Abstract: Biodegradable resin materials are provided which comprise a blend of a starch component, a synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin, one or more plasticizers, and a protein component. In certain embodiments, the synthetic thermoplastic polymer resin may comprise a thermoplastic polyester-based compound, and the protein component may comprise albumin. The biodegradable resin materials tend to exhibit physical and mechanical characteristics that contrast with conventional biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.

Abstract: An animal training device for administering audio stimulus and physical encouragement to an animal. The trainer has a transmitter with variable signal strength. The animal worn device had a receiver that senses the signal strength. If the signal strength drops to a preset limit indicative of distance from the transmitter, a tone is sounded. Further signal drop results in a shock being delivered. Alternatively, a trainer module comprises an RFID poller and an animal module comprises an RFID tag. The poller sends a polling signal to the RFID tag. The polling signal is reflected back to the trainer module where the reflective signal is used to determine a separation distance. If the separation distance exceeds a preset threshold, an encouragement command is sent from the trainer module to the animal module.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting a game with two or more participants that provides selections of the final two contestants for a particular contest. In the game, at least one winning participant is determined by comparing each participant's selections of the final two contestants to the actual final two contestants in the contest. Participants may also provide an indication of the first place contestant from among the selected final two contestants. Ties may be broken by comparing each participant's selection of a first place contestant to the actual first place contestant in the contest. Also described is a system for implementation of the method including means for carrying out the steps of the method. The method and system provide a fun, straightforward game that can be adapted to a wide variety of contests, be played by a large number of participants and be implemented over the World Wide Web.