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The use of multi-level labels can enhance product visibility by enabling labeling of various items. Moreover, it can better accommodate the diversity on both the producer and consumer sides. However, studies on the willingness to pay (WTP) for premium levels of those animal welfare labels are scarce.

We investigate consumers’ WTP for a four-level animal husbandry label introduced to the market by German retailers in 2019 by conducting an online survey with 1,223 German meat consumers using Van Westendorp’s price sensitivity meter (PSM).

There is a significant increase in WTP for level 3 of the husbandry label, but only a slight increase for level 4. One explanation is that consumers may have the mistaken belief that level 3 already includes outdoor access for animals. As a result of this expectation, consumers may not perceive much added value in level 4, which is reflected in their reluctance to pay a higher price. This is reinforced by the finding that once informed of the criteria, 18% of the participants reduced their WTP for level 3, whereas only 6% considered a discount for level 4. Furthermore, 40% were prepared to pay more for level 4 after being informed of the respective criteria than they had previously stated.

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to analyze and emphasize the importance of clear label communication, particularly for multi-level animal husbandry labels.

This study aims to investigate the influence of different solder alloy materials on passive devices during laser soldering process. Solder alloy material has been found to significantly influence the solder joint’s quality, such as void formation that can lead to cracks, filling time that affects productivity and fillet shape that determines the solder joint’s reliability.

Finite volume method (FVM)-based simulation that was validated using real laser soldering experiment is used to evaluate the effect of various solder alloy materials, including SAC305, SAC387, SAC396 and SAC405 in laser soldering. These solders are commonly used to assemble the pin-through hole (PTH) capacitor onto the printed circuit board.

The simulation results show how the void ratio, filling time and flow characteristics of different solder alloy materials affect the quality of the solder joint. The optimal solder alloy is SAC396 due to its low void ratio of 1.95%, fastest filling time (1.3 s) to fill a 98% PTH barrel and excellent flow characteristics. The results give the ideal setting for the parameters that can increase the effectiveness of the laser soldering process, which include reducing filling time from 2.2 s to less than 1.5 s while maintaining a high-quality solder joint with a void ratio of less than 2%. Industries that emphasize reliable soldering and effective joint formation gain the advantage of minimal occurrence of void formation, quick filling time and exceptional flowability offered by this solution.

This research is expected not only to improve solder joint reliability but also to drive advancements in laser soldering technology, supporting the development of efficient and reliable microelectronics assembly processes for future electronic devices. The optimized laser soldering material will enable the production of superior passive devices, meeting the growing demands of the electronics market for smaller, high-performance electronic products.

The comparison of different solder alloy materials for PTH capacitor assembly during the laser soldering process has not been reported to date. Additionally, volume of fluid numerical analysis of the quality and reliability of different solder alloy joints has never been conducted on real PTH capacitor assemblies.

This paper aims to improve the manufacturability of additive manufacturing (AM) for topology-optimized (TO) structures. Enhancement of manufacturability focuses on modifying geometric constraints and classifying the building orientation (BO) of AM parts to reduce stresses and support structures (SSs). To this end, artificial intelligence (AI) networks are being developed to automate design for additive manufacturing (DfAM).

This study considers three geometric constraints for their correction by convolutional autoencoders (CAEs) and transfer learning (TL). Furthermore, BOs of AM parts are classified using generative adversarial (GAN) and classification networks to reduce the SS. To verify the results, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed to compare the stresses of modified components with the original ones. Moreover, one sample is produced by the laser-based powder bed fusion (LB-PBF) in the BO predicted by the AI to observe its SSs.

CAE and TL resulted in promoting the manufacturability of TO components. FEA demonstrated that enhancing manufacturability leads to a 50% reduction in stresses. Additionally, training GAN and pre-training the ResNet-18 resulted in 80%, 95% and 96% accuracy for training, validation and testing. The production of a sample with LB-PBF demonstrated that the predicted BO by ResNet-18 does not require SSs.

This paper provides an automatic platform for DfAM of TO parts. Consequently, complex TO parts can be designed most feasibly and manufactured by AM technologies with minimal material usage, residual stresses and distortions.

This paper aims to investigate the effect of different beam distance by understanding laser beam influence on solder joint quality. The utilisation numerical-based simulations and experimental validation will help to minimise the formation of micro void in PTH that can lead to cracks and defects on passive devices.

The research uses a combination approach of numerical-based simulation using Finite Volume Method (FVM) and experimental validation to explore the impact of different laser beam distances on solder joint quality in PTH assemblies. The study visualises solder flow and identifies the optimal beam distance for placing a soldering workpiece and a suitable tolerance distance for inserting the solder wire.

The simulation results show the formation of micro void that occurs in PTH region with low volume fraction and unbalance heat concentration profile observed. The experimental results indicate that the focus point of the laser beam at a 99.0 mm distance yields the smallest beam size. Simulation visualisation demonstrates that the laser beam’s converging area at +4.6 mm from the focus point which provides optimal tolerance distances for placing the solder wire. The high-power laser diode exhibits maximum tolerance distance at 103.6 mm from the focus point where suitable beam distance for positioning of the soldering workpiece with 50% laser power. The simulation results align with the IPC-A-610 standard, ensuring optimal filling height, fillet shape with a 90° contact angle and defect-free.

This research provides implications for the industry by demonstrating the capability of the simulation approach to produce high-quality solder joints. The parameters, such as beam distance and power levels, offer practical guidelines for improving laser soldering processes in the manufacturing industry.

This study contributes to the field by combining high-power laser diode technology with numerical-based simulations to optimise the beam distance parameters for minimising micro void formation in the PTH region.

The research paper comprehensively investigates the gear tooth deflection of standard thermoplastic gears with steel gear as the driver and driven companions. An accurate mapping of characteristic contact regions between the meshing gears was done, and the behaviour of the gear tooth in the premature and prolonged contact zones was studied.

The study employs the finite element method to conduct a quasi-static 2D analysis of meshing gear teeth. The finite element model was created in AutoCAD and analysed using the ANSYS 19.1 simulation package.

In the polymer-polymer gear combinations, premature and prolonged contact primarily occurs along the addendum radii of meshing gears, whereas a novel contact phenomenon was observed in the coast side for polymer-metal and metal-polymer combinations, exhibiting a path perpendicular to the standard drive side contact. As well, the deflection of the tooth alters the load distribution across the interlocking gears, leading to a decrement in the root stresses.

The Lewis bending equation demonstrates that bending stresses depend solely on the applied load and the geometry of the tooth. It does not consider the effects of deflection. However, the computational results showed that the gear tooth deflection caused by different gear pair combinations also affects the bending stresses. The contact stresses observed in the polymer-polymer gear combination were observed to be within the material’s proportional limit. However, when a steel gear is paired with a polymer gear, the contact stresses exceed the proportional limit due to coast side contact.

The aim was not to perform a systematic review but firstly to search in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases on the papers published in the last five years using tools for reviewing the statement of preferred information item for systematic reviews without focusing on a randomized analysis and secondly to perform a bibliometric analysis on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging.

On January 24, 2022, information was sought on the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for use as food packaging published in PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Further analysis was performed using bibliometric indicators with the VOSviewer tool.

The searches returned 33 studies concerning the properties of films and coatings added of tocopherol for food packaging, which were analyzed together for a better understanding of the results. Data analysis using the VOSviewer tool allowed a better visualization and exploration of these words and the development of maps that showed the main links between the publications.

In the area of food science and technology, the development of polymers capable of promoting the extension of the shelf life of food products is sought, so the knowledge of the properties is vital for this research area since combining a biodegradable polymeric material with a natural antioxidant active is of great interest for modern society since they associate environmental preservation with food preservation.

The purpose of this study is to establish a method for accurately extracting torch and seam features. This will improve the quality of narrow gap welding. An adaptive deflection correction system based on passive light vision sensors was designed using the Halcon software from MVtec Germany as a platform.

This paper proposes an adaptive correction system for welding guns and seams divided into image calibration and feature extraction. In the image calibration method, the field of view distortion because of the position of the camera is resolved using image calibration techniques. In the feature extraction method, clear features of the weld gun and weld seam are accurately extracted after processing using algorithms such as impact filtering, subpixel (XLD), Gaussian Laplacian and sense region for the weld gun and weld seam. The gun and weld seam centers are accurately fitted using least squares. After calculating the deviation values, the error values are monitored, and error correction is achieved by programmable logic controller (PLC) control. Finally, experimental verification and analysis of the tracking errors are carried out.

The results show that the system achieves great results in dealing with camera aberrations. Weld gun features can be effectively and accurately identified. The difference between a scratch and a weld is effectively distinguished. The system accurately detects the center features of the torch and weld and controls the correction error to within 0.3mm.

An adaptive correction system based on a passive light vision sensor is designed which corrects the field-of-view distortion caused by the camera’s position deviation. Differences in features between scratches and welds are distinguished, and image features are effectively extracted. The final system weld error is controlled to 0.3 mm.

This paper aims to design and manufacture an equine hand prosthesis using additive manufacturing, with an estimated useful life of one year. This approach offers a fast and affordable manufacturing alternative while ensuring the horse's safety, comfort and functionality.

The ground reaction force and the frequency of a horse’s walking were obtained from the literature. Mechanical tests were conducted on specimens with different manufacturing directions to determine the mechanical properties of the printed material. Finite element simulations, along with fatigue equations were used to design a geometry that respected the stress constraints. Subsequently, a prototype was manufactured in thermoplastic polyurethane using additive manufacturing technique.

With the aid of the proposed methodology, a new low-cost equine hand prosthesis is developed, and a prototype is manufactured. And in accordance with the design requirements, this prosthesis is intended to exhibit proper durability.

This work presents an alternative way for horses facing amputation, offering a solution where euthanasia can be avoided through the use of a prosthesis to replace a part of the amputated limb. This approach could not only extend the reproductive life of matrices with high commercial value but also preserve the lives of animals with sentimental value to the owner.

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study of an equine hand prosthesis model designed for and manufactured by additive manufacturing.

Preferential market access is a pillar of the enabling clause in international trade, and as such has received scholarly attention in the recent past. This study aims to empirically examine intensity and utilisation of Uganda’s preferential market access.

Secondary data at the six-digit level of the harmonised system was sourced from the International Trade Centre’s and UN COMTRADE’s Trade Map database on trade flows to compute; trade intensity indices, Balsa’s revealed comparative advantage (RCA) indices and the existing potential trade. The time period was 2013–2022.

It is evident that Uganda is not taking full advantage of its preferential market access. The findings of the trade intensity analysis revealed that the strength of trade relations between Uganda and its preferential markets has been consistently weak in the period 2013–2022, while the intensity of trade relations with its FTA partners has been strong. The RCA results revealed that all Uganda’s agricultural exports to its preferential markets have a comparative advantage, with exports of roses reporting an exceptionally high RCA relative to other agricultural exports. The RCA results also show that the comparative advantage of Uganda’s coffee exports recovered after a significant fall in the period 2014–2022. The analysis of the existing potential for trade reveals a disproportionally low market share held by Uganda across all product lines, notably, only 2.3% of the US$29bn coffee imports in its preferential markets.

One limitation of this study is that it primarily relied on quantitative data from the International Trade Centre and thus lacks an exhaustive understanding of the circumstances at the export firm level. Qualitative data, such as interviews with exporters and policymakers, could provide deeper insights into the specific challenges and opportunities faced by Ugandan businesses in these markets.

This paper highlights the need for additional trade facilitation measures to address preferential market access bottlenecks such as stringent rules of origin and call for an aggressive government intervention in enhancing the export readiness of SMEs in Uganda. In addition, the paper is informative to Uganda’s exporters regarding the existing and potential increase in their exports to international markets.

The strength of Uganda’s trade relations with its preferential markets is empirically examined in this paper and provides useful insights for enhancing utilisation of preferential market access by beneficiary countries.

The purpose of this paper is to reshape a fast-jet electronics pod’s external geometry to ensure compliance with aircraft pylon load limits across its carriage envelope while adhering to onboard system constraints and fitment specifications.

Initial geometric layout determination used empirical methods. Performance approximation on the aircraft with added fairings and stabilising fin configurations was conducted using a panel code. Verification of loads was done using a full steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes solver, validated against published wind tunnel test data. Acceptable load envelope for the aircraft pylon was defined using two already-certified stores with known flight envelopes.

Re-lofting the pod’s geometry enabled meeting all geometric and pylon load constraints. However, due to the pod's large size, re-lofting alone was not adequate to respect aircraft/pylon load limitations. A flight restriction was imposed on the aircraft’s roll rate to reduce yaw and roll moments within allowable limits.

The geometry of an electronics pod was redesigned to maximise the permissible flight envelope on its carriage aircraft while respecting the safe carriage load limits determined for its store pylon. Aircraft carriage load constraints must be determined upfront when considering the design of fast-jet electronic pods.

A process for determining the unknown load constraints of a carriage aircraft by analogy is presented, along with the process of tailoring the geometry of an electronics pod to respect aerodynamic load and geometric constraints.