Abstract: The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line SVLD0033. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of lettuce line SVLD0033, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line SVLD0033 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line SVLD0033, including the gametes of such plants.

Abstract: The invention provides seeds and plants of broccoli hybrid SVBL0308. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of broccoli hybrid SVBL0308 and to methods for producing a broccoli plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a broccoli plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, and tissue cultures of broccoli hybrid SVBL0308 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

Abstract: Novel maize varieties that produce kernels with high levels of carotene and an aerial root mucilage, including the maize variety designated GenetecOne, and seed, plants and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant comprising crossing maize variety GenetecOne with another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into GenetecOne through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby are provided.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for generating maize plants that exhibit resistance to northern leaf blight are provided herein. Polynucleotides encoding a polypeptide that confers resistance to northern leaf blight, polynucleotide constructs comprising such, and maize plants comprising the polynucleotide constructs are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to key genes in the biosynthesis of steroidal alkaloids and saponins, including regulatory genes and enzyme-encoding genes, and to use thereof for altering the content of steroidal (glyco)alkaloids or phytosterols in plants. The present invention provides genetically modified plants or gene edited plants with altered content of steroidal (glyco)alkaloids, particularly to Solanaceous crop plants with reduced content of antinutritional steroidal glycoalkaloids and to the increase in phytosterols, including cholesterol or cholestanol in these plants. The present invention also provides methods of altering gene expression.

Abstract: A milking arrangement comprising a milking machine for milking an animal, wherein the milking arrangement comprises a control unit that is configured to obtain identity of the animal in connection with milking of the animal, obtain a reference point in time of a lactation cycle of the identified animal, determine to take at least one milk sample of the animal, when a predetermined time period has passed from the reference point in time; obtain a Haptoglobin level from the milk sample, compare the obtained Haptoglobin level with a Haptoglobin reference limit, and indicate health condition of the animal, based on the made comparison.

Abstract: A milking system configured to milk animals includes a milking station, a first milk tank, and a second milk tank, a controllable valve arrangement configured to open or close a first branch and to open or close a second branch of a milk transport conduit, to control to which tank that milk is transported, and a control device configured to control the controllable valve arrangement. The milking system includes a sensor configured to sense a property of milk present in the first milk tank or of milk flowing towards the first milk tank, or a sensor configured to sense a property of a cooling arrangement for controlling the temperature of the milk in the first milk tank. The control device is configured to control the controllable valve arrangement based on information from the sensor.

Abstract: A securement system for securing one or more calf hutches is provided. The securement system includes latch assemblies and a line. The latch assemblies are configured to be attached to the calf hutches and comprise receiver flanges and latch arms. Each receiver flange includes a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end. Each latch arm may be shifted between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot. Each latch arm is biased to the closed position.

Abstract: A securement system for securing one or more calf hutches is provided. The securement system includes latch assemblies and a line. The latch assemblies are configured to be attached to the calf hutches and comprise receiver flanges and latch arms. Each receiver flange includes a vertically-extending plate defining a locking slot with an open end. Each latch arm may be shifted between a closed position in which it blocks the open end of the locking slot and an open position in which it does not block the open end of the locking slot. Each latch arm is biased to the closed position.

Abstract: An autonomous agricultural vehicle that operates in accordance with a cleaning plan, a method for operating the vehicle, and a computer program related to operating the vehicle, wherein while the vehicle is operated, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device is monitored at a plurality of individual times, and the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle is adjusted based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel cat house device. The device is designed to provide cats with a large, cozy housing area for sleeping, eating, and/or playing. Specifically, the cat house device can be available in various sizes and shapes to house both cats and kittens of different breeds and/or sizes. The device comprises a pop-up structure which comprises a foam bed, a blanket, and additional accessories. The device can be compacted into an easy to carry device with a handle, when not in use.

Abstract: A pet crate having a top, a bottom, and a cage between the top and bottom. The cage can be engaged to and disengaged from each of the top and bottom. When engaged to the top and bottom, or when disengaged from either one or both of the top and bottom, the cage is endless and can safely hold a pet therein. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable into a closed, endless and flat configuration such that the cage can be stored between the top and bottom such that the crate as a whole in such stored configuration is generally flat. When disengaged from the top and bottom, the cage is foldable out into a fence configuration by disconnecting two ends of the cage.

Abstract: A modular inflatable pet bed includes a washable, detachable cover secured to the bed by a set of dual hook connectors. The modular pet bed is comprised of an inflatable core that is impervious to fluids and resistant to puncture. The underlying supportive bed is substantially a rectangular cuboid having an upper and lower surface separated by a width. At each of the 4 vertices associated with the lower surface exists a grommet through which a first portion of a dual hook connector is engaged. The complementary or second portion of the dual hook connector engages a corresponding grommet in a corner of the overlying cover. Upon securing the four corners of the cover to the lower portion of the supportive base, the cover forms an absorbent, washable barrier on which the pet may comfortably rest.

Abstract: A hog trap includes a fence assembly to trap the hog, and a trap door. The hog trap has upper and lower ring assemblies. The ring assemblies include bars extending partway across the top and bottom and spaced inwardly from the outer boundary of the cage to restrict hogs from climbing but provide an escape opening for deer at the top and also to restrict digging under the cage at the bottom. A bottom bar assembly is fixed inwardly of and to a lower ring, and a top bar assembly is fixed inwardly of and to an upper ring. The bottom bar assembly and the top bar assembly extend inwardly from the rings. The upper and lower ring are part of the cage and support the fence and the trap door.

Abstract: A system and method for a no spillage pet bowl designed to hold and store large amounts of water or food as well as prevent pets such as dogs from spilling the contents across the floor, the system having two different configurations where in the first configuration the bowls may be used similar to a conventional bowl and in the second configuration a replaceable head guide may be positioned within the bowl to guide the pet into the bowl and prevent water from being displaced from the bowl.

Abstract: The water-dispensing system with a dog bowl comprises a water generation system, a condensate pump, a condensate filter, a power circuit, a water storage reservoir, a housing, a release valve, and a watering device. The watering device further comprises a water pan and a housing pedestal. The housing contains the water generation system, the condensate pump, the condensate filter, the power circuit, the water storage reservoir, and the release valve. The water generation system, the condensate pump, the condensate filter, and the release valve are fluidically connected. The housing mounts on the watering device. The water generation system and the condensate pump electrically connect to the power circuit. The water generation system and the condensate pump receive electric energy from the power circuit.

Abstract: In one aspect, an EID button tag is provided herein for tagging and identifying cattle as being inoculated against brucellosis, the EID button tag including: a shell having a central opening; a transponder located in the shell; a male punch having a disc-shaped punch body and a stem extending distally therefrom, the stem having a head configured for irreversible insertion into the central opening, wherein a mounting opening is formed through the punch body with a mounting channel extending distally from the mounting opening and coaxially along the stem; and, a vaccination identification button having a disc-shaped visual identification body and a mounting stem extending distally therefrom, wherein the mounting stem is configured for irreversible insertion into the mounting channel. The punch body and the visual identification body are primarily tinted with different colors to provide visual identification of a head of cattle being inoculated against brucellosis.

Abstract: A system may include a memory and a processor in communication with the memory. The processor may be configured to perform operations to accept ecosystem data and detect, analyze, and notify a user about a species in an environment. The system analysis and notification may include impact determination of the species on the environment and shall learn from the received and analyzed data, bringing intelligence to the system.

Abstract: A dog vest has a back piece configured for covering at least a portion of the dog's back and sides, and a front piece configured for covering at least a portion of the dog's chest and belly. The back piece has left and right side panels for covering at least a portion of the dog's left and right sides. Each of the left and right side panels has a forward hinged flap overlying a forward portion of the side panel, and a rearward hinged flap overlying a rearward portion of the side panel. The front piece has left and right forward straps, the free ends of which are adapted to be releasably engaged between the forward flap and the underlying portion of the side panel of the left and right side panels, respectively, and left and right rearward tabs, the free ends of which are adapted to be releasably engaged between the rearward flaps and the underlying portion of the side panel on the left and right side panels respectively.

Abstract: An animal snare includes an elongated barrel and first and second carriages slidably supported on the barrel. The first and second carriages are interconnected by a cord. A snare extends out the first end of the barrel and has at least one end affixed to the second carriage. An elastic member is releasably connected to the first carriage and is configured to bias the first carriage toward a fired position. The elastic member is in tension when the first carriage is in a cocked position. A trigger assembly is configured to retain the first carriage in the cocked position against the tension of the elastic member. Actuation of the trigger assembly causes release of the first carriage and permits the first carriage to travel along the barrel toward the first end to the fired position as the tension in the elastic member is released to draw the snare.

Abstract: A pet toy includes a wheel base that moves randomly or pseudo-randomly and a rod detachably connected to the wheel base configured to hold a treat or other food item desirable to the pet companion is described herein. The wheel base and/or the rod may have one or more modes of movement that may be activated based on a movement algorithm that randomly or pseudo-randomly moves/turns the wheel base and/or the rod and/or a one or more sensors that detect obstacles. A proximate end of the may be detachably connected to a corresponding rod connector of the wheel base. The distal end of the rod may be configured to grab and/or hold the food item and/or have the food item wedged into it.

Abstract: A dog harness assembly comprising: a harness body adapted to be positioned on a chest portion of a dog, a pair of restraint loops coupled with the harness body and adapted to pass respectively under the left and right foreleg pits of the dog, each loop comprising a clasp adapted to be releasably fastened to a fastening arrangement provided in the harness body; a connector located in the harness body for engaging with a locking portion of a leash for allowing a user to exert a force for controlling movements of the dog wearing said harness when the harness is connected to the leash through said connector; a key or combination actuated locking arrangement coupled with said connector to provide a lockable connection between the leash and the harness wherein in a locked configuration the leash connector is prevented from being uncoupled from the connector; wherein the locking arrangement is coupled with said fastening arrangement such that in the locked configuration the clasps of the restraint loops engage with

Abstract: A system is described herein that comprises a communications device periodically transmitting a radio frequency signal, wherein the periodically transmitted signal includes data. The system includes a receiver detecting the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including measuring strength of the periodically transmitted signal, the detecting including using the signal strength to provide a first estimate of the receiver's distance from the communications device. The system includes the communications device comprising at least one location sensor for determining an additional distance indication, wherein the data includes the additional distance indication. The system includes the receiver performing a function when the first estimate meets at least one criterion and when the additional distance indication indicates a first state.

Abstract: A system and a method for detecting animals in a region of interest are disclosed. An image that captures a scene in the region of interest is received. The image is fed to an animal detection model to produce a group of probability maps for a group of key points and a group of affinity field maps for a group of key point sets. One or more connection graphs are determined based on the group of probability maps and the group of affinity field maps. Each connection graph outlines a presence of an animal in the image. One or more animals present in the region of interest are detected based on the one or more connection graphs.

Abstract: A hummingbird feeder for feeding hummingbirds which can utilize recyclable containers and bottles. The hummingbird feeder can include a reservoir that has a cavity and a flange along a periphery of the cavity and a feed plate is coupled to the reservoir. The feed plate has a central hole. An adapter that has a bottom portion and a top portion, the bottom portion is sealably coupled to the central hole of the feed plate and the top portion can sealably fit into a mouth of a container. The sleeve has a broad open top and a narrow bottom opening, wherein the bottom opening is configured to receive the top portion of the adapter, the sleeve configured to encase the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a submerged observation unit (6) for a fish tank, wherein the observation unit (6) is suspended in a node cable (5) from a hoist winch (3) of a surface buoy (2). The node cable (5) is torsion-resistant, wherein the node cable (5) is at its upper end wound on the hoist winch (3) having a horizontal drum axis. The observation unit (6) is arranged to be motorized and to azimuthally rotate about a vertical axis. The surface buoy (2) is arranged to be motorized and to move along a main span (10) of a surface cable (1), wherein the main span (10) is arranged to be spanned across a float ring (9) of the fish tank.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for the automated feeding of fish. In some implementations, a corresponding method may include obtaining meal configuration data including one or more parameters indicating a meal plan for feeding farmed fish; executing the meal plan based on the meal configuration data; receiving sensor data from one or more sensors during execution of the meal plan; and adjusting the execution of the meal plan based on the sensor data from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates, in part, to methods to introduce gene alleles of interest into members of a population of a species. The invention also relates to methods to prepare large numbers of organisms comprising one or more introduced alleles of interest in an otherwise wild-type genome.

Abstract: It is shown that ventral hippocampal kindling results in functional reorganization of the ventral hippocampal excitatory circuits. Most pronounced is the connectivity to the medial prefrontal cortex, with increased volume of activation on fMRI and increased amplitude of activation on electrophysiology. There is evidence of increased anxiety following kindling Methods are provided for simultaneous LFP-fMRI to image single seizures Imaging the spatiotemporal dynamics of individual seizures enables characterization of propagation patterns of focal and secondary-generalized seizures, that provide for targeted intervention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals expressing human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) Thrombopoietin (THPO), and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Egg laying device for flies, the device comprising:—a fly cage (20) and—a laying nest (50) which is intended to receive the eggs laid by flies which are enclosed in the cage (20), in which device the cage (20) is passed through by at least one egg laying aperture (54) which opens towards the exterior of the cage via an external opening (56), and wherein the laying nest (50) is arranged outside the cage and defines an egg laying zone (52) which extends opposite the external opening (56).

Abstract: An apparatus for growing invertebrates, such as arthropods, rheumatoid worms and nematodes is described. The apparatus includes a rotatable casing defining a chamber and at least one growing platform inside said casing. Inside the casing there is a group of first pipes having a pipe wall. The first pipes are configured to act as growing platforms providing growing spaces for the invertebrates. Preferably the number of first pipes is more than three. The first pipes may be immovably attached to the casing.

Abstract: A fishing jig and method are disclosed. The fishing jig includes a head, a body, and a tail having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of converging edges disposed on the tail. The plurality of converging edges are separated at the proximal end at the body and converge along a length of the tail to a point of convergence at the distal end. Operably placing the jig on a hook in a first configuration controls movement of the tail in a vertical axis and inhibits movement of the tail in a horizontal axis while jigging. Operably placing the jig on the hook in a second configuration controls movement of the tail in the horizontal axis and inhibits movement of the tail in the vertical axis while jigging.

Abstract: A spinning fishing reel includes a housing, a line spool reciprocatingly moveable relative to the housing, a rotor rotatable relative to the line spool, a gear disc rotatably mounted inside the housing, and a handle assembly. The gear disc includes a shaft tube, and an internal thread portion and a stop portion both provided at an inner wall of the shaft tube. The handle assembly includes a handle and a drive shaft having a first end pivotally connected with the handle. The drive shaft has an external thread portion engaged with the internal thread portion of the gear disc in a way that the drive shaft is penetrated through an opening of the housing and inserted into the shaft tube of the gear disc, and a second end of the drive shaft is abutted against the stop portion of the gear disc.

Abstract: A holder for securing a rod, having a rod end and an oppositely disposed rod tip, to a boat top having at least a first pole and a spaced-apart second pole, includes a rod end assembly that includes a first clamp that is securable to the first pole and a rod end extension that is configured to secure the rod end, the rod end. A rod tip assembly includes a second clamp that is securable to the second pole and a rod tip extension that is configured to secure the rod tip. The rod end assembly and the rod tip assembly each include an angular adjustment mechanism that adjusts an angle of each of the rod end assembly and the rod tip assembly so as to align the rod end extension with the rod tip extension.

Abstract: A shoe is for a hoof of an animal. The shoe has a sole for being mounted to an underside of the hoof of the animal. The shoe comprises at least two fixation areas for fixing the shoe to the hoof in operational use, wherein the fixation areas are located on opposite sides of the hoof, each fixation area comprising at least one protruding element, which penetrates, in operational use, into the hoof for fixing a position of the fixation area relative to the hoof. Each fixation area is connected with the sole by at least one elastic connection. The shoe can comprise an elastic clipping element for applying by an internal pretension force in the elastic clipping element, in operational use, an inwardly-directed pressure on the fixation areas for pressing the protruding elements into the hoof. A mounting tool is configured for applying the elastic clipping element to the shoe.

Abstract: A liquid ant bait pack having a primary bait well and a plurality of feeding reservoirs for holding liquid bait is provided in which the walls of the feeding reservoirs as well as the primary bait well are sloped to facilitate ant access to the liquid bait held therein while reducing the risk of the ants falling into the bait and drowning. Ant access is further facilitated by dry platform areas positioned between the reservoirs. The inclusion of multiple feeding reservoirs, the bait well and the dry platform areas provides an increased area over which ants can simultaneously access the bait. The entrance to the bait pack is sealed during manufacture and then readily opened by the consumer using a tear-off tab that can removed without the need for any tools.

Abstract: A monitoring camera includes a housing having a tip end cylindrical portion in which a lens is disposed, the tip end cylindrical portion being covered with a front glass, an eave member that is provided on an upper surface of the housing and that has a tip end flange portion protruding forward from the front glass, and a repellent member that is provided at the tip end flange portion and contains a drug for repelling a pest such as a spider.

Abstract: An agricultural sprayer includes a boom assembly having first and second wing boom sections. Additionally, the sprayer includes an actuator configured to adjust a fore/aft tilt angle of the boom assembly, with the fore/aft tilt angle defined between a central axis of the boom assembly and a vertical direction. Moreover, the sprayer includes a sensor configured to capture data associated with a position of the second boom section relative to the first boom section. In this respect, a computing system is configured to determine an angle defined between the first and second boom sections or a height of a tip of the second boom section based on the data captured by the sensor. In addition, the computing system is configured to control an operation of the actuator to adjust the fore/aft tilt angle of the boom assembly based on the determined angle or the determined height.

Abstract: A carbon fiber boom structure for an agricultural sprayer boom, the boom structure including an elongated upper carbon fiber tube, at least one elongated lower carbon fiber and a carbon fiber/resin matrix uniting structure bonded to each of the carbon fiber tubes to hold the tubes in a spaced apart position. The uniting structure being formed in a winding operation by applying windings of a carbon fiber string with a liquid resin around portions of the tubes, the windings and resin matrix defining an inner primary layer and an outer primary layer, wherein the inner primary layer is bonded to a surface portion of each tube while the outer primary layer is bonded to a remaining surface portion of each tube to completely, or essentially completely, envelope each tube by the portions of the two primary layers.

Abstract: A system for treating plants, in particular in agriculture, comprising a spray boom (RP) provided with a plurality of spray nozzles (BPi) supplied by a spray control device, and comprising a set of cameras (CAk) capable of capturing images of an area to be treated, a digital processing device capable of analyzing the images captured by the camera, identifying plants to be treated and applying commands to the spray control device with a view to selectively spraying a product on plants to be treated, each camera (CAk) being capable of capturing images of the crop area.

Abstract: A removeable, adhesive pad sticker used to augment any existing rodent trap by affixation to the top face of the rodent trap. It has an adhesive pad facing up in the region of the bait station. When the rodent steps on it and stops to take the bait, they are no longer capable of quickly moving when they activate the trap's trigger and the kill bar of the rodent trap is released. Even if the rodent does not reach the bait station, their jiggling efforts to extricate their feet and/or lower body from the adhesive wrapper will activate the trigger. This addition to a snap trap raises the kill ratio to approximately 100% but more importantly, allows the kill bar to strike the rodent behind the neck eliminating any unsightly mess.

Abstract: Provided is a method for freezing a cell aggregate including neural cells. Provided is a method for freezing a cell aggregate including neural cells and having a three-dimensional structure, which comprises following steps (1) and (2): (1) soaking the cell aggregate including neural cells in a cryopreservation solution at 0° C. to 30° C. prior to freezing to prepare a cryopreservation solution-soaked cell aggregate; and (2) freezing the cell aggregate including neural cells in vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen container having a temperature of ?150° C. or less.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution for cell preservation of preferably mammalian cells, which can be used for cell preservation as a cryoprotectant or as a pharmaceutical product or excipient. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for preserving cells using the aqueous solution for cell preservation, and to a method for defrosting cells which are frozen in the aqueous solution.

Abstract: Presented herein are ready to administer (RTA) retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell therapy compositions for the treatment of retinal degenerative diseases and injuries. A method of formulating human RPE cells for administration to a subject directly after thawing and of formulating RPE cell therapy compositions for cryopreservation and administration of the cryopreserved composition to a subject subsequent to thawing are also presented. In another aspect, the RTA composition may be formulated as a thaw and inject (TAI) composition, whereby the composition is administered by injection subsequent to thawing.

Abstract: An organ preservation system having; an organ chamber with a perfusate reservoir, a pump arranged to circulate perfusate, from the reservoir and passes the perfusate through a dialysis filter, oxygenator, and temperature and pressure sensors prior to entering the chamber where an organ is perfused. The organ rests on the platform such that perfusate leaving the organ flows into the perfusate reservoir. The dialysis filter having permeable tubes which allow perfusate constituents to be exchanged with dialysate flowing through the dialysis filter. The dialysate pass through an ion exchange resin removing selected constituents or waste products from the dialysate by absorption by the ion exchange resin. Following waste absorption, the dialysate is recycled to the dialyzer to again remove waste. Removing waste products from the perfusate by dialysis followed by removal of the waste products from the dialysate with the exchange resin, enables dialysate reuse for extended duration.

Abstract: Provided a vitrification freezing carrier includes a tube body of a hollow structure with an opened end provided with a matching part, a tube cap provided with a covering part of a hollow structure with one end closed and matching the matching part and provided with an extending part connected to the covering part, a carrying rod arranged on a side, facing an interior of the tube body, of the covering part and capable of extending into the tube body, and an auxiliary sampling mechanism including a carrier body provided with a locking part configured to be matched with the covering part to drive the covering part to move and an elastic reset assembly arranged on the carrier body and including a driving part and an elastic part driven by the driving part and capable of being selectively connected to the extending part in a matched manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the bud opening and/or longevity of cut flowers by exposing the cut flowers to an oxytocin solution and/or a variant and/or derivative thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an antibacterial liquid with excellent temporal stability in which caking due to sedimentation of solid components does not occur and with which a film capable of stably maintaining antibacterial properties can be formed, in a case of being formed into a film. Also provided are an antibacterial film formed using the antibacterial liquid, and a spray and a cloth including the antibacterial liquid. The antibacterial liquid includes an antibacterial microparticle, a binder, and a solvent, in which the antibacterial microparticle contains a silver-supporting inorganic oxide, the binder includes at least one compound having a siloxane bond, the solvent includes an alcohol and water, the concentration of solid contents is less than 5% by mass with respect to the total mass of the antibacterial liquid, and the content of the compound having a siloxane bond is 60% by mass or more with respect to the total solid content of the antibacterial liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for controlling the metabolism of a branched fatty acid including, bringing (a) one or more compounds selected from a compound represented by the following general formula (1) into contact with a microorganism to control the metabolism of a branched fatty acid of the microorganism, RO—(C2H4O)n—H??(1) wherein R is a linear aliphatic hydrocarbon group with 9 or more and 16 or less carbons, and n is 0 or 1.