Abstract: A waste receptacle (4) for animal excreta, the waste receptacle comprising: a base and at least one sidewall upstanding from the base, the base and at least one sidewall cooperating to define a housing having an internal void, a periphery of said at least one sidewall remote from said base defining an opening to said void; a platform support (41) coupled to said at least one sidewall in the vicinity of said sidewall periphery; and a platform (11) supportable by said platform support to partly obstruct said opening, said platform comprising first (13) and second (15) platform parts that are pivotally coupled to one another, neighbouring peripheral walls of said first and second platform parts each comprising a recess (202, 204), the recess in the peripheral wall of said first platform part cooperating with the recess in the peripheral wall of said second platform part to define an access port (5) for enabling an animal to access the internal void of the housing via said access port, said neighbouring walls of

Abstract: Methods of making a pet grooming and skin care appliance and grooming an animal with the appliance by rotating the appliance with a hand held power drill. The appliance includes a drum secured to a rigid arbor. The drum defines an axis of rotation and has an array of flexible and resilient fingers of specific durometer extending radially outward from the axis of rotation. The arbor extends coaxially away from a proximal end of the drum.

Abstract: A pet hair removal apparatus has a plurality of engagement members. The apparatus operates in a plurality of different operational engagement position in which different engagement members contact the surface to remove pet hair from the surface depending on which operational engagement position the apparatus is positioned. In one operational engagement position, two or more engagement members, that are different types of engagement members, simultaneously contact the surface. In another operational engagement position, only one type of engagement member contacts the surface to remove pet hair from the surface.

Abstract: A pet hair removal apparatus has a plurality of engagement members. The apparatus has a handle and connected base member. At the end of the handle is a pointed end defined by a pointed tip. The pointed end and pointed tip operates in an operational engagement position to remove pet hair from the surface of an inanimate object, such as a couch or other fabric. The pointed end removes hair or other debris that are in or near a crease or crevice of the fabric. This operational engagement position is one of a number of other operational engagement positions for the pet hair removal apparatus.

Abstract: A device for scent training an animal includes a housing having a front panel in which at least one scent opening is formed, at least one sensor for each scent opening, at least one closeable target scent container for receiving a target scent substance, a coupling device for the target scent containers, a reward device for issuing a reward to the animal, and a control device coupled to the sensors, the coupling device, and the reward device. Each sensor monitors whether the animal puts its nose into the respective scent opening and sends a corresponding notification signal to the control device. The control device activates the coupling device and the reward device in dependence on the notification signals and/or according to a predetermined program.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a chew toy includes a first portion that can removably couple to a second portion of the chew toy. An outer surface of the first portion has a first opening to the interior of the chew toy. The second portion includes a first end, and the first end of the second portion includes a first surface for supporting the base of a chew that is larger than the first opening in a plane parallel to the first opening. When the second portion is removably coupled to the first portion the first surface is disposed in the interior of the chew toy and is offset from the first opening along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the first opening.

Abstract: This application relates to a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In one aspect, the computer-readable storage medium includes instructions configured to cause a processor for calculating an appropriate feed amount based on animal characteristic information to receive one or more pieces of first animal characteristic information. The one or more pieces of first animal characteristic information may include at least piece of activity level information of a first animal. The instructions may further cause the processor to calculate a maintenance energy requirement (MER) of the first animal, based on the received one or more pieces of first animal characteristic information and an MER calculation model.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal feeding activity detector integrated into or affixed to a feeding bowl, and which has activity sensing means, decision means, and indication means. The sensing means measures a physical quantity indicative of animal feeding activity. The decision means, comprising a microcontroller with programmed instructions, ascertains if measurements qualify as animal feeding activity. The indication means gives a spatially and temporally immediate indication of whether activity has been detected.

Abstract: A lighting system for a poultry feeding house includes a wire harness attachable to an existing feeding house shocker wire or feed auger pipe and a lighting fixture positioned beneath the wire harness and positionable on the feed auger pipe. A wire connection secured to the wire harness encapsulates wire leads to power and control the lighting fixture.

Abstract: An apparatus for housing insects, such as honeybees, is provided. A main body includes a plurality of insulated outer walls, and each wall includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and a thermal insulating layer therebetween. The walls are oriented substantially vertically and arranged to define a central chamber having a top opening and a bottom opening. An aperture defined in at least one wall creates a passage between the central chamber and an outside area. An exterior frame is attached to the outer surface of the walls. The exterior frame includes a top crosspiece, a bottom crosspiece, and one or more vertical supports connecting the top crosspiece and the bottom crosspiece. A removable insulated lid is sized to cover the top opening of the main body. A solid base is sized to cover the bottom surface of the main body and configured to support the main body.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for escape detection and mitigation for aquaculture. In some implementations, a method includes obtaining one or more images that depict one or more fish within a population of fish that are located within an enclosure; providing, to one or more detection models configured to classify fish that are depicted within the images as likely being member or as likely not being member of a type of fish, the one or images; generating, as a result of providing the one or more images to the one or more detection models, a value that reflects a quantity of fish that are depicted in the images that are likely a member of the type of fish; and detecting a condition based at least on the value.

Abstract: A method of drawing aquatic or other animal life in a fish-style tank to a clear side of the tank by providing a shelter structure affixed to an interior wall of the tank that encourages that life to enter by offering protection. The shelter structure does not obstruct people from viewing the fish from outside the tank. Treatments to the walls of the shelter can alter the opacity, color, appearance, shape and other aspects to increase the attractiveness of the shelter to the fish (or other animal), affect the behavior of the fish and provide ornamentation.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an evaluation system capable of detecting an extracellular purinergic receptor ligand minimally invasively, chronologically and systemically, and the present invention provides a genetically modified non-human animal expressing a first fusion protein and a second fusion protein for detecting an extracellular purinergic receptor ligand, in which the first fusion protein comprises a membrane protein that binds to a purinergic receptor ligand, and a first reporter protein, and the second fusion protein comprises a protein that binds to the membrane protein bound to the ligand, and a second reporter protein; and a cell thereof.

Abstract: Provided is an obsessive-compulsive disorder animal model and a production method thereof, in which a neuronal circuit connecting the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the dorsomedial striatum (DMS) is activated. In the present disclosure, it was confirmed that the BLA and DMS are connected to each other, and that when the BLA-DMS neuronal circuit is activated, there is a large increase in checking, repeating, cleaning, and collecting, which are compulsive behaviors representative of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and a decrease in cognitive flexibility. Therefore, animals in which the BLA-DMS neuronal circuit is activated may be useful as animal models for studying obsessive-compulsive disorder. In particular, the obsessive-compulsive disorder animal model can reproduce all of the compulsive behaviors and thus may become the first animal model to provide an understanding of the interactions between anxiety behaviors and compulsive behaviors, which existing animal models have not been able to provide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the mass rearing of predatory mites, mite compositions and the use thereof for biological control. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of prey mites from the genus Czenspinskia for the mass rearing of predatory mites and for controlling a pest in a crop.

Abstract: A chip-clip type snap trap for rodents is provided that includes a bait cup covered by a bait cap that prevents setting of the trap when the bait cap is in place, high side walls to properly orient a rodent before trap activation, and grip elements on the lid and base to prevent finger slippage when setting the trap. The lid and base of the trap snap together without the need for pins, fasteners or tools, providing for easy and cost-effective manufacture.

Abstract: In multiple embodiments, the avian impact mitigation system may generally include a pliable mesh that is disposed vertically in front of a window by attaching to a building and hanging down from the attachment points. In some embodiments, the system also includes one or more weighted masses that are attached to a bottom portion of the pliable mesh via one or more deformable members. In many embodiments, the combination of the one or more weighted masses attached to the pliable mesh by the one or more deformable members allows for a gentle and gradual transference of the bird's kinetic energy to the one or more weighted masses by absorbing and dispersing the kinetic energy to decelerate the bird safely and rebound the bird away from the window without making contact with the window.

Abstract: An insect barrier base system includes a base, at least one column defining a top column end and a bottom column end, the column further defining a periphery, wherein the bottom column end communicates with the base, insect-trapping material positioned around the periphery of the at least one column between the top column end and the bottom column end, and a tray communicating with the top column end, the tray configured to hold an item.

Abstract: A ladder tree stand comprises a ladder, a platform carriage multi-pivotably coupled to the ladder, and a platform movably coupled to the platform carriage. A hinge comprises a first post and a male hinge node extending therefrom, and a second post and a female hinge node extending therefrom. The male hinge node and the female hinge node are configured to mate together and to cooperate to pivot relative to each other about a first axis, prevent substantial rotation of the first post relative to the second post about a second axis, and limit a pivotal range of motion between the first post and the second post. A foldable ladder comprises a first runged section, a second runged section, and a hinge pivotally coupling the first runged section to the second runged section.

Abstract: A foldable decoy panel that is adapted to be folded to form a wild game body of a deployable decoy system, as well as a corresponding kit, a corresponding deployable decoy system, and corresponding manufacturing and deploying methods. The foldable decoy panel includes: a central portion; and a plurality of peripheral flaps pivotally mounted to the central portion and pivotable about fold lines acting as hinges to configure the decoy panel in a deployed three-dimensional configuration forming a decoy hollow body representing the wild game body.

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) contacting a cell aggregate including neural cells and having a three-dimensional structure with a preservation solution at 0° C. to 30° C. prior to freezing to prepare a preservation solution-soaked cell aggregate; and (2) cooling the preservation solution-soaked cell aggregate obtained in step (1) from a temperature at least about 5° C. higher than the freezing point of the preservation solution to a temperature about 5° C. lower than the freezing point at an average cooling speed of 2 to 7° C./min to freeze the cell aggregate.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an agricultural composition for providing UV-A and/or UV-B protection to plants and parts thereof, the composition comprising at least one wax, at least one lignin, at least one emulsifier, water, optionally calcium carbonate, and optionally a solvent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin in the composition is from 100:1 to 100:200 based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin. Furthermore, the present invention refers to the use of such an agricultural composition for UV-A and/or UV-B protection of plants and parts thereof as well as to the use of the combination of at least one wax and at least one lignin as UV-A and/or UV-B protecting agent, wherein the ratio of wax:lignin is from 100:1 to 100:200 based on the dry weight of the wax and the lignin.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition and smart packaging methods for extending the shelf life of the agricultural produces. The composition comprising active ingredients, which act as a signal molecule to activate a defense mechanism with a flower, greens, fruit, or vegetable. The product is designed in the desired form (like sachet, Spray, crate, covering paper, etc.), which includes the encapsulated powder of the active ingredient which is released in a sustained manner near the farm/agricultural produce. When the volatile active ingredient is released it slows down the ethylene biosynthesis pathway and restricts microbial growth of fresh produce without any expensive technologies (refrigeration) and harmful chemicals (toxic). It can be adopted to any stage of the fruits and vegetable supply chain.

Abstract: This disclosure provides agrochemical compositions and methods of manufacturing and using the same. In embodiments, the present disclosure relates to agrochemical compositions comprising one or more pheromones.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of control of different fungal diseases in the agricultural industry. Specifically, the invention reports conjugates between biopolymers and a photoactivable agent, which when activated by light generates singlet oxygen, a species known for its antimicrobial capacity. The invention also relates to methods of production of these conjugates and their uses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing an attapulgite-based pH-responsive antibacterial material, including: directly spraying a natural aldehyde-based antibacterial agent onto an attapulgite powder under stirring, and constantly stirring the attapulgite powder for 20-30 min; grinding the attapulgite powder in a ball mill for 30-60 min to obtain a ground attapulgite powder; placing the ground attapulgite powder in a stirred tank, and spraying a chitosan-citric acid aqueous solution onto the ground attapulgite powder; after spraying, constantly stirring the ground attapulgite powder for 30-120 min; and finally drying the ground attapulgite powder to obtain a dried attapulgite powder, sieving the dried attapulgite powder to obtain a sieved attapulgite powder, and packaging the sieved attapulgite powder to obtain the antibacterial material.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of an organometallic coordination complex or its phytopharmaceutically acceptable salt of a Mm+ metal and of at least one L ligand, where Mm+ is a transition metal having an oxidation number m, L is a ligand of general formula (VII) or its anion, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of oxygen, mono or polycyclic alkyl, naphthalene residue, anthracene residue and their hydroxylated or ketone derivatives; R2 and R3 are identical or different and are selected independently of each other from hydrogen, halogen, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a linear or branched alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or R2 and R3 together forming a benzene derivative; R6, R7 and R8 are identical or different and independently of each other are selected from hydrogen, a hydroxyl group, an alkoxy group, a linear or branched alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a phenyl group, an aryl group in the treatment of Xylella fastidiosa in a plant.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to clethodim compositions comprising crop oil concentrates and an acidifier. The present invention is further directed to methods of controlling weeds comprising mixing clethodim compositions comprising crop oil concentrates and an acidifier with acetochlor to create a tank mix and applying the tank mix to the weeds or an area in need of weed control.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of the present invention concern an herbicidal combination, such as a premix concentrate or a tank mix, comprising 1% to 10% of a triketone herbicide, such as a benzoylcyclohexane-1,3-dione, and 30% to 50% of a diphenylether herbicide, such as a 2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid. Certain embodiments comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, mesotrione and oxyfluorfen. Particular compositions comprise an aqueous composition comprising oxyfluorfen, mesotrione, a surfactant, a freeze/thaw agent, a defoaming agent, a rheology agent, and an antimicrobial agent. A method for using disclosed combinations comprises applying a combination to a locus where undesired vegetation is present or may be present.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of using exogenous antioxidant compounds and additives for Cannabis and hemp production and growth and methods for enhancing the production of secondary metabolites and alleviating stress in Cannabis and hemp plants are described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of pesticidal compositions are described herein, including synergistic pesticidal compositions comprising: benzovindiflupyr, bixafen, boscalid, cyproconazole, fenpicoxamid, fenpyrazimine, florylpicoxamid, flutriafol, fluxapyroxad, isopyrazam, isotianil, kresoxim-methyl, metrafenone, oxathiapiprolin, penflufen, penthiopyrad, picoxystrobin, prothioconazole, pydiflumetofen, revysol, sedaxane, trifloxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, cyprodinil, metalaxyl, epoxiconazole, propiconazole, difenoconazole, fludioxonil, mancozeb, tebuconazole, valifenalate, in combination with a C4-C10 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid and methods for delivery of pesticidal active ingredients. Some pesticidal compositions and methods as described are directed to compositions and methods for increasing the efficacy of fungicides.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to a compound of Formula (I), and compositions and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: An antibacterial and antifungal polyester laminated structure is provided, and includes a main structure support layer and an antibacterial and antifungal functional layer. The main structure support layer is formed of a polyester material, and the main structure support layer enables the polyester laminated structure to have an impact-resistant strength of not less than 20 kg-cm/cm. The antibacterial and antifungal functional layer is formed of an antibacterial and antifungal polyester material, and the antibacterial and antifungal polyester material includes an antibacterial and antifungal additive. The antibacterial and antifungal additive includes a plurality of glass beads that are dispersed in the antibacterial and antifungal functional layer. A plurality of silver nanoparticles are distributed on an outer surface of each of the glass beads, and the antibacterial and antifungal additive enables the antibacterial and antifungal functional layer to have antibacterial and antifungal capabilities.

Abstract: An antibacterial and antifungal polyester material is provided, which includes a polyester resin substrate material and a plurality of functional polyester master-batches. The functional polyester master-batches are dispersed in the polyester resin substrate material. Each of the functional polyester master-batches includes a polyester resin matrix material and an antibacterial and antifungal additive. The antibacterial and antifungal additive includes a plurality of glass beads. The glass beads are dispersed in the polyester resin matrix material, and a plurality of silver nanoparticles are distributed on an outer surface of each of the glass beads.

Abstract: A crop defence composition comprising a metal complex and a derivative of C12-C24 fatty acid, as well as a process for preparing the same and uses for protecting crop against fungi, oomycetes and bacteria, are disclosed.

Abstract: Architectural structures including an inorganic material carrier including cement and particles or fibers of a glass including a plurality of Cu1+ ions. In aspects, the glass may have a glass phase and a cuprite phase. In aspects, the glasses may include a plurality of Cu1+ ions, a degradable phase including B2O3, P2O5 and K2O and a durable phase including SiO2. In other aspects, the glass can have a plurality of Cu1+ ions disposed on the surface of the glass and in the glass network and/or the glass matrix. The glasses and articles disclosed herein can exhibit a 2 log reduction or greater in a concentration of at least one of Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli, under the EPA Test Method for Efficacy of Copper Alloy as a Sanitizer testing condition and under Modified JIS Z 2801 for Bacteria testing conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biocontroller product of phytopathogenic fungi, specifically to a biocontrol composition which comprises an endophytic strain of Clonostachys rosea R36.1, CChRGM 989 (entry), CChRGM 2905. Where this specific strain has the ability to control phytopathogenic fungi associated with wood diseases, especially vine wood such as Neofusicoccum parvum, Diplodia seriata and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, among others. And a method to prevent and control fungal diseases in plants that includes applying the biocontrol composition comprising the previously described Clonostachys rosea strain R36.1 CChRGM 2905 in a plant susceptible to developing a fungal infection.

Abstract: The invention concerns the use of alginate oligomers in sequence ?(1-4)Guluronane and/or ?(1-4)Mannuronane having a DP greater than 30, as an active ingredient of biocontrol products in plants, and that may be combined with another molecules such as phytohormones, against cryptogamic diseases of plants, in particular of vine (Vitis vinifera), or to protect other species against aggressors such as pathogenic microbes or insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of natural origin for use in agricultural crops (vegetables and fruit trees), particularly for use in biostimulant formulations and/or with antimicrobial action, which allow crops to be protected from stress, improving the quality and yield of plants and/or their fruits. The invention provides a biostimulant and/or antimicrobial composition comprising extracts made from plants that include berry leaves rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and micronutrients. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition comprises extracts made from blueberry leaves. A process for making said composition is also provided.

Abstract: An automated injera baking apparatus that includes a support frame, a rotating table housed within the support frame and having a circular rotating top surface that includes a plurality of injera cooking plates radially supported thereon, a burner assembly supported underneath the circular rotating top surface in a fixed condition, an injera batter pour system dispensing a pre-measured shot of injera batter in a generally round and flat configuration onto each injera cooking plate rotated underneath the batter pour system during the operation of the circular rotating top surface, a cover transfer arm repeatedly removing a cover from a cooking plate containing a cooked injera batter and transferring the cover onto one of the cooking plates containing the uncooked injera batter to assist in the shaping and even cooking of the uncooked injera batter, and an automated injera removal robotic arm located proximal the support frame.

Abstract: A baking pan for baking a tilted cake for producing a whimsical or mad-hatter cake, the pan includes a rim defining a first plane and a tilted bottom defining a second plane, the rim and bottom being interconnected by a sidewall, the two planes intersect at an acute angle and a support for positioning the pan on an oven surface so that the first plane is parallel to the oven surface.

Abstract: Hamburger bun, having two substantially equal halves (1, 2), each of which forms a flat portion (3) mutually facing the other, between which are arranged the foodstuffs (9, 10 11, 12) thus sandwiched, forming opposite to said flat portion (3) a domed shape (4), characterized in that at least one of said halves, in its flat portion (3), has a hollow (5) with a closed bottom (6) that faces toward the domed portion and defines a substantially concentric housing in which the toppings and at least part of the hamburger complements are housed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for crop cover skin removal are proposed. For example, a method can include receiving a bird in a station. The method can also include grasping crop cover skin of the bird by a pair of peeler rollers. The method can further include tensioning the crop cover skin by the pair of peeler rollers. The method can additionally include slicing the crop cover skin while the crop cover skin is being tensioned.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus and method are provided for final separation of fish fillets from fish transported, tail-first, in a transport direction along a transport path, and which have belly and flank cuts. The apparatus includes a frame structure, a transport apparatus driven by a drive element, having at least one receiving element for a fish, and a cutting blade assembly with two knife heads each with a driven circular blade. The knife heads are on opposing sides of the transport path such that fish transport between the blades. To alter the blade distance, the knife heads are movably mounted on the frame structure. The blade assembly is assigned at least one sensing element. Each sensing element is on the knife head downstream of the blade cutting edges, which are directed counter to the transport direction, and protrudes beyond the respective edge, viewed in a direction transverse towards the central.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatically removing a strip of dark meat from a fish fillet has a conveying unit for transporting the fish fillet from an inlet to an outlet area in a transport direction along a transport path. Starting from the inlet area, successively along the transport path, are provided: a detector for detecting dark meat; a first cutting apparatus for removing a middle partial strip of dark meat; an opener for opening up the fillet such that the cut surfaces of a ventral-side partial and of a dorsal-side partial strip of dark meat point upwards; a cutting unit for removing the partial strips, the cutting unit comprising second and third cutting apparatuses for removing the ventral and dorsal-side partial strips. A control device is connected to the detector and the cutting apparatus, and all cuts are based on information from the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a minimally-processed microwaveable lobster product including a lobster tail, a fat-containing composition, and a microwaveable package. The lobster tail has a shell containing lobster meat. The shell has a longitudinal axis with at least one cut formed generally parallel to the longitudinal axis. The fat-containing composition is disposed in a region above the lobster tail. The microwaveable package has first and second resilient layers. The first resilient layer is disposed under the lobster tail and contacts the lobster tail. The second resilient layer is disposed above the lobster tail and contacts the lobster tail and the fat-containing composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a perchlorate depleted milk based on nanofiltration of dairy raw materials. The invention further relates to methods for the preparation of an infant formula base using said perchlorate depleted milk. The invention also envisages a perchlorate depleted retentate fraction used to produce a perchlorate depleted milk and infant formula, an assortment comprising said formula and a system for the manufacture of an infant formula comprising a nanofiltration module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making natural cheese with a flavor ferment to tune flavor attributes.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of pasteurising cheese in the presence of a hydrated hydrocolloid to produce a pasteurised cheese emulsion in a substantially homogeneous form with negligible amounts of additives. Cheese products prepared from such emulsified cheese are also disclosed. Use of the resulting pasteurised cheese emulsion as an emulsifying agent is also described.

Abstract: In variants, a food product can be made from protein assemblies having a higher-order protein structure formed from a plurality of protein oligomers. In an illustrative example, plant-based dairy analogs can be made from an emulsion of lipids and protein micelles, each including a higher-order structure formed from a plurality of protein oligomers, wherein each protein oligomer itself is formed from a set of protein units or chains.