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This article discusses the adoption of flexible inflation targeting (FIT) in Thailand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, and evaluates the macroeconomic performance of these countries. The author highlights the institutional details of FIT in each country and examines the inflation rates, targets, and expectations over time. In the case of Thailand, the author explains that the wide range of the core inflation rate was intentional to restore the credibility of the Bank of Thailand after the financial crisis of 1997-1998. The article also explores different approaches to evaluating the performance of inflation targeting, including time-series and cross-section comparisons. Overall, the findings suggest that FIT adoption has mainly resulted in lower inflation rates, although the difference is not decisive. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Massive amounts of data are produced by combining next-generation sequencing with complex biochemistry techniques to characterize regulatory genomics profiles, such as protein–DNA interaction and chromatin accessibility. Interpretation of such high-throughput data typically requires different computation methods. However, existing tools are usually developed for a specific task, which makes it challenging to analyze the data in an integrative manner. Results: We here describe the Regulatory Genomics Toolbox (RGT), a computational library for the integrative analysis of regulatory genomics data. RGT provides different functionalities to handle genomic signals and regions. Based on that, we developed several tools to perform distinct downstream analyses, including the prediction of transcription factor binding sites using ATAC-seq data, identification of differential peaks from ChIP-seq data, and detection of triple helix mediated RNA and DNA interactions, visualization, and finding an association between distinct regulatory factors. Conclusion: We present here RGT; a framework to facilitate the customization of computational methods to analyze genomic data for specific regulatory genomics problems. RGT is a comprehensive and flexible Python package for analyzing high throughput regulatory genomics data and is available at: https://github.com/CostaLab/reg-gen. The documentation is available at: https://reg-gen.readthedocs.io [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based artifacts, such as ink and wash paintings, paper cuts, etc., when exposed in environment for a long time, are prone to embrittling, yellowing and ageing because of ultraviolet light and weather elements. In a museum, special measurements are adopted to avoid these damages, but for common households, a functional coating is a good solution. However, this is not an easy task as the coating must be removable and cannot damage the articles. Graphene oxide (GO) has the potential as ultraviolet shielding material for the protection of paper-based artifacts, but the application of monolithic GO coatings on paper-based artifacts is difficult. In this work, feasible GO/polyacrylonitrile composite films were prepared and their protection properties for rice paper were explored experimentally. When GO loading reached 2 %, the UV-A and UV-B blocking percentages of the film were 57.47 % and 70.86 %, respectively, with a visible light transmittance of 77.09 %. These films also performed good moisture resistance. With a good flexibility, they could be easily transferred onto and peeled off the rice paper surface without damaging the paper texture and patterns on it. These films basically meet the demand of paper-based artifacts protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop a flexible package technology using laser-assisted bonding (LAB) technology and an anisotropic solder paste (ASP) material ultimately to reduce the bonding temperature and enhance the flexibility and reliability of flexible devices. The heat transfer phenomena during the LAB process, mechanical deformation, and the flexibility of a flexible package were analyzed by experimental and numerical simulation methods. The flexible package was fabricated with a silicon chip and a polyimide (PI) substrate. When the laser beam was irradiated onto the flexible package, the temperatures of the solder increased very rapidly to 220 °C, high enough to melt the ASP solder, within 2.4 s. After the completion of irradiation, the temperature of the flexible package decreased quickly. It was found that the solder powder in ASP was completely melted and formed stable interconnections between the silicon chip and the copper pads, without thermal damage to the PI substrate. After the LAB process, the flexible package showed warpage of 80 μm, which was very small compared to the size of the flexible package. The stress of each component in the flexible package generated during the LAB process was also found to be very low. The flexible device was bent up to 7 mm without failure, and the flexibility can be improved further by reducing the thickness of the silicon chip. The bonding strength and environmental reliability tests also showed the excellent mechanical endurance of the flexible package. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Plastics / Zhongguo Suliao is the property of Journal Office of CHINA PLASTICS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to prolong shelf life of ready-to-eat crayfish, a mathematical model was established for thermal mass transfer of flexible packaging system of cooked crayfish based on the thermal physical properties and unsteady heat transfer process of the system to calculate and simulate the change law of the center temperature of the system in the process of thermal sterilization by interpolation method. The results show that under different temperature treatment conditions, the central temperature of crayfish meat shows the same warming trend. The temperature is constant in the first 40 seconds, rises sharply in 40 seconds to 6 minutes, and then slows down and approaches the sterilization temperature in about 15 minutes. The simulation results are basically in agreement with the experimental data, the average relative error is controlled within 4%, and the lower the sterilization temperature is, the higher the fitting degree is. The model proves to be able to well predict the change of center temperature of cooked crayfish flexible packaging system, which has certain guiding significance for the optimization of its thermal sterilization process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on numerous industries, including the event industry, resulting in widespread disruptions. The widespread cancellations of festivals have been a direct consequence of the pandemic, and, following the reopening, those that have taken place have had to implement changes in response to the new guidelines and regulations created as a result of the pandemic. In this study, we examine the experiences of festivals held in 2021 in the Veszprém–Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture region (VEB 2023 region). The study aims to adapt the PwC Risk Management Model and identify its four pillars (1: detect; 2: protect; 3: react; 4: restore) in the case of festivals. Our study outlines how festival organizers have faced unprecedented challenges and risks (detect), how they survived in complete uncertainty (protect), what lessons they learned, and what risk management decisions they made as a challenge of the pandemic period from a consumer perspective (react). The present study utilized a qualitative research methodology and involved conducting structured interviews with a total of 19 event organizers from five different events. In addition, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sustainable consumption habits of festival visitors, a questionnaire survey was administered yielding 1133 responses. The biggest challenges for the organizers during the times of the pandemic were uncertainty and unpredictability, with increased financial, human, and mental risks and burdens. However, the positive benefits of the pandemic period and the future developmental directions of sustainable festivals were also highlighted (e.g., small-scale, family-friendly events). Regarding the future, the aspects of greening aspirations, a need to reflect on the social-environmental criteria of sustainability, and more flexible management decisions to deal with uncertainty have emerged among the festival organizers (restore). The research has revealed that festival visitors themselves will be important allies in the introduction of sustainable measures. The research result helps festival organizers to adapt more effectively to the new socio-economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to analyze the Industry 5.0 concept and compare it with Industry 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: Critical literature analysis. Analysis of international literature from main databases and polish literature and legal acts connecting with researched topic. Findings: Industry 5.0 offers several benefits that make it worth adopting in manufacturing industries, including improved efficiency, greater quality control, sustainability, enhanced worker safety, improved customer experience, cost savings, competitive advantage, increased innovation, and positive social impact. By integrating human creativity and intuition with advanced machinery and technology, Industry 5.0 promises to create a more sustainable, flexible, and socially responsible manufacturing environment that delivers higher quality products and more meaningful jobs. Originality/value: Detailed analysis of all subjects related to the problems connected with the Industry 5.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the current clamp-type and push-out-type seedling picking method brought damage to seedlings, this study aimed to proposed an airflow ejection-wrapped clamping type seedling picking method, which used airflow to eject out seedling and the seedlings were wrapped clamped to reduce the damage of seedlings during seedling picking process. The parameter model was established through theoretical design, then the parameters were optimized through coupling simulation analysis, and the validity of these parameters was verified through experiments. We found that the diameter of the airflow nozzle was selected as 3.5 mm to match with the drainage outlet of the plug tray, and the airflow pressure which could eject out seedlings was calculated as 0.146 Mpa~0.315 Mpa on the basis of gas jet dynamic. The fluid-solid coupling simulation of airflow ejection in Comsol proposed that the seedlings could be ejected out under the airflow pressure was equal to or greater than 0.4 Mpa, and the airflow should be maintained for about 0.3 s to ensure the posture of the seedlings ejected out for better seedling clamping. The further fluid-discrete body simulation of airflow ejection by using Fluent-Edem coupling method indicated that the seedling was damaged under airflow pressure of 0.5 MPa, so the airflow pressure should be set as 0.4 MPa during seedling ejection process. Besides, a wrapped clamping type effector which clamped the seedlings from all sides in the form of flexible package was also designed to match with the airflow ejection method, and the RecurDyn-Edem coupling simulation showed that the end-effector could tightly clamp the seedling without damage when the angle between the clamping slices and the vertical direction was 8.5°. Finally, the airflow ejection-wrapped clamping type seedling picking device was manufactured, and the verification tests verified the simulation results. This research can provide some references for the automatic seedling picking technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper analyses the impact of regulatory policy on the development of sustainable flexible packaging in the food manufacturing industry. Although sustainable packaging is not new on the market, its development still poses various challenges for raw material producers, flexible packaging printers, food manufacturers, and other stakeholders. The study highlights the issues related to the development of sustainable flexible food packaging, the concept of sustainable packaging, and the regulatory policies of the European Union and Lithuania on sustainable flexible packaging. An empirical study was carried out to determine the impact of regulatory policy on the intention of food producers to develop and invest in sustainable flexible packaging. A qualitative research method - semi-structured interviews - was used. The results of the empirical study show that regulatory policy has an impact on the food industry's ambition to develop sustainable flexible packaging, although the effect can be twofold – it can either encourage compliance with the regulatory framework defined by the legislation or burden companies with excessive requirements. In this research, respondents also identified other components that affect the development of sustainable flexible packaging in the food manufacturing industry: consumers and other stakeholders, marketing. The level of environmental awareness was also highlighted as an important factor in the analysis of the empirical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mater-Bi® is one of the most commercialized starch-based blends used in biodegradable flexible packaging. However, the high ductility and low stiffness of Mater-Bi® might limit its application and developing a solution to tailor the stiffness and mechanical strength is highly desirable. In the present work, blends based on Mater-Bi® and poly-L-(lactic acid) (PLLA) at a different ratio from 70/30 to 50/50 wt% were prepared via melt-extrusion and the effect of the PLLA content and Joncryl ADR® as a reactive compatibilizing agent, on the mechanical properties, melts rheology, morphology and disintegration aptitude were investigated. The inclusion of PLLA in Mater-Bi® has a marked beneficial effect on the tensile strength and stiffness of the blend while maintaining acceptable ductility. The addition of the reactive compatibilizing agent contributed to improving the strength and elongation at the break of the blend. The melt rheology of the blend was also affected by the ratio of the two components, mostly when the Joncryl ADR® was present. The disintegration by biodegradation of the blend was preserved in the presence of PLLA, and it takes less than 30 days for the films to completely decompose and disintegrate under controlled composting conditions. Interestingly, a thin film from Mater-Bi®/PLLA 60/40 was successfully prepared by blown film extrusion, demonstrating a good balance between stretchability (elongation at break exceeding 100%) and stiffness (1.8 GPa). This work opened to broadening the use of starch-based biodegradable plastic toward more demanding applications such as mulching films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims at analyzing the stage of the safety culture maturity at work in the logistics sector of a flexible plastic packaging company located in the South of Minas Gerais. This research aims to answer the following question: what is the stage of the safety culture maturity at work in Alfa's organization unit? Design/methodology/approach: The research is characterized as descriptive and quantitative. The method used is the survey, based on a questionnaire developed by Gonçalves Filho, Andrade and Marinho (2011). The study sample consisted of 32 operational employees and three managers responsible for occupational safety in the sector. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, based on relative frequency. Findings: It was observed that the information, communication, and commitment factors are in the constructive stage, in the highest maturity level of the safety culture at work. The other factors are in the proactive stage, transitory to the constructive stage. There is an efficient management system for work security and an effective workplace safety culture. Originality/value: This research sought to contribute to the discussion on the maturity of the safety culture at work, due to the scarcity of research in the plastics industrial sector. The research analyzes the organization's logistics sector, the sector that has the highest incidence of accidents, allowing comparisons between the perception of the shop floor and the management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers world news briefs in the scientific and chemistry industries as of January 1, 2023. It includes an ore sorting technology developed by Australian government's research organization CSIRO and licensed to mining services firm NextOre, a study of human epithelial cells that reveals the potential of chemical agents in professional dishwasher detergents to damage the gut wall, and a study on a drug that increases levels of retinoic acid that would help treat hand osteoarthritis.

Seal integrity and seal strength are important requirements in the heat sealing of flexible packaging. In this article, the influence of talc compounds and different process parameters, such as film tension and contamination on the sealant films consisting of polypropylene and low‐density polyethylene blend were investigated. According to the results, increasing the talc ratio from 0% wt to 30% wt positively influenced both hot and cold seal strength. Among different polymer blends having same talc ratio, the sample having the lowest melt flow index (2.84 dg/min at 230°C and 2.16 kg) showed the highest cold seal strength with 9.07 N/25 mm. On the other hand, in the samples with higher melt flow indexes, less seal integrity issues were observed in the presence of contaminants. Elevated film tensions from 0 to 0.4 N/mm2 enhanced the seal strengths significantly at the seal initiation temperatures of each film. However, this situation changed at higher operating temperatures due to the increased orientation and brittleness. Besides, in the presence of contaminant coffee particles at the seal interphase, high film tensions adversely affected the seal integrity since the average leakage increased 2.7% for samples A and B, and 7.4% for sample C. In summary, it has been shown that talc incorporation can improve seal strength, high MFI can fill the gaps at the seal interphase and the high levels of film tension (above 0.16 N/mm2) during sealing as well as the contamination need to be avoided to ensure integrity sealing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of this study lies in the need to improve, develop innovative designs, and determine the best structural and kinematic parameters of the hinged sections of the screw working bodies of the conveyors, to obtain better functional and operational characteristics in transporting bulk and lumpy materials and granular fertilizers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to improve the performance of flexible screw conveyors by developing and determining the best parameters of hinged flexible screw sectional working bodies for transloading bulk materials along curvilinear transportation branches. The study was conducted using the methods of the theory of mathematical and computer modelling, the method of mathematical planning of the experiment. The paper presents innovative designs of hinged screw working bodies and substantiates their best parameters for ensuring the movement of bulk materials along curvilinear routes. The study found the correlation between the magnitude of the torque that occurs between the loaded screw sections and their spatial arrangement. Analytical dependences were obtained for the stiffness conditions of a separate section with a hinged connection, depending on the load and design parameters of the conveyor. It was found that the angular displacement of the sections according to the state of dependence helps to significantly (up to 4-5 times) reduce the amplitude of the change in the torque of the drive and lowers its maximum value. It was proved that in the pushing mode, energy consumption is 1.06...1.4 times higher than in the pulling mode. The practical significance of the results lies in the ability to choose the optimal structural, kinematic, and technological parameters of the developed sections of the screw working body for transporting bulk or lumpy materials and mineral fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, gelatin/carboxylated cellulose nanocrystal (cCNC) bionanocomposite films were developed as an eco-friendly alternative to non-biodegradable flexible plastic packaging. Cellulose nanocrystals were modified by 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation (cCNC) to strategically interact with amino groups present in the gelatin macromolecular backbone. Gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposite films (0.5–6.0 wt% cCNC) obtained by solution casting were transparent to visible light while displayed high UV-blocking properties. The chemical compatibility between gelatin and cCNC was deepened by electrostatic COO−/NH 3 + interactions, as detected by FTIR spectroscopy and morphologically indicated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Accordingly, Young's modulus and tensile strength of films were largely increased by 80 and 64 %, respectively, specifically near the cCNC percolation threshold (4 wt%), whereas the water vapor permeability (WVP) was reduced by 52 % at the optimum 6.0 wt% cCNC content in relation to the non-reinforced gelatin matrix (0.10 vs. 0.18 g H 2 O mm m−2 h−1 kPa−1). The oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of the gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites were < 0.01 cm3 m-2 day−1, making them technically competitive to most promising biopolymers like polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA). This study reveals how TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanocrystals can broaden the performance of biodegradable gelatin films for use in packaging. The gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites also represent an effective approach for designing newly sustainability-inspired flexible materials from the surface modification of nanocelluloses targeting specific interactions with protein structures. • Carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (cCNC) were used as nanofillers in gelatin films. • Compatibility between gelatin and cCNC was deepened by electrostatic interactions. • Formation of cCNC percolating network impacts the physical properties of gelatin matrix. • Gelatin/cCNC bionanocomposites exhibit good potential as flexible packaging films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasticized PLA plastic films are being increasingly used in, among others, packaging and agriculture sectors in an attempt to address the rapid growth of municipal waste. The present paper aims to review the recent progress and the state-of-the-art in the field of fully bio-renewable tough blends of PLA with green plasticizers aimed at developing flexible packaging films. The different classes of green substances, derived from completely bio-renewable resources, used as potential plasticizers for PLA resins are reviewed. The effectiveness of these additives for PLA plasticization is discussed by describing their effects on different properties of PLA. The performance of these blends is primarily determined by the solvent power, compatibility, efficiency, and permanence of plasticizer present in the PLA matrix of resulting films. The various chemical modification strategies employed to tailor the phase interactions, dispersion level and morphology, plasticization efficiency, and permanence, including functionalization, oligomerization, polymerization and self-crosslinking, grafting and copolymerization, and dynamic vulcanization are demonstrated. Sometimes a third component has also been added to the plasticized binary blends as compatibilizer to further promote dispersion and interfacial adhesion. The impact of chemical structure, size and molecular weight, chemical functionalities, polarity, concentration, topology as well as molecular architectures of the plasticizers on the plasticizer performance and the overall characteristics of resulting plasticized PLA materials is discussed. The morphological features and toughening mechanisms for PLA/plasticizer blends are also presented. The different green liquids employed show varying degree of plasticization. Some are more useful for semi-rigid applications, while some others can be used for very flexible products. There is an optimum level of plasticizer in PLA matrices above which the tensile ductility deteriorates. Esters-derivatives of bio-based plasticizers have been shown to be very promising additives for PLA modification. Some plasticizers impart additional functions such as antioxidation and antibacterial activity to the resulting PLA materials, or compatibilization in PLA-based blends. While the primary objective of plasticization is to boost the processability, flexibility, and toughness over wider practical conditions, the bio-degradability, permeability and long-term stability of microstructure (and thereby properties) of the plasticized films against light, weathering, thermal aging, and oxidation deserve further investigations. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • MO-coated films with three coated PET layers showed fewer defects after PATS. • MO-coated films with three AlO x coating layers had ultralow OTRs. • Films with a higher EVOH layer thickness demonstrated a high oxygen barrier. • EVOH films with low PP layer thicknesses had better protection against moisture barrier. • Oxygen indicator could successfully locate the defects in MO-coated films. Pressure-assisted thermal sterilization (PATS) utilizes flexible packaging with low oxygen and water vapor transmission rates (OTRs, WVTRs). In this study, pouches made from metal oxide (MO)-coated (A–D) and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)-containing (E, F) multilayer films were filled with water and mashed potatoes (MP), preheated at 98 ± 0.5 °C for 10 min, and processed using a pilot-scale high-pressure processing machine (HPP) at 600 ± 5 MPa for 300 s. The initial vessel temperature and the fluid medium were 90 °C, and during processing, the temperature of the fluid medium increased to approximately 120 °C. After processing, the water-filled pouches were emptied, refilled with a novel oxygen indicator, and stored at 40 ± 0.2 °C for 80 days. The MP-filled pouches were stored at 49 ± 1 °C for 60 days. MO-coated film D contained fewer defects, had ultra-low OTRs and WVTRs, showed insignificant (p > 0.05) moisture absorption and changes in crystallinity after PATS processing, and exhibited minimal color change in both the oxygen indicator and the packaged MP during the 60 days of storage. The ultra-high barrier of film D could be attributed to the presence of multiple AlO x -coated PET layers that successfully prevented oxygen ingress, even after exposure to high temperature and pressure conditions during PATS processing. Among the EVOH-based structures, the Film F showed a 22.3 % lower OTR than Film E (p < 0.05), due to a 16.7 % greater EVOH-layer thickness, despite having a lower overall thickness than Film E. Overall, this study can assist packaging manufacturers in designing and developing high-barrier flexible packaging suitable for in-package, shelf-stable food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-packaging-processing interactions define packaging materials' performance properties and product quality. This study evaluated the effect of ohmic heating (OH) processing and different food simulants on the properties of four multilayer flexible packaging materials (PET met /PE, PET met /PP, PET/Al/PE, and PET/Al/PA/PP). OH treatment was applied to the sealed packages containing the food simulants using a voltage gradient of 3.7 V/cm at a frequency of 20 kHz, resulting in a thermal process of at 80 °C for 1 min. The structure and performance of the different packages were then evaluated. The materials did not show changes in chemical groups nor thermal properties. However, the simulant-packaging-processing interaction resulted in changes in crystallinity, morphology, mechanical and barrier properties (water and oxygen), especially for metallized films in contact with acidic food simulants. The results indicate that although OH resulted in changes in packaging materials, these materials can be used under the conditions applied in this study. • Ohmic heating changed the crystallinity and morphology of multilayer packaging. • Ohmic heating enhanced water vapor and oxygen transmission in metallized films • Few changes in mechanical properties were induced by ohmic heating. • Chemical structure and thermal stability remained unchanged [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional multi-material multi-layer flexible packaging offers excellent properties. However, it has recycling challenges, necessitating a shift to mono-material multi-layer flexible packaging for example all-polyethylene (PE) packaging which can be tailored through various synthesis and processing methods for different layers. In this work, we study how the key molecular properties (number-average molecular weight (Mn), weight-average molecular weight (M w ), molecular weight distribution (MWD), comonomer content (short chain branching)) and machine direction orientation (MDO) process draw ratio (MDX) influence the final morphology and mechanical properties of MDO-PE films which are intended as the outer layer of mono-material all-polyethylene multi-layer flexible packaging. Five PE grades and various blends were extruded and blown into films. Selected blown films were machine direction oriented to obtain the final MDO-PE films. Furthermore, one selected PE blown film was processed at different MDO process draw ratios while keeping other process parameters constant. From the molecular properties point of view, the higher molecular weight fractions provide a higher possibility for uniform stretching whereas lower molecular weight fractions provide a higher natural draw ratio and therefore higher modulus and stiffness enhancement. Further, the results show that increasing MDO process draw ratio leads to more fibrillation and increased crystallinity. Consequently, the tensile modulus and stiffness at the higher draw ratios increase as well and are comparable to conventionally used polymers in outer layers of multilayer flexible packaging. Thus, this work demonstrates that MDO-PE films with enhanced modulus can provide sufficient stiffness for the design of outer layer of mono-material multi-layer all-PE packaging which presents higher potential for mechanical recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a promising alternative to non-biodegradable flexible packaging materials, and nanocellulose is often used to enhance the properties of PVA films, but the composite films still have poor water resistance and barrier properties. To address this issue, iron ions (Fe3+) were introduced into PVA/cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) films, and Fe3+ formed coordination bonds with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on the surface of CNF and PVA chains. Therefore, constructing a strong coordination crosslinking network within the film and improving the interfacial interaction between PVA and CNF. The water resistance, mechanical and barrier properties of the crosslinked films were significantly improved. Compared with the un-crosslinked film, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was decreased by up to 67 %, and the water swelling ratio was significantly reduced from 1085 % to 352 %. The tensile strength of the film with 1.5 wt% Fe3+ reached 41.93 MPa, which was 62 % higher than that of the un-crosslinked film. Furthermore, the composite film demonstrated good recyclability, almost recovering its original mechanical properties in two recycling tests. This simple and effective method for preparing water resistance and barrier films shows potential applications in flexible packaging areas. • Fe3+ formed coordination bonds with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups on CNF and PVA. • Dense coordination crosslinking network was constructed in PVA/nanocellulose films. • The water resistance, barrier and mechanical properties of the films were improved. • The reversibility of coordination bonds enables the film to be reprocessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phase change materials (PCMs) are a class of thermoresponsive or thermoregulative materials that can be utilized to reduce temperature fluctuations and provide cutting-edge thermal storage. PCMs are commercially used in a variety of important applications, such as buildings, thermal engineering systems, food packaging, and transportation. The potential of these materials for an efficient temperature buffering effect is relevant in food packaging applications to preserve the safety and quality of packaged food products during storage and transit. These latent heat materials might be integrated into active and smart food packaging. Multifunctional microencapsulated PCMs can be employed to increase the efficacy of active food packaging. Additionally, PCMs can improve energy management in cold chains and lessen temperature abuse of foods. The current review focuses on the available methods for producing covers and packaging that contain PCMs, such as form-stable packaging, flexible covers and packaging films, paperboard boxes, wood, and jute, to reduce losses during the post-harvest of agricultural products and the storage and transportation of packaged food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the potential of PE-based mono-material flexible packaging as a sustainable alternative to traditional designs, emphasizing its efficient mechanical recyclability. Typically, non-PE materials are used in the outer layers of multilayer flexible packaging to ensure adequate stiffness and barrier properties. The stiffness of PE films can be significantly improved through the machine direction orientation (MDO) process. Our study investigates the influence of key polyethylene (PE) resin parameters, specifically, resin density and short-chain branching (SCB) distribution, with indications of molecular weight on lab-scale MDO film stretching and its subsequent effects on mechanical properties. We processed 5 distinct PE resins and blends in a lab-scale setup to produce compression molded base sheets and further MDO-PE films, characterizing them using shear rheology, GPC, DSC, and iCCD analyses. Tensile testing provided insights into the mechanical characteristics, while X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) and AFM studies analysed structural evolution and morphology. Uniaxial stretching notably enhanced the tensile modulus of MDO-PE films along the machine direction, particularly in higher density blends, comparable to conventionally used polymers. Challenges related to extremely high-density base sheets led to localized stretching and breakage. Certain resin compositions exhibited unique molecular architecture, facilitating enhanced tensile modulus and axial stiffness. Our study offers insights into the microstructural changes and surface morphology of MDO-PE films, underscoring the potential use of stiffness-enhanced MDO-PE films as outer layers in PE-based flexible packaging designs. • MDO stretching boosts tensile modulus along machine direction in PE films. • High-density resin base sheets showed increased microstructure fibrillation because of higher resistance to tensile load. • Tensile modulus improved up to 3.5 times, especially on stretching high-density resins base sheets. • Low-density resin's distinct molecular architecture enhances modulus and stiffness while facilitating stretching ease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, graphene oxide (GO)‑silver nitrate (AgNO 3) composite ink was prepared with stable printability, which could match the direct-write print technique for patterning GO-AgNO 3 composite structure. Reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‑silver (Ag) porous structure could be obtained with a freeze-drying and gas phase reduction process. The rGO-Ag porous structure could reach a conductivity of 3.2 × 105 S/m through quantum penetration effect with the bridging action. Subsequently, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) encapsulated the rGO-Ag porous structure, and a special composite structure of PDMS/ rGO-Ag/PDMS films could be obtained by adjusting the wetting effect. PDMS provided a good tensile property and excellent bending resistance, and then a relative resistance changes within 5 % could be achieved after the number of 10,000 bending times. With the rGO-Ag porous structure compressed into a thinner film, an ultra-precise flexible electrothermal performance could be realized with the conductive network and flexible package structure. The surface temperature of fabricated composite film could reach 201.3 °C at the voltage of 7 V, within a heating time of 25 s, and maintaining the temperature for 1800 s. Meanwhile, the flexible electrothermal film could keep a stable temperature after 120 power on/power off cycles. Furthermore, the flexible electrothermal film also has a linear temperature control ability, which could carry out the linear temperature control with different temperature regions. At last, the ultra-precise flexible electrothermal film exhibits an excellent applying effect for the wrist hot compress, pipeline heating and window cleaning with uneven ice thickness. Therefore, the direct-write printed porous graphene-Ag structure presents a special property for fabricating ultra-precise flexible electrothermal film, which could provide a great research significance and application value in printing electronic structure and manufacturing electronic device. • This study uses water-based graphene oxide ink to avoid pollution problems caused by organic matter as a solvent • The direct-write printhead provides controlled fluid transfer and precise assembly process of rGO-Ag composite structures. • The presence of reduced Ag enhances the electrical conductivity of the graphene structure. • The electrothermal film fabricated through direct-write print exhibits linear temperature control as well as the ability in controlling temperatures in different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Particular benefits include developing deeper understandings of music phenomena, using music in analytic work and deepening the research of meta-analysis of libidinal and music flow. The author emphasizes structural and formal music language as transformational space for the split aspects of the offender's psyche to establish connections, thus starting the integration process. The author Elena Mundici describes the psychological transformation process facilitated by the music experience from the perspective of forensic psychotherapy. [Extracted from the article]

In recent decades, advances in the flexibility and complexity of hydrologic models have enhanced their utility in scientific studies and practice alike. However, the increasing complexity of these tools leads to a number of challenges, including steep learning curves for new users and issues regarding the reproducibility of modelling studies. Here, we present the RavenR package, an R package that leverages the power of scripting to both enhance the usability of the Raven hydrologic modelling framework and provide complementary analyses that are useful for modellers. The RavenR package contains functions that may be useful in each step of the model-building process, particularly for preparing input files and analyzing model outputs. The utility of the RavenR package is demonstrated with the presentation of six use cases for a model of the Liard River basin in Canada. These use cases provide examples of visually reviewing the model configuration, preparing input files for observation and forcing data, simplifying the model discretization, performing realism checks on the model output, and evaluating the performance of the model. All of the use cases are fully reproducible, with additional reproducible examples of RavenR functions included with the package distribution itself. It is anticipated that the RavenR package will continue to evolve with the Raven project and will provide a useful tool to new and experienced users of Raven alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transparent soft materials are widely used in applications ranging from packaging to flexible displays, wearable devices, and optical lenses. Nevertheless, soft materials are susceptible to mechanical damage, leading to functional failure and premature disposal. Herein, a transparent self‐healing elastomer that is able to repair the polymer network via exchange reactions of dynamic disulfide bonds is introduced. Due to its self‐healing ability, the mechanical properties of the elastomer can be recovered as well as its transparency after multiple cycles of abrasion and healing. The self‐healing polymer is fabricated into 3D structures by folding or modular origami assembly of planar self‐healing polymer sheets. The 3D polymer objects are employed as storage containers of solid and liquid substances, reactors for photopolymerization, and cuvettes for optical measurements (exhibiting superior properties to those of commercial cuvettes). These dynamic polymers show outstanding mechanical, optical, and recycling properties that could potentially be further adapted in adaptive smart packaging, reconfigurable materials, optical devices, and recycling of elastomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-frequency motion is often observed in small-scale experimental works carried out in flexible containers under simplified seismic loading conditions when single harmonic sine input motions are introduced at the base of a soil specimen. The source of the high-frequency motion has often been sought in experimental inaccuracies. On the other hand, the most recent numerical studies suggested that high-frequency motion in the steady-state dynamic response of soil subjected to harmonic excitation can also be generated as a result of soil elastic waves released in non-linear hysteretic soil upon unloading. This work presents an example of a finite element numerical study on seismic soil–structure interaction representative of an experimental setup from the past. The results show how high-frequency motion generated in soil in the steady-state response, apparently representative of soil elastic waves, affects the steady-state response of a structure, that is, it is presented how the structure in the analysed case resonates with the soil elastic waves. The numerical findings are verified against the benchmark experimental example to indicate similar patterns in the dynamic response of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Chromatogeny grafting is an efficient method to hydrophobize lignocellulosic materials. Grafted papers are good candidates to replace plastic products in several applications requiring water barrier properties such as food packaging. However, chromatogeny grafting tends to reduce the sealability which is currently limiting the development of these materials. In this context, this study aims to investigate on the ultrasonic welding as a processing method to assemble papers coated with poly(vinyl alcohol) and grafted by chromatogeny. To reach such a goal, grafted and non-grafted papers, presenting different poly(vinyl alcohol) coating weight, have been welded under controlled conditions and peeled to evaluate the strength of welded joints. Results indicate that grafted-papers can be assembled by ultrasonic welding. However, it requires more severe processing conditions and the resulting peeling strength is lower than for non-grafted papers. Nevertheless, mechanical performances are quite satisfying in regard of the requirements of most packaging applications. Chromatogeny grafting modifies the adhesion mechanisms involved in the formation of the welded joints. Joint strength also increases with the poly(vinyl alcohol) coating weight which can be used as an adjusting parameter to optimize the adhesion. Overall, ultrasonic welding has proven its efficiency to assemble chromatogeny grafted-papers which is promising regarding the development of paper-based water barrier packaging solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical and thermal properties of injection-molded recycled polyethylene were studied, specifically with respect to the influence of large-scale washing and melt-compounding of polyethylene from post-consumer packaging waste. Three types of materials were studied: those taken after sorting, after sorting and washing, and after sorting, washing, and melt-compounding, including melt-filtration, all from a large-scale material flow. The materials were further processed on a laboratory scale and compared. The results showed that large-scale washing significantly reduced thermo-oxidative stability, as well as molar mass and melt viscosity. The degradation during large-scale washing made the material susceptible to further degradation in the subsequent extrusion compounding, as shown by the differences in compounding at 240 and 200 °C using a high-shear screw configuration. The compounding parameters, screw configuration, and compounding temperature did not influence the stiffness and strength of the unwashed and large-scale-washed materials, but the elongation-at-break varied, specifically, with the increased temperature. Washing had an influence on the mechanical properties as well, and the unwashed material provided molded samples with stiffness measurements of approximately 550 MPa, whereas the large-scale-washed material provided stiffness of approximately 400 MPa. The strength measurements were approximately 15 MPa for samples made of both unwashed and large-scale-washed material, and the elongation-at-break measurements were between 50 and 150%. The large-scale-washed and compounded materials had very different mechanical properties, with stiffness measurements of approximately 320 MPa, strength of approximately 20 MPA, and elongation-at-break of approximately 350%. The significantly different mechanical properties of the large-scale-washed and compounded materials were likely due to the melt-filtration included in the compounding through the removal of metal and rubber particles, and they may also have been due to the compatibilizing and stabilizing additive used in the compounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]