Packaging Components Research Articles

Effects of Different Oxidation Methods on the Wetting and Diffusion Characteristics of a High-Alumina Glass Sealant on 304 Stainless Steel.

Glass-to-metal seals are a very important element in the construction of vacuum tubes, electric discharge tubes, pressure-tight glass windows in metal cases, and metal or ceramic packages of electronic components. This paper presents the influence of different pretreatment methods on the high-temperature wettability of 304 stainless steel by high-alumina glass sealing. The pretreatment of the steel included laser surface melting and pre-oxidizing. The bonding characteristics of glass and stainless steel directly depend on the wettability in terms of the measured wetting angle, the type of oxide formed at the stainless steel surface, and the microstructural changes during the manufacturing process. The oxide film thickness on the stainless steel surface was evaluated to determine the optimal parameters. The film was wetted with high-alumina glass powder at different temperatures. The results showed that pre-oxidation decreased the wetting angle from 56.2° to 33.6°, while for the laser-melted surface, the wetting angle decreased from 49.8° to 31.5°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the oxide film on the laser-melted surface was thicker and denser than that formed on the pre-oxidized surface. The present work shows that laser surface melting has a greater beneficial influence on the wetting and diffusion characteristics of 304 stainless steel sealed by high-alumina glass.

Midwife-led obstetric triage to increase providers’ knowledge and improve timeliness of care: A pre and posttest design

BackgroundResearch in low- and middle-income countries has shown that maternal mortality is directly related to inadequate or absent obstetric (OB) triage systems. Standard triage systems and knowledge on triaging for obstetric emergencies are often absent or lacking in most healthcare systems in Liberia. ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to address the third delay defined as receiving adequate, quality care when a facility is reached by increasing knowledge through the establishment of a midwife-led, hospital-based OB triage system to stratify care based on risk and imminence of birth and to improve timely assessment at two district referral hospitals. MethodsA quasi-experimental study design using a pre/post survey was employed for a midwife-led OB triage training course. Using a train-the-trainer model, five midwives were trained as champions, who in turn trained an additional 62 providers. Test results were analyzed with the R statistical software using paired sample t-test and descriptive statistics. ResultsPretest results revealed a knowledge and practice gap among OB providers on key components of the standard triage package. However, post-test mean scores were significantly higher (M = 79.6, SD = 2.32) than pre-test mean scores (M = 59.0, SD = 2.30) for participants following a 2-day training (p = <0.001). DiscussionFollowing a structured OB triage training, participants showed significant improvement in post-test OB triage scores. ConclusionStandard OB triage protocols incorporated into the policies and procedures of obstetric wards have the potential to improve knowledge and practice, addressing the third delay and reducing preventable, obstetrics-related deaths.

Assessing Direct and Spillover Effects of Intervention Packages in Network-randomized Studies.

Intervention packages may result in a greater public health impact than single interventions. Understanding the separate impact of each component on the overall package effectiveness can improve intervention delivery. We adapted an approach to evaluate the effects of a time-varying intervention package in a network-randomized study. In some network-randomized studies, only a subset of participants in exposed networks receive the intervention themselves. The spillover effect contrasts average potential outcomes if a person was not exposed to themselves under intervention in the network versus no intervention in a control network. We estimated the effects of components of the intervention package in HIV Prevention Trials Network 037, a Phase III network-randomized HIV prevention trial among people who inject drugs and their risk networks using marginal structural models to adjust for time-varying confounding. The index participant in an intervention network received a peer education intervention initially at baseline, then boosters at 6 and 12 months. All participants were followed to ascertain HIV risk behaviors. There were 560 participants with at least one follow-up visit, 48% of whom were randomized to the intervention, and 1,598 participant visits were observed. The spillover effect of the boosters in the presence of initial peer education training was a 39% rate reduction (rate ratio = 0.61; 95% confidence interval = 0.43, 0.87). These methods will be useful for evaluating intervention packages in studies with network features.

Mechanical and barrier properties of chitosan-based composite film as food packaging: A review

Chitosan can serve as a natural alternative to petroleum-based components in food packaging; however, the mechanical and barrier properties of pure chitosan film possess certain limitations. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the mechanical and barrier properties of composite films formed by combining chitosan-based films with plasticizers, polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. These composite films often exhibit superior mechanical strength and enhanced barrier performance compared to pure chitosan film, thereby expanding the potential applications of chitosan in food packaging. Chitosan represents an ideal raw material for developing innovative biofilms that can cater to diverse packaging requirements for various food products while offering promising prospects for broad application.

Understanding how a non-National Institute for Health and Care Excellence technology appraisal drug is added to the hospital drug formulary

Abstract Introduction In England, only medications listed in a hospital formulary can be used to treat patients in a National Health Service (NHS) hospital. Medications approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) via technology appraisal (TA)1 are included in hospital formularies.[1] Non-NICE TA medications need to be reviewed by the hospital’s drug and therapeutics committee (DTC) for inclusion in the hospital formulary. Research shows that different DTCs make contrary decisions concerning the same non-NICE TA drug request for inclusion in the hospital formulary, contributing to postcode prescribing and inequality in medication access.[2] To understand how and why different DTCs make different decisions, it is vital to understand how a non-NICE TA drug is added to a hospital formulary. Aim To identify the process and variations when adding a non-NICE TA drug to a hospital formulary. Methods As part of a larger study, the DTC of a tertiary centre where this research was based developed and sent a questionnaire exploring DTC processes to Chief Pharmacists (via Microsoft Forms) of ten large tertiary centres in England. After completing the questionnaire, a semi-structured interview was conducted with each Chief Pharmacist to clarify ambiguity in the questionnaire responses. Only data regarding how a non-NICE TA is added to the hospital formulary was used in this study. A hierarchical task analysis (HTA) was developed; data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis to identify subgoals, tasks and subtasks required to add a non-NICE TA drug to the hospital formulary. The HTA was developed iteratively. Results A total of ten Chief Pharmacists (100% of those approached) completed both the questionnaire and interview. Adding a non-NICE TA drug starts with the applicant requesting and completing an application package, followed by obtaining approval to submit the application package for review. Once approval is granted, the application package goes through three review levels: initial, preliminary, and final review. The non-NICE TA drug is added to the formulary once the application package is clinically and financially approved. This process involves over 100 tasks and subtasks. The process described varied from one centre to another with the following main variations: 1. application package components, 2. how the application package is submitted for approval, 3. the depth of review the application package receives, and 4. how the final review is conducted. Conclusion Adding a non-NICE TA drug to a hospital formulary is complex and varied across each centre, indicating a lack of national standardisation in the process. The variations identified could contribute to health inequalities as all patients may not have equal access to the same medications. Therefore, further research is required to study the impact of these variations on patient access to medication via the NHS. Currently, there are no studies in the literature that described the process of adding a non-NICE TA drug to the hospital formulary across the tertiary centres in England. The study only included tertiary centres in England and there should be caution when considering the transferability of the findings to other types of hospitals.

A Common Ground Gun Violence Prevention Policy Package.

In 2022 we conducted a literature review, surveyed 1078 gun owners, and conducted post-survey focus groups and interviews of gun owners and non-gun owners, to determine a common ground gun violence prevention (GVP) policy package. This allowed us to see policies that would save lives and be widely accepted: (1) violent misdemeanor laws, (2) state permit laws, combined with universal background checks; (3) red flag laws. Based on our review of relevant research, we conservatively estimate that in states without any of the policy package components, implementing this package would result in a 27.9% reduction in firearm deaths. We believe that polarization between firearm owners and non-firearm owners, which has thwarted a widely supported response to the problem of gun violence, is largely a harmful myth that can be overcome by including gun owners in the process of fashioning an effective policy approach.

Packing optimization of practical systems using a dynamic acceleration methodology

System design is a challenging and time-consuming task which often requires close collaboration between several multidisciplinary design teams to account for complex interactions between components and sub-systems. As such, there is a growing demand in industry to create better performing, efficient, and cost-effective development tools to assist in the system design process. Additionally, the ever-increasing complexity of systems today often necessitates a shift away from manual expertise and a movement towards computer-aided design tools. This work narrows the scope of the system design process by focusing on one critical design aspect: the packaging of system components. The algorithm presented in this paper was developed to optimize the packaging of system components with consideration of practical, system-level functionalities and constraints. Using a dynamic acceleration methodology, the algorithm packages components from an initial position to a final packed position inside of a constrained volume. The motion of components from initial to final positions is driven by several acceleration forces imposed on each component. These accelerations are based on physical interactions between components and their surrounding environment. Various system-level performance metrics such as center of mass alignment and rotational inertia reduction are also considered throughout optimization. Results of several numerical case studies are also presented to demonstrate the functionality and capability of the proposed packaging algorithm. These studies include packaging problems with known optimal solutions to verify the efficacy of the algorithm. Finally, the proposed algorithm was used in a more practical study for the packaging of an urban air mobility nacelle to demonstrate the algorithm’s prospective capabilities in solving real-world packaging problems.

PyIRI: Whole‐Globe Approach to the International Reference Ionosphere Modeling Implemented in Python

AbstractThe International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model is widely used in the ionospheric community and considered the gold standard for empirical ionospheric models. The development of this model was initiated in the late 1960s using the FORTRAN language; for its programming approach, the model outputs were calculated separately for each given geographic location and time stamp. The Consultative Committee on International Radio (CCIR) and International Union of Radio Science (URSI) coefficients provide the skeleton of the IRI model, as they define the global distribution of the maximum useable ionospheric frequency foF2 and the propagation factor M(3,000)F2. At the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, a novel Python tool was developed that enables global runs of the IRI model with significantly lower computational overhead. This was made possible through the Python rebuild of the core IRI component (which calculates ionospheric critical frequency using the CCIR or URSI coefficients), taking advantage of NumPy matrix multiplication instead of using cyclic addition. This paper explains in detail this new approach and introduces all components of the PyIRI package.

Influence of the microstructure in the biodegradability process of eco‐friendly materials based on polylactic acid and mango seed for food packaging to minimize microplastic generation

AbstractIn this research, mango parts (kernel and integument) were loaded into a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix by a casting process to develop biocomposite materials. These materials should present improved mechanical and thermal properties and have the potential to be used as environmentally friendly, biodegradable food packaging material with extended shelf life. For this purpose, the research was divided into two parts: step 1, ground materials of a certain particle size from a previous work1 and step 2, which are the materials from Step 1 ground again. The samples were characterized by x‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser granulometry, texture tests, and thermal analysis. The difference between them was particle size distribution, impacting the materials' mechanical strength and degradation rate. Three biocomposites were made (PLA/kernel, PLA/integument, and PLA/kernel/integument) in both steps. SEM was used to observe the size distribution of the mango seed and sample morphology. In addition, resistance values increased with the addition of kernel or integument particles. Biocomposite biodegradability was also evaluated. Based on the results of this study, the biocomposites showed high mechanical properties and thermal stability, making them suitable for applications such as food packaging and structural components to help reduce environmental loads and microplastic generation.

Innovative Packaging Strategies for Freshness and Safety of Food Products: A Review

ABSTRACTIn recent years, consumers have become more concerned about the freshness and safety of packaged food items with their shelf life and taste. Innovation in food packaging continuously evolves with various techniques, which improve or indicate the quality of the product throughout the supply chain. This review highlights the different packaging strategies for enhancing the freshness of various food products and proclaims an alternative to conventional food packaging systems. Also, this article emphasizes assorted packaging components for the safety of food products, implicating fresh and quality products for consumer health. Such packaging systems provide information on various concepts, including indicators, sensors, scavengers, absorbers and other smart integrated techniques and their application in food products. Moreover, this review highlights the need for exploration in toxicology and migration studies for industrial application and consumer health safety.

Laser welding of fiber array units.

We report the results of fabricating fiber array unit (FAU) connectors using a near IR laser welding process, locking fibers in proper position on planar glass substrates and forming strong glass-to-glass bonds, followed by final assembly using lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) epoxies. A thin metal film deposited on the glass substrate provides the absorption required to attain interfacial temperatures suitable for glass-to-glass bonding. This method allows the elimination of dedicated expensive V-groove plates while still maintaining very good fiber placement accuracy. The use of epoxy is minimized to simply securing macro packaging components and protecting fibers from environmental pressure, temperature, and humidity variation. The thermal expansion properties of the epoxy used were essential for the long-term FAU reliability.

SUCCESSFUL CASES OF BRANDING THROUGH GRAPHIC DESIGN: ANALYSIS OF SPECIFIC CASES WHERE GRAPHIC DESIGN INFLUENCED BRAND SUCCESS

Over the past decade, graphic design has become a pivotal element in the formation and management of brands. Its influence on consumer perception is gaining increasing significance in saturated markets and growing competition. The research problem revolves around the necessity for a thorough analysis of specific cases where graphic design emerged as a key factor in achieving success for brands. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of graphic design on the success of brands through specific cases, analyzing elements that led to positive changes in consumer perception. The object of the study encompasses brands from various market segments, where graphic design played a decisive role in achieving a high level of recognition and success. The subject of the research includes specific elements of graphic design, such as logos, packaging, and visual components, which have influenced the creation of a strong brand image. To attain the objectives, qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed, including consumer surveys, interviews with designers and brand representatives, as well as an analysis of visual elements in graphic design. The findings of the research underscore the importance of graphic design in shaping successful brands.

The Applications of Nanotechnologies in Food Science using the ARAS Method

Nanotechnologies in Food Science Nanotechnology is an important advanced technology Contribution, growth and sustainability Enable impact in the fields of Food, Medicine, and Agriculture. Nan materials are Healthy, safe, and high-quality functional leading to quality and quantity production of foods, they are biodegradable or semi-degradable in nature. Niño Conventional food processing technologies Better than technologies, food products extend shelf life, prevent contamination, and produce improved food quality. Nanotechnology for functional food development comprehensive review of technologies, in Food Processing, and paid packaging of advanced nonmaterial Current in making, preserving, and storing Describes trends and future perspectives. industry. Food bioavailability, taste, texture, and nana to improve stability Applications of the technologies are particle size possible integration and feeding and surface charge of nonmaterial are achieved by changing food Processing, production, presser, vacation, and products using nanotechnology in pack Refer to created food. Post-harvest Nanotechnology is huge in the food processor and has power. It gets the life of the food character, taste, texture, and consistency Enhances, or unpleasant taste or covers the door, and particle size, size distribution, On Nanotechnologies in Food Science, this detailed review is for future work for Non-food Research and Development and Describes recent trends and future perspectives. Food and beverage, Beverage, Food, Health drink, Food contact material, and Food storage are also reviewed. Nanotechnology is being to detect harmful components in fo Nanosensorssors and Smart Packaging is Very fast and sensitive to food contamination in systems Helping in identification. Nanoencapsulation is very significant in food science Technology, especially biocomposites and flavors. The additive ratio assessment ARAS method for complex decision problems Tries to simplify and for alternatives that can reflect the difference between by the corresponding indicator (degree of use). Selects the "best" alternative. Nutra Leaseanola Active Oil, Nanotea, Tip Top bread, Nanoceuticals Slim Shake, Nano silver cutting board, Fresher Longer TM, and Evaluation Parameters Food and beverage, Beverage, Food, Health drink, Food contact material, Food storage are also reviewed. Result: Fresher Longer TM is showing the highest value of rank whereas Nano tea is showing the lowest value. Nanotechnologies in Food Science using the analysis of Addition Ratio Assessment (ARAS) Fresher Longer TM is showing the highest value of rank whereas Nano tea is showing the lowest value.

A preoperative package of care for osteoarthritis, consisting of weight loss, orthotics, rehabilitation, and topical and oral analgesia (OPPORTUNITY): a two-centre, open-label, randomised controlled feasibility trial

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a major cause of disability worldwide. Non-operative treatments can reduce the morbidity but adherence is poor. We hypothesised that adherence could be optimised if behavioural change was established in the preoperative period. Therefore, we aimed to assess feasibility, acceptability, and recruitment and retention rates of a preoperative package of non-operative care in patients awaiting knee replacement surgery. We did an open-label, randomised controlled, feasibility trial in two secondary care centres in the UK. Eligible participants were aged 15-85 years, on the waiting list for a knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, and met at least one of the thresholds for one of the four components of the preoperative package of non-operative care intervention (ie, weight loss, exercise therapy, use of insoles, and analgesia adjustment). Participants were randomly assigned (2:1) to either the intervention group or the standard of care (ie, control) group. All four aspects of the intervention were delivered weekly over 12 weeks. Participants in the intervention group were reviewed regularly to assess adherence. The primary outcome was acceptability and feasibility of delivering the intervention, as measured by recruitment rate, retention rate at follow-up review after planned surgery, health-related quality of life, joint-specific scores, and adherence (weight change and qualitative interviews). This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN96684272. Between Sept 3 2018, and Aug 30, 2019, we screened 233 patients, of whom 163 (73%) were excluded and 60 (27%) were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=40) or the control group (n=20). 34 (57%) of 60 participants were women, 26 (43%) were men, and the mean age was 66·8 years (SD 8·6). Uptake of the specific intervention components varied: 31 (78%) of 40 had exercise therapy, 28 (70%) weight loss, 22 (55%) analgesia adjustment, and insoles (18 [45%]). Overall median adherence was 94% (IQR 79·5-100). At the final review, the intervention group lost a mean of 11·2 kg (SD 5·6) compared with 1·3 kg (3·8) in the control group (estimated difference -9·8 kg [95% CI -13·4 to -6·3]). A clinically significant improvement in health-related quality o life (mean change 0·078 [SD 0·195]) were reported, and joint-specific scores showed greater improvement in the intervention group than in the control group. No adverse events attributable to the intervention occurred. Participants adhered well to the non-operative interventions and their health-related quality of life improved. Participant and health professional feedback were extremely positive. These findings support progression to a full-scale effectiveness trial. Versus Arthritis.

Potential of a Charcoal Evaporative Cooling Chamber for Extending the Shelf Life of Vegetables

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; There are wide varieties of vegetables in Sri Lanka. The ambient temperature and relative humidity have an impact on rate of vegetables deteriorate. Evaporative cooling is a well-known, cost- effective way to reduce postharvest lost in order to lower the temperature and increase the relative humidity. This research was done to create a charcoal cooling chamber for increase the shelf life of vegetables combining polythene packaging and active packaging additives. The study was carried out in wet zone, Sri Lanka with a sizable chamber made of coconut shell charcoal. A rectangular box made of chicken wire with a 1 m3 capacity serves as the evaporative cooling chamber. It made of chicken wire mesh with a hardwood frame. The walls filled with 50 mm thick coconut shell charcoal and a water outflow 8.33 ml/min for wetting the walls. Vegetable samples without any treatment were placed in the charcoal chamber along with vegetables wrapped in sealed polyethylene (gauge 300) with and without active packing components. With a control sample held in ambient settings, the treatments were put to the test four times over the course of nine days. Both unloading and loading situations were used to evaluate the performance of chamber. Temperature drops of 4° C on average and 2.07° C on average, respectively, were seen in dry and wet climate conditions. 92.49% on average was the cooling efficiency. Sealed polyethylene bags without active packaging components were found to be the best treatment when taking into account physiological weight loss and sensory tests. When compared to the control group on days 3, 6 and 9 physiological weight loss was considerably (P&lt;0.05) less in the sealed polyethylene bags without active packing components. When compared to the control sample total soluble solid content less in sealed polythene bag. The sensory evaluation for the treatments inside the chamber was more acceptable than for the control. Vegetables can store fresh for up to three days in evaporative cooling chamber without packaging. These chambers can install vegetable stalls on the side of the roads in Sri Lanka for temporary purposes.&#x0D; Keywords: Charcoal, Evaporation, Shelf-life, Temperature, Vegetables&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

A strategy to improve the thermal fatigue resistance of solder joints based on amorphous Co-P coating to spontaneously build skeleton of CoSn3 laths

Integrated circuit systems are always suffering the temperature cycling environment caused by frequent power on and off. Mismatch in thermal expansion coefficients among chip package components will cause severe cyclic stress to the solder joints. During thermal fatigue, β-Sn grains tended to generate thermal fatigue cracks at the grain boundaries. This work proposed a strategy of using amorphous Co-15 at.% P coating as the interface layer to inhibit the initiation and propagation of thermal fatigue cracks and improve the shear strength of solder joints by numerous endogenous CoSn3 laths. Mechanistically, based on the amorphous structure of the Co-P coating, Co atoms would massively and rapidly diffuse into the molten solder during the liquid-solid diffusion stage of reflow soldering, and the eutectic solidification together with β-Sn spontaneously precipitated numerous laths of CoSn3 intermetallic compounds (IMC), which were evenly distributed and became the skeleton of the solders. The skeleton-like CoSn3 laths with high elastic modulus were the reinforcing phase of Sn-based solder, but also refined the grains of β-Sn. The refinement of β-Sn grains and the strengthening of CoSn3 laths played an important role in inhibiting the initiation and propagation of thermal fatigue cracks. In addition, a discontinuous Co-Sn IMC layer was formed between the amorphous Co-P and the solder. The alternating appearance of CoSn3 and relatively soft β-Sn at the interface avoided the generation of cracks at the interface during temperature cycling.

A Study on Design Appeal of Green Packaging in China

This quantitative study examines the relationship between consumption functionality and green packaging dimensions among 484 consumers in China. The data was analyzed using SPSS and AMOS to test the impact of consumption functionality on product meaningfulness and willingness to purchase, as well as the mediating role of green packaging. As packaging has evolved to add functional, emotional and social value to products, influencing brand image, this study investigates the design appeal of green packaging. The aim is to determine how consumption functionality affects product meaningfulness and willingness to purchase green packaged products, and whether green packaging mediates these relationships. The variables studied include consumption functionality, product meaningfulness, willingness to purchase, and green packaging components such as symbolic, economic and altruistic values. The literature review examined prior research on the impacts of consumption functionality on product meaningfulness and purchase willingness. It also covered studies on the symbolic, economic and altruistic values of green packaging and its potential mediating effects. The results provide insights into Chinese consumer responses to green packaging, specifically the mechanisms by which consumption functionality and green packaging influence product meaningfulness and willingness to purchase. This helps marketing practitioners determine effective positioning and messaging approaches for green packaged goods. It provides guidance on tactical elements like packaging design. The findings can shape creative strategies for brands looking to leverage green packaging appeals among Chinese consumers. Further research can build on this study to deepen knowledge in this emerging area as the popularity of sustainable packaging grows.

Разработка программного комплекса для испытания цифровых измерительных трансформаторов на вибростенде

The presented work examines a software package for monitoring the condition of a hydraulic servo drive with hydrostatic guides as part of a diagnostic vibration stand for digital transformers. The service life of digital instrument transformers is 25 years, and the calibration interval is 8 years. To achieve such high performance characteristics, it is necessary to conduct a large number of tests for such products. One such test is the vibration test. The uniqueness of the hydraulic drive used in the diagnostic vibration stand lies in its long service life under operational loads (up to 100 million cycles). This reliability is achieved with special hydrostatic guides in the hydraulic drive design and requires special software. The architecture of the software complex for the vibration stand has been created. To test the functionality of the package, simulation modeling of the operation of the components of the software package was performed. Aim. Based on the analysis of the functioning of technological equipment and options for implementing control software, develop the architecture of a software package for implementing a system for condition monitoring of a servo hydraulic drive with hydrostatic guides as part of a diagnostic vibration stand for digital transformers. Materials and methods. The stated scientific problems were solved using methods of system analysis, computer, mathematical and simulation modeling of the interaction of the software complex with the components of the servo hydraulic drive with hydrostatic guides. Results. The main practical result of the research is the development of the architecture of a software package for testing digital instrument transformers on a vibration stand. It is proposed to use cross-platform solutions when implementing the complex software and rely on modern experience in using freely distributed software. Conclusion. The developed architecture of the software package is focused on ensuring the automated operation of servo hydraulic drives, allows you to configure all the necessary equipment parameters, monitor the condition of the equipment using digital data transfer protocols, centrally save and replicate hydraulic drive settings for specific operating conditions on the enterprises. Analysis of implementation options showed that the use of a SCADA system simplifies the process of developing standard projects for dispatch control and data collection and condition monitoring, but at the same time, it has increased complexity at the stage of deployment and operation. The functionality of none of the widespread and reliable SCADA systems covers all the requirements for this project. This particularly applies to USB connectivity and high frequency signal processing required by design requirements. In addition, when using universal SCADA systems, the end user must purchase a license for the RunTime SCADA component.

Optimization of a mHealth Physical Activity Promotion Intervention With Mindful Awareness for Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Design and Methods of Opt2Move Full Factorial Trial.

Opt2Move is a theory-guided moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) promotion trial that uses multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) methodology to evaluate the individual and combined effects of four intervention components in a full factorial experiment among young adult cancer survivors (YACS; N = 304). All participants will receive the core mHealth MVPA intervention, which includes a Fitbit and standard self-monitoring Opt2Move smartphone application. YACS will be randomized to one of 16 conditions to receive between zero and four additional components each with two levels (yes v. no): E-Coach, buddy, general mindfulness, and MVPA-specific mindfulness. The primary aim is to determine the individual and combined effects of the components on MVPA post-intervention (12-weeks) and at 24-week follow-up. The secondary aim is to examine how changes in MVPA are associated with patient-reported outcomes, light-intensity activity, sedentary time, and sleep duration and quality. Potential mediators and moderators of component effects will also be examined. Results will support the selection of a package of intervention components optimized to maximize MVPA to be tested in a randomized controlled trial. Opt2Move represents the first systematic effort to use MOST to design an optimized, scalable mHealth MVPA intervention for YACS and will lead to an improved understanding of how to effectively change YACS' MVPA and ultimately, improve health and disease outcomes.

Investigation of the Formaldehyde-Catalyzed N[sbnd]Nitrosation of Dialkyl Amines: An Automated Experimental and Kinetic Modelling Study Using Dibutylamine

The potential for drug substances and drug products to contain low levels of N-nitrosamines is of continued interest to the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities. Acid-promoted nitrosation mechanisms in solution have been investigated widely in the literature and are supported by kinetic modelling studies. Carbonyl compounds, particularly formaldehyde, which may be present as impurities in excipients and drug product packaging components or introduced during drug substance manufacturing processes are also known to catalyze nitrosation, but their impact on the risk of N-nitrosamine formation has not been systematically investigated to date. In this study, we experimentally investigated the multivariate impact of formaldehyde, nitrite and pH on N-nitrosation in aqueous solution using dibutylamine as a model amine. We augmented a published kinetic model by adding formaldehyde-catalyzed nitrosation reactions. We validated the new kinetic model vs. the experimental data and then used the model to systematically investigate the impact of formaldehyde levels on N-nitrosamine formation. Simulations of aqueous solution systems show that at low formaldehyde levels the formaldehyde-catalyzed mechanisms are insignificant in comparison to other routes. However, formaldehyde-catalyzed mechanisms can become more significant at neutral and high pH under higher formaldehyde levels. Model-based sensitivity analysis demonstrated that under high nitrite levels and low formaldehyde levels (where the rate of formaldehyde-catalyzed nitrosation is low compared to the acid-promoted pathways) the model can be used with kinetic parameters for model amines in the literature without performing additional experiments to fit amine-specific parameters. For other combinations of reaction parameters containing formaldehyde, the formaldehyde-catalyzed kinetics are non-negligible, and thus it is advised that, under such conditions, additional experiments should be conducted to reliably use the model.