Packaging Components Research Articles

Consequences of sequential photooxidation of polycarbonate: Relating microscopic modifications to the change of oxygen permeability

AbstractThe consequences of light‐induced oxidation of polycarbonate on its permeability to oxygen were deeply investigated. Polymer films were sequentially photoaged, resulting in the sequential appearance and growth of oxidation products at the surface of the exposed side up to a limit value, owing to the progressive yellowing of the film during the photoageing process. Such effect restricts drastically the oxidation process to the film surfaces. The observed decrease in oxygen permeability consecutive to exposure of only one side of the film results principally from a decrease in oxygen solubility into the polymer, with a minor reduction of its diffusion ability. This was explained by the increase of the polymer polarity owing to the appearance of several types of polar chemical groups (namely CO and OH) as well as the occurrence of cross‐linking upon photodegradation. This decrease in oxygen permeability is then a positive feature in the case of applications for packaging and medical components. No further decrease in oxygen permeability was observed when the second side of the films was photooxidized, which can be explained by a “funnel effect” type between sorption, diffusion and desorption steps.

SAFE MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL RADIOLOGICAL WASTE

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines radioactive waste as material, of no useful value, that contains or is contaminated with nuclides in concentrations higher than levels specified by relevant bodies. Healthcare institutions and users whose business activities generate radioactive waste have the obligation to collect, label and store it in the prescribed manner until such time as it is taken over by a company which is authorized for its transportation, collection, keeping and storage. The goal of this paper is to point out the importance of improving the quality of health services through the process of regulating medical waste management, with a focus on measures and procedures for the disposal of waste generated in radiology. The system for the separation of radiological waste, and its adequate labeling with a number corresponding to its category, is a top priority for radiological waste management at all health institutions. The importance of controlling the generation of radioactive waste is primarily reflected in measures that contribute to its reduction, followed by reuse and recycling. Data on physical, mechanical, chemical, radiological, and biological characteristics is provided to characterize radioactive waste, thus ensuring its safe and secure management. The storage of radioactive waste is the procedure for the temporary placement of radioactive waste in a dedicated facility, i.e., in a warehouse for a specific period of time, in compliance with the prescribed measures for radiation and nuclear safety and the safety of stored waste. During the storage of radioactive waste, it is necessary to carry out a whole series of activities: radiation protection, monitoring radioactivity in the environment around the warehouse, inspection of the state of radioactive waste packaging and inspection of equipment, warehouse components and systems, maintenance of the warehouse, and the labeling and recording of radioactive waste packaging. The process for disposing of radioactive waste implies its isolation from people and the environment. While the location, designed barriers and operation of the facility for disposal of radioactive waste, should enable the application of all radiation safety and security measures and the prevention of reaching criticality. States should assume an unequivocal ethical obligation to eliminate the unnecessary burden, associated with the complex issue of radioactive waste disposal, from future generations.

Faster Charging with Advanced Component Packages

Faster Charging with Advanced Component Packages

Controllable Water-Triggered Degradation of PCL Solution-Blown Nanofibrous Webs Made Possible by Lipase Enzyme Entrapment

Polymers in nanofibrous forms offer new opportunities for achieving triggered polymer degradation, which is important for functional and environmental reasons. The polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibrous nonwoven polymer webs developed in this work by solution blow spinning with entrapped enzymes were completely, rapidly and controllably degraded when triggered by exposure to water. Lipase (CALB) from Candida antarctica was successfully entrapped in the PCL webs via an enzyme-compatible water-in-oil emulsion in the PCL–chloroform spinning solution with added surfactant. Protein (enzyme) in the nanofibrous webs was detected by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while time of flight-secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) and laser confocal microscopy indicated that enzymes were immobilized within solid fibers as well as within microbead structures distributed throughout the webs. Degradation studies of CALB-enzyme functionalized solution-blown nonwoven (EFSBN)-PCL webs at 40 °C or ambient temperature showed that EFSBN-PCL webs degraded rapidly when exposed to aqueous pH 8 buffer. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of partially degraded webs showed that thinner fibers disappeared first, thus, controlling fiber dimensions could control degradation rates. Rapid degradation was attributed to the combination of nanofibrous web structure and the distribution of enzymes throughout the webs. CALB immobilized in the solid dry webs exhibited long storage stability at room temperature or when refrigerated, with around 60% catalytic activity being retained after 120 days compared to the initial activity. Dry storage stability at ambient conditions and rapid degradation upon exposure to water demonstrated that EFSBN-PCL could be used as fibers or binders in degradable textile or paper products, as components in packaging, for tissue engineering and for controlled-release drug or controlled-release industrial and consumer product applications.

Potential environmental impact of reducing the variation of disposable materials used for cataract surgery.

Health care is estimated to be responsible for 5-10% of carbon emissions globally. Determining the CO2 emissions of medical interventions such as cataract surgery could provide opportunities for carbon reduction. The majority of cataract associated emissions are attributed to the procurement of surgical materials. Aim of this study was to analyse the cataract package variability in one country, namely Austria. Austrian Departments of Ophthalmology. Cross-sectional study. The cataract package components of three different Austrian hospitals were weighed and life cycle assessment on each product performed. This data was then extrapolated to the sales figures of the main Austrian cataract package suppliers to estimate the carbon footprint of all cataract packages used in Austria in 2021. There were 55 different cataract package compositions in use with an average weight of 0.7 kg. These compositions differ significantly in weight and composition considering that the smallest package was 57% lighter than the largest package. The size of the surgical drapes also showed considerable variation, with a difference of up to 71%. This is substantial, considering that drapes and covers account for about 53% of the package weight. There was a considerable variation in package composition and product size, which could provide opportunities to save CO2 emissions in cataract surgery. If all Austrian eye departments were to reduce the material quantities and drape sizes to the lower third of the cataract packages used in the Austria in 2021, cataract package associated CO2 emissions could be reduced by 34%.

Loan packaging decisions for beginning African American and other socially disadvantaged farmers

AbstractThis study presents evidence on the relative accommodation of credit requests made by minority start‐up entrepreneurs in the U.S. farm sector. Loan packaging terms (amount, interest rate, and maturity) prescribed by lending officers of the Farm Service Agency, the government's lending arm to the farm sector, are analyzed and compared across racial/ethnic and gender groups of borrowers. The intention is to discern whether prescribed loan terms are favorable and supportive of the new farms' business growth and survival goals and uncover any trends of preferential treatment for certain groups of borrowers. Econometric results did not uncover any significant deviations in the lenders' decisions for beginning African American and White farmers for all three components of the loan package. While most packaging term decisions were similar among borrowers of different racial/ethnic attributes, the only exceptional terms were significantly larger loan amounts for American Indians and higher interest rates for Hispanic Americans. Compared to farmers in the South, loan term decisions seem to align with regional concentrations of farm typologies, such as the prevalence of livestock operations in the Plains and Midwest that require longer loan repayment periods and larger crop farms in the West with higher loan amount approvals.

Optimization of smartphone psychotherapy for depression and anxiety among patients with cancer using the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework and decentralized clinical trial system (SMartphone Intervention to LEssen depression/Anxiety and GAIN resilience: SMILE AGAIN project): a protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCancer patients experience various forms of psychological distress. Their distress, mainly in the form of depression and anxiety, leads to poor quality of life, increased medical spending due to frequent visits, and decrease in treatment adherence. It is estimated that 30–50% among them would require support from mental health professionals: in reality, much less actually receive such support partly due to a shortage of qualified professionals and also due to psychological barriers in seeking such help. The purpose of the present study is to develop the easily accessible and the most efficient and effective smartphone psychotherapy package to alleviate depression and anxiety in cancer patients.MethodsBased on the multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) framework, the SMartphone Intervention to LEssen depression/Anxiety and GAIN resilience project (SMILE-AGAIN project) is a parallel-group, multicenter, open, stratified block randomized, fully factorial trial with four experimental components: psychosocial education (PE), behavioral activation (BA), assertion training (AT), and problem-solving therapy (PS). The allocation sequences are maintained centrally. All participants receive PE and then are randomized to the presence/absence of the remaining three components. The primary outcome of this study is the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) total score, which will be administered as an electronic patient-reported outcome on the patients’ smartphones after 8 weeks. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Nagoya City University on July 15, 2020 (ID: 46-20-0005). The randomized trial, which commenced in March 2021, is currently enrolling participants. The estimated end date for this study is March 2023.DiscussionThe highly efficient experimental design will allow for the identification of the most effective components and the most efficient combinations among the four components of the smartphone psychotherapy package for cancer patients. Given that many cancer patients face significant psychological hurdles in seeing mental health professionals, easily accessible therapeutic interventions without hospital visits may offer benefits. If an effective combination of psychotherapy is determined in this study, it can be provided using smartphones to patients who cannot easily access hospitals or clinics.Trial registrationUMIN000041536, CTR. Registered on 1 November 2020 https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000047301.

Trauma-Informed Approaches in Primary Healthcare and Community Mental Healthcare: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review of Organisational Change Interventions

A trauma-informed approach is a framework for organisational (synonym system) change interventions that address the universal prevalence and impact of trauma. This mixed methods systematic review assessed the effects of trauma-informed approaches on psychological, behavioural, and health outcomes in health-care providers and adult patients in primary care and community mental healthcare. We searched five databases and grey literature and consulted experts for reports published in January 1990 to June 2021. The quantitative descriptive and qualitative framework syntheses were integrated through a line of argument and mapped onto a logic model. We included six nonrandomised studies that evaluated eight interventions with varied theoretical developments, components, and outcomes. The most common components were budget allocation, workforce development, identification/response to violence and trauma, and evaluation. Evidence for intervention effects was limited and conflicting. Four studies reported improvement in provider readiness and sense of community, while three reported conflicting effects on provider behaviour regarding delivery of trauma-informed care. Four studies reported some improvement in patient readiness for disease management and access to services; however, the evidence for patient satisfaction was conflicting. Two studies found that patients and providers felt safe. While one study reported improvement in patient quality of life and chronic pain, another found no effect on substance use, and three studies reported conflicting effects on mental health. Intervention mechanisms included a package of varied components, tailoring to the organisational needs, capacities and preferences, staff education and self-care, creating safe environments, and shared decision-making. Intervention effects were moderated by contextual (health system values, policies, governance, business models, trauma-informed movement, organisational culture, and social determinants of health) and intervention factors (buy-in from all staff, collective learning through conversations, equal attention to staff and patient well-being, and sustainable funding). No studies measured adverse events/harm, cost effectiveness, or providers’ health. We need more methodologically robust evaluations of trauma-informed organisational change interventions.

INTEGRATED APPROACH AS A METHODOLOGICAL BASIS BUILDING A SOCIAL PACKAGE IN A BUSINESS COMPANY

The article defines the essence of the social package, its structure, approaches to its formation and importance for strengthening the motivation of employees. The theoretical and methodological foundations of the organizational and economic mechanism for determining the integrated approach to building a social package were substantiated, and scientific and applied recommendations for the introduction of an effective employee motivation tool were developed. The social package is defined as a set of financial, material and non-material benefits that raise the standard of living and are provided by the enterprise to the employee in addition to the basic salary in order to encourage labor activity. Four stages of the formation of the social package are distinguished, which replaced each other. Approaches to the definition of the term “social package” in modern literature are defined. A critical analysis of approaches to determining the essence and components of the social package made it possible to single out the commonality of positions regarding the composition of the social package, namely: it should include both the basic social guarantees provided for by the legislation on labor and social security (basic component) and additional material benefits, providing which are carried out by the employer on his own initiative (motivational). The components of the social package are highlighted: mandatory, competitive and compensatory. The most expedient approach to the formation of a social package has been designed.

Biodegradable Nano-Cellulose and its Composite Materials for Food Packaging Applications : A Review

Bagasse is a fibrous material obtained after crushing sugarcane to extract its juice. this sugarcane bagasse can be utilized to produce cellulose nano-crystals for various applications. Researchers have been studying the manufacturing of nano-cellulose-based products and food packaging films. the evolution of environmentally friendly and ecologically balanced food packaging materials has gotten a lot of interest as a potential solution to partially replace the perishable fossil fuel-derived plastic. Nano-cellulose and so its uses have lately received considerable attention across both research and application areas due to their attractive characteristics such as exceptional mechanical properties, larger surface area, rich hydroxyl for alteration, and biological properties with 100 per cent environmental protection. It is widely produced around the world in big quantities. It is a sugar industry waste product. It is most widely employed in the paper industry, although researchers have proposed that various mechanical and chemical treatments can aid in the extraction of cellulosic fibres, pure cellulose, cellulose nano-fibers (CNF), and cellulose nano-crystals (CNC). These extracted components have a wide range of uses in the manufacturing of regenerated cellulosic fibre and composite materials. The extraction processes for these extracted components in food packaging are discussed in this review study, as well as their usual application in composite industries.

Development and optimization of whey protein- Lepidium perfoliatum gum packaging films: An approach towards antimicrobial and biodegradable films

The use of plastic materials as the main packaging components in the food industry has caused widespread environmental and economic problems, so the use of edible films and coatings with diverse capabilities can be considered as a good choice. This study aimed to optimize a composite edible film based on whey protein concentrate (WPC) and Lepidium perfoliatum L. gum (LPG) using transglutaminase enzyme through Response Surface Methodology and loaded with oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oil. The optimum value of independent factors with regard to minimum thickness, moisture, and solubility of films was LPG concentration 0.5 % w/v, WPC/LPG ratio 2.9, enzyme content 10 % and glycerol concentration 15 % v/v. The optimum responses for thickness, moisture, and solubility of films were 130 µm, 8.13 %, and 53.61 %, respectively. The physicochemical properties, X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, mechanical and thermal properties of optimized films were also studied. Microscopic images showed that the prepared films had a rough and irregular surface, while the cross-section micrograph indicated a smooth and crack-free surface. The physicochemical properties revealed a denser packing of polymer chains and semi-crystalline structure of films. The water vapor permeability of the film was 1.21 × 10−10 ± 0.03 g/m s Pa. The obtained results confirmed that preparation of composite films based on WPC and LPG was successful and the loaded film with oregano essential oil can be used for biodegradable food packaging.

Multiway Softness Polyurethane Elastomeric Composite with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Application as Thermal Interface Materials

AbstractThe ever‐increasing computing power in modern electronics comes with significant heat waste that can't be ignored. For microchips to dissipate heat efficiently, thermal interface materials (TIMs) are the most critical components in semiconductor packaging. Soft elastomer composites are often used as TIMs due to their large‐strain reversible deformability with a small external force. For TIMs to cushion between the microchip and heat spreader, they must have high thermal conductivity and temperature‐tunable softness to reduce thermal resistance and relieve the warpage failure caused by thermal stress. However, thermal conductivity and softness are interrelated and restrict each other. To address this challenge, a radical strategy of introducing dynamic covalent bonds in the polyurethane/aluminum composite is used. The reversible and low energy of dynamic imine bonds along with the lengthening of the Khun segment in the crosslinking network imbues the material with temperature‐tunable softness function while maintaining high thermal conductivity. The resulting polyurethane elastomer (PUE) composite exhibits remarkable thermal conductivity (6.90 W m−1 K−1), low thermal resistance (0.13 K cm2 W−1), and excellent softness (elastic modulus 759.50 kPa, and stretchability 140.30%). This work provides a practical method to design thermally conductive and temperature‐tunable soft elastomer composites as TIMs in semiconductor packaging.

Meiotic resetting of the cellular Sod1 pool is driven by protein aggregation, degradation, and transient LUTI-mediated repression.

Gametogenesis requires packaging of the cellular components needed for the next generation. In budding yeast, this process includes degradation of many mitotically stable proteins, followed by their resynthesis. Here, we show that one such case-Superoxide dismutase 1 (Sod1), a protein that commonly aggregates in human ALS patients-is regulated by an integrated set of events, beginning with the formation of pre-meiotic Sod1 aggregates. This is followed by degradation of a subset of the prior Sod1 pool and clearance of Sod1 aggregates. As degradation progresses, Sod1 protein production is transiently blocked during mid-meiotic stages by transcription of an extended and poorly translated SOD1 mRNA isoform, SOD1LUTI. Expression of SOD1LUTI is induced by the Unfolded Protein Response, and it acts to repress canonical SOD1 mRNA expression. SOD1LUTI is no longer expressed following the meiotic divisions, enabling a resurgence of canonical mRNA and synthesis of new Sod1 protein such that gametes inherit a full complement of Sod1 protein. Failure to aggregate and degrade Sod1 results in reduced gamete fitness in the presence of oxidants, highlighting the importance of this regulation. Investigation of Sod1 during yeast gametogenesis, an unusual cellular context in which Sod1 levels are tightly regulated, could shed light on conserved aspects of its aggregation and degradation, with relevance to understanding Sod1's role in human disease.

Packaging design and thermal analysis for 1 mm2 high power VCSEL

PurposeVertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) is a high-performance semiconductor device made of unique epitaxial layers grown on n-type GaAs or InP substrates. The VCSEL’s thermal resistance, Rth, is an essential metric that reflects its thermal properties and dependability. The purpose of this paper is to develop packaging for 1 mm2 VCSEL chips made of a variety of materials, such as ceramic, lead frame and printed circuit board (PCB)-based packaging, as well as provide an idea or design that can withstand and perform well in terms of Rth and heat dissipation during operation. SolidWorks 2017 and AutoCAD Mechanical 2017 software were used to publish all thoughts and ideas, including the size dimensions (x, y and z) and material choices for each package.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the modelling and material selection, the next step is to use the Ansys Mechanical Structural FEA Analysis software to simulate all packaging for Rth and determine which packaging produced the best result, therefore, determining the heat dissipation for each packing. All parameters were used based on the standard cleanroom requirement for the industrial manufacturing backend process, where the cleanroom classification is 10,000 particles (ISO 7). The results demonstrated that the ceramic and lead frame provided good Rth values of 7.3 and 7.0 K/W, respectively, when compared to the PCB, which provided more than 80 K/W; thus, the heat dissipation for PCB packaging also increased.FindingsAs a result of the research, it was determined that ceramic and lead frame packaging are appropriate and capable of delivering good Rth and heat dissipation values when compared to PCB. In comparison to PCB, which requires numerous modifications, such as adding via holes and a thermal bar in an attempt to lower the Rth value, neither packaging requires improvement. Ceramic was chosen for development based on Rth's highest performance, with the actual device consisting of a lead frame and PCB. The Zth measurement test was carried out on a ceramic package, and the Rth result was comparable to the simulation result of 7.6 K/W, indicating that simulation was already proved for research and development.Originality/valueThe purpose of this study is to determine which proposed packaging design would give the highest Rth performance of a 1 mm2 chip as well as the best heat dissipation. In comparison to other studies, VCSEL packaging used the header and window cap as package components with a wavelength of 850 nm, and other VCSEL packaging developments used the sub mount on ceramic package with an output power ranging from 500 mW to 2 W, whereas this study used a huge wavelength and an output power of 4 W.

ФОРМУВАННЯ СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ПАКЕТУ КОМПАНІЇ В НОВИХ СОЦІОЕКОНОМІЧНИХ РЕАЛІЯХ

The article substantiates the relevance of studying the issues of formation of the social package in the new socio-economic conditions. It analyses the degree of study of the specified problematics. The role of the employee's social package in the personnel management system and the benefits for the employer from the introduction of the social package in the short and long term are determined. The basic requirements for the process of forming a social package in the new socio-economic realities are outlined. The importance of assessing the factors influencing the formation of a social package for company employees is emphasised. It is proposed to assess the environmental factors using the PEST-analysis, which includes political, social, economic and technological factors. It is determined that in Ukrainian companies, social packages usually include basic social guarantees provided for by the legislation of Ukraine and additional benefits provided by the employer on its own initiative. The Ukrainian trend of recent years has been the introduction of wellness programmes into the structure of the social package. The coronavirus pandemic is identified as a powerful factor influencing the structure and content of the social package. Various models of motivation to work and the possibility of their implementation in Ukraine are investigated. Foreign motivation tools that can be implemented in Ukrainian practice are outlined. The first step in the formation of a social package is to study the needs of the company, which is achieved by conducting a survey of the company's employees. The author outlines the need to constantly review the structure and content of the social package, measure its effectiveness and improve its structure. It is recommended to calculate the effectiveness of the social package by comparing the cost of formation and functioning of such a component as a social package with the benefits that arise after its implementation in the company. An important step is to conduct a survey among employees in the form of a questionnaire on satisfaction with the components of the social package.

Performance of growth and productivity of several maize varieties in the dry land ecosystem

This research activity aims to determine the growth and productivity performance of several maize varieties in the dry land of the Karo district. The study was conducted in Kutabangun Village, Tiga binanga district, Karo Regency from February to June 2019. This study used a Randomized Block Design with the treatment of 4 varieties of corn with the same components of the corn plant technology package as the integrated corn crop management approach. The varieties tested were: 1.) Pioneer 32, 2.) NK 22, 3.) BIMA 20 and 4.) NASA 29 and as replicates. 5 (five) farmers. Each farmer planted 4 varieties of corn on an area of 1 ha, so the land required for this test was 5 ha. The results of observations of dry-shelled seed weight (t/ha) showed that there was a significant difference between the four varieties planted where the dry-shelled seed weight (t/ha) ranged from 7.68 to 8.53 t/ha. The highest dry seed weight (t/ha) was produced by the Pioneer 32 variety, which was 8.53 t/ha, followed by the NK 22 (7.95 t/ha), NASA 29 (7.82 t/ha), and BIMA 20 ( 7.68 t/ha). Net income per hectare/season produced by the Pioneer 32 varieties (Rp. 19.490.000), Nasa 29 (Rp. 17.170.000), BIMA 20 (Rp. 16.65 million), and the NK 22 varieties (Rp. 16.090.000) and The B/C ratio per hectare of each variety is the Pioneer 32 (1.33%), Nasa 29 (1.17%), BIMA 20 (1.13%) and the NK variety 22 (1.12%).

Board-Level Drop Impact Reliability Analysis of Dual-Side Molding System-in- Package (SiP) Modules

System-in-package (SiP) modules are widely used in portable electronics such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and mobile consumer equipment since they integrate multiple components in a single package and thus facilitate device miniaturization. An advanced packaging technology referred to as dual-side molding (DSM) has recently been proposed as a means of achieving even smaller form factors and lower cost solutions. However, shrinking the package size reduces the solder joint connection area between the SiP module and the printed circuit board (PCB). Consequently, the board-level drop reliability may be severely impaired. Accordingly, the present study utilizes a numerical model to investigate the board-level solder joint reliability of a DSM SiP package in drop impact tests performed in accordance with the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard. The validity of the numerical model combined with a full-factorial design method is then employed to examine the effects of the main design parameters of the DSM SiP package on the reliability of the solder joints in the drop impact test. Overall, the present results show that a higher EMC coverage of the solder ball joints yields a significant improvement in the solder joint reliability. In addition, a larger solder joint volume is beneficial in reducing the solder joint stress by absorbing a greater proportion of the impact load and energy produced in the drop impact event.

Adoption and Intensity of Adoption of Beekeeping Technology by Farmers: The Case of Sheko Woreda of Bench-Maji Zone, South west Ethiopia

Beekeeping delivers the rural people with sources of income, dietary use, pollination service and social benefit. In spite of the benefits obtained from beekeeping, farmer’s resistivity to adopt the recommended modern beekeeping technological components (packages) is among the major problem. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to examine the intensity of adoption of beekeeping technology package, and identify factors influencing adoption and intensity of adoption of bee keeping technology package in Sheko district. Stratified sampling procedure was used to select sample households. A total of 200 household heads were selected randomly from adopters and non-adopters categories of four potential beekeeping localities. Date was collected by using household survey and key informant interview and analyzed by using censured Tobit model. From sampled households 68% of respondents who have bee hive; the majority of them fall under medium adopters’ category. Variations in intensity of adoption of bee hive components were observed among adopter category. The output of censured Tobit model was indicate that six variables such as total livestock unit, apiary site visit by farmer, perceived cost of technology by farmer, distance of market center from home, knowledge of farmers for bee management and availability of bee hive technology were found to have significant influence on adoption and intensity of adoption of bee hive technological package. Therefore, agricultural policy and development interventions should give emphasis to the improvement of institutional support system so as to achieve wider adoption and intensity of adoption for small scale farmers. Keywords: Adopters, livestock unit, non-adopters, Tobit Model DOI: 10.7176/ALST/97-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2023

Efeito de um pacote de ensino sobre o desempenho de cuidadoras no treino de ocupações para crianças com TEA

Abstract Introduction The functional limitations observed in people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may prevent independent participation in community settings. Learning everyday activities can increase the inclusive participation and quality of life of these people. Teaching strategies via professionals are described in the literature, while teaching via caregivers for these skills needs to be explored and becomes essential when considering that the increase in children with ASD is not accompanied by a proportional increase in qualified professionals, in addition to the fact that the parents deal directly with teaching these activities. Objective To elaborate and evaluate the application of a training package for caregivers of children with ASD, for teaching sandwich preparation and toothbrushing. Method Four caregivers participated. The teaching package included Instructional Video Modeling, Self-Monitoring, Delayed and Immediate Feedback. A performance accuracy criterion equal to or greater than 90% was adopted for two consecutive sessions. Results All caregivers showed an increase in performance accuracy after exposure to the training package components. One caregiver reached the accuracy criterion by going through just one component or a combination of them. Three caregivers necessarily needed to go through the combination of components and the feedback phases to reach the criterion. Conclusion Corroborating other studies, there was no significant difference in the performance of caregivers when comparing the components. As with previous studies, it is shown that the feedback phases played an important role in achieving the criterion. It is attested that the training package was satisfactory in teaching the caregivers.

DC-Link Capacitor Optimization in AC–DC Converter by Load Current Prediction

Alternating Current–Direct Current (AC–DC) converters require a high value bulk capacitor or a filter capacitor between the DC–DC conversion stages, which in turn causes many problems in the design of a AC–DC converter. The component package size for this capacitor is large due to its high voltage rating and capacitance value. In addition, the high charging current creates more problems during the product compliance testing phase. The shelf life of these specific high value capacitors is less than that of Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors (MLCC), which limits its use for the highly reliable applications. This paper presents a feasibility study to overcome these two problems by adding a few sensing mechanisms to the typical AC–DC converter topology. In majority of the AC–DC converter, Al-Elko capacitor takes approximately 3% to 5% of the converter size. The proposed method reduces this to approximately 50% size and so it effectively approximates 2% to 3% size reduction in converter size. The proposed method basically works based on the load current prediction method and hence it is highly suitable for the constant load application. Moreover, the converter response time increases in this method, which limit its application in high-speed systems. The high temperature application of Al-Elko capacitor is limited because of its poor performance, which is significantly rectified by replacing the Al-Elko with MLCC as it delivers good performance in high temperature.