Standard Multiple Regression was used to analyzed the effect of packaging elements on consumer buying decision and the result were packaging colour had 53.8% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.538, p<0.05. Brand image had 85.3 % and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.853, p<0.05. Printed information had 73.8% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.738, p<0.05. Packaging materials had 62.6% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.626, p<0.05. Innovation had 92.3 % and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.923, p<0.05. Labelling quality had 76.5% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.765, p<0.05. Design of wrapper had 44.2% and statistically significant effect of r(245) = 0.442, p<0.05. However, font style had only 1.2% and this effect is not statistically significant; r(245) = 0.012, p<0.05. This means that most consumers do not believe that font style influences consumers’ purchase decision. The study recommends that Institute of Packaging Ghana, Federation of Ghanaian Exporters, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Exports Promotions Authority and Association of Ghana Industries should collaborate to improve the packaging skills of the local African black soap producer. The essence is to enable them to package their products to meet the export market standards.

Методологическое обоснование содержания, структуры и программной реализации базы геопространственных знаний территориальных образований

The article deals with substantiating the contents, structure and software implementation of the geospatial knowledge base. The importance and relevance of forming its infrastructure and the corresponding informational base on the territory in modern geoinformatics and cartography are noted. The requirements for the contents, formal and logical representation of the mentioned base, its structure and connections of the elements at the logical level are given. The authors consider the software implementation of the processes of searching and issuing geospatial knowledge in a visualized form at the request of untrained users in the field of geoinformatics and cartography. The requisitions and information on the special original software, which allows observing the contents of the geospatial knowledge base, are shown. The effectiveness of visualizing the geospatial knowledge base through interactive configuration of software elements is substantiated, based on the metadata principle proposed by the authors, two formalisms and an algorithm for creating corresponding services for geospatial knowledge and other related data. These formalisms of the client’s parameters and server software applications are described, a variant of the geospatial knowledge base structure is given, and the requirements for the necessary software for the effective solution of the task are formulated. The authors` solution is considered in the form of a complex of multicomponent software, used at working with geodata and creating their own interactive maps by poorly trained non-professional users

Aesthetic Packaging and Purchase Intention

This research intends to investigate the elements of the aesthetic packaging of skincare products. The research proposed three independent variables namely colour, shape and visual weight, while purchase intention is adopted as a dependent variable. The respondents of this research are millennials who are the users of skincare and also have a purchasing power to choose the skincare products that are appealing to their eyes. The finding expects all the proposed hypotheses are supported and conclusion and recommendation are discussed at the end of the section.

Effects of color-typeface congruence on product evaluation

Product packaging is important for attracting consumer attention and creating expectations regarding a product, both of which can influence product evaluation. A key issue in package design is the coordinated selection of multiple package elements. This study investigates whether and when congruence between color and typeface in a product package can improve product evaluation. To this end, we analyze color and typeface on product packages based on semiotics and marketing, propose a conceptual model for the role of color-typeface congruence, and conduct three empirical studies that test the hypotheses implied from our model. Study 1 shows that color-typeface congruence is positively related to product evaluation. In Study 2, processing fluency is identified as a link between color-typeface congruence and product evaluation. Finally, Study 3 establishes the moderating role of design sensitivity in the relationship between processing fluency and product evaluation. Our findings contribute to more effective marketing communication for marketers and retailers through packaging.

A Study on the Visual Elements of Golf Ball Packaging and the Consumer Preference

A Study on the Visual Elements of Golf Ball Packaging and the Consumer Preference

Приоритетность интеллектуальной готовности человеческого капитала в условиях цифровизации экономики

The expansion of the information transformation process imposes high demands on the preparedness of a country's human resources to undertake entirely new functions associated with the automation of production, the utilization of software, artificial intelligence, and other elements of Industry 4.0 applied in various sectors of the modern economy. This study examines the significance of economic digitization and justifies the importance of enhancing the capabilities of human capital. The article conducts a comparative analysis of indicators from global rankings of innovation and technological development of countries, providing insights into the level of preparedness of the workforce for information transformation. Through the comparison of results in evaluating the workforce components of digitalization rankings, the paper identifies Kazakhstan's positions, highlighting problematic indicators characterized by negative growth rates. Based on the analysis, the study proposes measures to strengthen the country's human capital in the context of digital transformation.

Customers' Perception on Packaging, Convenience, Social Media Marketing and Brand Equity of Herbal Products

The rise in popularity of herbal products, driven by their perceived natural safety and efficacy, has led to increased consumer demand and scrutiny. This study investigates customer perceptions of packaging, convenience, social media marketing, and brand equity for herbal products distributed in Negros Island, Philippines. The objectives were to assess perceptions of packaging elements, evaluate convenience aspects, analyze social media marketing effectiveness, and measure brand equity. It also examined the relationships between packaging, social media marketing, and brand equity. Employing a quantitative approach with descriptive comparative and correlational designs, the study utilized a sample of 385 respondents, selected through purposive quota sampling. Data were collected via a customized questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, and Spearman’s rho. Results indicated high customer satisfaction with packaging, especially regarding printed information. Transaction convenience was rated highest among convenience aspects, while access convenience was noted as an area for improvement. Social media marketing was positively perceived, with interaction valued most highly. The study found significant positive correlations between packaging and brand equity (r = 0.692, p < 0.001) and between social media marketing and brand equity (r = 0.447, p < 0.001). The findings underscore the importance of effective packaging and strategic social media engagement in enhancing brand equity. Improved packaging and robust social media marketing strategies are crucial for building customer trust, satisfaction, and brand loyalty. The study provides actionable insights for herbal product distributors to optimize their marketing approaches and strengthen their brand positioning.

OPTIMIZATION OF UMKM CRACKERS INTEGRATING LABELING AND PACKAGING

General background: UMKM (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) play a crucial role in the economic development of local communities, with packaging and labeling being key elements that can significantly influence consumer behavior and market expansion. Specific background: Many small businesses, such as UMKM Kerupuk Ibu Badroh in Putat Village, lack proper packaging and labeling, which hinders their competitiveness in the market. Knowledge gap: Despite the importance of these factors, there is limited research on how improving packaging and labeling can enhance the market presence of rural MSMEs. Aims: This study aims to increase the purchasing and selling power of UMKM Kerupuk Ibu Badroh by improving labeling and packaging elements through a qualitative, descriptive approach. Results: The implementation of modern and informative labels and functional packaging resulted in a significant increase in consumer confidence, product appeal, and sales. Novelty: This study highlights the transformative impact of packaging and labeling on the competitiveness of rural MSMEs, demonstrating how such improvements can lead to market expansion and enhanced product quality. Implications: The findings suggest that a strategic integration of modern packaging and labeling can strengthen MSME positions in the market, contributing to business sustainability and professionalization.

A Study on the Design Expression Elements of Red Ginseng Stick Package in Korea

A Study on the Design Expression Elements of Red Ginseng Stick Package in Korea

A high-throughput statistical homogenization technique to convert realistic microstructures into idealized periodic unit cells

Abstract Metal alloys frequently contain distributions of second-phase particles that deleteriously affect the material
behavior by acting as sites for void nucleation. These distributions are often extremely complex and
processing can induce high levels of anisotropy. The particle length-scale precludes high-fidelity microstructure
modeling in macroscale simulations, so computational homogenization methods are often employed.
These, however, involve simplifying assumptions to make the problem tractable and many rely on periodic
microstructures. Here we propose a methodology to bridge the gap between realistic microstructures
composed of anisotropic, spatially varying second-phase void morphologies and an idealized periodic microstructure
with roughly equivalent mechanical response. We create a high-throughput, parametric study
to investigate 96 unique bridging methods. We apply our proposed solution to rolled AZ31B magnesium
alloy, for which we have a rich dataset of microstructure morphology and mechanical behavior. Our methodology
converts a μ-CT scan of the realistic microstructure to idealized periodic unit cell microstructures that
are specific to the loading orientation. We recreate the unit cells for each parameter set in a commercial finite
element software, subject them to macroscopic uniaxial loading conditions, and compare our results to the
datasets for the various loading orientations. We find that certain combinations of our parameters capture
the overall stress-strain response, including anisotropy effects with some degree of success. The effect of
different parameter options are explored in detail and we find that excluding certain particle populations
from the analysis can give improved results.

Unpacking the Influence of Visual Density on Pizza Packaging: Sensory Expectations and Purchase Intentions.

Visual density, defined as the number of identifiable elements per unit area within a visual design, significantly influences consumer perceptions. This study investigates the effects of varying visual densities in pizza packaging, encompassing both food-related and decorative elements, on consumers' expectations regarding taste and texture, ultimately influencing their purchase decisions. We conducted a controlled experiment where participants were presented with pizza boxes of differing visual densities. Participants rated their expectations regarding the taste and texture of the pizza, as well as their purchase intentions. Additionally, we measured consumption frequency to evaluate its moderating influence on the observed effects. Results indicate that high-visual-density packaging significantly heightened expectations of taste and texture, independent of the element's nature-whether food-related or decorative. Enhanced sensory expectations fully mediated the relationship between visual density and purchase intentions. Additionally, high consumption frequency amplified the effect of high visual density on sensory expectations and purchase intentions. These findings contribute to sensory marketing theory by highlighting the importance of visual density in packaging design and the role of consumption frequency. They provide practical implications for food packaging strategies aimed at enhancing consumer experience and satisfaction.

Study and evaluation of automatic division of general-purpose programs to facilitate addition of user functions

We have proposed the concept of environment-adaptive software that automatically converts and operates program code once written so that it can be used appropriately in the environment in which it is placed. This paper proposes a new element of environment-adaptive software, a method that analyzes the code of general-purpose programs and allows users to add and change the processing they want to perform. The proposed method divides the application on the basis of related processes and localizes changes on the basis of the division boundaries, making it easier to add and change services. We check that the sample applications can be automatically divided using the proposed method, compare the number of lines in the divided file group and the original file group, and show that the scope of checking the change impact when adding the process that the user wants to perform becomes smaller.

Study on the Influence of Step-by-step Excavation of Foundation Pit on Supporting Structure

Aiming at the influence of step-by-step excavation of foundation pit on the internal force and deformation of supporting structure, this paper summarizes the research status of domestic and foreign scholars on this issue, introduces the calculation method of internal force of supporting structure, and uses GEO5 software and ABAQUS finite element analysis software to solve the internal force and deformation of supporting structure in the process of step-by-step excavation, and compares it with the measured results.