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The objective of the research is to show the efficiency of the Bootstrap methodology in the construction of limits of the control diagrams of the mean () - Range (R), its use in the control charts of Wu and Wang (1996) and to compare the results of this methodology with the classical form. It was found that the control limits for the R chart with the Bootstrap normal interval for 1000 (LCL = 0; UCL = 13.39) and 10000 (LCL = 0; UCL = 13.49), present a slight increase in the weight variation; while, with the Bootstrap percentile interval for 1000 (LCL = 0.1; UCL = 12.1) and 10000 (LCL = 0.1; UCL = 11.8), it presents a slight decrease in the variability of the weights respectively. Likewise, the control limits of the Bootstrap average with the Bootstrap normal interval for 1000 (LCL = 195.54; UCL = 207.42) and 10000 (LCL = 195.8; UCL = 207.2) which presents a slight stability in the average of the weights while than, with the Bootstrap percentile interval for 1000 (LCL = 196.6; UCL = 206.7) and 10000 (LCL = 196.6; UCL = 206.3). Therefore, the mean-range control diagram, when the assumption of normality is not fulfilled for small samples, has shown ineffectiveness in the detection and identification of special causes in a process. The research presents a non-parametric methodology that identifies the out-of-control signal (whether or not the assumption of normality), through the Bootstrap methodology in the construction of average-range control limits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The use of audio pack cues or messages is a recent trend in packaging design. There is scope to use audio technology to communicate health and cessation messages via cigarette packaging. We explored how smokers responded to cigarette packs which played audio health messages.Methods: Twenty focus groups were conducted in Scotland in 2015 with smokers (n = 120) segmented by age (16-17, 18-24, 25-35, 36-50, >50), gender and social grade. Perceptions of cigarette packs which played audio warnings were explored, with four messages used: (1) a cessation message with a quitline number, (2) mortality message, (3) fertility message, and (4) message about ageing skin.Results: Audio warnings were thought to increase message impact, particularly among younger smokers, as they would be hard to ignore or avoid, and repetition may lead to the messages being memorized. The warnings were considered annoying or embarrassing, and participants suggested they may discard the packs and use alternative storage. Some participants suggested that the audio warnings were off-putting and may alter their smoking behavior, with the mortality message deemed most effective and was considered relatable and felt personal. Older smokers were least likely to believe that audio warnings would affect their smoking behavior, although some thought that they may enhance cessation attempts among smokers seeking to quit, and could deter new or potential smokers, for example, young people.Conclusions: Cigarette packs with audio messaging may have a role to play, now or in the future, as a novel way of communicating health and cessation information.Implications: There is a lack of research exploring smokers' perceptions of cigarette packs which play audio health messages. This focus group study provides an understanding of smokers' immediate responses to cigarette packs which played a short health message when opened. Smokers generally viewed them as annoying or embarrassing, and some suggested the use of alternative storage. Audio warnings were thought to increase message salience, memorability, and impact, for younger smokers in particular, and some suggested that they be off-putting for themselves or others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this research was to quantify children's exposure to alcohol marketing via product packaging using wearable cameras, observing sociodemographic differences and contextual features of exposure.Method: In Wellington, New Zealand, 167 children (ages 11-13; 53% girls) wore wearable cameras for 4 consecutive days. The cameras automatically captured images approximately every 7 seconds. Image data (n = 700,000 images) were coded through content analysis to determine the extent of children's exposure to alcohol marketing via product packaging. Negative binomial regression models were used to calculate rates of exposure per day and to examine differences between groups.Results: Children were exposed to alcohol marketing via product packaging 7.7 times per day, on average. Product packaging contained limited health information and lacked defining features that could provide visual cues to children to differentiate alcohol from other commodities. No statistically significant differences by sociodemographic characteristics were detected.Conclusions: Children are frequently exposed to alcohol marketing via product packaging. Such exposure normalizes alcohol in children's environments and fails to send accurate information to children about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Mandatory labeling on alcohol product packaging, including prominent health warnings (text, pictorial, and graphic), or plain packaging, provides governments an opportunity to substantially reduce children's overall exposure to alcohol marketing and potentially increase children's awareness of the risks associated with alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the current millennium, innovations in food packaging systems have evolved as response to the continuous changes in market trends and consumer’s preferences for convenient, safe, healthy and quality food products. Active packaging (AP) system provides such functionalities to facilitate these demands and offers role beyond the traditional protection and inert barrier to the external environment. Various AP components such as antimicrobials, antioxidants, O 2 scavengers, CO 2 emitters/absorbers, moisture regulators, flavor releasers, and absorbers have been deliberately included in the package system for augmenting packaging performance. These constituents delay or stop chemical, microbial, enzymatic and oxidative spoilage, control weight loss, retain color and integrity of meat based products. Currently, the use of edible or biodegradable materials, plant extracts and nanomaterials are expected to substitute synthetic additives due to their packaging and waste management notions. This article reviews the principles and technological advances as well as the global patents and future research trends in AP sector with their applications focused on meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper concerns the dynamic behavior of bottles transported by conveyor systems. Such systems are widely applied in numerous industries. However, if systems are not properly designed or controlled, multiple undesired phenomena, like clogging or severe bottle scuffing, may occur in the bottle bulk. These effects are eventually strongly linked to the dynamic behavior of- and interaction between bottles. In order to propose a simulation model to support the design process needed for bottle conveyors, the plane mechanical behavior of bottles in a parametrically defined plant is considered. Generation of geometry, contact simulations by penalization and Coulomb friction is included in the model, which is solved by numerical integration of the Newton-Euler equations. The model is developed applying basic concepts from mechanics and numerical analysis and is therefore well-suited for implementation in any software for scientific programming. Results obtained with the model represent the expected physical effects for soft bottles well. A strategy for improvement of the computational efficiency of the method for modeling of high stiffness bottles is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiatives to lightweight and reduce packaging materials to achieve sustainability goals have created unit load stability challenges in the transportation and handling of palletized packaged goods. Consequently, an increased focus is being placed on evaluating how current pre-shipment performance tests evaluate load stability. This study was undertaken to address the current need for establishing test methodologies towards observing a unit load's overall stability during transportation and handling related activities commonly experienced in the distribution environment. With this goal, this study developed two test methods as well as apparatus/measuring tool to observe a palletized load's overall stability. The experimentation involved unit loads of bottled water assembled using two commonly used stacking and stretch wrap patterns. Testing conditions for existing test procedures as well as personnel safety issues during testing were also considered and all tests were conducted in triplicate. The test methods developed included a "tilt test" which was designed to replicate the gravitational forces exerted on the unit load and an "incline impact test" designed to replicate the effect of short duration shocks experienced by unit loads. Collectively, the two test methods provide valuable test procedures and insight towards understanding a unit load's response to shocks and shifts commonly experienced during distribution related activities. The data collected from these tests should contribute to potential revisions for International Safe Transit Association's (ISTA) Procedures 3B and 3E testing requirements. Packaging engineers should be able to appropriately develop and/or validate unit loads of packaged goods utilizing the new test methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging is designed to protect products from shock and vibration during transport. In recent years, paper cushioning materials, such as corrugated board and pulp molded packaging, are being increasingly used because they are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle. However, because no efficient packaging-design method yet exists for paper cushioning material, packaging engineers must rely on previous experience and the so-called trial-and-error method to design packaging. One reason for this situation is that, for most cases, the paper cushioning material used for protective packaging has a complicated structure and deforms after being subjected to repetitive shock and vibration. To address this shortcoming, we propose a damping design method for corrugated-board packaging that includes shock-absorbing and vibration damping elements. To verify that the resultant packaging functions as intended, we test three types of packaging in the following way: First, we use an existing design method to create cushioned packages and examine them via free-fall drop tests. Next, to test the robustness of packaging against vibration (i.e., for packaging destined for various modes of transport), we study the three packaging types by subjecting them to (i) vibration-only tests and (ii) drop-plus-vibration tests. For vibration-only tests, the packaging with highest static stress gives the best result, its "vibration fatigue" accounts for approximately 52% of the worst result given by packaging with the lowest static stress. In the drop-plus-vibration tests, the best packaging is that with the lowest static stress; its "vibration fatigue" is approximately 31% of the worst packaging, which has an intermediate value of static stress. This approach allows us to determine the packaging with the best shock-absorbing and vibration damping characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Narrow-linewidth tunable diode lasers are an important tool for spectroscopic instrumentation. Conventional external cavity diode lasers offer high output power and narrow linewidth. However, most external cavity diode lasers are designed as laboratory instrument and do not allow portability. In comparison, other commonly used lasers, like distributed feedback lasers (DFB) that are capable of driving a handheld device, are limited in power and show linewidths which are not sufficiently narrow for certain applications. We present new miniaturized types of tunable external cavity diode laser which overcome the drawbacks of conventional external cavity diode lasers and which preserve the advantages of this laser concept. Three different configurations are discussed in this article. The three types of miniaturized external cavity diode laser systems achieve power values of more than 50 mW within the 1.4 $$\mu$$ m water vapor absorption band with excellent side-mode suppression and linewidth below 100 kHz. Typical features outstand with respect to other type of laser systems which are of extended use such as DFB laser diodes. The higher output power and the lower linewidth will enable a higher sensitivity and resolution for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetroot powder was prepared by pre-treating beetroot slices in the mixture of 5% salt and 72.76 °Brix sugar at 50.59°C for 3h, and drying in cabinet dryer at 65°C and in microwave oven at 1080 W (optimized conditions), followed by grinding in laboratory mill and sieving with 30 mesh sieve. The time taken to bring the moisture content from 183.77 to 56.36 % (db) by convective drying was 6 hours and from 56.36 to 4.65 % (db) by microwave finish drying was about 6 min. The powder was stored upto 60 days of storage period in 150 gauge of high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as laminated aluminum film packages (LAP) at room temperature and low temperature (5°C). Retention of less moisture content, water activity, minimum color degradation, browning index and better sensory characteristics was obtained in samples packed in laminated aluminium package of 150 gauge stored at 5°C. It implied that beetroot powder packed in LAP film packages can be best stored for long term storage under refrigerated conditions without any major loss in quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Package integrity is a critical factor to ensure that product sterility is maintained over its entire shelf life. An exposure chamber method was developed to determine the integrity of flexible packaging systems, i.e. flexible multilayer linear low-density polyethylene/nylon pouches with a 100, 50, 25 or 15 µm micro-channel with 5 mm length defect in the sealing area. Viable cells of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli have been utilized as model organisms. The aerosol was generated by a nebulizer, about 2.0 × 107 CFU m−3 concentration inside the test chamber. The results demonstrated that defect pouches with a 100, 50 or 25 µm channel leakage exposed to microbiologically challenging conditions could not maintain the sterility of their contents. Micro-channels with 15 µm diameter can be detected as the critical micro-channel dimension for bacterial penetration for flexible pouches. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging and the role it plays in supply chain efficiency are overlooked in most design and development research. An opportunity exists to meet the needs of supply chains to increase efficiency. This research presents three propositions on how to reduce the gap between supply chain needs and satisfaction in interaction with the product and packaging system. It also proposes a supply chain focused packaging design and development method to better satisfy supply chain needs placed on packaging. An extensive literature review was conducted, and a Tetra Pak derived case study was developed. The propositions were formulated and became the basis for improving Tetra Pak's existing packaging design and development method by better integrating supply chain needs. This was accomplished by using an expanded operational life cycle perspective that includes the entire supply chain. The resulting supply chain focused packaging design, and development method enables improved supply chain efficiency while considering the product, the processes and cost. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cigarettes are marketed in a wide array of packaging and product configurations, and these may impact consumers' perceptions of product health effects and attractiveness. Filtered cigarettes are typically perceived as less hazardous and white tipping paper (as opposed to cork) often conveys 'lightness'.Methods: This study examined cigarette-related perceptions among 1220 young adult (age 18-35) current, ever, and never smokers recruited from three eastern U.S. cities (Buffalo NY, Columbia SC, Morgantown WV). Participants rated three cigarette sticks: two filtered cigarettes 85 mm in length, differing only in tipping paper color (cork versus white), and an unfiltered 70 mm cigarette.Results: Overall, the cork-tipped cigarette was most commonly selected on taste and attractiveness, the white-tipped on least dangerous, and the unfiltered on most dangerous. Current smokers were more likely to select white-tipped (OR = 1.98) and cork-tipped (OR = 3.42) cigarettes, while ever smokers more commonly selected the cork-tipped (OR = 1.96), as most willing to try over the other products. Those willing to try the filtered white-tipped cigarette were more likely to have rated that cigarette as best tasting (OR = 11.10), attracting attention (OR = 17.91), and lowest health risk (OR = 1.94). Similarly, those willing to try cork tipped or unfiltered cigarettes rated those as best testing, attracting attention, and lowest health risk, respectively.Conclusions: Findings from this study demonstrate that consumer product perceptions can be influenced by elements of cigarette design, such as the presence and color of the filter tip. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging of chemical sensors is still an area, which is not much explored. Low temperature co-fired ceramic, LTCC, packaging offers large advantages in terms of 3D design, integration of advanced functionality and fast processing. SiC based FET gas sensors are possible to integrate directly in the LTCC co-firing process at 850 °C, whereby both high temperature and other advanced applications like ultra-low detection of toxic gases are greatly improved. The LTCC packaging is also used for development of particle detectors as well as packaging for an electrical method to detect toxic effect on cells by particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of antimicrobial agents (nisin, chitosan, potassium sorbate (PS) or silver substituted zeolite (AgZeo)) incorporated into low density polyethylene (LDPE) on the physicochemical and microbial quality of chicken drumsticks stored at 5 °C for 6 days were investigated. Active multilayer bags (LDPE/polyamide/LDPE-containing 2% antimicrobial agent) were used to pack chicken drumsticks under vacuum. Their efficiency in inhibiting total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC), total coliforms and total molds and yeasts were evaluated by comparison with control bag (LDPE-polyamide-LDPE). APC counts of samples packed in bags containing chitosan, nisin, AgZeo and PS were 1.03, 0.98, 0.51, and 0.17 log respectively were lower than those of samples packed in control bags. Samples packaged in active bags had lower microbial counts and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values than those of samples packed in control bags. The pH, color and hardness of the samples were not affected significantly by use of different packaging films (p > 0.05). Therefore, the bag including chitosan or nisin can be suggested as a suitable packaging material for chicken drumstick to increase safety and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrasted against the popular belief that consumers make purely rational decisions, purchasing decisions are rapid, subconscious, and emotional decisions. In order to understand a consumer's purchasing decisions, we suggest finding methods beyond focus groups, which typify this type of research, to measure and interpret consumer reactions to various packaging designs. In this paper, we examine electrodermal activity, a measure of emotional arousal, and eye tracking in the context of a realistic shopping environment as possible measures to support insight into customer preference of packaging. We hypothesized that presenting consumers with an experience more closely related to actual shopping would encourage more natural selections. Further, that the combination of eye tracking and physiological measures with self-report would support a more holistic understanding of decision-making. Although our eye-tracking hypothesis was supported in the studies conducted, a revision of our approach to physiological measurement is necessary to fully understand the validity of electrodermal activity for in-context experiments. We end by presenting suggestions for future research in the field of consumer emotions, highlighting the struggles and successes of measuring one's subconscious motives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurement of gas transmission rates of materials is important for successful package design. The dynamic accumulation (DA) method (ASTM F3136) is becoming increasingly popular for measuring oxygen transmission rate (OTR) due to its simplicity and low cost. However, measurement time increases with barrier properties of materials, limiting measurement throughput. A dynamic accumulation measurement prototype capable of operating up to 1,000 psig was developed in order to accelerate gas transfer by boosting concentration gradients via elevated absolute pressures. Results show that measurement results were independent of test pressure while measurement times were substantially reduced. These results also suggest that gas transmission rate testing using the steady state approach (e.g. ASTM D3985) will also benefit from tests performed at elevated pressures by boosting signal and/or expanding the range of measurement, permitting measurement of higher barrier films than are currently possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a warpage analysis method that predicts the warpage behavior of electroplated Cu films on glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) packaging substrates. The analysis method is performed using the following sequence: fabricate specimens for scanning 3D contours, transform 3D data into curvatures, compute the built-in stress of the film using a stress-curvature analytic model, and verify it through comparisons of the finite element method (FEM) simulations with the measured data. The curvature is used to describe the deflection and warpage modes and orientations of the specimen. Two primary factors that affect the warpage behavior of the electroplated Cu film on FRP substrate specimens are investigated. The first factor is the built-in stress in a Cu film that explains the room temperature warpage of the specimen under no thermal process. The second factor is the misfit of the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the Cu and FRP layer, which is a dominant factor during the temperature change. The calculated residual stress, and predicted curvatures using FEM simulation throughout the reflow process temperature range between 25 and 180 °C are proven to be accurate by the comparison of the FEM simulations and experiment measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marketing of organically labeled prawns is predominately in a cooked or raw frozen form to avoid the development of melanosis (black spot). Certification for organic status prohibits the use of any added chemicals. The application of 60% CO2/40%N2modified atmosphere to chilled (raw) prawns using two species of prawn was investigated for the ability to control black spot formation. Sensory assessment and microbiological counts were used to determine the end of product shelf life. Modified atmosphere packaged (MAP) prawns exhibited no melanosis for up to 16 days. The high quality life was retained for 12 days; shelf life of 16 days, according to standard microbiological criteria, was achieved, which is more than twice previously reported for non-MAP prawns. Results suggest MAP may be an effective method for the marketing of organically grown prawns as well as those produced by conventional prawn aquaculture without application of the normal chemicals used to prevent black spot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we wrote about that packaging foam, which can be a critical component in the defense against the logistic stresses. The continuous developing of the materials gives us the possibility to apply new and possible environmental friendly packaging (EFP) materials. To apply these materials in practice we have to know many attributions for example its cushion characteristic. We investigate a possible predicting to make easier its testing method in the development process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several jurisdictions in the US and abroad limit the minimum number of cigars that can be sold per package. Research has not evaluated whether small packages might result in cigar use initiation, or whether adding cigars to packages might result in purchasers smoking more cigars.Methods: Using nationally representative US adult data from Waves 1 and 2 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, we assessed links between cigar package quantity (number of cigars in the package a person usually buys) and (1) price, and (2) cigar and cigarette use over time, for three cigar types: filtered cigars, cigarillos, and large cigars.Results: Smaller quantity packages (i.e., packages with fewer cigars) were cheaper per-pack than larger quantity packages but more expensive per-stick for all three cigar types. For filtered cigars, past-year starters tended to buy smaller quantity packages compared to longer-term users (geometric mean = 6.31 vs. 11.75, respectively; b = -.18, 95%CI: -.32, -.04). Also, those who bought smaller quantity packages of filtered cigars tended to smoke fewer cigars over time compared to those who bought larger quantity packages (b = 1.16, 95%CI: 0.45, 1.87). Neither of these associations was observed for cigarillos or large cigars. We also found little evidence that buying larger quantity packages predicted continuing to use cigars or using cigarettes.Conclusions: Although we found consistent associations between package quantity and price, we found few associations between package quantity and changes in cigar smoking behaviors over time, particularly for cigarillos and large cigars. Key limitations include our adult-only analyses and inability to determine the package quantity that cigar users initiated with. Future studies could examine whether package quantity plays a causal role in filtered cigar use initiation or consumption rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Identifying the Development State of Sintered Silver (Ag) as a Bonding Material in the Microelectronic Packaging Via a Patent Landscape Study" is presented.