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Cytotoxicity is a critical parameter for materials intended for biological applications, such as food packaging. Shape-memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) have garnered significant interest due to their versatile properties and adaptability in synthesis. However, their suitability for biological applications is limited by the use of aromatic isocyanates, such as methylene diphenyl 4,4′-diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI), which are commonly used in SMPU synthesis but can generate carcinogenic compounds upon degradation. In this study, thermo-responsive shape-memory polyurethanes (SMPUs) were synthesized using poly(tetramethylene ether) glycol (PTMG) and castor oil (CO) as a chain extender with four different isocyanates—aromatic (MDI and TDI), aliphatic (hexamethylene diisocyanate [HDI] and isophorone diisocyanate [IPDI])—to evaluate their impact on polyurethane cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on the synthesized SMPU samples before and after exposure to light-induced degradation. The results showed that prior to degradation, all samples exhibited cell proliferation rates above 90%. However, after degradation, the SMPUs containing aromatic isocyanates demonstrated a drastic reduction in cell proliferation to values below 10%, whereas the samples with aliphatic isocyanates maintained cell proliferation above 70%. Subsequently, the influence of polyol chain length was assessed using PTMG, with molecular weights of 1000, 650, and 250 g·mol−1. The results indicated that the SMPUs with longer chain lengths exhibited higher cell proliferation rates both before and after degradation. The thermal and mechanical properties of the SMPUs were further characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and thermomechanical analysis (TMA), providing comprehensive insights into the behavior of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Cultivating microgreens is emerging as an excellent market opportunity. Their easy, short, and sustainable production methods are the main reasons they are approved by growers. However, a feature that still prevents its further spread is the microbiological risk and their rapid senescence. The present study was conducted to evaluate the post-harvest storage and shelf life of arugula microgreens in different packaging through microbiological, physico-chemical, and sensory parameters; (2) Methods: Plants were stored at 5 °C in open air, vacuum sealed, and under modified atmosphere bags and tested at 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 days; (3) Results: Microgreens stored in all packaging were safe for consumption within ten days. Regarding physical and chemical parameters, open packaging proved to be promising, with less weight loss and slower chlorophyll degradation. The sensory analysis demonstrated that the microgreens stored in the vacuum-sealed packaging showed a decrease in quality from the fifth day onwards for all attributes. However, the MAP presented good scores with a better visual quality, similar to the fresh microgreens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Limited knowledge is currently available on the effects of modified atmospheric packaging (MAP) on the metabolite profiles of cooked beef. The objective was to evaluate the impact of packaging on the cooked color and cooked metabolite profile of normal-pH (normal bright-red color) and atypical-dark-cutting beef (inherently slightly dark-colored) longissimus lumborum muscle. Methods: Normal-pH (pH 5.56) and atypical dark-cutting (pH 5.63) loins (n = 6) were procured from a commercial meat processor. Steaks were randomly assigned to one of three different packaging methods: vacuum packaging, carbon monoxide (CO-MAP), and high oxygen (HiOx-MAP). Following 5 d of retail display, steaks were cooked to 71 °C on a clamshell-style grill, and samples were collected for untargeted metabolites using gas-chromatography mass spectrometry. Results: Raw atypical dark-cutting steaks were less red (p < 0.05) than raw normal-pH steaks. However, there were no differences in internal cooked color between normal-pH and atypical dark-cutting steaks. Steaks packaged in HiOx-MAP steaks had a lower (p < 0.05) cooked redness than vacuum and CO-MAP steaks. A total of 129 metabolite features were identified in the study. Serine and tryptophan were over-abundant in cooked atypical dark-cutting beef compared to raw atypical samples. Citric acid levels were greater in HiOx-MAP packaged beef compared with VP both in normal and atypical dark-cutting beef after cooking, while no differentially abundant metabolites were shared between vacuum and CO-MAP steaks after cooking. Discussion: A slight increase in pH did not influence metabolite profiles in different packaging. However, there were packaging effects within normal and atypical dark-cutting beef. Conclusions: This study suggests that packaging conditions change metabolite profiles, which can influence cooked metabolites. Therefore, the metabolomics approach can be used to better understand cooked color defects such as premature browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic materials in sensitive packaging applications, such as for cosmetic products and detergents, requires a clear understanding of the identities and quantities of chemical substances, which they may release into packed products. With many potential sources of and thus different types of potentially releasable substances, a reliable non-targeted screening method is required to assess these materials. Such a method should be readily applicable in industrial practice and provide a realistic estimation of substance release. This investigation focused on the use of gas chromatography/coupled mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze substances, which recycled HDPE (rHDPE) plastic pellets release into 95% ethanol under accelerated testing conditions. The results of the repeated testing of reference samples clearly demonstrated the good reproducibility of the described methodology, with standard deviations of repeated determinations of the total released substance amounts of 6.8–8.1%. The application to several production batches of three commercial rHDPE grades additionally demonstrated that the batch-to-batch variation of substances which rHDPE materials release can be confined to less than 10% of variation of the total detectable substance amount. The described methodology is therefore seen as a pragmatic, repeatable assessment of recycled HDPE plastic batches with a view to substance release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of perforation patterns on the compressive strength of cardboard packaging is a critical concern in the packaging industry, where optimizing material usage without compromising structural integrity is essential. This study aims to investigate how different perforation designs affect the load-bearing capacity of cardboard boxes. Utilizing finite element method (FEM) simulations, we assessed the compressive strength of packaging made of various types of corrugated cardboards, including E, B, C, EB, and BC flutes with different heights. Mechanical testing was conducted to obtain accurate material properties for the simulations. Packaging dimensions were varied to generalize the findings across different sizes. Results showed that perforation patterns significantly influenced the compressive strength, with reductions ranging from 14% to 43%, compared to non-perforated packaging. Notably, perforations on multiple walls resulted in the highest strength reductions. The study concludes that while perforations are necessary for functionality and aesthetics, their design must be carefully considered to minimize negative impacts on structural integrity. These findings provide valuable insights for designing more efficient and sustainable packaging solutions in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements in nanofibers and production technologies have led to nanofibers being applied in various applications. Nanofibers are produced by a variety of techniques such as electrospinning, drawing, self-assembly, phase separation, and others. Electrospinning is widely used due to its versatility and scalability. Nanofiber production by other techniques is still limited to the laboratory scale, hence the dominance of electrospinning. The versatility of nanofibers has seen them being used in various applications such as health, protection, clothing, filtration, packaging, and electronics. Their large surface area, small diameters, and porous structures make them good materials in these diverse fields. Nanofibers are incorporated with nanoparticles to enhance stability. In biomedical applications, nanofibers are used in drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue engineering because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In fields like protection, clothing, and packaging, nanofibers are used due to their large surface area, porosity, and flexibility. These properties also make nanofibers highly effective in filtration, where their small size and large surface area allow them to efficiently remove a significant number of contaminants. Additionally, nanofibers are utilized in the production of flexible electronics, enhancing comfort in wearable devices. Biopolymers are being adopted to address the environmental and health concerns of traditional nanofiber materials. Biopolymers are biodegradable and biocompatible; however, their stability can be affected by production and environmental conditions. This work highlights the applications of nanofibers, especially the environmentally friendly nanofiber applications in health, packaging, water treatment, protection, electronics, clothing, and technical textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optoelectronic integrated circuit (OEIC) technology has attracted considerable research attention. Studies have achieved numerous breakthroughs in the basic scientific problems, key technologies, demonstration applications, and industrial promotions of OEIC. This study details the technical process, development status, existing problems, and future research trends of the design, manufacturing, and packaging of OEIC to provide a systematic summary of OEIC technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Edible brown seaweeds, sea spaghetti (SS) and Irish wakame (IW), were incorporated at 2.5% into the formulation of reduced-fat (fat reduced from 25% to 20%, 15%, and 10%) and -salt (sodium chloride—NaCl) (salt reduced from 2% to 1.5%, 1%, and 0.5%) pork sausages. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics of the reformulated sausages were analysed. Subsequently, shelf-life evaluation (lipid oxidation and microbiological analyses) was performed on selected sausages stored under aerobic (AP), MAP70/30 (70% N2:30% CO2), MAP80/20 (80% O2:20% CO2), and vacuum (VP) conditions. Relative to the control, seaweed sausages containing 10% fat had higher (p < 0.05) protein and 1.5% salt seaweed sausages had higher (p < 0.05) ash content. The addition of seaweed did not affect the pH of reduced-fat and -salt sausages, and cook loss increased in reduced-fat sausages. Reduced-fat and -salt seaweed sausages were darker in colour than the experimental controls. Based on sensory results, the most accepted sausages using SS and IW were 10% fat, 0.5% salt (SS10f/0.5s), and 15% fat, 1% salt (IW15f/1s), respectively. With regard to the shelf life of selected seaweed sausages, MAP70/30 (70% N2, 30% CO2) and VP (vacuum packaging) were the most effective approaches for the lipid oxidation and TVC (total viable counts), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article shows an analysis of selected stages of a machine's life cycle environmental impact in the specific case of machines that package bottles in thermo-shrinkable film. As part of this analysis, laboratory tests were carried out to compare the performance properties of polyethylene films (with and without recycled material). Then, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out within the specified system boundaries using the SimaPro program. Using the ReCiPe 2016 method, differences in the impact of the mass bottle packaging process on the categories human health, ecosystems and resources were determined depending on the shrink film used in the process. These tests showed that the tested batch of film with the addition of recyclates has similar functional properties to traditional ones and can therefore be used in the mass packaging process. The environmental analysis showed that changing the type of film to film with the addition of recyclates results in an almost 70% reduction in the potential negative impact of the process in terms of damage to health and ecosystems, and by 85% in terms of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switches play a critical role as core components in data center networks. The advent of multi-die chiplet packaging as a prevailing trend in complex chip development presents challenges in designing the multi-die packaging of switch chips. With limited inter-die connections in mind, we propose a scalable, unified switch architecture optimized for efficient connectivity. This architecture includes the strategic mapping of data queues, meticulous planning of data paths, and the integration of a unified interface, all aiming to facilitate efficient switch operations within constrained connectivity environments. Our optimization efforts encompass various areas, including refining arbitration strategies, managing mixed unicast and multicast transmissions, and mitigating network congestion to alleviate bottlenecks in data flow. These enhancements contribute to heightened levels of performance and robustness in the switching process. During the validation phase, the structure we propose reduced interconnection usage between dies by 25%, while supporting functions such as unicast and multicast transmissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of different packaging materials on the composition of the headspace (CO2 and O2) of rennet cheeses packed in unit packaging under different modified atmosphere (MAP) conditions during a storage period of 90 days at 2 °C and 8 °C. The packaging materials comprised different combinations of BOPP—biaxially oriented polypropylene; PET—polyester; PE—polyethylene; PP—polypropylene; EVOH—ethylene–vinyl alcohol copolymer; PET—polyethylene terephthalate; and PA—polyamide. As the properties of the packaging material (foil) affect the gas conditions inside the packaging, it is important to study whether the modifications, i.e., properties and thickness, of the foils will result in significant differences in the composition of the headspace of packed cheeses. The CO2 content in the headspace of Gouda cheese packages ranged from 35% to 45%, while for Maasdamer and Sielski Klasyczny cheese, it varied between 55% and 65%. Throughout the storage period, the O2 content in the headspace of cheeses packaged in tested foils (1–5) did not exceed 0.5%. The type of foil used did not influence the modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review details the extraction, characterization and utilization of seaweed-derived biopolymers for future packaging applications. The review is contextualized within the broader scope of the challenge of plastic pollution and the current urgent need for more sustainable packaging materials. Macroalgae (or seaweed) has been highlighted as a promising source of biopolymers, most commonly sodium alginate, agar and carrageenan, for reasons such as a rapid growth rate and decreased environmental impact when compared with terrestrial plant life. Extraction methods detailed include traditional solvent-based extraction and more sustainable developments such as ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction and bead milling. This review additionally presents the characterization techniques most pertinent in determining the applicability of these biopolymers in packaging applications. Properties of key importance to the development of sustainable packaging materials such as thermal properties, mechanical strength, barrier properties and biodegradability are highlighted in comparison to conventional petroleum-based plastics. This review concludes by realistically identifying the challenges faced by implementing seaweed-based biopolymers into packaging structures, such as cost-effectiveness, scalability and performance while suggesting future directions to mitigate these issues and improve the commercial viability of these materials for the packaging industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant waste material threatening sustainability efforts are post-consumer food packaging goods. These ubiquitous multi-materials comprise chemically disparate components and are thus challenging targets for recycling. Herein, we undertake a proof-of-principle study in which we use a single-stage method to convert post-consumer multi-material food packaging (post-consumer peanut butter jars) to a high compressive strength composite (PBJS90). This is accomplished by thiocracking the ground jar pulp (10 wt. %) with elemental sulfur (90 wt. %) at 320 °C for 2 h. This is the first application of thiocracking to such mixed-material post-consumer goods. Composite synthesis proceeded with 100% atom economy, a low E factor of 0.02, and negative global warming potential of −0.099 kg CO2e/kg. Furthermore, the compressive strength of PBJS90 (37.7 MPa) is over twice that required for Portland cement building foundations. The simplicity of composite synthesis using a lower temperature/shorter heating time than needed for mineral cements, and exclusive use of waste materials as precursors are ecologically beneficial and represent an important proof-of-principle approach to using thiocracking as a strategy for upcycling multi-materials to useful composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the artworks stored in museums are often kept in inappropriate climatic and environmental conditions that facilitate the formation and growth of microorganisms, such as fungi, which are responsible for many types of biodegradation phenomena. To mitigate and prevent these deteriorative processes, functionalized packaging materials can be used for the storage and handling of artworks. The aim of this study was to develop a potential anti-biodeterioration coating suitable for packaging purposes. TiO2 and ZnO doped with different amounts of Ag (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, and 3 wt%) were synthesized and dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and acrylic resin (Paraloid B72), then applied on different types of packaging materials (cellulose and the high-density spunbound polyethylene fiber Tyvek®, materials that are frequently used as packaging in museums). Analytical investigations (SEM/EDS, Raman, FTIR, and XRD) were employed to assess dispersion on the packaging material. Furthermore, resistance against biodeteriogens was assessed using Cladosporium sp., a bioluminometer, to define the biocidal efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to develop a value-added bio-based polymer product for food packaging. Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a promising bioplastic with limitations in processability and brittleness, which our group previously addressed by incorporating high-molecular-weight natural rubber (NR) compatibilized with peroxide and coagent. Yet, processability in an industrial setting proved difficult. Coffee oil epoxide (COE), a waste-derived plasticizer, was incorporated into the PHBV/NR/peroxide/coagent matrix via extrusion, and properties of resulting sheets were evaluated. COE incorporation significantly decreased the oxygen and water permeability of the PHBV/NR sheets. Maximum degradation temperature Tpeak (°C) increased by ~4.6 °C, and degree of crystallinity decreased by ~15.5% relative to pristine PHBV, indicating good thermal stability. Melting (Tm) and glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the PHBV/NR blend remained unchanged with COE incorporation. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed ~10.36% decrease in crystal size for the plasticized blend. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed good dispersion with no phase separation. The water uptake capacity of the plasticized blend was reduced by 61.02%, while surface contact angle measurements showed improved water resistance. The plasticized PHBV sheet shows promise for environmentally friendly packaging films due to its high thermal stability, effective barrier properties, and industrial scalability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a multilayer, high-barrier, thin blown film based on a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) blend with polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), and composed of four layers including a cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) barrier layer and an electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) hot-tack layer, was characterized in terms of the surface roughness, surface tension, migration, mechanical and peel performance, barrier properties, and disintegration rate. The results showed that the film exhibited a smooth surface. The overall migration tests showed that the material is suitable to be used as a food contact layer. The addition of the CNC interlayer had a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the system, drastically reducing the elongation at break and, thus, the flexibility of the material. The film containing CNCs and electrospun PHBV hot-tack interlayers exhibited firm but not strong adhesion. However, the multilayer was a good barrier to water vapor (2.4 ± 0.1 × 10−12 kg·m−2·s−1·Pa−1), and especially to oxygen (0.5 ± 0.3 × 10−15 m3·m−2·s−1·Pa−1), the permeance of which was reduced by up to 90% when the CNC layer was added. The multilayer system disintegrated completely in 60 days. All in all, the multilayer system developed resulted in a fully compostable structure with significant potential for use in high-barrier food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various aspects related to cosmetic product packaging, highlighting both advancements and challenges in the field. Initially, it offers a general description of the main materials used in cosmetic containers, including plastic, glass, paper, and aluminum. This is followed by an analysis of the existing EU legislative frameworks that govern cosmetic packaging, encompassing chemical, food, and waste regulations. The paper also discusses recent EU regulatory proposals and guidelines from trade associations aimed at enhancing the sustainability of cosmetic packaging materials. Additionally, the role of recycled and bio-based packaging materials in promoting environmental sustainability is analyzed. Overall, this review aims to provide insights for experts in the field on how to balance safety, functionality, and environmental responsibility in cosmetic packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The findings from this research may have a specific and so far unique application in creating new packaged food products that are not traditionally distributed as such. The results show that the selection of proper packaging material with good thickness, transparency and permeability characteristics along with favorable storage conditions can help to preserve the antioxidant compounds of fresh-cut nettle leaves for 14 days. Green leafy vegetables are very challenging in terms of storage and preservation, while packaging in controlled conditions with the selection of appropriate polymer material is crucial for maintaining their nutritional value and quality. Various packaging materials have different gas and water vapor permeability as well as physicochemical properties that can create a specific environment inside the package, therefore affecting the chemical composition, sensory characteristics, and overall quality of packed leafy vegetables. Stinging nettle is an edible plant with a high antioxidant content, making it a valuable leafy vegetable. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of four packaging materials (biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyamide/polyethylene (PA/PE), and polylactic acid (PLA)) on the antioxidant content of packed fresh nettle leaves during 14-day storage. Ascorbic acid content was the highest after 6 days of storage, equally well preserved in all tested films, with an average of 86.74 mg/100 g fm (fresh mass). After 14 days of storage, the total phenolic content was best preserved when packed in LDPE. The content of caffeoylmalic and chlorogenic acids was the highest in LDPE after 6 days. In addition, leaves packed in LDPE after 6 days of storage had the highest content of all photosynthetic pigments. According to FRAP analysis, the antioxidant capacity was best maintained in LDPE (at the 14th day, the measured capacity was 43.61 µmol TE/g). This study shows that the type of packaging material (BOPP, LDPE, PA/PE, and PLA) and storage duration (6 and 14 days) have a great impact on the level of antioxidant compounds in the nettle leaves, where LDPE and BOPP can be highlighted as the most favorable for the preservation of total and individual phenolic compounds, photosynthetic pigments, and antioxidant capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine quality and safety is affected by the food contact materials (FCMs) used. These materials are expected to protect the beverage from any chemical, physical, or biological hazard and preserve its composition stable throughout its shelf-life. However, the migration of chemical substances from FCMs is a known phenomenon and requires monitoring. This review distinguishes the migrating chemical substances to those of (i) industrial origin with potential safety effects and those of (ii) natural occurrence, principally in cork (ex. tannins) with organoleptic quality effects. The review focuses on the migration of industrial chemical contaminants. Migration testing has been applied only for cork stoppers and tops, while other materials like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles with aluminum cups, paperboard cartons, stainless steel vats, and oak casks have been examined for the presence of chemical migrating substances only by wine analysis without migration testing. The dominant analytical techniques applied are gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) for the determination of organic compounds and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and ICP-MS for elemental analysis. Targeted approaches are mostly applied, while limited non-target methodologies are reported. The identified migrating substances include authorized substances like phthalate plasticizers, monomers (bisphenol A), antioxidants (Irganox 1010), known but non-authorized substances (butylparaben), break-down products, oxidation products (nonylphenol), polyurethane adhesive by-products, oligomers, ink photoinitiators, and inorganic elements. A preliminary investigation of microplastics' migration has also been reported. It is proposed that further research on the development of comprehensive workflows of target, suspect, and non-target analysis is required to shed more light on the chemical world of migration for the implementation of an efficient risk assessment and management of wine contact materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systems for reusing packaging (e.g., refillable bottles for laundry detergent) have the potential to reduce plastic waste and lower the environmental impact of delivering products to consumers. However, despite the potential of reusable packaging, uptake of reuse systems is typically low and so the present research investigated whether informing consumers about these benefits increases their willingness to engage with reuse systems. A total of 969 participants were asked to imagine buying consumer products, such as laundry detergent in refillable bottles, and were then randomly allocated to either receive information on the potential environmental benefit of (i) their using the scheme, (ii) the scheme as a whole, or (iii) no information. The findings suggested that the information increased consumers' awareness of the environmental impact of reuse systems but did not increase their willingness to use such systems. This finding underscores the need for strategies that go beyond mere dissemination of information, to circumvent obstacles that prevent willing consumers from enacting desirable behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food loss and waste have been identified as significant contributors to existing environmental challenges. Previous studies have extensively quantified losses and waste throughout the value chain. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the influence of packaging design on food residue quantities. This study analyses the technical emptiability of dairy product packaging, building upon previously described methods and proposing new methods for a standardized analysis. The results demonstrate significant variations in residue amounts depending on product type, fat content, viscosity, packaging type and design, as well as consumer handling. The findings indicate that residues of high-viscosity products, such as yoghurt drinks and buttermilk, can accumulate to a level exceeding 4% of the total filling weight in the packaging; meanwhile, the residues of low-viscosity products, such as milk, collectively represent less than 1% of the total filling weight. Consumer handling instructions on packaging significantly reduce residues, as shown by the instruction to shake before opening, which notably decreases the residues of high-viscosity products. Future legislation to minimize food waste and reduce the environmental impact of packaging will necessitate that the packaging industry produces easy-to-empty packaging. This will improve sorting, recycling, recyclate quality, and environmental impact, consequently enhancing the sustainability of dairy packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite achieving numerous successes with surface defect inspection based on deep learning, the industry still faces challenges in conducting packaging defect inspections that include critical information such as ingredient lists. In particular, while previous achievements primarily focus on defect inspection in high-quality images, they do not consider defect inspection in low-quality images such as those containing image blur. To address this issue, we proposed a noble inference technique named temporal-quality ensemble (TQE), which combines temporal and quality weights. Temporal weighting assigns weights to input images by considering the timing in relation to the observed image. Quality weight prioritizes high-quality images to ensure the inference process emphasizes clear and reliable input images. These two weights improve both the accuracy and reliability of the inference process of low-quality images. In addition, to experimentally evaluate the general applicability of TQE, we adopt widely used convolutional neural networks (CNNs) such as ResNet-34, EfficientNet, ECAEfficientNet, GoogLeNet, and ShuffleNetV2 as the backbone network. In conclusion, considering cases where at least one low-quality image is included, TQE has an F1-score approximately 17.64% to 22.41% higher than using single CNN models and about 1.86% to 2.06% higher than an average voting ensemble. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Films for coffee-pod packaging usually contain aluminium as an impermeable foil that is not recyclable and has to be discharged as waste. In this study, a recyclable polypropylene multilayer film is proposed as an alternative. The performance on the chemical composition of coffee was evaluated and compared to that of film containing aluminium (standard). The oxygen in the headspace, moisture, lipidic oxidation, and volatile organic compounds were studied in coffee pods during storage for 12 months at 25 and 40 ◦C. In addition, the acidity and acceptability of extracted coffee were evaluated. In the polypropylene-packaged pods, the percentage of oxygen during storage at 25 ◦C was lower than that in the standard. Moisture was not affected by the type of packaging materials. No differences were found between the peroxide values, except in pods stored for 3, 10, and 11 months at 25 ◦C, where they were even lower than the standard. Furans and pyrazines were the main volatile organic compounds detected. No differences were found in the pH and titratable acidity of the coffee brew either. All samples were well accepted by consumers without any perceived difference related to the packaging film. The polypropylene multilayer film is a sustainable recyclable material with high performance, in particular, against oxygen permeation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch-based biodegradable films are a type of packaging material that can naturally decompose in the environment. Current challenges regarding starch-based film applications are their high solubility and low hydrophobicity. Prior studies have shown that plasma application improves the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of these films. This work evaluates the plasma application strategy regarding the process stage in which plasma should be applied (starch granule, film-forming solution, or film). Three groups of films were produced: a film produced with the plasma-treated starch, a film produced by subjecting the film-forming solution to plasma treatment, and a plasma-treated film produced with the untreated starch. A 22 face-centered experimental design was applied to each group of films to attain the optimal film of each group. The design consisted of applying plasma at 100, 200, and 300 Hz for 0, 10, and 20 min to each group. The results showed significant differences regarding their physical-chemical and morphological properties. Most chemical changes occurred in the starch subjected to plasma prior to film formation, while the films produced with the untreated starch presented physical changes. Plasma-treated films presented reduced solubility and higher hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The methodology described in this paper was implemented in an automotive manufacturing facility that operates under a just-in-time manufacturing scheme. The methodology greatly improved the efficiency of day-to-day operations at the facility. This study addresses sustainability challenges in automotive packaging by introducing a novel data-driven approach to audit and improve packaging quality. Traditional manual auditing processes are both time-consuming and prone to errors. To counter these inefficiencies, we developed an automated system utilizing Microsoft Power Apps and SQL databases to streamline data collection and processing. The automated tools facilitate real-time data capture and visualization through Microsoft Power BI, enabling precise tracking and management of returnable and expendable packaging materials. Our results show that our approach offers a significant enhancement in the accuracy and speed of data analysis, leading to more informed decision-making. Our methodology supports sustainability by reducing waste and reliance on expendable packaging and improving the economic and operational efficiency of automotive packaging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution and the reduction in synthetic food additives are demands that emerge from consumers, leading to the development of biodegradable plastic materials. The use of essential oils—EOs—has been researched because it is a natural product with antioxidant properties. Due to its nature, EO is composed of volatile compounds that can be lost during extrusion. The aim of this work was to produce active biodegradable starch/PBAT films with the incorporation of neat Eucalyptus citriodora EO (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5%) or EO microencapsulated by spray drying (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5%), aiming at the protection of the EO. The produced films showed adequate mechanical properties (tensile strength ranged from 5.72 to 7.54 MPa and the elongation at break ranged from 319 to 563%). Testing in food simulants showed that the films retained antioxidant activity, being more suitable for use in fatty or non-acid foods, with the microencapsulation process offering protection to the EO during the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virgin olive oil (VOO) is a globally esteemed product renowned for its chemical composition, nutritional value, and health benefits. Consumers seeking natural, nutritious, and healthy foods increasingly favor VOO. The optimization of the extraction system ensures the production of high-quality VOO with abundant antioxidant compounds that naturally protect it from degradation. Proper storage is crucial in maintaining the quality of VOO, prompting the exploration of novel extraction and preservation techniques. Factors such as light, temperature, and oxygen greatly influence the degradation process, resulting in reduced levels of natural antioxidants like polyphenols. Undesirable by-products and non-aromatic compounds may be formed, making the oil unacceptable over time. On the basis of all this consideration, this study aimed to evaluate the synergic use of two different gases (CO2 and argon) during the malaxation phase to limit radical development and delay lipid autoxidation. Additionally, unconventional preservation systems, namely argon headspace, shellac, and bottle in bag, were assessed over a period of 150 days. The results evidenced that the use of CO2 and argon during the malaxation process resulted in an improvement in the oil quality compared to the one obtained with the traditional system. However, in traditional oils, the alternative packaging systems determined interesting outcomes as they were able to positively affect different parameters, while the packaging effect was more mitigated in the test oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global concern about the use of disposable plastics has fed the research on sustainable packaging for food products. Among the virtuous materials, chitosan emerges as a valid alternative to conventional polyethylene films because of its abundance in nature. In this work, a novel film for food wrapping was developed by exploiting shellfish waste according to a vision of circular economy. Compared to previous studies, here, novel ingredients, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), fibroin, and essential oils, were used in a synergistic combination to functionally postpone cheese deterioration. The fermentative procedure applied for the obtainment of chitin contributes to filling the existing gap in the literature, since the majority of studies are based on the chemical pathways that dramatically impact the environment. After pretreatment, the shrimp shell waste (SSW) was fermented through two bacterial strains, namely Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis. A deacetylation step in an alkaline environment transformed chitin into chitosan, yielding 78.88 g/kg SWW. Four different film formulations were prepared, all containing chitosan with other ingredients added in order of decreasing complexity from the A to D groups. The novel films were tested with regard to their physico-mechanical and antioxidant properties, including the tensile strength (12.10–23.25 MPa), the elongation at break (27.91–46.12%), the hardness (52–71 Shore A), the film thickness (308–309 μm), and the radical scavenging activity (16.11–76.56%). The performance as a cling film was tested on two groups of cheese samples: the control (CTR), wrapped in conventional polyethylene (PE) film; treated (TRT), wrapped in the chitofilm formulation deemed best for its mechanical properties. The volatiles entrapped into the headspace were investigated by means of the SPME-GC technique. The results varied across soft, Camembert, and semi-hard cheeses, indicating a growing abundance of volatiles during the conservation of cheese. The bacterial growth trends for mesophilic, enterobacteriaceae, and lactic acid bacteria were expressed as the mean colony forming units (CFU)/mL for each type of cheese at different sampling times (day 2, day 8, and day 22): the highest load was quantified as 8.2 × 106 CFU/mL at day 22 in the CTR Camembert cheese. The TRT samples generally exhibited inhibitory activity comparable to or lower than that observed in the CTR samples. The sensory analysis revealed distinctions in cheese taste between the TRT and CTR groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI) films incorporating quercetin-grafted dialdehyde starch (DAS-QR) and DAS/QR, respectively, were developed. The structural, physical, and functional properties of the composite films were determined. The results suggested that DAS-QR and DAS/QR formed hydrogen bonding with the SPI matrix, which improved the structural properties of the films. The light-blocking capacity, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, tensile strength, elongation at break, and antioxidant and antibacterial abilities of SPI films were improved by DAS-QR and DAS/QR. Notably, SPI films incorporated with DAS-QR exhibited better performance than those with DAS/QR in terms of antioxidant (SPI/DAS-QR: 79.8% of DPPH and 62.1% of ABTS scavenging activity; SPI/DAS/QR: 71.4% of DPPH and 56.0% of ABTS scavenging activity) and antibacterial abilities against S. aureus (inhibition rate: 92.7% for SPI/DAS-QR, 83.4% for SPI/DAS/QR). The composite coating film SPI/DAS-QR effectively maintained appearance quality, delayed the loss of weight and total soluble solids, postponed malondialdehyde accumulation, and decreased peroxidase activity and microbial contamination in fresh-cut potatoes. These good performances highlight SPI/DAS-QR as a promising active packaging material for fresh-cut product preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic pollution has escalated into a critical global issue, with production soaring from 2 million metric tons in 1950 to 400.3 million metric tons in 2022. The packaging industry alone accounts for nearly 44% of this production, predominantly utilizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alarmingly, over 90% of the approximately 1 million PET bottles sold every minute end up in landfills or oceans, where they can persist for centuries. This highlights the urgent need for sustainable management and recycling solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of PET waste. To better understand PET's behavior and promote its management within a circular economy, we examined its chemical and physical properties, current strategies in the circular economy, and the most effective recycling methods available today. Advancing PET management within a circular economy framework by closing industrial loops has demonstrated benefits such as reduced landfill waste, minimized energy consumption, and conserved raw resources. To this end, we identified and examined various strategies based on R-imperatives (ranging from 3R to 10R), focusing on the latest approaches aimed at significantly reducing PET waste by 2040. Additionally, a comparison of PET recycling methods (including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary recycling, along with the concepts of "zero-order" and biological recycling techniques) was envisaged. Particular attention was paid to the heterogeneous catalytic glycolysis, which stands out for its rapid reaction time (20–60 min), high monomer yields (>90%), ease of catalyst recovery and reuse, lower costs, and enhanced durability. Accordingly, the use of highly efficient oxide-based catalysts for PET glycolytic degradation is underscored as a promising solution for large-scale industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging and packaging technology constitute a pivotal industry deeply intertwined with our daily lives and prevalent in various settings, including grocery stores, supermarkets, restaurants, and pharmacies. The industry is constantly evolving thanks to technological advances. This article delves into the dynamic landscape of 3D printing in packaging, exploring its profound implications and potential. While this article highlights the advantages of traditional packaging approaches, it also highlights the many benefits of 3D printing technology. It describes how 3D printing enables personalization, rapid prototyping, and low-cost production, streamlining packaging design and manufacturing processes. Offering innovative solutions in design, functionality, and accessibility, the potential of 3D printing in packaging is promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan/modified cassava starch/curcumin (CS/S/Cur) films with a crosslinker were developed via the solvent casting technique for the application of food packaging. The effects of citric acid (CA) as a natural crosslinker were assessed at different concentrations (0–10.0%, w/w, on a dry base on CS and S content). To measure the most favorable film, chemical structure and physical, mechanical, and thermal properties were investigated. Successful crosslinking between CS and S was seen clearly in the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra. The properties of the water resistance of the CS/S/Cur films crosslinked with CA were enhanced when compared to those without CA. Furthermore, it was found that the addition of CA crosslinking would improve the mechanical properties of composite films to some extent. It had been reported that the CA crosslinking level of 7.5 wt% of CS/S/Cur film demonstrated high performance in terms of physical properties. The tensile strength of the crosslinked film increased from 8 ± 1 MPa to 12 ± 1 MPa with the increasing content of CA, while water vapor permeability (WVP), swelling degree (SD), and water solubility (WS) decreased. An effective antioxidant scavenging activity of the CS/S/Cur film decreased with an increase in CA concentrations. This study provides an effective pathway for the development of active films based on polysaccharide-based film for food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) failure is a major reliability problem for all forms of microelectronics products. ESD protection is required for all integrated circuits (ICs). As dimension scaling-down approaches its physical limit, heterogeneous integration (HI) emerges as a main pathway towards the age beyond Moore's Law to facilitate advanced microsystem chips with extreme performance and rich functionalities. Advanced packaging is a key requirement for HI-enabled integrated systems-on-chiplets (SoIC) that require robust ESD protection solutions. This article outlines key emerging technical challenges associated with smart future SoIC microsystem superchips in the context of advanced packaging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging design is pivotal in motivating consumer decisions, as a key communication tool from creation to purchase. Currently, the interpretation and evaluation of packaging's impact are shifting toward non-traditional methods. This pilot study evaluated the packaging perception of York Ham and Turkey Breast products. The event-related potential (ERP) technique, the methodology priming words (positive and negative), and target images (original and modified packaging) were applied. A total of 23 participants were sampled using a 32-channels scalp elastic electrode cap and viewed 200 trials of word–image matching. Participants responded whether the images and adjectives matched or not, using the two groups of images. The results demonstrate an N400 effect in the parietal area. This region was observed to show evidence of cognitive processing related to congruency or incongruency, by contrasting the priming and target of this study. The evaluation positioned the York Ham packaging as the best rated. The findings show a relevant contribution to ERPs and research related to the food packaging perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymers have become an important part of everyday life, but most of the polymers currently used are petroleum-based. This poses an environmental problem, especially with respect to products that are quickly discarded. For this reason, current packaging development focuses on sustainable materials as an alternative to synthetic ones. Nanocellulose, a relatively new material derived from cellulose, has unique properties such as high strength, low density, high surface area, and good barrier properties, making it popular in various applications. Additionally, 3D printing technologies have become an important part of industrial and commercial processes, enabling the realization of innovative ideas and functionalities. The main aim of this research was to develop a hydrogel of bacterial nanocellulose with suitable rheological properties for the 3D printing of polymer foils. Three variations of bacterial nanocellulose hydrogel differing in ratios of bacterial nanocellulose to cationic starch were produced. The rheological studies confirmed the suitability of the hydrogels for 3D printing. Foils were successfully 3D-printed using a modified 3D printer. The physical-mechanical, surface, and optical properties of the foils were determined. All foils were homogeneous with adequate mechanical properties. The 3D-printed foils with the highest amount of cationic starch were the most homogeneous and transparent and, despite their rigidity, very strong. All foils were semi-transparent, had a non-glossy surface, and retained poor water wettability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety and quality are major concerns in the food industry. Despite numerous studies, polyethylene remains one of the most used materials for packaging due to industry reluctance to invest in new technologies and equipment. Therefore, modifications to the current materials are easier to implement than adopting whole new solutions. Antibacterial activity can be induced in low-density polyethylene films only by adding antimicrobial agents. ZnO nanoparticles are well known for their strong antimicrobial activity, coupled with low toxicity and UV shielding capability. These characteristics recommend ZnO for the food industry. By incorporating such safe and dependable antimicrobial agents in the polyethylene matrix, we have obtained composite films able to inhibit microorganisms' growth that can be used as packaging materials. Here we report the obtaining of highly homogenous composite films with up to 5% ZnO by a melt mixing process at 150 °C for 10 min. The composite films present good transparency in the visible domain, permitting consumers to visualize the food, but have good UV barrier properties. The composite films exhibit good antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity from the lowest ZnO composition (1%), against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The homogenous dispersion of ZnO nanoparticles into the polyethylene matrix was assessed by Fourier transform infrared microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The optimal mechanical barrier properties were obtained for composition with 3% ZnO. The thermal analysis indicates that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles has increased thermal stability by more than 100 °C. The UV-Vis spectra indicate a low transmittance in the UV domain, lower than 5%, making the films suitable for blocking photo-oxidation processes. The obtained films proved to be efficient packaging films, successfully preserving plum (Rome) tomatoes for up to 14 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: These findings can be used by industry practitioners as a guideline for managing risks of cold chain packaging, since there are still some knowledge gaps between the literature and the industry in the field of cold chain packaging. Cold chain packaging faces high levels of uncertainty due to its complex nature and dynamic environments during transportation, and the importance of safety and risk management. This study aims to propose a risk assessment model for cold chain packaging based on a fuzzy Bayesian Network. A case study on vaccine cold chain shipping containers is conducted for the illustration of the risk management model, and risk factors like container risk, packaging risk, monitoring risk and handling risk, occupational and product safety risk have been identified and assessed. This paper will add new knowledge to the field of cold chain packaging, which still lacks research attention, and will be useful for industry managers to gain a better understand of the dynamics and risks of cold chain packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for increased integration and higher power outputs poses a hidden risk to the long-term reliable operation of third-generation semiconductors. Thus, the power cycling test (PCT) is widely regarded as the utmost critical test for assessing the packaging reliability of power devices. In this work, low-thermal-resistance packaging design structures of SiC devices are introduced, encompassing planar packaging with dual heat dissipation, press-pack packaging, three-dimensional (3D) packaging, and hybrid packaging. PCT methods and their control strategies are summarized and discussed. Direct-current PCT is the focus of this review. The failure mechanisms of SiC devices under PCT are pointed out. The electrical and temperature-sensitive parameters adopted to monitor the aging of SiC devices are organized. The existing international standards for PCT are evaluated. Due to the lack of authoritative statements for SiC devices, it is difficult to achieve comparison research results without consistent preconditions. Furthermore, the lifetimes of the various packaging designs of the tested SiC devices under PCTs are statistically analyzed. Additionally, problems related to parameter monitoring and test equipment are also summarized. This review explores the broader landscape by delving into the current challenges and main trends in PCTs for SiC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanin-rich steamed purple sweet potato (SPSP) is a suitable raw material to produce smart packaging films. However, the application of SPSP-based films is restricted by the low antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins. In this study, SPSP-based smart packaging films were produced by adding mandarin essential oil (MEO) as an antimicrobial agent. The impact of MEO content (3%, 6%, and 9%) on the structures, properties, and application of SPSP-based films was measured. The results showed that MEO created several pores within films and reduced the hydrogen bonding system and crystallinity of films. The dark purple color of the SPSP films was almost unchanged by MEO. MEO significantly decreased the light transmittance, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength of the films, but remarkably increased the oxygen permeability, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The SPSP-MEO films showed intuitive color changes at different acid-base conditions. The purple-colored SPSP-MEO films turned blue when chilled shrimp and pork were not fresh. The MEO content greatly influenced the structures, physical properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films. However, the MEO content had no impact on the color change ability of the films. The results suggested that SPSP-MEO films have potential in the smart packaging of protein-rich foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korea is one of the leading markets for the e-commerce industry. In line with the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry, the parcel delivery volume in Korea has also proliferated. Despite the developments in the Korean e-commerce and courier industries, consumers still experience a high package damage rate. In response, many packaging engineers in Korea have raised the need for new parcel shipping environment tests that reflect the Korean ground shipping environment in order to properly optimize packages. However, only limited information on the Korean parcel shipping environment is currently available. Therefore, this study focused on measuring and analyzing the shock and drop levels that parcels experience during ground shipping in Korea. Shock data were collected from a total of sixty one-way shipments for small, lightweight packages and medium, mid-weight packages. The findings revealed that the two types of boxes do not experience significantly different numbers of shock events or drop heights in the Korean parcel delivery environment. Furthermore, the number of shock events that occur in Korea is substantially less than the international testing standard and less than in previous studies conducted in both Europe and the USA. In contrast, however, the drop heights are higher than those in the international testing standard and previous studies. Shock events were found to occur most frequently on the edges and to be concentrated around the bottoms of the packages. Most shock events happen while packages are loaded and unloaded at hub terminals and sub terminals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Packaging solutions have recently evolved to become smart and intelligent thanks to technologies such as RFID tracking and communication systems, but the integration of sensing functionality in these systems is still under active development. In this paper, chipless RFID humidity sensors suitable for smart packaging are proposed together with a novel strategy to tune their performances and their operating range. The sensors are flexible, fast, low-cost and easy to fabricate and can be read wirelessly. The sensitivity and the humidity range where they can be used are adjustable by changing one of the sensor's structural parameters. Moreover, these sensors are proposed as double parameter sensors, using both the frequency shift and the intensity variation of the resonance peak for the measure of the relative humidity. The results show that the sensitivity can vary remarkably among the sensors proposed, together with the operative range. The sensor suitability in two specific smart packaging applications is discussed. In the first case, a threshold sensor in the low-humidity range for package integrity verification is analyzed, and in the second case, a more complex measurement of humidity in non-hermetic packages is investigated. The discussion shows that the sensor configuration can easily be adapted to the different application needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose is used widely in antimicrobial packaging due to its abundance in nature, biodegradability, renewability, non-toxicity, and low cost. However, how efficiently and rapidly it imparts high antimicrobial activity to cellulose-based packaging materials remains a challenge. In this work, Ag NPs were deposited on the surface of carboxymethyl cellulose/starch/N'N Methylenebisacrylamide film using ultrasonic radiation. Morphology and structure analysis of as-prepared films were conducted, and the antibacterial effects under different ultrasonic times and reductant contents were investigated. These results showed that Ag NPs were distributed uniformly on the film surface under an ultrasonic time of 45 min. The size of Ag NPs changes as the reducing agent content decreases. The composite film demonstrated a slightly better antibacterial effect against E. coli than against S. aureus. Therefore, this work can provide valuable insights for the research on antimicrobial packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of aluminum wine bottles as a sustainable alternative to traditional glass bottles, emphasizing their recyclability and environmental advantages. It reviews the potential use of Al-Mn-Mg 3xxx alloys in beverage can bodies and examines various applications of aluminum containers in packaging, including recyclable beverage containers. The manufacturing processes for aluminum bottles, including casting, rolling, punching, and deformation techniques, are discussed in detail, with a particular focus on their impact on mechanical properties and microstructure. The preference for 1xxx aluminum alloys in impact extrusion is explained, highlighting their lower flow stress and higher formability compared to 3xxx alloys, and the microstructural changes induced by various processing steps are analyzed. Challenges related to using recycled aluminum and their effects on mechanical properties and microstructure during aluminum bottle production are also addressed. One objective is to increase the proportion of recycled alloyed material used in aluminum bottle manufacturing. Depending on the technique employed, the fraction of alloyed recycled material can vary. The percentage of recycled alloyed material (3xxx series Al alloys) in cold backward impact extrusion could be raised by 60%. High-speed blow forming could facilitate the production of aluminum bottles with a recycled alloyed material ranging from 50 to 100% of the 3xxx series aluminum can body alloys. The high-speed drawing and ironing (DWI) process can produce large-format aluminum bottles (up to 750 mL), utilizing at least 90% of the recycled 3xxx series can body stock. Furthermore, the paper discusses the importance of optimized heat treatment designs in enhancing mechanical properties and controlling microstructural evolution in alloyed aluminum materials, such as 3xxx series alloys. The study concludes with a need for further research to deepen our understanding of the metallurgical aspects of aluminum bottle manufacturing and to optimize the use of recycled aluminum in packaging solutions, with a specific focus on improving mechanical properties and microstructural integrity. This comprehensive review aims to contribute to the development of more sustainable packaging practices in the beverage industry by providing insights into the interplay between manufacturing processes, mechanical properties, and microstructure of aluminum bottles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is based on the need to improve packaging sustainability in the food industry. Its aim was to assess the performance of a recyclable plastic material for semi-hard sheep's cheese wedges packaging as an alternative to conventional non-sustainable plastic materials. Four different packaging treatments (air, vacuum, and CO2/N2 gas mixtures 50/50 and 80/20% (v/v)) were studied. Changes in gas headspace composition, sensory properties, cheese gross composition, weight loss, pH, colour, and texture profile were investigated at 5 ± 1 °C storage for 56 days. The sensory analysis indicated that vacuum packaging scored the worst in paste appearance and holes, and air atmosphere the worst in flavour; it was concluded that cheeses were unfit from day 14–21 onwards. Air and vacuum packaging were responsible for most of the significant changes identified in the texture profile analysis, and most of these happened in the early stages of storage. The colour parameters a* and b* differentiated the air packaging from the rest of the conditions. As in previous studies using conventional plastic materials, modified atmosphere packaging, either CO2/N2 50/50 or 80/20% (v/v), was the most effective preserving technique to ensure the quality of this type of cheese when comparing air and vacuum packaging treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the correlation between straightforward analytical methods and sensory attributes is pivotal for transitioning to sustainable packaging while improving product quality. In this context, the viability of eco-sustainable packaging alternatives for single-packaged croissants has been investigated through examining the correlations between analytical methods, sensory attributes, employing quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and consumer survival analysis. The performance of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), a petrochemical plastic film, against paper-based, compostable, and biodegradable films over a 150-day croissant storage period was compared in this study, examining both physiochemical and sensory perspectives. The results showed a correlation between a lower water vapour barrier in packaging materials and increased moisture migration and croissant hardness, as assessed by the Avrami kinetic model. Notably, given its reduced barrier properties, the compostable film accelerated sensory profile deterioration, as evidenced by QDA results. Shelf-life estimation, assessed by consumer rejection, underscored the viability of the biodegradable film for up to 185 days, surpassing BOPP, paper-based, and other biodegradable alternatives. Using linear regression, physiochemical parameters associated with predicted shelf-life were elucidated. Overall, croissants were rejected by 50% of consumers when they reached humidity levels below 18%, water activity below 0.81, firmness exceeding 1064 N, pH above 4.4, and acidity below 4.5. Based on the results of this study, biodegradable packaging emerges as a promising alternative to traditional BOPP, offering a sustainable opportunity to extend the shelf-life of croissants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of new semiconductor devices puts forward higher requirements for packaging technology. Sintered silver technology has gradually developed into critical packaging technology in silicon carbide power module packaging due to its good heat dissipation performance and reliability. However, high sintering drive requirements, low sintering densification, and high thermal–mechanical stresses limit the application of sintered silver technology for large-area bonding. In this study, the high-pressure-assisted (≥10 MPa) large-area sintered-silver interconnection process between a substrate and baseplate was discussed. C-scan acoustic microscopy, warpage testing, and microanalysis were used to analyze the effects of drying methods, sintering pressure, and holding time on the sintered joints, and thermal fatigue reliability tests were conducted on large-area sintered silver joints. The results demonstrated that the quality of large-area sintered joints obtained via open-face convective drying is higher than that via close-face convective drying. Combining the performance of sintered joints and productivity, the recommended process condition is determined as follows: open-face convective drying, sintering temperature of 250 °C, sintering pressure of 15 MPa, and holding time of 5 min. Large-area sintered joints have outstanding reliability, with slight delamination of the sintered layer at the corners and no cracking after 1000 cycles of temperature cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the problem of multi-AGV path planning in a packaging workshop, this paper proposes a multi-AGV path-planning method based on time windows. A grid method is selected to build a map model. A penalty function is added to the A* algorithm to reduce the number of invalid turns made by AGVs during transportation. The AGV priorities are set according to the differences in AGV transport states. At the same time, the raster time window method is used to describe the five types of conflict that may occur in the process of multi-AGV transport. Combined with the AGV priorities, a multi-AGV anti-collision strategy is provided to realize the conflict-free path planning of multiple AGVs. The algorithm's effectiveness was verified by simulation, and a reasonable quantity of AGVs was proposed based on AGV sensitivity analysis. The improved A* algorithm combined with the time window method can realize multi-AGV collision-free transportation and improve the efficiency and reliability of multi-AGV transportation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of Moore's Law reaching its limits, advanced packaging technologies represented by Flip Chip (FC), Wafer-Level Packaging (WLP), System in Package (SiP), and 3D packaging have received significant attention. While advanced packaging has made breakthroughs in achieving high performance, miniaturization, and low cost, the smaller thermal space and higher power density have created complex physical fields such as electricity, heat, and stress. The packaging interconnects responsible for electrical transmission are prone to serious reliability issues, leading to the device's failure. Therefore, conducting multi-field coupling research on the reliability of advanced packaging interconnects is necessary. The development of packaging and the characteristics of advanced packaging are reviewed. The reliability issues of advanced packaging under thermal, electrical, and electromagnetic fields are discussed, as well as the methods and current research of multi-field coupling in advanced packaging. Finally, the prospect of the multi-field coupling reliability of advanced packaging is summarized to provide references for the reliability research of advanced packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marketing value of table grapes is contingent upon several quality requirements, mostly related to microbial decay, sugar/acidity ratio, and colour. This research explores the impact of combining organic-cultured compatible techniques to delay disorders along with organic grape distribution in post-harvest. Aurebasidum pullulans in-field application on grape bunches at three growing stages as a biocontrol agent against grey mould growth coupled with massive modified atmosphere packaging (MMAP; 20% CO2, 10% O2) equipped with a breathable valve was tested. The in-field treatment had a significant impact on the colour and sugar content of the grapes at harvest and the mould count evolution during storage, whilst the trend of the other parameters was mainly affected by the interaction of the variables tested. The untreated batch experienced the worst behaviour and the packaging was paramount in preserving the moisture content and appearance of the bunches. The findings of this study may contribute to developing novel practices for setting a smart distribution of organic table grapes and reducing food waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) methodology, focusing on identifying barriers to its adoption. The review encompasses an analysis of 287 documents from 2013 to 2023, including conference articles, doctoral theses, journal articles, master theses, reports, and organizational documents. Following a rigorous selection process, 59 of these documents were identified as pertinent to the investigation. This research employs a dual approach. First, a scientometric analysis to map the collaborative networks of authors and the co-occurrence of keywords, providing a comprehensive picture of the research landscape in AWP. Second, the study delves into the main barriers hindering the adoption of AWP, as revealed through the SLR of the selected documents. The findings offer an overlay network visualization of coauthorship and a network visualization of keyword co-occurrence. The study culminates in a detailed identification of primary AWP barriers, suggestions for future research directions, and potential lines of inquiry within the field. This work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering a novel perspective on the challenges associated with AWP implementation and provides a foundation for future scholarly endeavors in this domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]