Abstract: A feeding trough for poultry farming includes automatic dispensing of feed from a vertically displaceable horizontal dispensing tube, formed by just three pieces. One of the pieces is a plate formed in one piece with a ring which in a lowered position of the bell-like housing opens a crown of apertures and in a raised position of the bell-like housing closes the crown of apertures so as to reduce the amount of feed transferred to the plate. The feed trough is also configured to facilitate periodic rinsing thereof.

Abstract: A top-fill hummingbird feeder is provided having a liquid container with a liquid flow opening at a lower end and a removable cap at an upper end, a feeding basin positioned below the liquid container, and a sealing mechanism associated with the liquid flow opening and the feeding basin. The sealing mechanism includes a bottle seal assembly configured for removable coupling with a base of the feeding basin, and a float valve captured by said bottle seal assembly to prevent rotation thereof while allowing the float valve to move upwardly and downwardly with changing nectar levels in the feeding basin. The feeding basin is filled by gravity feed of the liquid in the container through the liquid flow opening when the sealing mechanism is open. When the feeding basin reaches a full position, the liquid nectar raises the float valve which, in turn, acts to close the liquid flow opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems of promoting fertilization of eggs of an avian. While inseminating a plurality of avian eggs a spectrum substantially concentrated within a narrow range of wavelength irradiates the plurality of inseminated avian eggs to increase the motility of the sperm to increase the probability of conception of avian from the inseminated eggs.

Abstract: This invention is related to an aquaculture heating device. A heating unit is hung on a support rod, so that the support rod can be horizontally placed above an aquaculture and two ends of the support rod can be fixedly positioned on two sides of the aquaculture to let the heating unit hung on the support rod to be dropped and immersed in the water of the aquaculture when winter, especially cold stream, comes. When electricity is provided to conductive yarns of a heating layer of the heating unit, heating filaments of the conductive yarns will generate heat to be transferred to the water and gradually diffused throughout the aqua culture through the waterproof fabric layer. Thus, the water temperature is raised to effectively help the aquatic organisms to resist the cold winter and not to be frozen to death caused by the very low water temperature.

Abstract: A method for establishing an animal model of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bone metastasis, the method including: 1) establishing 97H and LM3 cell clones with stable expression of firefly luciferase (LUC); 2) allowing HCC cells to form bone metastasis in nude mice via intratibial injection; 3) reproducing HCC bone metastasis in nude mice via intracardiac injection of tumor cells; and 4) isolating a sub-population of tumor cells that targets metastasis to bone. The 97H and the LM3 are highly metastatic HCC cell lines transfected with luciferase gene. BALB/cA-nu mice are 4-5 weeks old and maintained in laminar flow cabinets under SPF conditions and received human care throughout an entire study. A cell number for intratibial injection is 0.5×106, and a cell number for intracardiac injection is 1×106.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an efficient genome editing technique. In one aspect, the technique can greatly improve the efficiency of homologous recombination during intracellular targeting, including gene targeting. Using this technique, genetically modified cell lines, rat, mouse, zebrafish, and fertilized eggs of other species can be quickly and efficiently generated.

Abstract: Genetically modified mice comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human M-CSF protein are provided. Also provided are genetically modified mice comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human M-CSF protein that have been engrafted with human cells such as human hematopoietic cells, and methods for making such engrafted mice. These mice find use in a number of applications, such as in modeling human immune disease and pathogen infection; in in vivo screens for agents that modulate hematopoietic cell development and/or activity, e.g. in a healthy or a diseased state; in in vivo screens for agents that are toxic to hematopoietic cells; in in vivo screens for agents that prevent against, mitigate, or reverse the toxic effects of toxic agents on hematopoietic cells; in in vivo screens of human hematopoietic cells from an individual to predict the responsiveness of an individual to a disease therapy, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides genetically modified non-human animals that express a humanized MHC II protein (humanized MHC II ? and ? polypeptides), as well as embryos, cells, and tissues comprising the humanized MHC II protein. Also provided are constructs for making, and methods of making, the genetically modified non-human animals. Methods of using the genetically modified non-human animals to study various aspects of the human immune system are also provided.

Abstract: A device for use during fishing configured to be connected to the user's fishing line to attract fish. The device is shaped to be moved through the water and generally include a head and a tail. A channel extends through at least a portion of the device and is sized to receive the fishing line. The device is constructed from multiple sections. The sections are selectively positionable between a closed configuration with the sections connected together to connect the device to the fishing line, and an open configuration with the sections being separated to remove the device from the fishing line.

Abstract: The present disclosure is to a fly fishing line and a method of making a fly fishing line. The method includes preparing a composition comprising a polymer resin, a co-polymer of silicone, and one or more other polymeric materials. The method includes applying the composition around an elongated core. The method also includes exposing the composition to conditions that form a coating around the elongated core thereby forming the fly-fishing line. The composition is a plastisol composition and the polymer resin is a polyvinyl chloride resin. The fly fishing lines include an elongated core a coating disposed around the elongated core. The coating comprises a polymer resin, a co-polymer of silicone, and one or more other polymeric materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that facilitates the mounting of beads onto a fishing hook, such as a fly fishing hook. In one embodiment, the device may have a storage chamber and one or more of a loading access tip, a bead loading hole and/or a beading access tip. In some devices, the one or more of a loading access tip, a bead loading hole and/or a beading access tip may be combined. In an embodiment, the loading access tip, bead loading hole, or beading access tip allows the loading of the beads into the device. The bead loading hole and the beading access tip facilitates the beading of a fishing hook. The device(s) may further have one or more of slits or holes to facilitate the beading of the fishing hooks.

Abstract: A remote insect monitor and associated method include a container configured to allow an insect attractant within the container to escape into ambient air proximate a landing area. At least one detection sensor generating sensor data of insects proximate the landing area, and a control module has a processor and a memory storing machine readable instructions executable by the processor to process the sensor data and count insects proximate the landing area. The remote insect monitor and associated method may also include an analyzer for analyzing an insect of interest to determine whether the insect carries a disease, wherein the control module sends an indication of whether the insect carries the disease to the remote server.

Abstract: An insect capturing device having an imaging function for harmful insect information management, according to the present invention, comprises: a collection unit having a collection net so as to collect harmful insects, and having a passage tube, provided on one side of the collection net, through which the collected harmful insects pass; a support unit provided on the other side of the collection unit so as to support the collection unit; a capturing analyzer having an outer filter connected to the collection unit through the passage tube so as to separate moisture from air introduced with the harmful insects, an inner filter connected to the outer filter and maintaining constant temperature and humidity conditions, a capturing tube unit connected to the inner filter and having a count sensor for sensing the harmful insects having passed there through and counting the number of harmful insects, and a gathering unit connected to the capturing tube unit and having a gathering net for enabling the harmful insec

Abstract: A fly catcher combination includes a frame having an opening formed by a peripheral fence, an attachment attached to the frame for attaching to a supporting facility, and a receptacle engaged in the opening of the frame and supported on the frame, and the receptacle includes a housing having a chamber, and a cover engaged with the housing, and the cover includes a compartment formed in the cover and communicating with the chamber of the housing, and the cover includes one or more slots communicating with the compartment of the cover for allowing the flies or the mosquitos to fly into the compartment of the cover, but prevent the flies or the mosquitos from flying out of the receptacle.

Abstract: Dispenser devices suitable for use on unmanned aerial vehicles are described having utility for dispensing solid larvicides to difficult to reach insect habitats.

Abstract: A real-time counting insecticidal lamp includes a rainproof cover, a LED lamp body, an insect receiver, and a high-voltage grid; the rainproof cover is arranged above the lamp body, the insect receiver is arranged below the lamp body, and the high-voltage grid is arranged at the periphery of the lamp body; the high-voltage grid includes a high-voltage direct current power supply and N-1 wires, and the N-1 wires are arranged in parallel in each interval to form a circle, wherein, N is no less than 10; top ends of the wires are all connected to the power supply end of the power supply, but one of two adjacent wires is electrically connected to the positive end of the power supply while the other is electrically connected to the negative end; the real-time counting insecticidal lamp also includes a counting unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle a with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle ? with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.

Abstract: A decoy stand. The decoy stand includes a base having a front end and a rear end, and a pair of support legs disposed on a lower side of the base, the support legs extending angularly and outwardly from the base. A slot is disposed on the base, the slot including an open end on the front end of the base and a closed end on the rear end of the base. The slot is configured to removably receive and releasably engage a keel of a decoy. A floating decoy having a keel can thus be supported by the decoy stand and used as a land decoy.

Abstract: Methods for obtaining genetic material from plant embryos while preserving their viability are provided. In the methods, preservation of viability may be maintained by suspending the embryos in an aqueous solution surrounded by an oil matrix. Genetic material may be obtained from an aliquot of the aqueous solution and may be used directly for molecular analysis, or whole genome amplification may be performed prior to molecular analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pesticide composition comprising at least one pesticide compound, at least one surfactant and a at least one microfibrillated cellulose. The present invention also relates to the use of such a pesticide composition for controlling undesired plant growth, undesired attack by insects or mites, fungi, and/or for regulating the growth of plants.

Abstract: A granular pesticidal composition in which a powdery pesticide is aggregated and coated with a thermosetting resin is capable of enabling a pesticidal active ingredient to be controlled-released. Further, the controlled-release pesticidal granule can be produced by mixing a powdery pesticide with a first liquid component serving as a raw material for a thermosetting resin, a process of adding a second liquid component serving as a raw material for a thermosetting resin, and then making the first liquid component react with the second liquid component to produce a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: This invention relates to an antimicrobial cover comprising or consisting of an antimicrobial agent-generating article for use with a container for transporting or storage of fruit and a container comprising the antimicrobial of the invention. The invention further relates to a method of preventing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, particularly fungal organisms, in packaged fruit comprising the use of the antimicrobial of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, and decontamination of surfaces and objects are provided. In particular, a hyperprotonation composition is described that comprises a surfactant, one or more emulsifiers, a biocide, and a weak acid and is effective to disrupt both the microbial biofilm defenses as well as the microbes within. Methods of applying the hyperprotonation compositions to contaminated surfaces, equipment, fabrics, food, and human or animal tissue to disrupt the microbial biofilms and eradicate the microbes within are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the production of a solution of peracetic acid (PAA) containing at most 23 wt % PAA according to which acetic anhydride optionally containing acetic acid (AA) is added in a controlled manner to a diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 ) has a concentration and is used in an amount such that it if the amount of water required to hydrate all of the added acetic anhydride is subtracted therefrom, it still contains in weight, at least 50% (preferably 54%) of water based on the total amount of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula I and their use as fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention primarily relates to the use of specific herbicide combinations based on iodosulfuron or of a composition comprising said specific herbicide combinations for controlling harmful plants in teff (Eragrostis tef) plants. The present invention also relates to the use of specific herbicide combinations based on iodosulfuron or of a composition comprising said specific herbicide combinations as plant growth regulators for teff (Eragrostis tef) plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a corresponding method of controlling harmful plants in teff (Eragrostis tef) plants and to a corresponding method of regulating plant growth of teff (Eragrostis tef) plants.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compositions are described comprising a least one biguanide compound and at least one hydrocarbon surfactant comprising a saturated or unsaturated C2-C4 diol moiety and optionally further comprising alkoxy groups. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises an aqueous or hydrophilic liquid carrier. In favored embodiments, the diol surfactant is present in an amount such that the antimicrobial activity of the biguanide antimicrobial compound is improved. Also described are articles comprising the described antimicrobial composition and methods of use of the antimicrobial composition.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to macrocyclic picolinamides of Formula (I) and to the use of these compounds as fungicides.

Abstract: The present invention provides compounds that can be used to form antimicrobial coatings on, for example, a surface or textile, including methods of making and using such compounds. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of making such compounds by a single-step reaction. In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of forming an antimicrobial coating on a surface, including applying such compounds to, for example, a surface or textile, and, optionally, treating, for example, the surface or textile, to form a coating.

Abstract: An Enterobacter species isolated from finger millet, characterized by 16S rRNA gene analysis and the identification of genes that prevent or inhibit the growth of fungal plant pathogens, is disclosed for use with agricultural plants.

Abstract: Bacterial endophytes isolated from maize are described. The endophytes are useful in preventing or inhibiting fungal growth on a plant, in particular preventing or inhibiting dollar spot disease and/or brown spot disease in grass. Genes required for the anti-fungal activity of the bacterial endophytes are also described.

Abstract: Methods for improving the ability of a population of biological agents to compete and survive in a field setting are provided. The improved, modified population of agents is able to grow, compete with other microbial strains and fungi, and provide protection for plants from pathogens. Modified biological agents and modified populations of such agents that are herbicide tolerant or resistant are selected or engineered. In this manner, the protection from disease-causing agents is enhanced. Such modified populations can be added to soils to prevent fungal pathogens and the associated diseases thereby promoting plant growth. The present invention is useful for enhancing the competitiveness of modified biological agents particularly over other microbial agents which are not herbicide resistant. Disclosed compositions include selected or engineered herbicide resistant biological agents and modified populations of biocontrol agents.

Abstract: A small animal repellent wherein an aromatic compound capable of repelling small animals is infused into a salt so that the aromatic compound can be released over an extended period of time such as days or weeks.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a crushed material obtained from at least one part of rocket plants, for example of the genera Eruca (Eruca sativa, Eruca vesicaria, etc.), Diplotaxis (Diplotaxis erucoides, Diplotaxis tenuifolia, Diplotaxis muralis, etc.), Bunias (Bunias erucago, Bunias orientalis, etc.), Erucastrum (Erucastrum nasturtiifolium, Erucastrum incanum, etc.) or Cakile, in order to promote plant growth or root growth. The usefulness of the product of the invention has also been proven in conditions of stress for the plant (for example water stress). The crushed material is obtained from leaves, seeds and/or flowers of plants. In some embodiments, at least one active ingredient is obtained by aqueous extraction, solvent extraction, or oil extraction, or by extraction of oil cakes or pastes.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to compositions comprising a vehicle such as a polymer base, moringa oil and neem oil. The combination of the two oils is in an amount sufficient to prevent the establishment or proliferation of a microorganism, such as a mildew, on the surface of an inanimate object. The moringa oil and neem oil combination can be advantageously admixed with a paint base, a solvent system, or other vehicle base for the treatment of wood, dry wall, or other porous or non-porous surface that is susceptible to a biological infestation.

Abstract: Dough preparation apparatus and associated methods. The dough preparation apparatus can store and be configured to execute a plurality of dough preparation recipes. In one example, the dough preparation apparatus is configured for thawing or slacking frozen dough and conditioning the dough prior to baking. The dough preparation apparatus facilitates production of baked bread having higher and more consistent quality.

Abstract: A folding platform includes a base, first folding flap, lift arm, and lift arm linkage. The first folding flap is rotatably connected with the base and facilitates the folding of a food item placed on the folding platform. The lift arm linkage is rotatably connected with the base and the lift arm to operatively lift the lift arm and allow the lift arm to rotate in a first rotational direction, and includes a spring that engages the lift arm linkage and the lift arm, and biases the lift arm in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction. The lift arm is capable of rotating a first rotational distance, and rotating a second rotational distance greater than the first rotational distance without bending or breaking when the lift arm contacts an obstruction. The lift arm automatically returns to its normal position due to the bias force of the spring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a Penicillium glucose oxidase in combination with another glucose oxidase for improving the stability of a dough, or the volume or the crumb structure of a baked product.

Abstract: A cooked, bread like product is provided. The product is formed initially as a pourable batter that has an increasing consistency with time, effected by the use of a fast acting hydrocolloid in combination with a slow acting hydrocolloid and proofing. The cooked product can be used in combination with a topping to form a product like a pizza.

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing compliance with animal welfare on an animal for slaughter. The apparatus has an image capture unit with a capture region in which a section of a surface of the animal is optically captured and in which pixels are captured. The capture unit provides pixel data in a transmittable manner. The apparatus has an evaluation unit connected to the capture unit to capture the pixel data. A normative model of the animal is stored in the evaluation unit and represents a formation of animal-related features conforming to animal welfare. The evaluation unit relates the pixel data to the model and determines a deviation of the pixel data from the model and provides the deviation as a deviation of the animal from the model in a form that can be output. A method for assessing compliance with animal welfare is carried out on the apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems for tenderizing meat samples using High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) comprising one or more transducer arrays. Further disclosed are methods and uses of the systems to tenderize meat samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a device and a method for processing slaughter animals, in particular slaughtered poultry such as chickens, and/or parts thereof. The device comprises a driving system for driving an element to be driven of the device. The, driving system comprises a driving element, a transfer element, which is driven by the driving element in use and which is rigidly connected during normal operation to the element to be driven, as well as overload protection means which are configured to rigidly connect the processing element and the transfer element during normal operation and to allow relative movement between the processing element and the transfer element in an overload situation if a force that acts between the processing element and the transfer element exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A crab butchering machine removes the carapace, mandibles and tail from a crab by timing actuation of tools depending upon the measured dimensions of the carapace. A measuring tool determines the location of the front and rear of the carapace relative to the saddle, securing and advancing the crab through the machine. The positions of the ends of the tools that operate on the crab are known. After measuring, the crab is advanced into a calculated position relative to a first tool, whereby an arm moves upwards, separating the carapace from the crab. The crab is next advanced past a second tool that lifts the carapace away from the crab carcass, allowing a third tool to move upwards, separating the carapace and tail from the carcass when the saddle is in a second calculated position. The remaining leg clusters are separated and released from the saddle for further processing.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool used to clean and remove the lobster's intestinal tract, effortlessly and safely. The present lobster cleaning tool is made of high tensile strength plastic. It has a plastic handle with a soft rubber non-slip grip built for comfort. Attached to the handle is a shaft with a set of plastic barbs attached to it. These are used to attach to the intestinal tract inside the lobster tail. The tool is designed with a tamper proof plastic clear cover for safety purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to preservation of meat products. In particular new procedures and additives are provided for effective inhibition or prevention of bacterial outgrowth in meat products. The present inventors found that a combination of a vanillin component and a cinnamate component was effective in the inhibition or prevention of bacterial outgrowth in meat products. The combinations, more in particular, proved to be effective at levels that do not result in significant effects on the flavor and/or taste of the products. The present inventors furthermore found that treatment of meat products with the combinations of this invention had a favorable effect on the visual appearance (color) of the meat products. The present invention provides preservative compositions, the use of these preservative systems, the meat products containing them, and methods of treating meat.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for thermally treating flowable materials using electromagnetic radiation, and foods and materials obtained thereby. Also provided are methods of continuous flow thermal treatment of biomaterials, apparatuses for performing the same, and products prepared using the methods and/or apparatuses.

Abstract: A produce storage chamber designed to fit on a counter top. The produce storage chamber capable of encasing produce, a refrigeration system, at least one ozone generation unit, and at least one ethylene scrubber. The chamber is capable of delaying postharvest produce deterioration using temperature control, ozone generation, and ethylene scrubbing.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions incorporating lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria with components that act to enhance the function of lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria. The present invention relates to a composition containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of lutein, fish oil, lactoferrin, vitamins, ?-aminobutyric acid, and zinc, and a strain of lactic acid bacteria or bifidobacteria.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing a liquid nutritional product using an extruder is provided. A powder nutritional component is fed into an inlet of an extruder, and a liquid component is fed into an inlet of the extruder. The powder nutritional component and the liquid component are mixed within the extruder to form an intermediate nutritional blend. The intermediate nutritional blend is hydrated to form a liquid nutritional product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions including casein, and methods for making these compositions.