Key trends driving growth in developed packaged food markets include convenience, functionality, and indulgence. Packaging is integral to the product, and food marketing often mirrors general marketing strategies. For industry improvement, adopting best practices and considering critical success factors in product innovation are essential. Quality assurance systems aim to produce safe products that meet specifications and government requirements. Progressive supply chain management is linked to business success and profitability. Companies should also anticipate emerging trends for superior performance.

The article proposes a novel hybrid marine renewable energy-harvesting system aimed at increasing energy production, reducing costs, and promoting renewable marine energy. It reviews various marine renewable energy resources and technologies, identifies site selection criteria, and demonstrates the effectiveness of a scoring matrix using the Triton Knoll wind farm. The integrated system design and FE modeling show minimal impact on structural stability while increasing energy yield. The study emphasizes the benefits of hybrid systems, including optimized resource use, cost reduction, and enhanced energy storage solutions like hydrogen production.

A rare Bryde’s whale was found dead near Kalmat Hor, Balochistan, highlighting the threats faced by this endangered species. Bryde’s whales, found in warm waters globally, are vulnerable to noise pollution, vessel collisions, offshore exploration, oil spills, and fishing gear. Conservation efforts are needed, including reducing human impacts, public education, and identifying safe vessel routes. The article calls for a joint commission among Indian Ocean member states to protect and conserve Bryde’s whales.

The Taliban's rapid takeover of Kabul and other Afghan provinces in August 2021 defied global expectations, leading to a peaceful capture rather than the anticipated bloodshed. The article highlights the anomalies in the Taliban's strategy, the US's abrupt withdrawal, and the failure of the Afghan National Security Forces. It discusses the implications for international relations, particularly involving the US, NATO, and neighboring countries like Pakistan. The piece also examines the future of Afghanistan under Taliban rule and the potential challenges for global media in reporting these developments.

The paper investigates the shear pull-out strength of nail connections in steel sheets thinner than 2.9 mm, proposing a new design equation based on tests of 93 shear nailed connections and 19 multiple nail connections. It suggests a group effect factor of 0.75 and a resistance factor of 0.55 for determining pull-out strength in thin steel sheets. The research was funded by the Australian Research Council and utilized facilities at the University of Wollongong, with materials supplied by BlueScope Steel and equipment by Structnail and Hitek Steel Framing.

The study presents laboratory test results of 120 specimens to determine the performance of unconfined bolted connections in cold-formed steel members. The tests, supported by finite-element analyses, revealed that bearing failure is associated with crimpling of the critical ply rather than shear fracture. The bearing capacity was found to vary with the square root of the bolt diameter and nonlinearly with the sheet thickness. The study proposes dimensionally consistent design equations, which are simpler and more accurate than existing ones, with a recommended resistance factor of 0.70. The research was funded by the Australian Research Council and utilized facilities at the University of Wollongong's Sustainable Building Research Centre, with materials supplied by BlueScope Steel.

Muslims in America are observing the holy month of Ramadan through praying, fasting, giving to charity, and breaking their fast at sunset. The article highlights the diverse ways in which the Muslim community in the US comes together to celebrate this significant religious period.