Large Packages Research Articles

Temperature and Process Dependent Material Characterization and Multiscale Stress Evolution Analysis for Performance and Reliability Management under Chip Package Interaction

Abstract Distinct temperature and process dependent deformation behaviors under packaging temperature cycles are characterized for various packaging materials. Substrate and underfill deformations are described using Maxwell viscoelasticity model. Solder bump deformation is represented by incremental plasticity model. Anisotropic deformation in silicon and orthotropic deformation in substrate are also considered. The material deformation effects on stress evolutions during fabrication and under chip package interaction (CPI) are analyzed for a large package structure. Complex geometries spread over a large range of length scales are simulated using multi-level and multiscale sequential submodeling technique. Global package simulations show that substrate orthotropy has a significant impact on the package warpage during the assembly process. Sequential package assembly simulations are performed to examine the residual stresses at package, bump and interconnect scales. The results show that the package material behaviors during the assembly process affect not only the residual stresses in the large package structure but also in the local bump regions and the interconnect structures. The temperature dependent material non-linear behaviors under operating conditions also affect residual stresses and carrier mobility. This work demonstrates that developing performance and reliability management strategies under CPI should consider temperature and process dependent material deformations during fabrication and packaging.

Numerical analysis of clamping pressure during carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated packages

In order to determine the theoretical minimum clamping pressure required in carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated package (HCP) such as large packages or unitized agricultural product packages, a numerical model of clamping pressure was developed. To develop the model, the dynamic load factor was measured at the handling test course which was designed on the basis of actual handling environment of the target HCP. Also, the static-frictional coefficients between the HCPs and between the HCP and a rubber contact pad of carton clamp arm were analyzed. The main factors in the developed numerical model of clamping pressure were the handling load weight and the effective contact area of the carton clamp arm. In addition, field tests were performed to validate the theoretical minimum clamping pressure calculated from the model. Averaged slip distance from the single package and two packages handling was estimated as a 3.2 mm through field test, and it is expected that the 3.2 mm slip distance will be acceptable for a safe operation in the handling environment. The suggested analytical approach with the numerical model can be a useful means for estimating the clamping pressure of the carton clamps used to handle the HCP. Keywords: corrugated paperboard, heavyweight package, agricultural product packages, carton clamp, clamping pressure, dynamic load factor DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20171005.2917 Citation: Park J, Kim J, Park J, Horvath L, Kim G. Numerical analysis of clamping pressure during carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated packages. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(5): 25–34.

Perceived impact of smaller compared with larger-sized bottles of sugar-sweetened beverages on consumption: A qualitative analysis

Sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption increases obesity risk and is linked to adverse health consequences. Large packages increase food consumption, but most evidence comes from studies comparing larger with standard packages, resulting in uncertainty regarding the impact of smaller packages. There is also little research on beverages. This qualitative study explores the experiences of consuming cola from smaller compared with larger bottles, to inform intervention strategies.Sixteen households in Cambridge, England, participating in a feasibility study assessing the impact of bottle size on in-home SSB consumption, received a set amount of cola each week for four weeks in one of four bottle sizes: 1500 ml, 1000 ml, 500 ml, or 250 ml, in random order. At the study end, household representatives were interviewed about their experiences of using each bottle, including perceptions of i) consumption level; ii) consumption-related behaviours; and iii) factors affecting consumption. Interviews were semi-structured and data analysed using the Framework approach. The present analysis focuses specifically on experiences relating to use of the smaller bottles.The smallest bottles were described as increasing drinking occasion frequency and encouraging consumption of numerous bottles in succession. Factors described as facilitating their consumption were: i) convenience and portability; ii) greater numbers of bottles available, which hindered consumption monitoring and control; iii) perceived insufficient quantity per bottle; and iv) positive attitudes. In a minority of cases the smallest bottles were perceived to have reduced consumption, but this was related to practical issues with the bottles that resulted in dislike.The perception of greater consumption and qualitative reports of drinking habits associated with the smallest bottles raise the possibility that the ‘portion size effect’ has a lower threshold, beyond which smaller portions and packages may increase consumption. This reinforces the need for empirical evidence to assess the in-home impact of smaller bottles on SSB consumption.

Determination of parameter of intensity of flax balls separation during comb deseeder operation

Flax harvesting consists of serial technological processes: pulling, separation of seed bolls from stalks, stalks spreading out, turning during a rest, picking up of them and baling in large packages, loading, and transportation. One of the most important operations is seed balls separation from stalks. Determination of parameter of intensity of flex balls combing by deseeder operation is a little studied. Parameter of intensity of a separation doesn't show clearly its dependence on design features and an operating mode of the unit. The authors considered this relation by the example of the comb deseeder which has different tines on a ridge with accidentally decreasing spacing towards the end. The existing deseeders do not provide qualitative combings of flax stalks. Therefore, theoretical and pilot researches of the ridge comb deseeder were conducted. The program and a technique of researches of the comb deseeder were developed. The theoretical basics of intensity of combing by the comb deseeder are covered. The various factors influence damageability of stalks: geometrical parameters of tines, number of at the same time operating combs, sequence of combing, ratio of tines speeds and gripping conveyor. Characteristics of a combed layer, a flax maturing level, the weight-average values of efficiency of single influence belong to the factors influencing intensity of combing. In the flax harvesters LK-4A and LKV-4A with increase in frequency of the comb deseeder to 2.87 rpm and speeds of the gripping conveyor from 1.54 to 1.58 meter per second the intensity decreased up to 3.02 tine per centimeter, and combing purity increased up to 98 percent. So, intensity 3.02 tine per centimeter should be considered as minimum admissible, and combing purity should be increased no more than by 2 percent.

Effects of elastic bed on hydrodynamic forces for a submerged sphere in an ocean of finite depth

In this paper, we consider a hydroelastic model to examine the radiation of waves by a submerged sphere for both heave and sway motions in a single-layer fluid flowing over an infinitely extended elastic bottom surface in an ocean of finite depth. The elastic bottom is modeled as a thin elastic plate and is based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation. The effect of the presence of surface tension at the free-surface is neglected. In such situation, there exist two modes of time-harmonic waves: the one with a lower wavenumber (surface mode) propagates along the free-surface and the other with higher wavenumber (flexural mode) propagates along the elastic bottom surface. Based on the small amplitude wave theory and by using the multipole expansion method, we find the particular solution for the problem of wave radiation by a submerged sphere of finite depth. Furthermore, this method eliminates the need to use large and cumbersome numerical packages for the solution of such problem and leads to an infinite system of linear algebraic equations which are easily solved numerically by any standard technique. The added-mass and damping coefficients for both heave and sway motions are derived and plotted for different submersion depths of the sphere and flexural rigidity of the elastic bottom surface. It is observed that, whenever the sphere nearer to the elastic bed, the added-mass move toward to a constant value of 1, which is approximately twice of the value of added-mass of a moving sphere in a single-layer fluid flowing over a rigid and flat bottom surface.

CONS an R based graphical interface to perform Consonance Analysis

With the advent of widespread computing and availability of open source programs to perform many different programming tasks, nowadays there is a trend in Statistics to program tailor made applications for non statistical customers in various areas. This is an alternative to having a large statistical package with many functions many of which never are used. In this article, we present CONS an R package dedicated to Consonance Analysis. Consonance Analysis is a useful numerical and graphical exploratory approach for evaluating the consistency of the measurements and the panel of people involved in sensory evaluation. It makes use of several uni and multivariate techniques either graphical or analytical, particularly Principal Components Analysis. The package is implemented in a graphical user interface in order to get a user friendly package.

The influence of price and promotion on package size propensity

PurposeThe constantly changing prices, promotions, and packaging options have made decision making more complex for consumers of packaged goods. The purpose of this paper is to explore how price and promotions influence consumer propensity to buy a certain package size.Design/methodology/approachScanner panel data for shelf-stable salad dressing obtained from Information Resources Inc. were used to compute the proportion of large packages bought, the relative price paid for large packages, propensity to use various types of promotions, and a behavioral covariate for each household. Data of over 5,600 households were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis for hypothesis testing.FindingsThe positive nature of relationship between the relative price of large packages and the proportion of large packages bought demonstrates the suboptimal nature of consumer decision making. The inefficiency is partially attributable to the abundance of promotions, to consumers’ lack of price awareness, and to the use of heuristics by consumers. Also, consumers who are prone to use promotions such as displays and temporary price reductions tend to purchase larger packages. They are more likely to buy impulsively and base their decisions on heuristics. In contrast, consumers who are influenced by featured price cuts and who utilize coupons tend to purchase smaller packages.Research limitations/implicationsData were obtained from grocery stores; only a single product category was studied.Practical implicationsOffer coupons and advertise featured price cuts on small packages to increase the sales of smaller packages. To move large packages successfully, retailers should rely more on in-store displays and temporary price reductions.Originality/valueThe impact of price and promotions on package size propensity has never been investigated. This study is also one of the few that uses a household-level analysis based on observable purchase data for consumer packaged goods.

Impact of bottle size on in-home consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages: a feasibility and acceptability study

BackgroundConsumption of sugars-sweetened beverages (SSB) increases energy intake and the risk of obesity. Large packages increase consumption of food, implying that smaller bottle sizes may help curb SSB consumption, but there is a lack of relevant evidence relating to these products. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of different bottle sizes on SSB consumption at home.MethodsHouseholds in Cambridge, England, which purchased at least 2 l of regular cola drinks per week, received a set amount of cola each week for four weeks, in bottles of one of four sizes (1500 ml, 1000 ml, 500 ml, or 250 ml) in random order. The total volume received consisted of a modest excess of households’ typical weekly purchasing, but was further increased for half the study households to avoid ceiling effects. Consumption was measured by recording the number of empty bottles at the end of each week. Eligible households were invited to complete a run-in period to assess levels of active participation.ResultsThirty-seven of 111 eligible households with an interest in the study completed the run-in period. The study procedures proved feasible. The target for recruitment (n = 16 households) was exceeded. Measuring consumption was feasible: over three quarters (n = 30/37) of households returned all bottles on the majority (n = 88/101) of the study weeks completed across households. The validity of this measure was compromised by guests from outside the household who drank the study cola (n = 18/37 households on 48/101 study weeks) and consumption of the study cola outside the home. Supplying enhanced volumes of cola to nine households was associated with higher consumption (11,592 ml vs 7869 ml). The intervention and study procedures were considered acceptable. Thirteen households correctly identified the study aims.ConclusionThe findings support the feasibility and acceptability of running a randomised controlled trial to assess the impact of presenting a fixed volume of SSB in different bottle sizes on in-home consumption. However, methods that avoid consumption being influenced by the amount of cola supplied weekly by the study and that capture out of home consumption are needed before conducting a randomised controlled trial.Trial registrationISRCTN14964130; Registered on 18th May, 2015.

The package size effect: How package size affects young children’s consumption of snacks differing in sweetness

Adults consume more from large packages and portions than from smaller ones. Food intake increases with larger packages, which may be due to larger consumption norms. Even when foods are non-palatable, large containers can lead to overeating. However, these potential effects and how they depend on the food type have not been tested among young children. We conducted two experiments in a controlled environment. In a first study, which is a conceptual replication of Wansink and Kim (2005), we presented children (age 6–7) with either regular (30g) or larger (60g) cups of salted or sugared popcorn while watching a movie. In the second study we wanted to replicate the findings of the first study, but used a less palatable food type (baby carrots) or a more palatable one (ladyfinger cookies) instead of the sugared versus salted popcorn. Children between 3 and 6years received the snacks in either regular or large packages during breaks at school. Consumption was measured by subtracting the individual package’s post-snack weight from its pre-snack weight. In both studies we found that young children ate more from large packages compared to regular packages and they ate more of the sugared food compared to the less tasty one. Furthermore, the package size effect was stronger for sugared foods in both experiments. Our results have important implications for snack producers, package designers, and policy makers.

Maintaining collections with a flat budget

This paper focuses on the various processes, methods and tough decisions made by the University of Kansas Libraries to provide library materials while maintaining a flat collections budget for over eight years. During this period, those responsible for the Libraries’ collections have implemented quick stop- gap measures, picked all the ‘low-hanging fruit’, and eventually canceled a large journal package. This case study will help other librarians facing the reality of maintaining collections at a time when budgets, changing formats and publication practices are all obstacles to providing patrons with what they need.

Effect of weight and frontal area of external telemetry packages on the kinematics, activity levels and swimming performance of small-bodied sharks.

This study sought to observe the effects of submerged weight and frontal cross-sectional area of external telemetry packages on the kinematics, activity levels and swimming performance of small-bodied juvenile sharks, using lemon sharks Negaprion brevirostris (60-80 cm total length, LT ) as a model species. Juveniles were observed free-swimming in a mesocosm untagged and with small and large external accelerometer packages that increased frontal cross-sectional area of the animals and their submerged weight. Despite adhering to widely used standards for tag mass, the presence of an external telemetry package altered swimming kinematics, activity levels and swimming performance of juvenile N. brevirostris relative to untagged individuals, suggesting that tag mass is not a suitable standalone metric of device suitability. Changes in swimming performance could not be detected from tail-beat frequency, which suggests that tail-beat frequency is an unsuitable standalone metric of swimming performance for small N. brevirostris. Lastly, sharks experienced treatment-specific changes in activity level and swimming kinematics from morning to afternoon observation. Therefore, the presence of external telemetry packages altered the kinematics, activity levels and swimming performance of small young-of-the-year N. brevirostris and these data may therefore be relevant to other similar-sized juveniles of other shark species.

Portal protein functions akin to a DNA-sensor that couples genome-packaging to icosahedral capsid maturation

Tailed bacteriophages and herpesviruses assemble infectious particles via an empty precursor capsid (or ‘procapsid’) built by multiple copies of coat and scaffolding protein and by one dodecameric portal protein. Genome packaging triggers rearrangement of the coat protein and release of scaffolding protein, resulting in dramatic procapsid lattice expansion. Here, we provide structural evidence that the portal protein of the bacteriophage P22 exists in two distinct dodecameric conformations: an asymmetric assembly in the procapsid (PC-portal) that is competent for high affinity binding to the large terminase packaging protein, and a symmetric ring in the mature virion (MV-portal) that has negligible affinity for the packaging motor. Modelling studies indicate the structure of PC-portal is incompatible with DNA coaxially spooled around the portal vertex, suggesting that newly packaged DNA triggers the switch from PC- to MV-conformation. Thus, we propose the signal for termination of ‘Headful Packaging’ is a DNA-dependent symmetrization of portal protein.

The large terminase DNA packaging motor grips DNA with its ATPase domain for cleavage by the flexible nuclease domain.

Many viruses use a powerful terminase motor to pump their genome inside an empty procapsid shell during virus maturation. The large terminase (TerL) protein contains both enzymatic activities necessary for packaging in such viruses: the adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) that powers DNA translocation and an endonuclease that cleaves the concatemeric genome at both initiation and completion of genome packaging. However, how TerL binds DNA during translocation and cleavage remains mysterious. Here we investigate DNA binding and cleavage using TerL from the thermophilic phage P74-26. We report the structure of the P74-26 TerL nuclease domain, which allows us to model DNA binding in the nuclease active site. We screened a large panel of TerL variants for defects in binding and DNA cleavage, revealing that the ATPase domain is the primary site for DNA binding, and is required for nuclease activity. The nuclease domain is dispensable for DNA binding but residues lining the active site guide DNA for cleavage. Kinetic analysis of DNA cleavage suggests flexible tethering of the nuclease domains during DNA cleavage. We propose that interactions with the procapsid during DNA translocation conformationally restrict the nuclease domain, inhibiting cleavage; TerL release from the capsid upon completion of packaging unlocks the nuclease domains to cleave DNA.

Honey they shrank the food! An integrative study of the impact of food granularity and its operationalization mode on consumption

Larger portions of tempting food spur consumption, yet the question remains whether altering food granularity (i.e., dividing a fixed portion into more, smaller versus fewer, larger partitions) also drives consumption. As current insights on the impact of food granularity on consumption are contradictory, this paper offers clarification by zooming in on the different ways in which food granularity has been operationalized in extant research. One can achieve a finer (vs. coarser) food granularity either by partitioning food into more, smaller morsels (vs. fewer larger morsels), or by grouping similarly sized food morsels together into more, smaller packages (vs. fewer, larger packages). Hence, this article introduces the operationalization mode of food granularity (i.e., partitioning vs. grouping) as a variable moderating the effect of food granularity (i.e., fine vs. coarse) on consumption. Consumers are expected to eat less when tempting foods are partitioned in more, smaller portions (as opposed to fewer, larger portions). However, consumers eat more when such tempting foods are grouped into more, smaller packages (as opposed to fewer, larger packages). Both a meta-analytic review (Study 1) and a lab experiment (Study 2) confirm this anticipated interaction effect. In addition, Study 2 shows that the extent of experienced self-control conflict underlies this combined effect of food granularity and operationalization mode on consumption. This study also shows that (un)restrained eating is an additional moderator of the interaction. These findings highlight that the manner used to divide tempting foods has important implications for consumption, which is relevant in light of the current obesity epidemic.

E-government as an anti-corruption strategy in Kazakhstan

ABSTRACTKazakhstan has made progress in economic and social development, but it struggles with systemic corruption. Its leadership has acknowledged the depth of the problem. An ambitious e-government program is underway that is designed to simplify processes, reduce documentation, eliminate queues, and limit interactions between citizens and officials that create opportunities for bribery. Although the initiative is still too new to gauge its full impact, we examine online forums, news coverage, and third-party reports to offer a preliminary judgment. Indications are that e-government is reducing petty corruption, but it needs to be part of a larger package of anticorruption measures.

Numerical analysis of clamping pressure during carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated packages

In order to determine the theoretical minimum clamping pressure required in carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated package (HCP) such as large packages or unitized agricultural product packages, a numerical model of clamping pressure was developed. To develop the model, the dynamic load factor was measured at the handling test course which was designed on the basis of actual handling environment of the target HCP. Also, the static-frictional coefficients between the HCPs and between the HCP and a rubber contact pad of carton clamp arm were analyzed. The main factors in the developed numerical model of clamping pressure were the handling load weight and the effective contact area of the carton clamp arm. In addition, field tests were performed to validate the theoretical minimum clamping pressure calculated from the model. Averaged slip distance from the single package and two packages handling was estimated as a 3.2 mm through field test, and it is expected that the 3.2 mm slip distance will be acceptable for a safe operation in the handling environment. The suggested analytical approach with the numerical model can be a useful means for estimating the clamping pressure of the carton clamps used to handle the HCP. Keywords: corrugated paperboard, heavyweight package, agricultural product packages, carton clamp, clamping pressure, dynamic load factor DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20171005.2917 Citation: Park J, Kim J, Park J, Horvath L, Kim G. Numerical analysis of clamping pressure during carton clamp handling of heavyweight corrugated packages. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2017; 10(5): 25–34.

Hosting Data Packages via drat: A Case Study with Hurricane Exposure Data.

Data-only packages offer a way to provide extended functionality for other R users. However, such packages can be large enough to exceed the package size limit (5 megabytes) for the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN). As an alternative, large data packages can be posted to additional repostiories beyond CRAN itself in a way that allows smaller code packages on CRAN to access and use the data. The drat package facilitates creation and use of such alternative repositories and makes it particularly simple to host them via GitHub. CRAN packages can draw on packages posted to drat repositories through the use of the 'Additonal_repositories' field in the DESCRIPTION file. This paper describes how R users can create a suite of coordinated packages, in which larger data packages are hosted in an alternative repository created with drat, while a smaller code package that interacts with this data is created that can be submitted to CRAN.

Assessing Cyclists’ Perceptions, Motivations and Behaviors: An Exploratory Study in Brazil

This work aims to investigate the motivations, behaviours and perceptions of people who use the bicycle to go to work in a Brazilian city. A 39-item questionnaire was designed to measure the concordance level of 502 employees concerning the items. Advertising and promotion of safety cycling; places reserved for parking the bicycle; the integration of cycling with other modes of transport; and; support and encouragement of the company where the cyclist works are relevant issues. Adverse weather conditions, security issues and the need to transport large packages and people can influence on cycling.

LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS ON DIRECTOR AND EXECUTIVE TERMINATION PAYMENTS IN THE UK AND AUSTRALIA – LESSONS FOR SOUTH AFRICA

The awarding of termination payments to departing company directors and senior executives has attracted a lot of controversy in many jurisdictions in light of the excessive nature and size of termination packages, as well as the corporate governance flaws in the process by which these payments are determined. Termination payments are frequently perceived to be rewards for failure in view of the large packages that have been paid to company executives on termination of their service contracts, often following poor financial performance and staff retrenchments. This article examines the legislative controls on termination payments in the UK under the Companies Act 2006, and in Australia under the Corporations Act 2001. It then evaluates the position in South Africa under the Companies Act 71 of 2008 in light of the approaches followed by the UK and Australia. The article concludes that the provisions of the Companies Act 71 of 2008, relating to directors’ and executives’ termination payments are inadequate to promote transparency, accountability and certainty. It further makes proposals for more robust regulation of directors’-and executive-termination payments under the Companies Act 71 of 2008.

Root Cause Investigation of Lead-Free Solder Joint Interfacial Failures After Multiple Reflows

Solder joint interconnects in three-dimensional (3D) packages with package stacking configurations typically must undergo multiple reflow cycles during the assembly process. In this work, interfacial open joint failures between the bulk solder and the intermetallic compound (IMC) layer were found in Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) solder joints connecting a small package to a large package after multiple reflow reliability tests. Systematic progressive 3D x-ray computed tomography experiments were performed on both incoming and assembled parts to reveal the initiation and evolution of the open failures in the same solder joints before and after the reliability tests. Characterization studies, including focused ion beam cross-sections, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, were conducted to determine the correlation between IMC phase transformation and failure initiation in the solder joints. A comprehensive failure mechanism, along with solution paths for the solder joint interfacial failures after multiple reflow cycles, is discussed in detail.