Packaging Requirements Research Articles

ENSURING THE QUALITY OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN BUSINESS PROJECTS

The article reviews the issues of ensuring the quality of products and services at the stage of business projects. Early quality assurance is justified, which plays a key role in determining the competitiveness and success of the future project of the enterprise. In business projects, requirements for the quality of products and services are established. However, research is needed on approaches to early quality assurance at this stage through comprehensive fixation of requirements for this aspect of the project. This will ensure that products and services meet expectations and regulatory requirements. The main approaches for fixing the quality of products and services in business and technical projects are proposed to be compliance with production process standards, requirements for product safety, environmental requirements, requirements for materials and components, requirements for suppliers, technical characteristics and product tolerances, quality control at production stages, requirements for packaging and logistics, product certification, if the product requires special certification, etc. The approaches recommended in the article are established at the level of individual sections of the business project to ensure that products and services meet the requirements. Correlated between project sections and reliable fixation of requirements lay the foundation for reliable and stable quality assurance throughout the entire product life cycle, and require early support at the level of business project formation. The main points are proposed, which are laid down as standards and requirements for quality in project sections, which will become the basis for all production processes. An important aspect is identified as market analysis, which allows you to understand consumer needs and determine product quality requirements and the choice of technical characteristics, materials and production processes and the provision of services, which are selected in accordance with target standards, which allows you to avoid of defects in the future. Project management is defined as the stage of planning and determining quality control methods, principles for selecting reliable suppliers.

FDA 510(k) Submission Insights for Syringes

The FDA 510(k) premarket notification process is critical for obtaining market clearance for syringes, including both conventional and Auto Disable (AD) models. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the FDA 510(k) submission requirements for syringes, focusing on the relevant ISO and ASTM standards that govern performance, safety, and biocompatibility. It examines the specific standards applicable to sterile hypodermic syringes, such as ISO 7886-1:2017, 7886-2:2020, ISO 7886-3:2017 and ISO 7886-4:2018, as well as the requirements for sterilization and packaging as outlined by ASTM standards. Additionally, the paper discusses the testing and validation protocols necessary for demonstrating substantial equivalence to predicate devices and addresses challenges and strategies for successful submission. By offering detailed insights into regulatory requirements and compliance strategies, this paper aims to guide manufacturers through the FDA 510(k) process for syringes, ensuring adherence to established standards and facilitating market approval.

Effects of ultrasonic-alkali integrated extraction combined with Mannesi reaction on the antimicrobial properties of rice straw lignin and enhancement strategies

Lignin is one of the most abundant and underused biopolymers in nature with limited antimicrobial activities. Herein, this work aimed to enhance the antimicrobial activity of lignin extracted from waste rice straw by ultrasonic-alkali integrated extraction (USP-AT) and modify the alkali lignin through Mannich reaction to improve its antimicrobial properties. The effects of ultrasonic pretreatment (USP) time on the chemical structure, morphology, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of lignin were studied. The results demonstrated that the total phenolic content of USP-AT lignin was higher than that of lignin extracted by alkali treatment. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of USP-AT lignin was increased by 49.69 %–69.42 %. The antibacterial activity of USP-AT lignin against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus increased by more than 40 %. However, the antibacterial capacity of USP-AT lignin is far from meeting the requirements of antibacterial food packaging. The alkali lignin was modified by Mannich reaction in order to improve its antimicrobial properties against common spoilage microorganisms or pathogenic bacteria in food and packaging. The modified USP-AT lignin exhibit remarkable antimicrobial capacities to representative bacteria, molds, and yeasts. The antifungal capacity of modified USP-AT lignin against A. niger and P. citrinum were improved by more than 40 %.

Natural Plant Fiber‐Based Materials for Packaging Applications – A Review of Recent Innovations and Developments

AbstractNatural plant fiber‐based packaging materials emerges as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastic and non‐biodegradable packaging. This paper presents an extensive review of the current technological status quo and commercial applications of natural plant fiber‐based packaging such as fiber‐based foams, molded pulp packaging, fiber‐based bottles, fiber‐based flexible packaging, fiber‐based blister packaging and stretchable paper. It focuses on the manufacturing processes and newest technology advancement of environmentally sustainable materials, meanwhile, the currently industry‐leading, cutting‐edge commercial products also are discussed. In conclusion, the paper advocates for the pivotal role natural plant fiber‐based packaging plays in transforming the packaging industry, addressing waste reduction, resource conservation, and climate change. It encourages the wider adoption of these materials while acknowledging the complexities involved and the need for continuous research and development to ensure their viability and effectiveness in meeting stringent packaging requirements.

Experimental investigation of an additively manufactured cold plate for multi-chip module cooling generated using the homogenization approach to topology optimization

The homogenization approach to topology optimization is promising for generating high-performance, liquid-cooled cold plates due to its ability to create sub-resolution features by optimizing the spatial distribution and porosities of physical microstructures. This optimization capability has been demonstrated for the design of compact microchannel heat sinks under uniform heating conditions. However, there is a need to understand its applicability for practical applications involving complex boundary conditions posed by modern electronics packaging requirements. This work performs the topology optimization, design for manufacturing, fabrication, and experimental testing of a liquid-cooled cold plate for an application-representative multi-chip module with eight devices. The cold plate design requirements and boundary conditions involve eight equally spaced heat generating sources and liquid inlet/outlet ports that are off-center, introducing flow distribution challenges to the thermal design. A topology optimization algorithm is developed using the homogenization approach with circular pin fins chosen as the microstructure. An empirical permeability correlation for pin fins is developed which is implemented in the porous media flow model of the topology optimization algorithm to simulate pressure drop across additively manufactured pin fins. In addition to the topology optimized designs, a benchmark cold plate design with uniformly distributed 1.2 mm diameter pin fins, representative of the feature dimensions currently adopted in applications for the investigated boundary conditions, is also evaluated. Comparison of the topology optimized cold plate generated using the design freedom brought by additive manufacturing to the benchmark design highlights the optimizer’s ability to uniformly distribute the coolant amongst the heated regions. The maximum base temperature rise is 35.5 °C for the benchmark design versus 6.6 °C for the topology optimized design. Flow uniformity combined with the high convective heat transfer of the sub-resolution fins and channels in the vicinity of the heated regions keep the device temperatures low. The topology optimized cold plate is additively manufactured and experimentally tested at various flow rates. The experimental results match well with the model predictions, with a mean absolute percentage error of 5.5 % and 9.7 % for pressure drop and thermal resistance respectively, indicating that the optimal performance promised by the algorithm can be realized using additively manufactured parts. The work presented here demonstrates the overall process flow for the homogenization approach in leveraging the capabilities of additive manufacturing to generate high-performance liquid cold plates for practical applications.

Determining the Location Scheme and Area of Logistics Centers to Optimize the Distribution of Disaster Cluster Areas in West Java

The West Java province, with an area of ​​35,377.76 km² and consisting of 27 districts/cities, frequently experiences earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. This study identifies five efficient logistics center points to reach all areas within the Golden Hour (3 hours) during disasters. Using Voronoi diagrams and the K-Means algorithm, each logistics center point has specific requirements for logistics packages, including minimum volume and warehouse area. This underscores the importance of technology in enhancing precise and efficient emergency responses in West Java.

Microstructure and properties of Cu matrix composites reinforced with surface-modified Kovar particles

The thermal conductivity of Cu/Kovar composites was improved by suppressing element diffusion at the interfaces through the formation of FeWO4 coating on the Kovar particles via vacuum deposition. Cu matrix composites reinforced with unmodified (Cu/Kovar) and modified Kovar (Cu/Kovar@) particles were prepared by hot pressing. The results demonstrate that the interfaces of Cu/FeWO4 and FeWO4/Kovar in the Cu/Kovar@ composites exhibit strong bonding, and no secondary phase is generated. The presence of FeWO4 impedes interfacial diffusion within the composite, resulting in an increase in grain size and a decrease in dislocation density. After surface modification of the Kovar particle, the thermal conductivity of Cu/Kovar@ composite is increased by 110% from 40.6 to 85.6 W·m−1·K−1. Moreover, the thermal expansion coefficient of the Cu/Kovar@ composite is 9.8×10−6 K−1, meeting the electronic packaging requirements.

The impact of the introduction of tobacco product plain packaging on consumer responses in Ireland: a real-world policy evaluation stratified by socioeconomic groups.

Smoking prevalence remains high in Europe and widening socioeconomic group differences are driving health inequalities. While plain packaging policies disrupt tobacco industry tactics that sustain smoking, evidence of their equity impact is sparse. This study evaluated the implementation of plain packaging in Ireland in 2018 on consumer responses, overall and by the socioeconomic group. Consecutive nationally representative cross-sectional surveys (2018, n = 7701 and 2019, n = 7382) measured changes in 13 consumer responses among respondents who smoked across three domains: product appeal, health warnings effectiveness, and perceived harmfulness of smoking. Multiple logistic regression-derived adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals to compare responses post- versus pre-implementation adjusting for age, gender, educational level, and heaviness of smoking. A stratified analysis examined changes by socioeconomic group indexed using educational level. There were statistically significant changes in consumer responses to plain packaging policy implementation across 7/13 outcomes studied. Five changes were aligned with expected policy impacts (2/6 product appeal outcomes and 3/4 health warning effectiveness outcomes). Two responses were also observed which were not expected policy impacts (1 appeal-related and 1 perceived harm-related outcome). There was no change in five outcomes. Differences in consumer responses between educational groups were generally small, mixed in nature, and indistinguishable when interval estimates of effect were compared. Implementation of plain packaging in Ireland had intended impacts on consumer responses. Including plain packaging requirements in revising the European Union's legislative frameworks for tobacco control will help build progress towards a Tobacco-Free Europe without exacerbating smoking inequalities.

Production and logistics 4.0 in the food industry in the Czech Republic

The food industry is the most important sector of the national economy of the Czech Republic, which significantly contributes to the fulfillment of fundamental macroeconomic aggregates such as gross domestic product, employment, exports and others. The food industry is currently facing pressure from customers for higher quality and safety while maintaining low prices. At the same time, however, they must ensure high safety and productivity of their production and logistics flows when there is a shortage of manpower. Another aspect is the sustainability of logistics and supply chains, i.e. the requirement for new materials, packaging and technologies enabling maximum processing and use of inputs. From this point of view, the application of Industry 4.0 elements to the food industry appears to be a necessary step for the company's competitiveness. The article summarizes the results of a questionnaire survey that took place in the period April-May 2023 through the Internet tool Survio. A structured questionnaire was sent to 206 food businesses in the Czech Republic. The enterprises were selected according to the database of the Ministry of Agriculture. 69 enterprises returned correctly completed questionnaires, which makes the return rate 33%. Questions were directed to the area of process stability as a result of two crises, the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic. Further to the field of automation, digitization and robotization to evaluate the current state of involvement of food production in Industry 4.0.

Microstructure characteristics for improved thermal shock reliability of sintered Ag[sbnd]Al paste in SiC power module

To meet the harsh thermal shock (−50–250 °C) requirements of power device packaging, a novel sintered Ag-based die attach material based on the sustained release effect of Al was proposed. In this study, Al particles with natural core-shell structure covered with Al2O3 layer were selected as the ideal doping-phase, and micron Al particles doped sintered Ag composite paste (AgAl) was prepared. First, the microstructural evolution of sintered AgAl joints during thermal shock was studied. The results showed that Al particles effectively suppressed the cracks generation, which attributed to the sustained release effect of Al element. To clarify sustained release mechanism of Al, the interfaces evolution between Ag and Al particles was investigated. In the initial stage, Al was covered by the Al2O3 layer, preventing inter-diffusion between Ag and Al. As the thermal shock proceeds, the Al2O3 film was fractured, achieving direct contact between metal Al and Ag. Diffusion thus takes place. For the sintered Ag5Al joint, the shear strength was 17.3 MPa after 1000 cycles, which is 1.57 times that of pure sintered Ag joint. These results indicate the successful development of low-cost, high-reliability die attachment materials for use in harsh thermal shock environments.

Greenwashed Cigarette Ad Text and Imagery Produce Inaccurate Harm, Addictiveness, and Nicotine Content Perceptions: Results from a Randomized Online Experiment.

The tobacco industry has a long history of circumventing regulations to present their products, inaccurately, as less harmful. Greenwashing (portraying a product as natural/eco-friendly) is increasingly used by tobacco companies and may mislead consumers to believe that certain cigarettes are less harmful than others. This study assesses the effect of some common greenwashing tactics on consumer product perceptions. We conducted an online experiment with 1,504 participants ages 18-29, randomized to view a cigarette ad manipulated for presence/absence of a combination of 4 different greenwashing techniques: greenwashed ad text, greenwashed ad imagery, recycled paper ad background, and image of greenwashed cigarette pack. Participants rated perceived absolute harm, relative harm to other cigarettes, absolute addictiveness, relative addictiveness, and relative nicotine content. Participants who viewed ads containing greenwashed text were more likely to have inaccurate perceptions about absolute harm (AOR=1.72), relative harm (AOR=3.92), relative addictiveness (AOR=2.93) and nicotine content (AOR=2.08). Participants who viewed ads containing greenwashed imagery were more likely to have inaccurate perceptions of relative harm (AOR=1.55), absolute addictiveness (AOR=1.72), relative addictiveness (AOR=1.60) and nicotine content (AOR=1.48). Forty-two percent of those who saw an ad with all greenwashed features believed the product was less harmful than other cigarettes vs. 2% of those who saw an ad without greenwashed features. We found greenwashed text and imagery produced inaccurate risk perceptions. More active U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement against such greenwashing and new FDA rulemaking to prohibit unnecessary imagery in tobacco advertising and establish plain packaging requirements would help protect consumers and public health. These findings provide evidence that greenwashing tactics used by the tobacco industry increase inaccurate product risk perceptions. These tactics could be a way for the industry to make implicit modified risk claims, despite applicable U.S. Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act prohibitions. Findings from this study support the need for prohibitions on these tactics, and the potential for such prohibitions to help protect public health.

Correcting misperceptions about very low nicotine cigarettes for cigarette-only smokers, dual/poly smokers, other tobacco users, and non-tobacco users

BackgroundThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the sale and marketing of two very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNC) as modified risk tobacco products. The misperception that VLNC are healthier than regular cigarettes is common. This study explores effective message strategies to inform the public about health risks associated with VLNC use, encourage cigarette smokers to try VLNC, and prevent other tobacco users and non-users from product initiation. MethodsFollowing the Reasoned Action approach, a VLNC educational message was developed based on the salient beliefs associated with behavioral intention. The message was tested in an online survey conducted in 2018, where 410 participants were randomly assigned to one of the two message conditions (no-message, VLNC message). Message effects were assessed across four tobacco-use groups (non-tobacco users, cigarette-only smokers, cigarette dual/poly smokers, other tobacco users). ResultsCompared to the no-message control, the VLNC message condition showed lower nicotine risk perception for all participants, lower misbelief in VLNC safety for non-users and cigarette-only smokers, higher belief in VLNC carcinogenicity for other tobacco users, stronger belief in second-hand smoke harm for cigarette dual/poly smokers and other tobacco users, and higher VLNC intention for cigarette-only smokers. ConclusionsDifferent messages are needed for different types of tobacco users. Both cigarette smokers and other tobacco users could benefit from messages that acknowledge the non-addictiveness but emphasize the health risks of VLNC. Regulators could consider making physical harm statements a requirement for VLNC packaging and marketing. New strategies need to be explored to inform cigarette dual/poly smokers.

Effects of soldering temperatures and composition on the microstructures and shear properties of Sn58Bi-xSAC0307/ENIG solder joints

PurposeThis paper aims to systematically study the effects of reflow temperature and SAC0307 (SAC) content on the micromorphology and mechanical properties of Sn58Bi-xSAC0307 composite solder joints to meet the requirements of high integration and low-temperature packaging of devices and provide references for the application of composite solder joints.Design/methodology/approachSn58Bi and SAC0307 solder paste was mechanically mixed in different proportions to prepare Sn58Bi-xSAC0307/ENIG solder joints. The thermal properties, microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite solder joints were studied.FindingsAs SAC content in the solder increases, the balling temperature of SnBi-SAC solder gradually increases. The addition of SAC alloy reduces the grain size of large Bi-rich phase, and there are small-sized dispersed Bi and Ag3Sn particles in the bulk solder. The intermetallic compounds composition of the SnBi-xSAC/ENIG solder joint changes from Ni3Sn4 to (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 and (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 with SAC increasing. As the soldering temperature increases, the strength of all solder joints shows a rising trend. Among them, the shear strength of SnBi-20SAC solder joints at a reflow temperature of 150°C is approximately 37 MPa. As the reflow temperature increases to 250°C, the shear strength of solder joints increases to approximately 67 MPa.Originality/valueThis study provides a reference for the optimization of low-temperature solder composition and soldering process under different package designs.

Анализ и документирование требований для программного комплекса по проведению вычислительных экспериментов и численному исследованию системы «расходомерная трубка – жидкость» кориолисова расходомера

<p>Item. This article describes the stages of development of a software package designed to conduct a series of computational experiments on numerical modeling of the “flow tube – liquid” system of a Coriolis flow meter and automation of algorithms for subsequent data processing and visualization. The purpose of this article is to formulate and document the requirements for a software package, and its design based on modern approaches to the development of software products. Methods. The structure of requirements for the software package was developed based on the Software Requirements Specification template adopted in the Rational Unified Process software development methodology, in accordance with the classification of requirements for FURPS+ software systems. Python 3 and the interpreted programming language of the MATLAB environment were used to develop the complex routines. Results. A structure of requirements for the software package has been developed, including functional and non-functional requirements. A software package consisting of three subprograms has been developed, its structure, main components and capabilities are described, and examples of use are demonstrated. Conclusions. The software package solves the problems of automating modeling algorithms, processing and visualizing data obtained as a result of experiments. It can be used in engineering and scientific research related to the analysis of the performance of Coriolis flow meters.</p>

Emission enhancement of GaN field emitter arrays in an N2 environment

Field emitter arrays (FEAs) have the potential to operate at high frequencies and in harsh environments. However, the vacuum packaging of these devices poses a challenge due to the sensitivity of the emission phenomena to the surface properties of the cathode. Studying the effect of different residual gases on FEAs can help to understand the interaction of the emission surface with the environment and identify the feasibility and requirements for vacuum packaging. In this work, the effect of N2 exposure on 150 × 150 gallium-nitride-field emitter arrays (GaN-FEAs) was studied. The GaN-FEA was first operated at 10−9 Torr with a 1000 V DC anode voltage and a 50 V DC gate voltage, where the anode current was 6 μA. The device was then exposed to 10 000 l N2 at 10−7 Torr, and the anode current increased by 2.7 times during N2 exposure. The increase in the current was not permanent, and the current gradually decreased to its pre-exposure level after the N2 source was cut off. The results of N2 exposure were compared to Ar and O2.

Eco-Friendly packaging film with integrated functions of High-Efficiency radiation cooling and Sustained-Release antimicrobial activity

The storage temperature and microbial contamination typically have significant impact on the deterioration rate and postharvest lifespan of fresh food. To meet the critical requirements of fresh food packaging, a hybrid functional packaging coating is developed by combing tannic acid (TA) as a binder, chitin nanofibers (CNF) as a crosslinker, and acidified halloysite nanotubes containing Apigenin (CA@e-HNTs) as an antimicrobial/cooling agent. The functional coating was sprayed on a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) substrate, integrating both radiative cooling capabilities and sustained antimicrobial properties. The hybrid film achieved subambient cooling through a high solar reflectance (90.5 %) and high mid-infrared emittance (94.0 %), resulting in a temperature of 6.2 ℃ below ambient under intense sunlight. When used for fresh food packaging, the hybrid functional film outperformed other commercially available food packaging materials in maintaining the quality of Agaricus bisporus and extending the storage time of fresh strawberries to 9 days. Moreover, the film exhibited excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties. This zero-energy cooling technology with sustained antimicrobial characteristics has enormous potential for application in the preservation of fresh food, offering a more sustainable way to extend the shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food waste.

In2O3/ZnO heterojunction thin film transistor for high recognition accuracy neuromorphic computing and optoelectronic artificial synapses

Solid electrolyte-gated transistors exhibit improved chemical stability and can fulfill the requirements of microelectronic packaging. Typically, metal oxide semiconductors are employed as channel materials. However, the extrinsic electron transport properties of these oxides, which are often prone to defects, pose limitations on the overall electrical performance. Achieving excellent repeatability and stability of transistors through the solution process remains a challenging task. In this study, we propose the utilization of a solution-based method to fabricate an In2O3/ZnO heterojunction structure, enabling the development of efficient multifunctional optoelectronic devices. The heterojunction’s upper and lower interfaces induce energy band bending, resulting in the accumulation of a large number of electrons and a significant enhancement in transistor mobility. To mimic synaptic plasticity responses to electrical and optical stimuli, we utilize Li+-doped high-k ZrO x thin films as a solid electrolyte in the device. Notably, the heterojunction transistor-based convolutional neural network achieves a high accuracy rate of 93% in recognizing handwritten digits. Moreover, our research involves the simulation of a typical sensory neuron, specifically a nociceptor, within our synaptic transistor. This research offers a novel avenue for the advancement of cost-effective three-terminal thin-film transistors tailored for neuromorphic applications.

Innovative biomaterials for food packaging: Unlocking the potential of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters show a good balance between sustainability and performance, making them a competitive alternative to conventional plastics for ecofriendly food packaging. With an emphasis on developments over the last decade (2014–2024), this review examines the revolutionary potential of PHAs as a sustainable food packaging material option. It also delves into the current state of commercial development, competitiveness, and the carbon footprint associated with PHA-based products. First, a critical examination of the challenges experienced by PHAs in terms of food packaging requirements is undertaken, followed by an assessment of contemporary strategies addressing permeability, mechanical properties, and processing considerations. The various PHA packaging end-of-life options, including a comprehensive overview of the environmental impact and potential solutions will also be discussed. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives are elucidated with a view of prospecting PHAs as future green materials, with a blend of performance and sustainability of food packaging solutions.

Research on safety design of transport packaging for lithium battery products

Abstract In view of the characteristics of dangerous goods exported by lithium batteries, the safety norms of lithium battery transport packaging stipulated by international technical regulations are sorted out, and the performance requirements of dangerous goods packaging for export lithium batteries are studied. Based on the overall safety design and protection of this kind of dangerous goods packaging, the design scheme of lithium battery tray protection and carton packaging is proposed. A drop simulation test is carried out to analyze and evaluate the design scheme.

Ozone-activated lignocellulose films blended with chitosan for edible film production

This work focuses on the influence of ozone pretreatment on the fractionation and solubilization of sugarcane bagasse and soda bagasse pulp fibers in sodium hydroxide/urea solution, as well as the application of regenerated cellulose for producing edible films. The methodology involved pretreating lignocelluloses with ozone for 20 to 120 min before dissolving in sodium hydroxide/urea solution. The influence of the pretreatment conditions on cellulose dissolution yield was investigated. Regenerated cellulose films were then formed, with and without the addition of 2 % chitosan. Mechanical, physical, structural, thermal, and antimicrobial attributes were determined as a function of ozonation conditions of raw materials and chitosan content. The findings exhibited positive effects of short ozonation on enhancing mechanical strength, cohesion, and hydrophobicity. The prolonged ozonation of 120 min demonstrated optimal improvements in continuity, swelling, and antibacterial resistance of obtained films. Incorporating chitosan enhanced tensile performance, stiffness, and vapor barriers but increased moisture absorption. Tailoring the activation of biomass through ozone pretreatment and chitosan addition resulted in renewable films with adjustable properties to meet diverse packaging requirements, particularly for fruit protective coatings, ensuring the preservation of post-harvest quality.