Abstract: A pet pee pad pen assembly includes a pen which comprises a plurality of walls being hingedly coupled together. In this way the pen forms a rectangular shape to shelter an animal. A respective one of the walls has a plurality of openings each extending therethrough to facilitate the animal to enter or exit the pen. A base is provided that can be positioned on a support surface and the pen is positioned on the base. A pad is positionable on the base and the pad is comprised of a fluid absorbent material to absorb the pet urine. An insert is positionable on the pad thereby inhibiting the pad from being displaced on the base.

Abstract: A portable and collapsable modular calf housing system featuring at leasl one pen comprising a front panel and two side panels and optionally a rear wall panel forming a pen The side panels include channels in which the front panel can slide vertically to adjust the height of a feed pail attached thereto The channels are disposed on either face of each side panel to enable a front panel from each one of adjacent pens to be joined to form a plurality of interconnected pens.

Abstract: Presented is a pet bed and method for assembly and disassembly of the pet bed. The pet bed comprises a top cover, a bottom cover and a plurality of sidewalls. The top cover as well as the bottom cover comprises two extension portions positioned on either sides of the top cover and the bottom cover. In an embodiment of the present invention, the pet bed comprises atleast a scratcher to allow pet to express their urge of scratching on the scratcher. The pet bed provides the advantages that it is transportable, can be easily assembled and disassembled with ease and the same time; provide comfort to the pet during use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a feeder for feeding hay bales to animals. The inventive animal feeder includes a feeder base, a feeder cone and a tray. The feeder cone is mounted above the base for receiving and holding the hay to be fed to animals. In one embodiment, the feeder cone has three inwardly sloping cone side assemblies and an inwardly sloping shortened cone side assembly to facilitate loading hay into the feeder cone. A tray is supported by the base and positioned below the feeder cone to catch hay that falls as animals are feeding from the feeder cone, preventing waste and exposure to parasite and other contaminants. In an alternative embodiment, all four sides of the feeder cone 12 are constructed the same, with no shortened side.

Abstract: A pet food holder has a base, an annular protrusion, at least one through hole, and at least one bottom recess. The annular protrusion protrudes up from a top surface of the base. The at least one through hole is formed through the base and is surrounded by the annular protrusion. The at least one bottom recess is formed in a bottom surface of the base. Each of the at least one bottom recess corresponds in position to and communicates with a corresponding one of the at least one through hole. The pet food holder is used for embedding a piece of pet food on the pet food holder. With the pet food holder for embedding the pet food, a pet is able to experience different textures and does not get bored while biting and chewing the pet food holder and the pet food.

Abstract: A pet feeding apparatus includes a feed tank, a discharge tank, and an ejection assembly. The feed tank includes an accommodation chamber and a discharge outlet communicating with the accommodation chamber. The discharge tank includes an ejection outlet, an inlet, and an ejection chamber located between the ejection outlet and the inlet. The inlet communicates with the discharge outlet of the feed tank. The ejection assembly includes a rotation blade and a driving member. The rotation blade is received in the ejection chamber, and the rotation blade includes a rotation shaft and a blade extending from the rotation shaft. The driving member is connected to the rotation shaft and is capable of driving the rotation shaft to rotate with respect to the ejection chamber, so that the driving member drives the blade to swing from the inlet toward the ejection outlet.

Abstract: Animal transmitters are provided that can include: a transducer configured to transmit a signal; process circuitry coupled to the transducer; and an energy harvesting element coupled to the process circuitry. Animals having a transmitter coupled thereto are also provided with the transmitter including an energy harvesting element in operational alignment with the animal's musculoskeletal system. Methods for transmitting the location of an animal are also provided with the methods including: coupling a transmitter powered by an energy harvesting element to the animal; and monitoring the transmissions of the transmitter.

Abstract: Embodiments for an improved horse, livestock, and other guadruped's garment and method of use are disclosed. The EquiVest comprises a one-piece water-resistant vest having an open-oval-neckline with bib-tab design for slipping over the animal's head. Optionally, the garment includes hardware for attaching overlapping side panels. Coupled with the side panel attaching hardware, the bib-tab design provides side tabs with a hook-and-loop mechanism in a secure fit. The vest covers the top-line, both sides, abdominal area, center-front chest, and hind area to allow the horse to have complete ease of movement while maintaining a stable core body temperature.

Abstract: A collar includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first material strip having a first end and an opposing second end, a first connector coupled to the first end, and a second connector coupled to the opposing second end. The second portion includes a second material strip having a third end and an opposing fourth end, a third connector coupled to the third end, and a fourth connector coupled to the opposing fourth end. The first connector is configured to selectively engage with the third connector and the second connector is configured to selectively engage with the fourth connector to facilitate selectively coupling the first portion and the second portion together.

Abstract: A retractable leash assembly for a pet animal, such as a dog, is provided. The leash assembly includes a casing body with a handle attached to the body by an at least one hinge joint, a braking device, and a spool arrangement with an extendable lead line wound thereabout and configured attachable to the pet animals' collar or harness, wherein in the leash assembly the handle is configured to articulate about the joint with regard to the casing body, the articulation movement of the handle being triggered by the pulling force exerted on the lead line by the animal kept on the leash, and wherein, by virtue of the articulation movement the braking device actuates a braking action causing the lead line to reduce unwinding speed proportionally with an increase in the pulling force.

Abstract: A dog leash attachment system for selectively and releasably attaching a dog leash to a dog collar or harness, wherein the dog leash and the dog collar or dog harness each comprises a portion of a fastener device further comprising at least one magnetic attachment component and at least one mechanical attachment component. One portion of the fastener device is attached in fixed relation to the dog leash at a position proximal to the distal end of the dog leash. Another magnet is disclosed for use in maintaining a portion of the fastener device proximally to the collar or harness when the leash is not in use.

Abstract: A vibratory detector for detecting a vibratory signal from one or more feeders. A processor is in communication with the vibratory detector and configured for determining from at least one characteristic of the vibratory signal a possible action event, and for determining from a pattern of possible action events a likely action event. A warning device is in communication with the processor for providing an output in response to the likely action event. In an embodiment, the at least one characteristic of the vibratory signal can comprise the frequency or magnitude of the vibratory signal.

Abstract: An automatically unfoldable beekeeping apparatus includes: a bottom unit installed in a loading unit of a vehicle; a shelf frame rotatably coupled to an end of the bottom unit; a first link unit configured to connect the bottom unit and the shelf frame to each other, support the shelf frame disposed in a vertical state by being bent into the shelf frame when the shelf frame is folded, and support the shelf frame disposed in a horizontally state by being unfolded to the outside of the shelf frame when the shelf frame is unfolded; and a first driving unit configured to connect the bottom unit and the first link unit to each other and dispose the shelf frame connected to the first link unit in a vertical or horizontal state by rotating the first link unit in one direction or the other direction.

Abstract: A mobile quantitative feeding-spraying integrated system and method. The system includes at least one hull equipped with a propeller, a feeder housing fixedly arranged on the hull, a feed box arranged on the feeder housing, a flip assembly provided at an upper end of the feed box, a blanking device arranged in the feeder housing to quantitatively control the bait blanking amount, a casting device and a spraying device. An upper end of the blanking device is a feeding end, which supports and is connected to the lower end of the feed box. A lower end of the blanking device is the discharging end. An upper side of the casting device is connected with the lower end of the blanking device, and the lower side of the casting device is provided with a discharging end facing the aquaculture water body.

Abstract: A system to convert a framed, open-top, aquarium to a terrarium or vivarium is provided. An attachment device includes a core member having a sidewall groove to accept the insertion of an enclosure sidewall and an aquarium flange groove to accept the insertion of a flange extending from the interior surface of an aquarium frame.

Abstract: In the breeding of aquatic products, keeping track of changes in the water quality environment is an urgent aquaculture problem to be solved. At present, single sensors are often used for data detection, and there is no coordination between the sensors or between sensors and actuators, resulting in a lack of a unified monitoring and control mechanism. The current invention discloses a holding tank monitoring system based on a wireless sensor network and a monitoring method provided thereof characterized by an unattended operation and automated execution by obtaining environmental data of a holding tank in real-time, and analyzing the data using a suitably trained machine learning algorithm and causing a control action on the actuator to perform a corrective action on the holding tank for optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting live insects in a secure and environmentally controlled manner. The systems include containers and packaging for transporting the live insects at a controlled temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a rod and a reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing, the spool configured to rotate about an axis to retrieve or let out a fishing line, a drive mechanism concentric with the axis, the drive mechanism configured to receive rotational kinetic energy from a user and drive the spool to take-up fishing line when a counter-torque provided to the spool by the fishing line is less than a target torque, and a drag mechanism. The drag mechanism is configured to be driven by the drive mechanism and at least one of (a) drive the spool to take-up the fishing line when the counter-torque provided to the spool by the fishing line is less than the target torque or (b) provide a drag force to the spool when the counter-torque provided to the spool by the fishing line is less than the target torque.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a rod and a reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing, the spool configured to rotate about a central axis to retrieve or let out fishing line, and a gear set configured to drive the spool to rotate about the central axis, the gear set includes a first set of gears and a second set of gears. The gear set is configured to receive input rotational kinetic energy through the second set of gears and output rotational kinetic energy to the spool through the first set of gears. The first set of gears includes a planetary gear set arranged about the central axis, and the second set of gears is arranged about an offset axis that is spaced from the central axis.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a rod and a reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a housing and a spool positioned within the housing and configured to (a) rotate about an axis to retrieve or let out a fishing line and (b) translate along the axis to adjust a drag, the spool including an inner volume. The reel assembly further includes a spindle disposed within the inner volume of the spool and having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spindle engaged with the spool, a drive mechanism configured to receive an input torque from a user and provide an output torque to the spool, and a lever assembly configured to receive a user input and translate the spool along the axis towards a second end of the reel to adjust the drag.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a rod and a reel assembly. The reel assembly includes a housing, a spool positioned within the housing and configured to (a) rotate about an axis to retrieve or let out a fishing line and (b) translate along the axis to adjust a drag, wherein the spool comprises an inner volume, a spindle disposed within the inner volume of the spool and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the spindle is engaged with the spool, a drive configured to receive an input torque from a user and provide an output torque to the spool, and a lever. The lever assembly configured to receive a user input and translate the spool along the axis towards a second end of the reel to adjust the drag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ovitrap (10) and novel method of controlling mosquito populations comprising the use of light (20) to create a photo stimulus, causing mosquito larvae (102) to move from a location (Va), where gravid mosquitoes have deposited their eggs, in a direction away from the light, to a location (Vb). where they are trapped and killed. The ovitrap utilises this behaviour to more effectively capture and kill larvae. The ovitrap comprises a container (12), a cover (14), and a means (16) for dividing the container (12) into two regions (101; 102), which in use are filled with water, and which communicate via an opening (26) such that a volume (Vb) below the means (16) defines a larvae (102) trapping region, and a volume (Va) above the means (16) defines an egg (101) receiving region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for nozzle control. The system includes an overall system pressure valve, configured to adjust the pressure of an agricultural product within a boom. A master node is configured to receive an overall system flow rate measurement, an overall target flow rate, and an overall system pressure measurement, the master node configured to adjust the overall system pressure valve to control the pressure of the agricultural product. A plurality of smart nozzles are configured to dispense the agricultural product, the plurality of smart nozzles each associated with an electronic control unit (ECU) and one or more individual nozzle, the smart nozzle is configured to control a nozzle flow rate of the associated one or more individual nozzles.

Abstract: An animal trap is provided that includes a plurality of posts and a net structure. The net structure is attached to the posts. The net structure has a width that extends between an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, a first length that extends between a first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second length that extends between the first and second lengthwise ends at the lower lateral edge. The net structure includes a net and an upper cord. The upper cord is attached to the net. The net structure is configurable in a set configuration having an interior trap region. In the set configuration, the net structure has a first circumference at the upper lateral edge and a second circumference at the lower lateral edge. The first circumference is greater than the second circumference.

Abstract: An animal trap is provided that includes a plurality of posts and a net structure. The net structure is attached to the posts. The net structure has a width that extends between an upper lateral edge and a lower lateral edge, a first length that extends between a first lengthwise end and a second lengthwise end at the upper lateral edge, and a second length that extends between the first and second lengthwise ends at the lower lateral edge. The net structure includes a net and an upper cord. The upper cord is attached to the net. The net structure is configurable in a set configuration having an interior trap region. In the set configuration, the net structure has a first circumference at the upper lateral edge and a second circumference at the lower lateral edge. The first circumference is greater than the second circumference.

Abstract: A rat attractant composition is disclosed which includes one or more isolated additives. The composition is attractive to at least rats of the species Rattus norvegicus. Devices including the rat attractant composition and methods of using a rat attractant composition are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rodent repellant device that is placed on the floor and emits a movable light beam in the local area causing rodents to flee. The light source is operable to move within the plane parallel to the floor and the light beam remains within a selected angle. The selected angle of the light beam is within 90 degrees and may be controlled using a convex lens. In this manner the light beams are prevented from reaching human eye level and disturbing human activity. The light source may be an array of light sources mounted on top of a body and positioned to emit light beams in 360 degrees. The device may incorporate ultrasonic speakers to maximize disturbance to rodents, and elements such as light sensors so that the device operates at night when rodents are active.

Abstract: A barrier system includes a substantially vertical structure with a coating layer disposed on and circumscribing a majority of the substantially vertical structure. The coating layer has a height of at least 0.25 inches, has a dried film thickness of at least 5 mils, and has an average surface roughness (Ra) of less than 10 microns.

Abstract: A scent vaporizing and distribution device uses an electric heating element to rapidly vaporize a liquid scent material. An airflow generator is used to create a distribution airflow that distributes the vapor from the device. The airflow generator can be an electric-powered fan or a manually-powered pump or squeezable bladder. The liquid scent material can include a glycol or a water-glycol mixture. A scent material such as liquid or powdered deer urine or a pleasant scent that can be used as a room or automobile or room freshener is mixed with the liquid. The vapor generator can be removable and replaceable such that different scents can be used with a single airflow generator or an empty generator can be replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclosporin analog and use thereof, and in particular relates to a compound and use thereof as a mitochondrial protective agent for storing a donated organ. The compound is a compound of formula 1 or a salt thereof, wherein n is 2-5, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from H or C1-C4 alkyl, wherein R1 and R2 can be linked together to form a C3-C5 heteroalkyl ring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a field of stem cell preservation and in particular to use of an aqueous solution comprising polyethylene glycol (PEG) having a molecular weight about 35000 Da as an extracellular agent for preserving stem cells.

Abstract: A living body specimen transport device for receiving multiple living body specimens has a frame, a rotating bracket, and a storage assembly. The rotating bracket can be rotated with respect to the frame. The storage assembly can receive a container with a living body specimen and be rotated with respect to the rotating bracket. A center of gravity of the storage assembly is lower than a pivoting point where the rotating bracket is mounted on the frame and a pivoting point where the storage assembly is mounted on the rotating bracket. With such structure, even when the living body specimen transport device is vibrated and shaken during transporting and then the frame of the living body specimen transport device is tilted or turned over, the rotating bracket and the storage assembly can rotate to be vertical by themselves, which keeps the living body specimen being soaked in the preservation solution.

Abstract: An organ container includes a bag-shaped or tube-shaped insulating sheet. The insulating sheet has an opening and is capable of containing an organ inserted in an inner space through the opening. The insulating sheet is formed of an extra flexible material. The insulating sheet has a hardness less than or equal to F45 according to a durometer hardness test compliant with JIS K 6253-3:2012. Accordingly, in the transplantation of an organ with a variety of sizes and shapes into a recipient, the organ container is capable of covering the surface of the organ along the surface of the organ while holding the organ. The organ container suppresses a further outward spread of the organ, thereby ensuring the field of operation and reducing the possibility of interfering with the work of a surgeon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oil-in-water type pest repellent composition containing the following components (A) to (C): (A) 13% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less of at least one non-volatile liquid oily component selected from the group consisting of a silicone oil, an ester oil, an ether oil, a hydrocarbon oil, an aliphatic alcohol, and a polyhydric alcohol, the non-volatile liquid oily component having a surface tension at 25° C. of 40 mN/m or less and a viscosity at 23° C. as measured with a B-type rotational viscometer of 400 mPa·s or less; (B) 0.5% by mass or more and 35% by mass or less of hydrophobic particles having a volume median particle diameter of 0.1 ?m or more and 40 ?m or less; and (C) 30% by mass or more and 86.5% by mass or less of water.

Abstract: Agricultural compositions comprising emulsifier systems for a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient are disclosed. One such composition includes a pesticidal natural oil active ingredient and an emulsifier system with a first component selected from glyceryl oleate, ethoxylated oleate, and ethoxylated soybean oil; and a second component comprising ethoxylated castor oil; wherein the ratio between the first component and said second component is between 1:3 and 3:1; and where the emulsifier system disperses the pesticidal natural oil active ingredient in a water emulsion. Methods for providing agricultural compositions and applications to control one or more pests are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlling for an effective pore size using removable pore-forming substances and physically incorporated, non-leaching antimicrobials. A flexible intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite controlled for an effective pore size composited physically incorporated, high-surface area, non-leaching antimicrobials, optionally in which the physically incorporated non-leaching antimicrobial exposes nanopillars on its surface to enhance antimicrobial activity. A kit that enhances the effectiveness of the intrinsically antimicrobial absorbent porosic composite by storing the composite within an antimicrobial container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antiviral composition. The antiviral composition of the invention is applied to textiles to make the textiles virus-resistant before they can be used. The antiviral composition includes an antiviral agent, one or more binding agents and a catalyst or a softener depending upon the utility of the antiviral composition.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for systemic delivery of at least one cargo in a vascular plant. Compositions may include at least one cargo delivery particle, having a core and a shell; and at least one cargo disposed on the shell. The core may include at least one micronutrient. The shell may include a coating material. The at least one cargo delivery particle may have a size of less than about 10 nanometers. Methods may include administering an effective amount of the compositions to a plant.

Abstract: Herbicidal microcapsules containing a combination of herbicides are described. In particular, the herbicidal microcapsules include a core material comprising an acetamide herbicide and a second herbicide and a shell wall encapsulating the core material. Also described are processes for preparing the microcapsules, various herbicidal compositions containing the microcapsules, and methods of preparing and using the herbicidal compositions.

Abstract: A first decontaminating formulation includes a volatile solvent, a non-volatile encapsulating agent that is soluble in the volatile solvent, and a microfiber composition dispersed in the volatile solvent, wherein the microfiber composition forms a three-dimensional microfiber network within the volatile solvent. A second decontaminating formulation includes a volatile solvent and a non-volatile encapsulating agent that is soluble in the volatile solvent, wherein the non-volatile encapsulating agent has a melt point above 37 degrees Celsius. As the volatile solvent evaporates, the microfiber network collapses to trap a contaminant and/or the non-volatile encapsulating agent solidifies around the contaminant to immobilize and eliminate the contaminant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to methods and compositions for altering the production of one or more secondary plant metabolites comprising applying an effective amount of at least one elicitor, wherein the elicitor is a jasmonate or a salicylate, and combinations thereof. The disclosure further teaches compositions comprising effective amounts of the elicitors disclosed here. The disclosure further relates to methods and compositions for controlling plant pathogens, such as fungal pathogens.

Abstract: The various aspects presented herein relate to the field of antimicrobial compositions and their use as antibacterial agents, or their use for the preparation of antimicrobially active perfuming compositions and consumer products.

Abstract: The invention relates to synergistic herbicidal mixtures and compositions comprising triclopyr (3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid), a salt thereof and/or an ester thereof, and at least one phosphate ester adjuvant, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for controlling glyphosate-resistant weeds that includes a step for applying, to glyphosate-resistant weeds or a habitat for glyphosate-resistant weeds, ethyl [3-[2-chloro-4-fluoro-5(1-methyl-6-trifluoromethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidin-3-yl)phenoxy]-2-pyridyloxy] acetate in an amount of 5-200 g per 10000 m2. The present invention thus makes it possible to provide a method for achieving excellent control effects in weed control.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an agricultural formulation comprising 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydroinden-4-yl]pyrazole-4-carboxamide and sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate and polyoxyethylene tristyrylphenol phosphate, potassium salt. The present invention is further related to an agricultural formulation comprising 3-(difluoromethyl)-1-methyl-N-[(3R)-1,1,3-trimethyl-2,3-dihydroinden-4-yl]pyrazole-4-carboxamide, ethaboxam, metalaxyl, mandestrobin, methyloxirane polymer, sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate condensate, a mixture of sodium salt of alkyl vinyl ether/maleic acid half-ester copolymer and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and polyoxyethylene tristyrylphenol phosphate, potassium salt. The present invention is further directed to a process for preparing the agricultural formulations and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A herbicidal combination comprising: at least one organophosphorus herbicide; clomazone; and at least one chlorophyll and heme biosynthesis inhibitor for controlling pre-emergent and post-emergent weeds.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to FR901464 and/or spliceostatin C compounds and their use as herbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to compositions for crop protection and to a method for controlling unwanted vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal mixtures and their methods and uses for controlling undesirable vegetation in glufosinate-tolerant corn, wherein the herbicidal mixtures comprise L-glufosinate and at least one herbicidal compound II selected from clethodim, cycloxydim, haloxyfop, haloxyfop-methyl, haloxyfop-P, haloxyfop-P-methyl, quizalofop, quizalofop-ethyl, quizalofop-tefuryl, quizalofop-P, quizalofop-P-ethyl, quizalofop-P-tefuryl, chlorimuron, chlorimuron-ethyl, foramsulfuron, halosulfuron, halosulfuron-methyl, iodosulfuron, iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium, nicosulfuron, prosulfuron, rimsulfuron, thifensulfuron, thifensulfuron-methyl, tritosulfuron, imazamox, imazamox ammonium, imazapic, imazapic ammonium, imazapyr, imazapyr isopropylammonium, imazethapyr, imazethapyr ammonium, diclosulam, flumetsulam, florasulam, metosulam, thiencarbazone, thiencarbazone-methyl, atrazine, simazine, ter-buthylazin, bromoxynil and its salts and esters, bentazone, bentazone-sodium, pyridate, carfentrazone, carfentrazon

Abstract: Compositions and methods that utilize a combination of essential oils or other plant-derived extracts or compounds and an emulsifier as an antimicrobial are provided. In some embodiments the compositions further include ozone. In some embodiments, the composition includes one or more plant essential oils, plant extracts, or plant-derived compounds, or combinations thereof, and an emulsifier (such as a saponin). The antimicrobial composition may also include water, peracetic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, and/or hydrogen peroxide. Methods of killing a microorganism, including contacting the microorganism with the disclosed antimicrobial compositions are also provided. The microorganism may be present on a food item or a food contact of non-food contact surface and may be in the form of a biofilm. In some examples, the antimicrobial composition is used one or more times (such as 1 to 5 times).

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to door knob covers, latch covers, urinal handle covers and other covers that can reversibly couple to an underlying structure. In some examples, the cover comprises a bioactive material that can kill or inactivate bioorganisms. The bioactive material can be a photocatalyst and may also comprise one or more transition metals. Methods of preventing or reducing the spread of infections using the covers are also described.