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Smart cards are small-sized cards with embedded chips, which can receive, transmit, and process information as and when required by end users. The chip is powered by an external reader through induction. Smart cards are made of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride. Other materials that are used for manufacturing smart cards are polyethylene terephthalate-based polyesters, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or polycarbonate. Smart cards are used to perform functions such as identification, authentication, data storage, and application processing within a certain restricted area. Smart cards are also useful in providing security authentication within large organizations.

North America has largest pet food market and an impressive pet population. According to The US National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, in 2013, around 83.3 million dogs and 95.6 million cats owned by US households and this figure will increase over the forecasted period. Pet foods are mainly sold in pet stores and supermarkets. Pet foods are mainly packaged in boxes or cartons, cans, pouches, bags and others. Bags are the most commonly packaging type used for pet food in the U.S. In the U.S. quality of pet food is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Pet food market can be segmented into pet type: cat food, dog food and others. On the basis of food type pet food market can be segmented into: Nutritious food, dry food, wet or canned food and snacks or treats and others. Cat food and dog food represent the largest category of the U.S. pet food market. Dry food is the largest segment of pet food market followed by snacks or treats.

Sodium reduction is reduction of salt content from the food products. Sodium reduction ingredients are used for reducing salt content from the food products either by replacing the salt from the food or partially reducing the excess salt from the food products. Sodium reducing ingredients plays vital role in food additives industry. Sodium is an essential nutrient that our body requires for proper functioning. However, excess amount of sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can lead to stokes, heart and kidney diseases. According to Federal, Provincial and Territorial (FPT) governments people in Canada eat more than required amount of sodium, almost double than what our body requires. Average sodium requirement of the body for proper functioning is 2300 mg of sodium per day.

Palm oil ranks among the most widely-consumed oils across the world. Given its cost-effectiveness and no-trans-fat attributes, palm oil is often the preferred option in the food industry-especially in countries such as China, India, and Indonesia. The market research report titled 'Palm Oil Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2012 – 2018' carries out a comprehensive analysis of market trends that matter, industry growth drivers, and challenges likely to impede ideal growth figures.

Delivering Excellence newsletter reported the critical role of Direct Store Delivery by Mondelz International's in Logistics Viewpoints. Direct Store Delivery gives the manufacturer more control over replenishment and merchandising within the store. Headquartered in Deerfield, IL, Mondelz International comprises the global snack and food brands of the former Kraft Foods. The company manages well-known snack brands around the globe in different categories, including cookies and crackers (Oreo; Chips Ahoy!; and Triscuit), chocolate (Côte d'Or, Toblerone, and Cadbury Dairy Milk), and gum and candy (Trident, Chiclets, and Halls). The company's is focused Direct Store Delivery (DSD). The DSD model is mostly seen in the food and beverage industry, especially at smaller convenience and grocery stores.

The trend of food recalls will likely continue in 2015. Chelsey Davis, TraceGains' Digital Specialist reported on more concerning cases, "California Snack Foods Inc. of South El Monte, CA, issued a voluntary recall of California Snack Foods brand caramel apples with a best use by date between August 15 and November 28, 2014, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes."

Transparency Market Research, a U.S.-based intelligence firm recently published a report titled "Global Hadoop Market - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2012 - 2018". According to research the global Hadoop market was valued at US$1.5 billion in 2012 and is expected to reach US$20.9 billion in 2018, growing at a CAGR of 54.7% from 2012 to 2018.

Forecast Errors newsletter reported that the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning – IBF Blog, recently had Tom Savage discuss the IBF Best Practices Conference and Leadership Forum. Big Data was an underlying commonality between speakers and had to address at some point in their company's journey in forecasting as well. There were consummate professionals and experts in the field from companies such as L'Oreal, Coca-Cola, Motorola Mobility, Tastykake, Hershey's, and Tempur Sealy International just to name a few. Collectively there were hundreds of years of experience all in one place and very willing to share their experiences and expertise. During the Executive Leadership Forum on the first day, it became clear that this conference was going to be a bit different than those of the past.

Lyocell, derived from cellulose, is known as a man-made fiber. It is popularly known by the brand name 'Tencel.' Lyocell, a type of rayon fiber, is manufactured in a closed-loop method through a solvent spinning technique, wherein the cellulose undergoes a limited chemical change. Lyocell fibers are widely used in the textile industry in a broad range of apparels and home textiles. These fibers are also used in the medical industry in the production of medical equipment and surgical products.

The report analyzes and forecasts the textile chemicals market for technical textiles in Europe. The market has been forecast based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2014 to 2020. The study includes drivers and restraints of the Europe textile chemicals market for technical textiles. It also covers the impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for textile chemicals for technical textiles during the forecast period. The report comprises the study of opportunities in the textile chemicals market for technical textiles in Europe.

This report covers the analysis and forecast for the glass fibers market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2013 along with a forecast for the period between 2014 and 2020 based on volume (Kilo Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn).

Transparency Market Research's report titled 'Beer Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Analysis and Forecasts, 2012 – 2018' sizes and studies the global market for one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. This report is a comprehensive resource for managerial level professionals in the beer industry, key decision makers in breweries or marketing companies, import and export managers, and strategic planners. This insightful market research report provides statistics-backed insights into key markets based on both product type and geographical markets. The various market segments as well as trends that prevail in the global beer industry are analyzed in the report. Other critical factors such as growth stimulators and inhibitors are studied in detail, complete with recommendations from our expert analysts.

Bastian Solutions, a global material handling systems integrator and expert in eCommerce fulfillment automation, will be exhibiting at the ProMat Conference at booth #3953 in Chicago, IL from March 23-26, 2015. Bastian Solutions will conduct an important seminar titled, "The Building Blocks for Achieving Same-Day Order Fulfillment," on Tuesday, March 24, 2015 from 12:45 PM - 1:30 PM in Theater H.

Animal food forms an important segment of the global food industry. Increasing concerns of individuals about health and wellness of their pets and the highly competitive nature of the market space are the major drivers of the global animal food market. While increasing pet-care concerns lead to added demands for effective animal foods, the competitiveness in the market leads to improved products and cost-effectiveness of the products.

A new podcast on the eHealth Radio Network featuring is now available on ehealthradio.podbean.com

The global pet care market is characterized by evolving competitive dynamics. Hence, it becomes imperative that market players gain forward-looking insights into the pet care market. This report offers a meticulous study of the current trends that influence - or restrict - the growth of this market. It also offers a lowdown on the current structure of the market, and potential opportunities that emerge as the market composition gradually undergoes a change. Market projections have been provided in terms of revenue (USD million) and volumes (million tons).

The functional drinks market is gaining momentum with improvements in quality and introduction of new products in the market. Introduction of energy drinks and Nutraceutical drinks have added to the growth of this market. Sports drinks with new and innovative flavors are playing a vital role in the steady growth of the functional drinks industry. Increasing consumer awareness towards health concerns is driving the energy drinks segments of this market. Energy drinks supply extra energy in the form of glucose. Nutraceutical drinks are meant for particular class and it is the smallest segment. This market expected to grow significantly in near future driven by more innovative and exciting sectors within overall landscape.

Scott Stone is the E-business manager for Cisco-Eagle, Inc., a provider of integrated material handling and storage systems for industrial operations, describes how conveyor systems can help create warehouse efficiency and optimize operations. Stone writes in the Hytrol Conveyor company blog that conveyors are both a major investment and a serious decision.

On October 29th, 2014, Alan Greenspan made a statement that continues to reverberate, even more that three months later. The ex-Fed chief was speaking with Gillian Tett of the Financial Times at the Council on Foreign Relations, and when Tett asked Greenspan's thoughts on whether gold is currently a good investment, given the potential for turmoil in the markets, he responded with an unequivocal "Yes," and then went on to make the following statement.

Sometimes lice can be hard to identify because of their tiny size, especially on dark hair shades. If the scalp seems to be itchy nonstop, it is recommended to have the head checked for lice. If there seems to be unidentified substances visible on the scalp, a sample can be taken to find out if it is lice or not. This winter, residents of North Jersey can participate in the Nit Support Program, a lice service available at Lice Lifters of Cranford, NJ. The lice treatment center specializes in treatments that eliminate lice from the head and prevent it from occurring.

The report "Oral Mucositis – Pipeline Review, H1 2015" provides comprehensive information on the therapeutic development for Oral Mucositis. Oral mucositis is a common complication of chemotherapy & it is caused by a virus, fungus or bacteria, immune deficiency and medications. One of the main causes of mucositis is high dose cancer therapy. Oral mucositis affects almost 0.5 million persons each year. Treatment is based on the cause of symptoms. The report strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products.

Here is a great news for girls who wish that the world should view them differently and that they should change the way they view themselves also. Shekina Moore, who is an advocate for girls and who is the founder of Tween Style Power and Tween Star Awards is taking all possible steps for taking the public recognition of girls to the next level.

Manufacturers' Pain Points newsletter reported manufacturers often lead by brilliant engineers, are too often passive leaders. Brian Solis authored research demonstrating the economic impact of passive engagement and complete disengagement is potentially devastating on the horizon. Solis asserts, "Right now, it's only building momentum, reducing profitability, and eroding morale every day. While I've not researched the expected losses businesses should expect as a result of this shocking news, I have researched the benefits of actively engaging employees. Believe it or not, doing so carries a notable impact on relationships and the bottom line." Solis partnered with LinkedIn to lead a research project that could put weight behind dedicated employee engagement programs while also demonstrating the business upside in doing so.

The Real Reasons Why To Use Social Media:

Jo Coddington will be joining her friends in Australia for the 8th Annual Moonshine Run. The event, hosted by Pete's Hot Rods, is a three-day affair beginning February 13th. This is Coddington's forth year attending the event, and the trip down under is something that she looks forward to every year.