Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming food product includes a plurality of links forming a generally continuous conveyor, the plurality of links each forming at least one cavity together with a longitudinally adjacent link wherein the longitudinally adjacent link includes a pivotable tongue that pivots through the cavity as the generally continuous conveyor reaches an end of its horizontal path.

Abstract: [Problem to be solved] To provide a pet toilet sheet cover member that is provided so as to cover a pet toilet sheet laid on a floor surface and can be easily positioned with respect to the pet toilet sheet and can be easily moved, and to provide a pet toilet having the pet toilet sheet cover member. [Solution] A cover member 1 of a pet toilet sheet 3 according to the present invention includes: a frame member 7 that is provided on the rectangular pet toilet sheet 3 laid on a floor surface so as to over an outer peripheral edge part of the pet toilet sheet 3; and sheet fixing members 9 that are provided on the frame member 7 and fix the pet toilet sheet 3 to the frame member 7. The frame member 7 is formed to have an octagonal outer peripheral shape by obliquely cutting off corner parts of a rectangular shape.

Abstract: A litter box includes a pan, tabs, a first shelf, and a second shelf. The pan includes a bottom panel connected to at least one wall panel that extends outwardly from the pan such that a volume is defined between the bottom panel and the at least one wall. The pan includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The tabs are connected to the at least one wall at the first end. The tabs project inwardly into the volume of the pan. The first shelf is disposed adjacent the at least one wall panel at the first end and connected to the tabs. The second shelf is disposed adjacent the at least one wall panel at the first end and connected to the plurality of tabs.

Abstract: The pet potty has a waste surface loop, rollers within the potty for rotating the waste surface loop and a water jet for hosing off the waste surface loop as it rotates on the rollers within the potty. The characterising feature of the invention is the that the potty includes a waste strainer positioned underneath the water jets for collecting objects which cannot be disintegrated by the water jets so that those objects can be conveniently removed by the waste strainer from the potty.

Abstract: The Working Chute is comprised of a hydraulic gooseneck hitch; a torsion tube; a walking beam hydraulic lift; a walking beam axle; a main frame; alleyway escape gates; palpation gates; right and a left exit gates; two folding panels; outside panels; inside panels; a solar panel; a battery; and a hydraulic pump. The Working Chute can also be comprised of a dirt alleyway; a rubber floor; tires; a rolling tail gate; a drop in lock for extended panels; a chute panels parallel squeeze from both sides; a head gate squeezes from front; a section between tires for parallel squeeze; a hydraulic cylinder; a hitch; a hydraulic control for goose neck; a hydraulic control for rear lift; and a center point of walking axle which is a main pivot point. The Working Chute allows ranchers to access the livestock for palpation requirements such as marking, veterinary, or livestock care purposes. The Working Chute is both portable and that serves the various palpation needs of a livestock owner.

Abstract: The operation of a movable platform (110) in a rotary milking parlor (100) is measured by a movement sensor (210) arranged on the movable platform (110). The movement sensor (210) registers micro movements of the movable platform (110) relative to a fix reference frame via a sensor member measuring displacements in at least one dimension, and/or accelerations in at least one dimension. A wireless sensor signal (SW) reflecting the measurements is emitted by a transmitter to a receiver (230) for processing/analysis, for example to derive a movement signature (S) of the movable platform (110) based on a series of measurement values.

Abstract: Various aspects comprise controlling and/or euthanizing vermin or pests for preventing such vermin or pests from entering into a geographical area or into a building, wherein the device comprises at least one completely or partially uninsulated electrically conducting wire or conductor connected to an electrical current source, providing controlled electrical pulses to said conductor or wire in the form of pulses or pulse trains. The device may be used in a method for controlling the access of pests/vermin to a geographical location, building or property wherein the electrically conducting wire(s) lead(s) an electrical current with an amperage of not less than 0.0001 A. The device and method may be particularly suited for removing/controlling pests/vermin on land.

Abstract: A method and system are arranged to perform a feed-related action at a feed table, upon which fodder for feeding of a group of animals is present. The system includes a sensor, configured to measure constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder on the feed table at a first point in time; a database, configured to store the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder, associated with the first point in time; and a controller, configured to perform the feed-related action, based on the measured constituents, physical property or chemical property of the fodder.

Abstract: A feeding system for feeding animals, in particular cows, includes a feed supply system with feed for the animals. The feed includes one or more feed types. An autonomous feeding device is configured to automatically feed the animals with feed from the feed supply system. A feed supply observation system measures the quantity of feed of each feed type in the feed supply system, while a feed consumption observation system observes the consumption of feed of each feed type from the feed supply system. A control system is connected to the feed supply observation system in order to receive values of the observed quantity of feed of each feed type in the feed supply system. The control system is further connected to the feed consumption observation system in order to receive values of the observed consumption of feed of each feed type from the feed supply system. The received values of the observed consumption of feed are stored as historical data in a memory of the control system.

Abstract: An animal leash has a flexible line extending from a connector that attaches to the animal. A grip handle is supported for sliding at an intermediate location along the line. The grip handle has a main body with a leash passage receiving the line therethrough and an outer surface for gripping in a hand of a user. Two cavities formed within the main body at a location between one of the major surfaces of the leash passage and the outer surface so as to define a material bridge extending radially outward from the major surface to the outer surface whereby a radially compressive force applied to the outer surface is transferred through the material bridge to the major surface of the passage so as to collapse the passage and grip the line to prevent sliding of the grip handle along the line when applying compressive force.

Abstract: A connecting device for a carabiner, having a first connection part for connecting said device to a base member and at least two second connection parts for connecting said device to at least two carabiners. The device is characterized in that said at least two second connection parts each are a rotatable and tiltable connection part. Preferably, said second connection parts each are embodied as a concave socket for coupling to a carabiner comprising a convex body.

Abstract: An animal specimen picking device and system are provided. The animal specimen picking device includes a collecting device and a driving device. The collecting device includes at least one opening through which an animal specimen is collected. The driving device drives the collecting device to move on a collecting surface. The animal specimen is on the collecting surface. The driving device includes a spherical shell, a controller, and a driving module. The controller is located in the spherical shell and configured to generate a control signal. The driving module is located in the spherical shell and configured to drive the spherical shell to roll according to the control signal.

Abstract: A semi-submersible spar-type offshore fish farm for cultivating fish at open sea, comprising an elongated center column having one of a circular and polygonal cross-section. The elongated center column having a first end part and a second end part, a buoyancy sleeve and a harvesting sleeve that are coaxially arranged around the elongated center column, wherein the buoyancy sleeve is arrangeable at positions along the elongated center column between the first end part and the harvesting sleeve and the harvesting sleeve is arrangeable at positions along the elongated center column between the buoyancy sleeve and the second end part.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for controlling a camera to observe aquaculture feeding behavior. In some implementations, a method includes moving a camera to a first position, obtaining an image captured by the camera at the first position, determining a feeding observation mode, and based on the feeding observation mode and analysis of the image, determining a second position to move the camera.

Abstract: A method for screening an active ingredient of a saltiness enhancer, the screening method including the following steps: (i) a step for determining whether a test substance is a compound capable of promoting functional expression of the TMC4 gene or TMC4 protein; and (ii) a step for selecting, as an active ingredient of a saltiness enhancer, a test substance that has been determined in step (i) to be a compound capable of promoting functional expression of the TMC4 gene or TMC4 protein.

Abstract: Non-human animals, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided, wherein the non-human animals comprise a humanization of a Lymphocyte activation gene 3 (Lag3). The non-human animals may be described, in some embodiments, as having a genetic modification to an endogenous Lag3 locus so that the non-human animals express a Lag3 polypeptide that includes a human portion and an endogenous portion (e.g., a non-human portion).

Abstract: A modular component fishing rod system that allows the end user to easily and securely change one or more of the handle portion and rod blank. The system includes a rod blank, rod sleeve assembly and a slide-on handle assembly. The rod sleeve assembly performs at least three functions including: 1) truing up the taper of the fishing rod blank to allow components of the handle assembly to be slid onto the rod blank from the butt end; 2) providing an indexing or key feature which registers with the handle assembly to maintain proper alignment between the handle assembly and rod blank; and 3) providing a method to attach the handle assembly to the rod sleeve.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a tick remover device. The device may be configured to remove ticks from the skin or hair of humans. The device may be disposable. The device may include fabric or cloth, which may be coated and/or infused with an adhesive material, such as one or more resin materials. The adhesive material may have an adhesive strength sufficient to adhere any ticks present on the skin, but an adhesive strength low enough to allow passing the device over an area of skin without discomfort for the user/subject. Some aspects relate to methods of tick removal, including use of an adhesive cloth material rubbed over an area of skin to adhere and remove any ticks, including nymph ticks.

Abstract: An animal live trap assembly includes a housing that has an entry way extending therein. The housing is positionable in an area known to be occupied by small animals such that the entry way is accessible to the small animals. A door is hingedly coupled to the housing and the door is positionable between an open position or a closed position for alternatively opening or closing the entry way. A plate is hingedly positioned within the housing and the small animal stands on the plate when the small animal enters the housing. A release is movably coupled to the door for retaining the door in the open position. The release is urged into an unlocking position when the small animal stands on the plate thereby facilitating the door to be positioned in the closed position to trap the small animal in the housing.

Abstract: An avian streamer deterrent system includes an electric power line support structure coupled to a plurality of conducting wires. Each conducting wire of the plurality of conducting wires is coupled to an insulator. At least one avian streamer deterrent is disposed above the insulator of at least one of the conducting wires of the plurality of conducting wires. The at least one avian streamer deterrent may be disposed on a that is absent an insulator and situated above the plurality of conducting wires. The at least one avian streamer deterrent or an additional avian streamer deterrent may extend over one or more jumpers coupling at least a first conducting wire of the plurality of conducting wires to a second conducting wire of the plurality of conducting wires. In addition, the at least one avian streamer deterrent may comprise a rotatable configuration or a collapsible configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for normothermic, ex vivo restoration and preservation of an intact mammalian brain, and other organs. In certain aspects, the system is capable of preserving a brain as well as other organs, maintaining cellular integrity and cellular function for hours post mortem or after global ischemia. The invention also provides synthetic brain perfusate formulations, including a novel brain perfusion medium (BPM), which are able to reduce reperfusion injury, stimulate recovery from hypoxia, prevent edema and metabolically support the energy needs of brain function.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for cell preservation, for example, cryopreservation of cells exposed to ionizing radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cryopreserving compositions which are suitable for the cryopreservation of biological materials, e.g. cells and proteins. The cryopreserving compositions comprise specified concentrations of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly-ethylene glycol (PEG). The invention also relates to process for producing cryopreserved biological materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are an anti-freezing agent for protecting a biological tissue from being damaged during a freezing treatment and a preparation method therefor. The method for preparing the anti-freezing agent involves mixing ethylene glycol, water and dimethylsulfoxide homogeneously to form a matrix, and then slowly adding sodium polyacrylate. The prepared anti-freezing agent is coated onto biological tissue during a freezing treatment such that damage to the biological tissue is reduced.

Abstract: Plant cuticle supplements and methods of their use are provided.

Abstract: The present invention uses compound 3-OH-?-apo-13-carotenone (zaxinone) as a negative regulator of the plant hormone strigolactones (SLs). The compound 3-OH-?-apo-13-carotenone is a positive growth regulator which triggers the formation of crown roots and promotes growth in size and number of roots and shoots. Disclosed herein is a method of using 3-OH-?-apo-13-carotenone as a growth-promoting compound for cereal, grain and vegetable crops. The 3-OH-?-apo-13-carotenone compounds is also a negative regulator of strigolactone biosynthesis and release. Disclosed herein is a method of combating root parasitic weeds affecting cereal, grain and vegetable crops. Application of 3-OH-?-apo-13-carotenone to plant growth media down-regulates strigolactone production in cereal, grain and vegetable crops preventing root parasitic weed infestation of the crops by inhibiting germination of parasitic weed seeds.

Abstract: The invention belongs to the technical field of pesticides and specifically relates to an aryl sulfide containing a benzylamine structure, a synthesis method therefor, and an application thereof. The aryl sulfide is denoted as compound I. Also provided is an agriculturally acceptable salt of the aryl sulfide. The compound represented by formula I shows excellent effects on various harmful organisms, especially spider mites represented by Tetranychus cinnabarinus, Tetranychus urticae, Tetranychus Kanzawai Kishida, Panonychus citri, etc., and can be used for controlling all kinds of harmful mites.

Abstract: The present invention discloses herbicidal combinations for controlling undesirable plants. The present invention more specifically relates to a synergistic combination of herbicides, compositions and method for controlling weeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): wherein R1 is as defined herein, or an acceptable salt, solvate, prodrug or hydrate thereof. The compounds of Formula I are inhibitors of metalloenzymes, such as lanosterol demethylase (CYP51).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a A herbicidal combination comprising saflufenacil, Napropamide or Napropamide-M and a third herbicide.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous biocide composition, containing the following components: (a) 9 wt. % to 20 wt. % 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, (b) a dissolved alkalizing agent, containing 0.95 to 1.05 mol sodium and potassium hydroxide, each based on one mol of the 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one present as component (a), and (c) more than 60 wt. % water. The biocide composition is characterized in that the composition: (i) has a pH value in the range of pH 9.5 to pH 11.9, and (ii) the molar fraction of sodium ions, based on the sodium and potassium ions present in the composition, is in the range of 15 to 45 mol %.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting or preventing damage to plants or seeds by a PPN (Plant Parasitic Nematode). The method comprises applying an effective amount of a biogenic amine signalling pathway inhibitor to a plant or a seed. The biogenic amine signalling pathway inhibitor may be a serotonin signalling pathway inhibitor. In particular, the biogenic amine signalling pathway inhibitor may be reserpine or an active analogue or derivative thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to solid formulations (especially water-soluble granules (SG)) of insecticide active tetramic acid derivatives, to a process for production thereof and to the use thereof for application of the active ingredients present, especially for drip & drench applications.

Abstract: Method for the prophylactic treatment of the development of parasites in a food product with a powder comprising more than 40% by weight of an alkali metal bicarbonate, wherein the powder is in the form of particles having a medium particle size of at most 300 ?m, and said treatment comprising mixing the powder with the food product, characterized in that at most 1000 ppm by weight of the powder is mixed with the food product.

Abstract: Disclosed are low-level hydrogen peroxide aqueous-based disinfectant compositions that are substantially free of or do not contain volatile short chain (C1-C7) alcohols and exhibit broad spectrum antimicrobial/microbicidal activity against a variety of microorganisms including mycobacteria. Also disclosed are methods for using the compositions for the disinfection or sterilization of a variety hard surfaces such as those found in dental, hospital, and clinical environments or in food preparation environments.

Abstract: Provided are antimicrobial nonwovens comprising antimicrobial chemical treated fibers and untreated binder fibers. 0.0003-0.1 wt. % of one or more silver containing antimicrobial chemicals are used in nonwovens to provide an excellent antimicrobial/antiviral property. Exemplary applications and methods of manufacturing antimicrobial products such as a facial covering, a mattress cover, a surface cover and an air filter are provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for inhibiting, stabilizing or preventing fungal infections by yeast on a surface using an agent comprising one or more types of quantum dots sufficient to regulate the growth of fungal cells or biofilms thereof.

Abstract: The subject invention provides disinfectant compositions and methods of using these compositions for controlling disease in livestock production operations. In one embodiment, a disinfectant composition is provided for controlling disease-causing pathogens in an animal feeding operation (AFO), such as a chicken coop or barn. In preferred embodiments, the composition comprises one or more beneficial microorganisms and/or growth by-products thereof, such as biosurfactants, and is applied inside an enclosure using thermal fogging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for preventing, and alleviating citrus greening infection of citrus plants including identifying the causative agent, providing consortia comprising Trichoderma spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in definite ratios effective in targeting the causative agent Phytophthora spp. and thereby preventing or alleviating the citrus greening disease in an effective manner. The present disclosure also provides consortia comprising standardized cultures of Trichoderma spp. in varying ratios and Pseudomonas spp. in varying ratios effective in preventing and controlling the causative agent Phytophthora spp. at different ages of citrus plants and stages of infection. The present disclosure further provides formulations comprising the antagonist microbial consortia and tailor made kits comprising one or more formulations of the present disclosure for managing citrus greening disease.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for treating certain plant pathogens using microbe-based products. In particular, the subject invention relates to treatment of plant pathogenic viruses, including mosaic virus, as well as plant pathogenic bacteria, using beneficial microbes and/or their growth by-products. In certain embodiments, the growth by-products are biosurfactants.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for controlling Fusarium fungal infections in plants. In particular, the subject invention relates to treatments for plant pathogenic fungal infections using microbes and/or their growth by-products. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention can be used to treat and/or prevent infection from a strain of Fusarium oxysporum that causes Fusarium Wilt and/or Panama Disease in Musa plants, although control of other Fusarium infections in other plants and/or agricultural products is also envisioned.

Abstract: Provided herein are agents, compositions, and methods useful for animal health, e.g., for altering the level, activity, or metabolism of one or more microorganisms resident in a host insect (e.g., arthropod, e.g., insect, e.g., pathogen vector), the alteration resulting in a decrease in the fitness of the host. The invention features a composition that includes an agent (e.g., phage, peptide, small molecule, antibiotic, or combinations thereof) that can alter the host's microbiota in a manner that is detrimental to the host. By disrupting microbial levels, microbial activity, microbial metabolism, or microbial diversity, the agents described herein may be used to decrease the fitness of a variety of insects that carry vector-borne pathogens that cause disease in animals.

Abstract: Provided is a component having plant defense activity. A PR1 gene expression activator containing a culture of a unicellular alga containing a green photosynthetic pigment as an active ingredient; A plant defense activator containing a culture of a unicellular alga containing a green photosynthetic pigment as an active ingredient; A plant disease preventive or ameliorating agent containing a culture of a unicellular alga containing a green photosynthetic pigment as an active ingredient; and a method of producing a plant defense activating component containing: cultivating a unicellular alga containing a green photosynthetic pigment under an aerobic condition to produce a culture containing an extracellular polysaccharide.

Abstract: The invention concerns a dough handling unit (1, 1?) for handling dough comprising a housing (8, 8?, 8?), a dough inlet (10, 10?) for introducing dough into the housing (8, 8?, 8?), a dough outlet (12, 12?) for discharge of the dough from the housing (8, 8?, 8?), and a handling chamber for handling the dough, that is arranged within the housing (8, 8?, 8?) along a portion between the inlet and the outlet and is substantially closed off relative to the surroundings, wherein arranged in the handling chamber (2, 2?) is a dough structuring portion (4, 4?, 4?) having a nozzle (6, 6?, 6?) which reduces the flow cross-section for structuring of the dough, and downstream of the nozzle (6, 6?, 6?) the flow cross-section in the dough structuring portion is enlarged again in relation to the reduced flow cross-section in the region of the nozzle (6, 6?, 6?).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the solubilisation of cereal bran, for preparing compositions comprising soluble fractions of cereal bran and the use of these compositions comprising solubilised cereal bran for the preparation of food products, such as bread.

Abstract: A health functional food product prepared by fermenting a dough containing whey, including a health functional bakery product prepared by: preparing a sponge and a dough by adding and mixing about 1.0 to 10 wt part of a whey powder and about 0.01 to 1.0 wt part of a mixture of probiotic preparation consisting of Leuconostoc strain, Lactobacillus strain and 2 kinds of Saccharomyces strains as to 100 wt part of a dough; and fermenting, aging and baking the dough. Such may be used to prepare a health functional bakery product as well as a health functional Lactobacillus fermented drink using said health functional bakery product.

Abstract: A low-bacteria milk powder with a WPNI of at least 2 is suggested, obtainable by (a) providing a milk component; (b) optionally, separating the cream from the milk component; (c) subjecting the milk component from which the cream had been optionally separated to microfiltration, obtaining a low-bacteria permeate P1 and a bacteria-contaminated retentate R1; (d) mixing the permeate with a liquid lipid phase and a solid active agent phase; (e) optionally, subjecting the mixture obtained in step (d) to a temperature treatment; and (f) processing the mixture of step (d) or (e) that had optionally been temperature-treated, obtaining a dry powder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a margarine substitute loaded with trans-resveratrol/glycoside and a preparation method thereof. The preparation method comprises the following steps: (1) preparing a peanut protein dispersion, adding a transglutaminase thereto, performing a cross-linking reaction under a water bath condition, and heating up to obtain a monolithic gel; continuing to add water to the monolithic gel, shearing the resultant at a high speed, homogenizing at a high pressure, performing ultrasonication, and adjusting pH to obtain a microgel particle dispersion; (2) adding a trans-resveratrol/glycoside to an edible oil in the dark, stirring well, continuing to add the microgel particle dispersion obtained in step (1), and shearing the resultant at a high speed to obtain a high internal-phase Pickering emulsion, i.e. a margarine substitute loaded with trans-resveratrol/glycoside.

Abstract: A method for producing a gummy confectionary containing an active ingredient with alternatives to the use of gelatin as a gelling agent. In an embodiment, the active ingredient is cannabidiol (CBD), and the gelling agent is a mixture of plant-based gums and polysaccharides. The method of production comprises the heated activation of the gelling agents in the presence of water and sucrose before adding a sweetener mixture comprising tapioca syrup and sucrose. The active ingredient is introduced as an emulsion of fractionated coconut oil, flavoring, lecithin, and CBD in water. The resultant mixture is colored, and pH adjusted before being molded into the desired shape. The perceived bitterness associated with the use of CBD in a confectionary may be measurably reduced from conventional gelatin and or pectin based confectionary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for forming and cooling gum, the system including a forming system configured to size the gum to include a substantially uniform thickness, a cooling device that is disposed in-line with the forming system and configured to continuously receive the gum from the forming system at an entry point of the cooling device, and a multi-pass conveying system configured to continuously transport the gum from the entry point to an exit point of the cooling device, the forming system and the cooling device being configured to form and cool the gum to be in a condition for stacking or collecting upon exiting the exit point of the cooling device.